Does insurance cover dental implants?
Asked by: Taylor Johnson | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (29 votes)
How much does most dental insurance pay for implants?
Many plans will cover them if you need them due to an accident, but not if the reason is cosmetic. If your plan does cover your implants, it will typically only cover a percentage of the costs, often 25% to 50%. And you may need to wait six months, a year, or more to get the highest amount of coverage.
How do people afford dental implants?
The most common way people pay for dental implants is to apply for dental financing. Dental financing gives you the option to pay for dental work over an extended period, usually between two and seven years.
Are dental implants usually covered by insurance?
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly depending on your insurance coverage and the specifics of your dental plan. However, it is important to note that most insurance companies deem this dental procedure a “cosmetic solution” and do not typically cover the full expense.
What is considered medically necessary dental implants?
When Is A Dental Implant Medically Necessary? Teeth implants are considered medically necessary when you have lost more than half of all teeth. They can also support a dental prosthesis, such as a denture or bridge. In some cases, dental implants may help prevent further bone loss in the jaw.
Will my insurance cover my dental implant?
How do I get medical to pay for dental implants?
For medical insurance to cover dental implants, the procedure often must be connected to a medical condition or an accident. The key is finding a medically necessary reason to justify the implant procedure.
Who is not eligible for dental implants?
A dental implant relies on the bone structure in your jaw for support. If the bone structure is lacking, this can prevent you from getting a dental implant. Bone loss happens for various reasons, including osteoporosis and gum disease. Conditions such as these can lead to the deterioration of the bones in your mouth.
Why won't insurance cover dental implants?
One of the primary reasons dental insurance doesn't cover implants is the high cost associated with the procedure. Insurers typically focus on cost-effectiveness and consider implants elective rather than essential. This exclusion is a major source of frustration for individuals in need of dental implant treatments.
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Most patients do not experience discomfort during their treatment. Once the dental implant procedure is over and anesthesia has worn off, it is normal for patients to experience some discomfort. Common side effects of dental implant treatment include soreness in the teeth, gums, and jaw surrounding the treatment area.
What is the most dental insurance will cover?
- 100% for preventive care including cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
- 80% for basic procedures, such as fillings.
- 50% for major procedures, such as crowns and dentures.
What if I can't afford an implant?
If you can't afford dental implants, you can replace missing teeth with a removable partial or complete denture.
How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?
- Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
- Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
- Private dentists.
What is the cheapest way to get a dental implant?
- Research Payment Options. ...
- Check Your Insurance Coverage. ...
- Look for Discounts and Special Offers. ...
- Consider Dental Schools. ...
- Explore Dental Tourism. ...
- Ask About Cash Discounts. ...
- Consider All-on-4 or All-on-6 Implants. ...
- Discuss Treatment Phases.
Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?
Full or partial dentures are cheaper options compared to dental implants. Dentures depend on natural suction, as well as adhesives and pastes, to stay in place. Partial dentures are popular alternatives to implants for your molar teeth or other types of teeth.
How much will Delta Dental pay for implants?
There are three types of plans for individuals that you can purchase to cover implants: Delta Dental PPO Plan offers 50% coverage for implants. Delta Dental Premier Plan offers 40% coverage for implants. Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Plan offers 40% coverage for implants (or 30% coverage for out-of-network)
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover dental?
BCBS FEP Dental offers more benefits that make you smile:
Preventive care is paid in full, including up to three cleanings a year, when you use a dentist in our network. A large nationwide network with over half a million dentists and their locations. No deductible for services like fillings and root canals.
Is there a downside to dental implants?
The risks and complications you are taking for dental implants include infection, damage to other teeth, delayed bone healing, nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, jaw fractures and more. If you are willing to take these risks, dental implants might be right for you.
Are you put to sleep for dental implants?
Most patients are put under conscious sedation while local anesthesia is applied to the area of the mouth that is being worked on. Unless bone grafting is involved, general anesthesia is rarely used in dental implant surgery.
Is a dental implant covered by insurance?
Some insurance policies list dental implants as cosmetic procedures, which can limit your coverage options. There are, however, cases when dental insurance picks up a portion of your procedure, like the post and abutment placement, which can cover 45% of the total cost. So, in short: it primarily depends on your plan.
Will insurance pay to have implants removed?
Most insurance companies will not cover any cosmetic procedures and some will not cover complications from previous cosmetic procedures. However, many companies consider removal of breast implants medically necessary for patients with any of these conditions: Ruptured silicone gel breast implants.
How long do dental implants last?
With brushing, flossing and regular dental visits, implants can last a lifetime. The restoration part of your dental implant will need replacing at some point. Most crowns and bridges last around 15 years and most dentures last at least seven years, but this timeline varies.
Will dental implants ever be affordable?
Technological improvements could lead to cost reductions. New manufacturing methods, materials, and techniques may lower overhead costs, making implants cheaper over time. However, while technology can enhance efficiency, the initial investment in new equipment could temporarily maintain or increase costs.
What if you can't afford dental implants?
Charity dentistry
Many cities have a charitable dental organization for people who cannot afford to go to a dentist. Although charitable organizations cannot afford to give patients dental implants, they can provide a removable denture to replace missing teeth.
What disqualifies you from dental implants?
Hemophilia or Bleeding Disorders: Conditions impairing blood clotting may risk excessive bleeding during and after implant surgery. 4. Osteoporosis: Reduced bone density may affect the stability and longevity of dental implants.
Can I get dental implants if I have no teeth?
The NHS offers dental implants to patients with a severe medical need – even though missing teeth is a problem, this alone is not enough to get you approved for the treatment. Many people who would like NHS implants are not eligible and are forced to settle for non-permanent treatments such as bridgework or dentures.