WebMD has referred to dental insurance as a "not so rare fringe benefit." Indeed, an estimated 156 million Americans have some form of dental insurance, and many of them are confused about what exactly is covered. A question people often ask has to do with insurance coverage for dental implants. If you too are wondering whether your dental plan will pay for tooth implants, the following information can help you sort it all out.
An average dental plan covers different services in varying amounts. For example, most policies pay:
In addition to the above, there is often a cap on the amount a particular plan will pay each year. You could also encounter a waiting period for basic and/or major services. Each plan is different, so you should always verify coverage with your provider.
Few dental plans pay for what is considered "cosmetic dentistry." Even so, what constitutes cosmetic dentistry is not always clear. Most carriers agree that teeth whitening is cosmetic, but there's some disagreement as to whether or not dental implants are.
There's one exception to the rule of non-payment, and that is medical necessity. So if your implants are deemed medically essential, it's possible your policy may pay a portion of them regardless.
If you are wondering whether or not your insurance will pay for dental implants, schedule an appointment at Shore Smiles Dental. We provide free consultations and even offer an array of financing options to help make dental care more affordable. We can't wait to be your new dentist and invite you to contact us today to find out more.