It is not a secret that dental implants are the best option for missing teeth issues. This treatment under cosmetic dentistry is one of the most effective solutions for teeth replacement. If you want to consider this as an option for your dental needs, you also need to know that it can be a bit costly. Before you go on with the procedure, you may want to check your medical or dental insurance. Knowing the coverage of your dental insurance plan can help you deal with the cost easily.
Since dental implants are permanent, they are considered as good investments. It does not only help you maintain your oral health but also gives you the self-confidence you need. Your understanding of the cost that is involved in the treatment will also help you assess the protection you will get from dental insurance.
Insurance Plan Covers Depend on:
• Insurance Provider
There is a difference on the terms and coverage among insurance providers. Knowing exactly how much of the cost will be shouldered by them must be considered.
• Plan Coverage Details
There are some insurance plans that cover implants but there are also some that do not. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the coverage may vary according to the plan. Aside from that, the nature of the tooth loss may also be one of the considerations.
• Plan Annual Limits
And finally, you should know the annual limits of your plan. If you have already used it for some other treatment, it may also affect how much will be covered.
Talk with Your Insurance Provider and Oral Surgeon
It should be noted that only the insurance provider can provide the answer that you need. This is why you need to discuss to them your plans to have a dental implant treatment. This way, they will be able to give you the exact picture on how much you will be able to get from them. There are some instances when you can get a hundred percent coverage. Some insurance providers would cover implants that are needed due to an accident.
Aside from that, you also need to talk with the oral surgeon. This way, you will be able to know the extent of the procedure that needs to be done. You need to understand that there are additional steps that must be done aside from the standard implant treatment. You may need to undergo teeth extracted. There are also instances when a patient needs a bone graft to be placed in their jawbone. The cost of all these additional treatments will determine the final cost.
What Kinds of Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
As a patient, you have to investigate the options that are presented. You need to know the extent of the surgery for you to be able to compare the cost and the coverage. Even the cost of anesthesia can affect the cost. This is why you need to contact your dental insurance provider. Here are some of the things that can help you get enough information:
• Discuss the extent of the surgery
Know if the crown that will be attached is going to be covered by the dental plan. If there are medical complications because of tooth loss, will it also be covered? There are some insurance plans that cover specific aspects of dental implants only. When the replacement is due to an accident or an injury, the coverage is also different as compared to normal circumstances.
• Review the plan’s annual limit
After knowing all that is going to be paid for your treatment, you now have to look into the plan’s annual limit. Reviewing the annual limit of the plan will help you know if there is a need to add out-of-pocket payment. This information is necessary for you to be able to know the exact cost that you will shoulder even with your insurance.
• Benefits depend solely on an individual policy
One of the mistakes that people commit is that they base their medical budget from someone else’s experience. You need to know that the benefits that people get depend on their individual policy. Aside from that, the additional treatment needed also differs from one person to another. Even the situation that led to the need for the treatment may also affect the cost. With that, you have to focus on your own treatment needs and the specific rules stated in your policy.
Getting medical or dental insurance is one of the best ways to deal with dental costs. Dental implants are good investments. Unlike other dental treatments that may require replacement, dental implants can last for a lifetime. This is why it is worth the price. It may be more expensive as compared to other treatments but you will surely enjoy its benefits. Since it is as good as permanent, you will be able to eat, smile and talk confidently. It looks exactly like the natural teeth. This is also why a lot of people are considering this option. It is indeed worth the cost that comes with it.
