Dental implants are the most advanced technology available for replacing teeth. If a tooth is damaged or decayed enough that it can’t be saved, it may need to be extracted. Teeth may be lost accidentally due to gum disease or injuries. In these cases, dental implants are excellent replacements, providing a natural appearance and function.
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering if your dental insurance will cover them. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to insurance and implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the jaw. The implant replaces the natural root in the socket where a tooth is missing. Dental implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone tissue in the jaw to form a solid bond that is capable of supporting an artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support a bridge or even a full set of dentures.
Are Dental Implants Restorative or Cosmetic?
Whether dental implants are restorative or cosmetic depends on the reason for getting them. If the purpose is to make your smile look better, they would be considered cosmetic. If the purpose is to restore the function of your teeth, they would be considered restorative.
Will My Insurance Plan Cover Dental Implants?
Whether or not your insurance plan will cover dental implants depends on the purpose for getting them and the extent of your coverage. If you are getting dental implants for cosmetic purposes, insurance will not cover them. But if you need dental implants to restore the function of your teeth, they may be covered. You’ll need to contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers dental implants.
Would Dental Implants Be Covered By Dental or Medical Insurance?
In most cases you would check with your dental insurance provider to find out if dental implants are covered by your plan. In some cases medical insurance may cover them, such as if you were in an accident or had an injury that caused you to lose one or more teeth. If medical insurance covers any of the procedure, it is just the placement of the dental implants themselves, not the prosthetic (artificial teeth).
Can I Get Additional Coverage for Dental Implants?
In some cases you may be able to upgrade to a different plan in order to get coverage for dental implants. Many employers and insurance companies offer tiered plans so that you can choose the level of coverage you need. The more your plan covers, the higher the premium will be. But if you are planning to get dental implants, it may be worth the additional cost.
How Can I Afford Dental Implants if My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Them?
If your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants, or if you don’t have dental insurance at all, there are still ways to make dental implants affordable. Financing allows you to divide the cost into smaller monthly payments. CareCredit is one option for financing medical and dental procedures with little or no interest. With financing you can go ahead and get your dental implants and make payments afterwards.
Why Choose R. Renan Williams, DDS for Dental Implants?
R.Renan Williams, DDS provides quality dental implants to replace anywhere from a single tooth to full mouth restoration. We offer a wide range of dental implant options to meet the varying needs of our patients.
To learn more, call 817-281-4801 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most people are, or can be, candidates for dental implants. If you have one or more teeth that have been missing for a while, you may have some bone loss in the jaw that will need to be addressed first, but dental implants are still an option. We offer mini dental implants that can be placed with less bone structure available to make implants possible for more people.
How long do dental implants last?
The good news about dental implants is that they can last a lifetime. Once the implants have fully fused with the bone, the bond can last forever. This means that when you invest in dental implants, you are making a lifelong investment in your dental health.