Without question, dental implants are the strongest and most reliable form of tooth replacement. If you have lost some teeth, you should certainly consider getting them! Of course, it must be acknowledged that they cost more than other treatments. Naturally, you may wonder if your dental insurance will make them more affordable. The answer is maybe. This blog post explains how your Waco dentist may be able to help you maximize your benefits.
Some Plans Cover Dental Implants
It is important to note that not all dental insurance plans cover dental implants. However, more and more insurers are recognizing the benefits of implants and are starting to offer coverage. In fact, many premium plans do cover them. Typically, they are classified as a major procedure, so they could be up to 50% covered (up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum).
To find out if your plan covers implants, you can visit your online portal or call your insurance company. Your dental office may also be able to assist you with this.
If your plan does not cover implants, it might partially cover necessary preliminary procedures, like tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or bone grafts.
Using Your Insurance for Dental Implants
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you strive to use your insurance to cover your tooth replacement:
- Your insurance company might require that you get preauthorization. Your dental team can submit the forms to request this.
- Even with insurance, you may still owe a significant amount out of pocket. Ask your dentist about financing options.
- It may be worth your time to investigate whether your health insurance plan offers any coverage for major dental services, such as implants.
Start Treatment Now to Maximize Your Benefits
Since many dental insurance plans enforce an annual maximum on benefits, you may be able to get more out of your policy by scheduling your treatment in an intentional way. For example, you may be able to start treatment this year and finish it next year. Therefore, you can use two annual maximums rather than one. Since it is normal for the dental implant process to take several months to complete, this is a very realistic strategy for most patients.
Dental insurance might help cover the cost of your restored smile! Talk to your insurance company or your dental team to learn more about how your benefits might apply.
Meet the Practice
At Heart of Texas Smiles in Waco, our team is proud to provide comprehensive dental implant services. We also welcome insurance and are in-network with popular plans, including BlueCross BlueShield, MetLife, United Concordia, and more. To learn how we can help you get the most out of your plan, contact our office at 254-203-9662.