You are eager about the idea of pursuing dental implants, but as you grow closer to your consultation, you may begin to wonder if this type of treatment will even be affordable. Maybe you plan to use your dental insurance only to discover that it will not cover the surgical component. Although this can seem disheartening, there is hope. Keep reading to find out how you can take advantage of your available benefits before it’s too late.
Why Won’t Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Many dental insurance companies view dental implants the same way they do cosmetic dentistry. It’s not “medically necessary,” so they determine that other methods can be just as good but cost significantly less.
However, you can use it to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs on other components of your treatment: initial consultation, custom restoration, and any preliminary treatments that might be required (i.e., tooth extractions, bone grafting, gum disease treatment, etc.).
The savings you can expect to receive when finding alternative ways to use your dental insurance when receiving dental implants is a worthy investment in the long run.
What is the Most Effective Way to Use Available Coverage Before the End of the Year?
When meeting with a member of your dental team to discuss how to get the most out of your dental insurance plan, you’ll need to make sure you use your benefits before they expire at the end of the year. You can do this by:
- Asking your dental team to fill out the necessary pre-authorization information. If there is a chance that your plan will cover dental implants, this step is essential. Your dentist will need to provide all the necessary information so that your insurer will be more likely to approve the procedure and agree to help with the cost.
- Choosing an in-network provider who has partnered with your insurance company to provide pre-negotiated rates for various services.
- Reviewing your available policy to find out how much coverage you can expect to receive. This may require asking a dental team member for help if you are unfamiliar with what you should look for.
- Making sure you use your available benefits in the same year to avoid paying your deductible again. If you have money available as part of your annual maximum, make sure to use it before the end of the year. Why? Because your benefits are unlikely to roll over – most are good for 12 months.
If you do not receive the kind of coverage you hoped with your dental insurance company, do not fear. Most dentists offer alternative ways to pay, such as flexible financing. You can ask your dentist about this during your initial consultation.
No matter how your insurance company plans to handle the financial aspects of your dental implant treatment, trust that it is a worthwhile investment – one you won’t regret making.
About the Author
Dr. John White gives his patients hope by providing accessible and highly affordable dentistry in Asheville. When it comes to replacing missing teeth with dental implants, he can have a member of our team go over the financial details with you beforehand. While it’s unlikely to receive coverage for the surgical component, there are many additional services that your dental insurance benefits will be likely to cover. If you have questions about your plan or the cost of dental implants, visit our website or call (828) 684-3020.