Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants

When you are missing a tooth and you are looking to replace it, the dentist can review the different options like dentures, a dental bridge or a dental implant. The dental implant is made from either titanium or zirconium, both biocompatible materials. The dentist will place the screw-like post into the jaw bone to form a root-like structure for a dental crown to sit above the gum line. Not only are dental implants functional like natural teeth but they look like your natural teeth too. Its not a surprise that dental implants are very popular treatments for people looking to replace their missing teeth permanently.

If you are looking to have dental implants replace your missing teeth and you want to use insurance to cover the cost, only some policies will pay for portions of the dental implant procedure. In general, Medicare plans do not cover dental care and dental care includes dental implants. However, depending on your specific needs, Medicare may cover certain costs that are a part of your dental implant treatment plan.

While Medicare does not usually cover dental services, if your dental needs are related to an illness or injury, it may cover some costs. For example, Medicare may cover a dental appointment cost if you are planning on having an organ transplant. The dentist will need to clear you before you have that surgery. Another case may include treatment if you have had oral cancer or a traumatic injury to your face or jaw. Most Medicare plans will completely cover the costs for inpatient hospital care so if your dental implant procedure is completed in a hospital due to the complex nature of your case, Medicare should cover the costs of the hospital care. You would still be responsible for the costs of the dental procedure.

What Does Medicare Cover For Dental Care?

Depending on your specific Medicare plan, you may have dental care coverage. Medicare Advantage plans do offer benefits that can cover services related to dental implants. These Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private Medicare-approved insurance companies. Supplemental benefits not available with original Medicare are available through Medicare Advantage plans from these insurance companies. One of the conveniences of the Medicare Advantage plans is the coverage of annual dental exams and routine screenings to ensure you are healthy overall. In addition, some of these plans offer coverage of more involved dental procedures that include tooth replacement, tooth restoration, tooth extraction, and dental fillings. A plan like this may offer some coverage for dental implants as well. Before moving forward with your dental implant treatment plan, be sure to find out if your preferred dental care provider is in network. Your specific plan may not cover the entire dental implant, but it may cover a percentage of the costs. When you are working with the dentist on your specific dental implant process, review your policy and its coverage of these steps. With the time you have invested before the procedure, you will be more prepared when the bill arrives and you will be able to make a better informed decision. Some of the Medicare Advantage plans will have a separate monthly premium in order for you to have the supplemental dental insurance.

Does Medicare Cover Dental Medications Before or After Implant Surgery?

If you have your dental implant surgery in the hospital, Medicare may cover the medications you need before or after the implant surgery. Medicare Part A specifically covers any medications you need to take when you are inpatient at a hospital. Original Medicare does not usually cover prescription medication for dental services.

If you need medications like antibiotics, pain medication and other prescriptions, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan will cover those medications that the dentist prescribes before or after your procedure. Some Medicare Advantage plans do have prescription drug coverage so any medications you need in relation to your dental implant will be covered. It is important to talk to the dentist about any medications you may be prescribed before you start the dental implant treatment plan. Compare these medications to the ones on your Medicare plan’s formulary to ensure that they will be covered. The dentist may be able to adjust the medications depending on your specific needs and coverage.

If you have original Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B, then you do not have coverage of routine dental care or dental implants. Medicare Part C is one option for you so you can secure your Medicare plan through an approved private health insurance company. These private, pre approved health insurance companies offer special Medicare Advantage plans that may have dental coverage. In order for a company to offer Medicare Advantage plans, they must offer the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. The coverage beyond Part A and Part B extends into prescription medication coverage and routine dental care. If you are concerned about your dental health and your potential dental needs in the future as they relate to tooth replacement coverage, be sure to ask specifically about the dental implant coverage and dental service coverage offered on your plan. These Medicare Advantage plans may require you to pay an additional premium on top of your Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B monthly premium.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

In general, a dental implant alone can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, but it is not possible to specifically determine your exact costs without a dental exam first. Your individual case may require abutments to attach the implant to the crown and these abutments can run $500 to $3,000 each. If you would like to replace your entire mouth with dental implants, you may end up spending $30,000.

Without any insurance coverage to assist in the dental implant cost, then you may not be able to consider dental implants seriously as a treatment option. With or without Medicare assistance, you have other options that include fixed tooth bridges, resin bonded bridges, and removable partial dentures. These options are not as costly as dental implants but traditional Medicare plans do not cover these tooth replacements either.

If dental implants are the way you would like to replace your missing teeth or you know you will need to consider dental implants in the future, you may want to look into obtaining additional dental coverage from a private insurance company. Be sure to ask about dental implants specifically when you are looking into your different choices.

Minimum Age on Dental Implants