Does Anyone Know How I Can Get My Health Insurance To Cover Dental Implants?
The secret to getting a health insurance company to cover dental implants lies in finding the right dentist or oral surgeon and understanding what the insurance company will pay for. Most dentists will advise you that dental implants will not be covered by your dental insurance company or your health insurance company. The right dentist is one who can make sure the insurance company understands your medical need for the implants and can advise you on your best options.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth. They are, in essence, permanent dentures although usually only for one tooth. The dentist makes a synthetic tooth, complete with a root. She will then attach the root of the tooth to the jawbone and make sure the tooth fits well with other teeth. It is essentially oral surgery and can be performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist trained in implantation.
Medical Necessity
In order to get a health insurance company to pay for an implant, it must be considered medically necessary. If the tooth loss was due to a medical issue, say oral cancer, the health insurance company might pay for part or all of the implant. Speak with your agent or a representative to make sure. If the tooth is required for mastication (chewing), the dentist or oral surgeon might be able to make the case that it is medically necessary. If it is just to enhance appearance, your best bet is to try to get your dental insurance to cover the cost for a bridge or partial denture and apply that to the cost of the implant.
Other Options
If the cost of an implant puts the procedure out of range for you financially, speak with your dentist or call around. There may be others in your area who will charge less or work out a payment plan.
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Tags: dental and health insurance, dental health insurance, health insurance, healthcare insurance, medical insurance