Dental implants are small metal screws or posts, usually made of titanium, inserted into a patient’s jawbone through surgery. They act as tooth roots for replacement teeth. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you may want to consider this dental service.
Dental implants are relatively expensive, so patients want to look into ways to make the treatment more affordable. These include dental coverage by Medicare or private health insurance, payment plans, Etc. Medicare is the country’s health insurance program for people.
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Are Dental Implants Covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover dental care services, including dental implants. Medicare Part A only covers inpatient hospital care, while Part B covers certain outpatient medical services. There is no dental coverage under either of these parts.
How Much Does Dental Implant Surgery Cost?
The treatment cost differs from patient to patient based on a few factors. These include your location and dentist, how many implants you need, the type of implant you need, the condition of your jawbone, if you need additional procedures (such as tooth extractions), whether you have private insurance or not, and others. On average, a single implant can cost anywhere from \$5,000 to \$7,000.
If you need multiple implants, the price will be higher. Also, if you need other dental procedures to prepare for dental implant surgery, such as a bone graft or sinus lift, you can expect to pay up to \$11,000 for a single tooth. Contact your dentist beforehand for a more accurate estimate so you can have an idea of the total cost.
Will Private Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
Some private insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of the implant procedure, which is under major dental care. However, this still depends on your dental plan, so make sure to check if your plan covers dental implants or cosmetic procedures. If they do, check if your annual maximum has not been exhausted and that you have met your deductible for the year.
Also, make certain that your dental condition does not constitute a pre-existing condition, meaning it was not present when you purchased your policy. It’s always safe to check with your insurance company early on to see what they will cover.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant surgery is a dental service that aims to improve your smile by replacing one or more missing teeth. It also restores the function of your teeth, like biting, chewing, and speaking. However, this dental care procedure can be expensive, and Medicare doesn’t cover the cost. Fortunately, some private insurance can pay a portion of the total cost of your treatment as long as you have dental coverage and your plan allows it.
If you plan to get this oral surgery but are unsure if you’re qualified, contact us now to book a consultation.
Timberlands Dental Clinic is a modern dental facility equipped with the latest technology in dentistry to allow us to provide you with efficient and safe dental care services. We have a team of dentists with years of experience performing teeth implants. During your appointment, the primary care dentist will conduct a dental exam to check your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. If you are, they will develop a treatment plan, discuss the process, and give you an accurate quote. They will also discuss our payment plans to help make payments lighter on your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants have numerous benefits, making them a popular tooth replacement option. Firstly, it improves your confidence because it addresses missing teeth problems. This means that you can smile more often, your face shape may improve, and you can eat and speak better. It also prevents bone loss by stimulating the growth of new bone. Because it feels and looks like your natural teeth, you can take care of it just like how you clean your natural teeth. Lastly, it can preserve your natural teeth because, unlike traditional dental bridges, it does not require them to be altered to support your replacement teeth.
Like other dental treatments, there are risks associated with implant treatment. These include dental implant failure due to smoking, insufficient bone or poor oral hygiene, and infection at the implant site. Other risks include damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, or blood vessels. There is also a small risk of nerve damage which can result in numbness or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin.
Since this surgical procedure is not cheap, there are some ways you can reduce the cost. First, you can check if your insurance plan covers dental implants. If it does, check that you have not exhausted your annual maximum and that you have met your deductible for the year.
Also, be sure that your dental condition is not a pre-existing condition or has not occurred before you had the insurance. In addition, remember that there is often a 12-month waiting period before you can get your claims. You can ask if your dentist offers flexible payment options, like split monthly payments.
During your implant placement, your dentist will give you local anaesthesia to numb the area and make you feel more comfortable during the procedure. Then, he will make an incision in your gums to expose the bone. Next, they will place the titanium screw into the bone and close the gums with stitches. They will prescribe you pain medications and instructions, like eating soft foods and avoiding hard foods, to allow your gums to heal.
During your healing period for the next few months, the bone will grow around the post to anchor it. Once it has healed, your dentist will attach a connector post or abutment to hold your new tooth. Finally, they will place a prosthesis over the abutment. This could be a dental crown, bridge or denture.
