More frequently than not, dental insurance per se is not an indemnity policy; in that sense it differs from a major medical policy in the way that it functions. Instead, it pays a fixed sum for stated services by a dentist who participates in its plan.
However, in situations where, for example, reconstructive surgery is medically necessary due to an occurrence, and implants are a part of the reconstruction, a major medical policy may pay for the implants. Naturally, any payment would be subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, including deductibles and copayments.
An increasing number of dental insurance plans are adding coverage for implants. Press releases from some of the companies announcing the coverage are available on the website of the National Association of Dental Plans in the News Section under Member News Releases. That site also has a directory of dental plans that can be searched by state. (See the related links.)
Applicable definitions that might help to determine coverage in a particular circumstance include these:
- Implant: A support for a bridge or denture that has been surgically placed into bone
- Bridges: Non-removable tooth replacements attached to adjoining natural teeth when one or a few teeth are missing.
- Dentures: Removable artificial teeth in a plastic base that rests directly on the gums. A denture may be complete or partial depending on the number of missing natural teeth.
An analysis of your dental insurance contract or plan is necessary to answer the question definitively. There may be an express inclusion of implants, or an express exclusion of them; in either of those cases the answer is easier to determine than if the contract or plan relies upon the concept of "medical/dental necessity". There, reasonable minds can differ, with the countervailing argument being that an implant is cosmetic in nature. Cosmetic procedures are nearly always excluded, at least without an accompanying medical/dental procedure is "medically/dentally necessary" and that necessitates an accompanying cosmetic procedure.
If, instead of dental insurance (which is an indemnity product), you have or would be willing to purchase a discount plan, you may have a better chance of "coverage" for implants (because there is often a less strict, or no distinction between medically necessary and cosmetic procedures). I hesitate to use the word "coverage" because a discount plan does not assume risk as genuine insurance does. Instead, membership in such a plan gives a consumer access to practitioners who have agreed to extend discounts from "retail" to participants for a menu of services. Important to understand is that the consumer remains fully responsible for the payment of charges, plus the cost of membership in the plan. If you have such a plan, or are going to go this route, you also need to make sure that the selected provider continues to participate in the plan at the time that you commence services, and that the promised discount is what you receive.
Your Answer
Related Questions
Does health insurance cover dental implants?
Regular health insurance does not typically cover dental implants. One would need to obtain a separate dental insurance for any dentistry related work.
Will PPO dental insurance cover all the costs of a root canal?
PPO dental insurance does not cover all the costs of a root canal. The usual coverage % ranges from 20 to 50% depending on your insurance. will any dental insurance cover inplant? will dental insurance cover any costs of inplants
What are the costs and benefits of dental implants?
I think dental implants are the best way to go. Most people I know don't like their dentures because they just don't seem to fit right and have to be cleaned. If you have any type of insurance for dental work it might help cover the cost.
Does any dental insurance cover lumineers?
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover elective cosmetic treatment like Lumineers.
Are there any insurance policies that will cover dental makeovers?
Dental makeovers involve whitening, veneers, and implants to improve the look of a person's teeth. Some insurance policies will cover some if these treatments if the patient can prove that it was done for medical reasons and was not strictly cosmetic. The best way to locate an insurance policy is to contact a dentist that specializes in makeover and consult them about available policies.
I need to find a low cost or free dental implants.?
please let me know where a cheaper implant dentest is? you will not get free dental implants. You can reduce expenditure by buying proper dental insurance well in advance. where do you find implant dental coverage? I cannotfind any on the net? thank you
Are there any insurance co that cover for breast implants due to a-symetrical breasts?
Hi, i have done project on insurance, any company does not offer such insurance. you can seek medical insurance.
Dental work was done when I did not have dental insurance and now that I have it can it be used?
Your insurance is good for any work you have done from this point forward. It does not cover work that was performed prior to having the insurance.
Can i get my medical insurance to cover any dental?
It depends if it's part of your coverage. Review your policy to find out. If there is no dental coverage, ask your insurance provider or broker if you can add a dental plan to your policy or add a dental rider.
Are there any health insurance companies that cover dental implants since dental insurance considers it a cosmetic procedure?
