Dental implants are one of the best long-term solutions for replacing missing teeth, offering durability, function, and a natural look. However, many patients ask: Are dental implants covered by insurance?
The answer varies depending on your insurance plan, medical necessity, and specific coverage limits. While some policies cover portions of the procedure, others classify implants as cosmetic dentistry and do not cover them.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- When dental insurance covers implants
- Types of insurance that may help with implant costs
- Alternative financing and payment options
- Common FAQs about insurance and dental implants
At Franklin Dental Care, we help patients navigate insurance and financing options to make dental implants more affordable.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
1. Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
- Some dental insurance plans offer partial coverage, typically for certain parts of the implant procedure.
- Many basic dental insurance plans do NOT cover implants because they are considered a cosmetic procedure.
- If implants are medically necessary (due to injury, tooth loss, or medical conditions), some insurance policies may provide coverage for specific costs.
2. What Parts of a Dental Implant Procedure Might Be Covered?
If insurance covers implants, it usually applies to specific parts of the procedure, such as:
- Initial Consultation & X-rays – May be covered under standard dental plans.
- Tooth Extraction – If the tooth removal is medically necessary, insurance may cover it.
- Bone Grafting – If your jawbone needs strengthening before an implant, some plans cover this as a medical necessity.
- Surgical Placement of the Implant – Rarely covered, but some plans may offer partial reimbursement.
- Implant Crown (Tooth Restoration) – Some dental policies cover a percentage of the crown’s cost.
Important: Coverage varies greatly by plan, so always check with your provider before proceeding with treatment.
Types of Insurance That May Help Cover Dental Implants
Even if your dental insurance doesn’t fully cover implants, other types of insurance might help reduce costs.
1. Dental Insurance
- Some premium dental plans cover up to 50% of the cost of certain implant procedures.
- Annual maximum limits often apply, ranging from $1,000-$2,500 per year.
2. Medical Insurance
- If tooth loss is due to a medical condition (such as cancer, trauma, or congenital defects), medical insurance may cover implant surgery.
- Bone grafting or jaw reconstruction procedures may be eligible for medical insurance reimbursement.
3. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- FSAs and HSAs allow you to use pre-tax dollars to cover implant-related expenses.
- These accounts help reduce out-of-pocket costs for implants.
4. Medicare & Medicaid
- Medicare (Original) does not cover dental implants.
- Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer limited coverage.
- Medicaid coverage for implants varies by state but is often very limited.
Tip: If your implants are medically necessary, ask your insurance provider about potential reimbursement options.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost Without Insurance?
| Implant Procedure | Estimated Cost |
| Single Dental Implant | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| All-on-4 Implants (Per Arch) | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Bone Grafting (If Needed) | $500 - $3,000 |
| Tooth Extraction | $150 - $500 per tooth |
| Implant Crown (Restoration) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Franklin Dental Care offers financing plans to make implants more affordable.
Ways to Make Dental Implants More Affordable
Even if insurance doesn’t cover implants, there are alternative payment options:
- In-House Payment Plans – Many dental offices offer monthly installment plans.
- Third-Party Financing (CareCredit, LendingClub) – Allows you to pay over time with little to no interest.
- Dental Discount Plans – Some membership plans offer reduced pricing on implants.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Tax-free savings for medical and dental expenses.
Ask Franklin Dental Care about our flexible payment options!
FAQs
Why doesn’t most dental insurance cover implants?
Many insurance companies classify implants as a cosmetic procedure, even though they improve oral health.
How can I find out if my insurance covers dental implants?
Contact your insurance provider and ask about implant coverage, reimbursement rates, and annual maximums.
Franklin Dental Care can help verify your benefits.
Can medical insurance help pay for dental implants?
Sometimes. If implants are needed due to injury, disease, or congenital issues, medical insurance may cover certain procedures.
What percentage of dental implant costs does insurance usually cover?
Some high-tier dental plans may cover up to 50% of specific implant-related costs, but annual maximums apply.
Are dental implant crowns covered by insurance?
Some dental plans cover crowns, even if they don’t cover the implant post itself.
Can I get financing if my insurance doesn’t cover implants?
Yes! Franklin Dental Care offers flexible payment plans and third-party financing to make implants affordable.
Conclusion: Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
The coverage for dental implants varies based on your insurance plan. Basic dental insurance often does not include implants, while more comprehensive or premium plans may offer some level of coverage. Additionally, some medical insurance policies can help offset the costs associated with dental implants. For those without sufficient insurance coverage, exploring financing options remains a viable solution to make the expense more manageable. It's essential to review the terms of your specific insurance plan and consider all available alternatives to help reduce the financial burden of dental implant procedures.
At Franklin Dental Care, we help patients navigate insurance benefits and payment options to make dental implants more accessible and affordable.
Call Franklin Dental Care today at +(780) 790-0088 to schedule a consultation!
Get expert guidance on insurance and financing for your dental implants today!
Bibliography & Sources
- Insurance and Dental Implant Coverage
- Understanding Dental Insurance and Coverage
- Dental Implants: When Are They Medically Necessary?
- Cost of Dental Implants and Financing Options
- Insurance Considerations for Dental Implants
- Affordable Dental Care and Implant Coverage
Looking for affordable dental implants? Contact Franklin Dental Care today!
