For years, the dental industry has been advocating implants as the preferable tooth restoration option in most circumstances.
But many dental insurers don’t cover dental implants. The dental insurance industry seems to be stuck in 1970. For example, many insurers will cover dental bridges.
Clearly, dental insurance providers rarely make coverage decisions based on what is best for the patient.
However, you shouldn’t give up on dental implants if your dental insurer doesn’t cover them. You may be able to get coverage for part of the procedure. Or your medical insurance may cover part of the treatment program.
What to do if your dental insurer doesn’t cover tooth implants
- Have your implant dentist provide a detailed implant treatment plan in writing
- Armed with your treatment plan, talk to both your dental insurance provider and your medical insurance provider
- Ask your dental insurance provider if they will give you an allowance equal to the price tag of a bridge or traditional dentures
- Ask your dental insurance provider if they will cover the cost of the crown(s)
- If your tooth loss has medical complications, your health insurance provider might cover some fundamentals of the implant treatment
- Consider switching dental insurers–if your employer offers more than one dental option, contact the other provider(s) to find out if they cover implants
- Pay for tooth implants instead of premiums: consider not renewing your dental insurance and use the money saved toward the cost of implants
- Look into dental implant-specific insurance–some companies are filling a need in the industry by offering dental insurance developed specifically for tooth implants and related services
- Ask Smiles For Life Dental Care about financing and payment options