To find companies in your state that provide dental insurance or dental discount plans, go to the National Association of Dental Plans site (www.nadp.org) which has a directory of companies that offer dental insurance. The directory can be searched by state and you can select "individual" and get the list of just those companies that provide individual dental insurance in your state. The listing also tells you if the company provides dental HMO, dental PPO, dental indemnity (traditional insurance without a network) or a discount plan (not insurance but a discount off the dentist's fees who are part of the discount network).* Unlike most dental procedures, you can expect to pay 100% of the cost of a cosmetic procedure out of your own pocket. Your dental insurance company will typically not pay for purely cosmetic procedures. Usually, insurance only covers the costs of procedures required for a functional purpose. In cases where there is both a functional and cosmetic need for a procedure, e.g. crowns that protect and improve the appearance of your teeth, and insurance companies typically only covers the amount required to protect the tooth. * Your best bet it to shop around for the best prices for implants. * Actually, more dental plans are adding coverage for implants as an alternate to a bridge or for a single tooth space. A 2008 report by the National Association of Dental Plans found that most Dental PPO and Dental Indemnity Plans of the reporting companies either include implants in standard coverage or offer it as an added benefit. Health insurance companies generally do not provide coverage of dental procedures except for oral surgery that results from an accident or injury.
Can you have an MRI if you have dental implants?
Yes, it will not cause any problems.
Does medical insurance ever cover medically necessary emergency trips to the dentist?
The answer depends entirely on your particular health insurance provider. The majority of providers do not cover any dental work, including work that may be deemed medically necessary, unless you have purchased an additional premium package that specifically covers things such as dental, vision, and hearing. Contact your health insurance provider for accurate information and answers. It depends entirely on your individual insurance plan. A more comprehensive plan may cover a medical dental emergency, but most dental emergencies will require separate dental insurance.
Where can I purchase dental insurance?
You can purchase dental insurance from any insurance provider, such as geico, progressive, all state, state farm, or any other local insurance company.
What questions should be asked when researching dental implants information?
One should always act if there is potential for complications or permanent damage before undergoing any type of surgical procedure. Also, make sure you talk to your dentist to see if dental implants are covered under health insurance as in most cases it is not.
Are implants covered by any dental insurance coverage?
Dental insurance is generally limited in its coverage. You will have to actually read your policy. Even if they are covered the percentage will be lower and the maximum per year will be maxed out as well before the first implant is paid for. Group dental coverage will offer more coverage than an individual plan that you purchase on your own.
What To Look For In Dental Insurance Coverage?
Health care coverage today may cover most of the major health problems that you could encounter, but many health insurance policies have one significant gaping hole in them: Very few employers offer dental insurance. Dental insurance is the type of insurance that is very important to have, but can be all but impossible to get from an employer. If your employer offers you any type of dental covereage, even if it is very limited, it is wise to take advantage of that and enroll in the employer dental plan. If your coverage is quite minimal, you can always supplement your dental insurance from your employer with some private insurance from another source.Most people will not even have the option to purchase dental insurance from their employer, so if you don't have the employer insurance option you will need to locate some quality dental insurance. One of the most effective ways to do this is to check with your current health insurance agency to find out if it is possible to add dental coverage. If so, get the rates and find out precisely what type of exams and procedures will be covered. If your current health insurance company does not offer any type of dental coverage, the Internet is an excellent way to get some quotes on dental insurance. With any dental coverage, you need to be sure of exactly what sort of coverage that you will receive.Find out how often you can go to the dentist under the insurance plan you are considering. Most patients need to visit a dentist at least one time each year for a dental checkup. Another important thing to consider is how much of the cost of necessary dental work will be covered. Will the dental insurance plan you are considering give you coverage on xrays, fillings, rootwork, or other procedures that the dentist determines that you need? What about emergencies? If you were to crack a tooth and needed to have it repaired, would your dental insurance plan cover it, or do you think you could cover this type of cost out of pocket?As long as you have a dental insurance plan that will cover your dental checkup exams and at least some of the necessary dental work in the future, you have got some solid coverage. Very few dental insurance plans will cover the cost of cosmetic procedures such as teeth bleaching, check with each insurance company you consider to be certain about coverages and exclusions.
