If you are already missing some teeth or on the verge of having one or more extracted, dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement. Unlike other options, they give you back the missing tooth as well as its supportive root. This setup promotes oral health and prevents further tooth loss for years to come.
Despite the fact that dental implants are by far the most effective method of tooth replacement available, they are still not fully covered by most dental insurance plans. Keep reading to learn more about what may be covered and how you can maximize your savings for the best tooth replacement.
What Will Dental Insurance Cover?
While the specifics of dental insurance coverage vary from provider to provider, the following information can help you get an idea of what you can expect.
In most cases, the full amount of the dental implant procedure will not be covered by a dental insurance plan. Usually only the surgery itself is covered. The implant post itself may not be eligible, but the replacement crown that is affixed on top may be. If you need to have preliminary procedures to prepare your jaw for the implantation — like a bone graft — insurance may cover a portion of the cost.
The key to making the most out of your dental insurance plan is understanding exactly how it works and what it will cover. Call your insurance provider directly or speak with your dentist’s insurance expert to understand how your specific plan works.
No Insurance?
Even if you do not have dental insurance, there are still ways you can make paying for procedures like dental implants easier. Financing options like CareCredit can help by allowing you to make smaller payments at a pace that is convenient for your budget. It works like a traditional credit card — simply swipe it at the time of your procedure and then pay it off in the months to come.
Your dentist may also offer savings on dental implants or be willing to work with you on your payment schedule. You will have the opportunity to discuss costs and payment during your dental implant consultation.
Dental Implants Are Worth It
No matter the cost of dental implants, they are worth their weight in gold. They are natural-looking, comfortable, and nothing else offers the same long-term benefits to oral and overall health. Maximize your dental insurance coverage or choose financing to help make paying for this procedure easier — and then look forward to the many benefits of dental implants!
Meet the Practice
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist with exceptional knowledge of dental implant dentistry. In fact, he is a founding member of Advanced Dental Implant Studies and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. To learn more about dental implants or to discuss payment options, call Cowlitz River Dental at (360) 274-9100.