It can be tiresome trying to find out if dental implant insurance exists. This can often mean spending hours on the phone with a representative from the insurance company or searching online for answers. The world of insurance is often difficult to understand and can be painful to deal with, so here are some tips that you can use.

What does a dental implant cost without insurance?

Dental implants can cost anywhere between $1,600 to $8,200 per tooth without any form of dental insurance. There are a number of variables that can go into determining the cost. Some of those variables include:
  • Preparing the location of the tooth being replaced
  • How many teeth are to be replaced
  • What kind of implant is going to be implanted
  • Where the location of the surgery is
Each of these factors will play a role in determining the end cost of the dental implant. These factors are just some of the factors that may play a role in the end cost of your implant. Try to see if the your dentist will be able to quote you how much your implant will cost before fully committing to the surgery so you can at least begin to work with a real number instead of just an estimate.

What about your existing dental plan?

The next step is to look at what your existing dental insurance coverage is. Check with your employer, or the insurance company to see what they cover. Some insurance plans may cover portions of the surgery and then require you to pay the rest out of pocket. Others may have an option to cover the surgery in its entirety. Unfortunately, dental implants are often classified as a kind of cosmetic dentistry. This means that most dental plans will not cover it. This is why it is very important to see what your existing coverage options are. You may have to spend some time doing the research to find a plan that will cover it if your insurance does not. Be careful as you will still likely have out-of-pocket expenses due to the fact that insurance companies will consider this kind of surgery a cosmetic procedure.  Be sure to look to see if you’ve already hit your annual maximum which is the highest amount of money you have to pay per year. Otherwise, you may be on the hook for the entire cost of the treatment out-of-pocket. You should also look into what sorts of reimbursement options are available on your existing plan. Being fully Versed and how this process works with your insurance company will give you more options. It’s also good idea to call the company to see what they might be able to do to either answer your questions or cover your surgery. Even though your current policy may say it does not cover implants there may be certain exceptions or exclusions. Even the exclusion clause for implant may not mean that there will be no benefits applied.  Be sure to double-check what procedures will be covered by referring to the correct ADA code, as the slightest difference between procedures can be the difference between paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket or having the insurance cover it. Additionally be sure to contact your dentist who may be able to recommend helpful resources or even a plan that could cover the implants.  Alternatively you can also pursue something like a dental savings plan.  These kinds of plans may sometimes offer a contracted percentage off the preferred treatment without deductibles or maximums. No matter which type of insurance you decide to go for, the internet is going to be your number one resource to help you make a decision.  Be certain to do careful research before committing to any plan if you want to know you are getting the best deal. If you have any questions regarding getting a dental implant or what kinds of insurance are accepted, give Golden Smiles Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA a call at (909) 481-8990 to ask us what we recommend.