Will health insurance help pay for dental implants?

Asked by: Tillman Cartwright  |  Last update: February 8, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (11 votes)

Coverage for implants usually depends on whether they are deemed necessary for treating a medical condition. While some policies offer full or partial coverage, others classify implants as major services, often subject to limitations.

How can you get medical insurance to cover 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.

How to prove dental implants are medically necessary?

In many cases, dental implants can be defined as medically necessary because:
  1. They improve chewing power, which can lead to improved nutrition and a reduced risk of some systemic diseases.
  2. They can prevent further tooth loss.
  3. They are superior to other forms of tooth replacement.

How do you get dental implants when you can't afford it?

To help patients with and without insurance, most dentists will offer in-house financing for dental implants. All you have to do is ask. You can also cover the cost of dental implants with 3rd party, no-interest financing companies like Lending Club and Care Credit.

Why aren't dental implants covered by insurance?

None of them. Implants are considered cosmetic dentistry, not medically necessary, so you will be hard pressed to find an insurance company to cover them.

Will Medical Insurance Pay For Dental Implants?

15 related questions found

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.

Will insurance pay to take implants out?

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 do I get my dental implants paid for?

If your dental implant is medically necessary, your dental insurance plan may cover some of the costs. You can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for medically necessary dental implants.

How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?

Free Dental Clinics
  1. Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
  2. Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
  3. Private dentists.

What credit score do I need to get dental implants?

Recommended Credit Score for Dental Implant Financing

According to WalletHub, many lenders look for a minimum credit score of around 650 for dental procedures.

What medical conditions qualify for dental implants?

Healthy gums are among the critical requirements for dental implant candidacy. Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that infects and attacks your gum tissue and the jawbone. Unresolved gum disease can cause the integration of your jawbone with the dental implant to fail.

Who is ineligible for dental implants?

Common Reasons Preventing You from Getting Dental Implants

These reasons include gum disease, jaw bone structure, bruxism, pre-existing health conditions, and poor oral health.

Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
  • Smoking — Smoking slows the body's natural healing process and affects the process of osseointegration through which a dental implant becomes fused with your natural bone tissue. ...
  • Gum disease. ...
  • General health. ...
  • Diabetes. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Radiation therapy.

What is the most dental insurance will cover?

Understanding Dental Insurance Coverage
  • 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.

Will Medicaid pay for dental implants?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It is very common in California. Medi-Cal doesn't cover Dental Implants. If you have Medi-Cal and need Dental Implants, you can make use of our attractive financing options.

How much does AFLAC pay for dental implants?

However, Aflac's Dental Insurance does not currently have benefits for dental implants. Policyholders pay a deductible, depending on how long they've held the policy.

How do you get dental work if you can't afford it?

Federally Qualified Health Centers

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide dental services for you or your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Services are offered on a sliding scale based on your income.

What is the cheapest way to get your teeth fixed?

The cheapest way to fix teeth involves basic restorative procedures like fillings or extractions. Preventative care, such as regular cleanings and check-ups, can save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues.

How much does it cost to get rotten teeth fixed?

For one to two teeth, an amalgam filling can cost $50-$150. Gold fillings can cost between $250 and $4,500 for one to two teeth. A glass ionomer or composite filling for one to two teeth can set one back $90-$250 for up to two teeth.

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.

Do any insurances cover dental 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.

What is the cheapest state to get dental implants?

Low Cost Dental Implants in the US States (USD)

Puerto Rico suffices when it comes to the cheapest place to get dental implants in the US.

Why don't dental insurance cover implants?

Many insurance companies consider dental implants purely a cosmetic, and therefore not medically necessary procedure and will not cover them. But anyone who is missing teeth knows that replacing the missing teeth is critical to their health and general wellbeing.

Does insurance cover augmentation?

In conclusion, the majority of breast augmentation procedures are considered elective and are not covered by insurance.

Will Medicare pay for my implants?

While Medicare may pay for medical treatments related to implants, it won't pay for the implants themselves. For instance, if an oral surgery needs to be performed in a hospital to prepare for your implants, Medicare may cover costs related to the hospital, but not for the the surgery itself.