Does Medicare cover dental implants?

4 min. readlast update: 10.17.2023

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically does not cover routine dental care, including dental implants. Dental implants are considered a dental procedure rather than a medical procedure, and Medicare's coverage is generally limited to medical services.

Dental Implants:

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth or dental prosthetics. They are commonly used to replace missing teeth and can be an effective long-term solution for individuals with good oral health.

Medicare Coverage for Dental Care:

Original Medicare does not provide coverage for most routine dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, and dental implants. However, there are a few exceptions:

Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer additional coverage beyond what is provided by Original Medicare. Some of these plans may include dental benefits that cover certain dental procedures, including dental implants. It's important to carefully review the details of the plan's coverage and speak with the plan provider to understand what dental services are included.

Medically Necessary Procedures: In some cases, Medicare might cover dental services that are considered medically necessary due to a related medical condition. For example, if you need a dental procedure before a heart surgery, Medicare might cover it as part of the pre-surgery preparation. However, coverage for such cases can be limited and subject to specific criteria.

Dental Medications and Surgery:

Medicare's coverage for dental medications, both before and after surgery, would depend on the specific circumstances and whether the medication is considered part of the medical treatment plan. If a dental medication is directly related to a covered medical procedure, it might be eligible for coverage. However, dental medications for routine care or preventive purposes are generally not covered by Medicare.

List of Dental Insurance Plans that cover Dental Implants: Click here to view rates and find a plan

Humana 

Ameritas

Aetna 

Cigna

What is the average cost of dental implants?

The cost of dental implants can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, the specific dental provider, the complexity of the procedure, the type of implant used, and any additional treatments that might be required.

Single Dental Implant:On average, the cost for a single dental implant can range from $1,000 to $3,000 for the implant itself. This cost does not include additional expenses such as the abutment (the connector between the implant and the crown) and the dental crown (the artificial tooth that sits on the implant). The total cost for a single dental implant, including all components, could range from $3,000 to $6,000 or more.

Multiple Dental Implants: If you need multiple dental implants, the costs can increase accordingly. The total cost will depend on the number of implants required and the complexity of the case.

Full Mouth Reconstruction: For individuals who need a full set of dental implants to replace an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower jaw), the cost can be substantially higher. This procedure, known as full mouth reconstruction or full mouth dental implants, could range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more.

It's important to note that these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost can vary significantly. Other factors that can impact the cost include the need for bone grafting or other preparatory procedures, the type of implant used (traditional implants or mini implants), the experience and reputation of the dental provider, and the geographic location (dental care costs can vary by region).

Additionally, some dental insurance plans or dental discount plans might provide partial coverage for dental implants, but coverage varies widely. It's recommended to contact dental offices in your area to get personalized quotes and information about their fees and any potential financing options they offer.

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