I'm looking for Mini Dental Implants for lower plate only. Is there an appoximate cost that someone can give me I do not have any insurance, so would be cash?
The place to start is here www.minidentalimplants.com/
Bicon dental implants have been clinically proven since when?
Bicon dental implants have been clinically proven since 1985. You can treat these implants just like any other tooth seeing that the treatment needed is less than a normal tooth.
When preventive dental work is done is it deducted from your insurance maximum?
Any payment for dental work depends on your insurance coverage because there are many different dental insurance policies. You should read through the information for your dental insurance policy. You could also contact the agent responsible for your dental insurance policy.
What are the pros and cons of dental implants?
A dental implant is a screw or framework made of titanium and other materials that supports a replacement tooth. Unlike bridges, dental implants don't rely on neighboring teeth for support, which can help protect remaining teeth from damage. And, unlike dentures, bone loss is usually avoided since dental implants actually replace the tooth and its root. Dental implants look and function like real teeth, with no telltale "clicking" noises or speaking and chewing difficulties that can occur with dentures. You'll care for your dental implants in the same way you do for real teeth -- with diligent oral hygiene and regular dentist visits. ... and some cons Getting dental implants is generally considered safe, but as with any surgery, complications may occur, including bleeding; infection; and nerve, sinus or nasal cavity injuries. Other points to keep in mind: Dental implants aren't a "quick fix." Multiple steps are involved -- including waiting up to six months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. (A temporary tooth may be worn over the implant site.) Dental implants aren't susceptible to decay, but infections can still happen. The gum around the implant can be infected by bacteria, triggering peri-implantitis, a periodontal disease that can result in bone loss. Additional dental work may be needed. If your jawbone is weakened by osteoporosis, for instance, the surgeon may graft bone onto the weakened portion. Your sinus cavity may also have to be lifted (sinus elevation) if it's enlarged and pushing into the area that needs a bone graft. Dental implants are costly. Insurance doesn't typically cover dental implants. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a single implant to tens of thousands for multiple dental implants.
Is their any type of insurance that covers lumineers and cleaning bleaching regular check up and more?
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover elective cosmetic treatment like Lumineers
Will medical insurance cover teeth that have to be extracted and filled due to dry mouth?
No. But if any dental surgery is necessiated due to accident, the same will be covered under medical insurance purview.
What are dental implants?
The overwhelming majority of dental implants placed today are root-form endosseous implants. That is they appear similar to an actual tooth root, and are thus called "root-form".Dental implants are placed within jaw-bone (Gk.end-osseous). The jaw bone in turn "osseointegrates" with the dental implant's outer surface.The term "osseointegration" refers to the fusion of the dental implant surface with the surrounding living bone, and unlike a real tooth, dental implants will lack a natural periodontal ligament. Thus dental implants feel slightly different, or rather they feel "solid" when compared to natural teeth during chewing.Today, dental implants are micro-machine-produced and highly technical micro-medical devices, that aim to replace the root of the tooth, and serve as a support for later dental restorations in the form of dental crowns or precision dental-attachment devices. They are surgically inserted into your jaw-bone much as any surgical device is implanted into a body. Once the device has completely integrated, the dental implant is used as a base to anchor dental bridges, dentures, and dental crowns, and to replace missing natural teeth.ANSWER Dental implants are often suggested as an alternative to dental dentures. People who have poor receding gum line ridge detail may benefit from dental implant surgery as well as people who need support for dental crowns and dental bridges.
Does medically needy cover dental expenses?
I haven't been able to find a dentist that will take the medically needy insurance (can I call it insurance?) in my area or any area in South Florida. So my answer is NO.
Beware Lags in Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance does not always cover major procedures, such as braces or other orthodontic care. Sometimes, plans will cover these expensive procedures, but only after a policyholder has been paying premiums for a certain amount of time. Pay attention to any potential lags in coverage to avoid surprises. Few things would be worse than getting a child fit for braces only to find out that the parent has to cover the entire bill because of an exclusion in the fine print of a dental insurance policy.
