By Maylands Dental Centre 
Dental implants are an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth, offering several benefits over other replacement teeth. However, one major concern of most patients is the cost of dental implants.
Tooth implants are not cheap. It is one of the most expensive tooth replacement options available. But if you’re considering dental implants and looking for a way to lower the cost, dental implant cover from your health insurance might help. Many people are unsure if their dental insurance cover will help pay for this type of procedure. If you’re one of them, keep reading.
In this blog post, we’ll provide some basic information on dental implant coverage and explain how to find out if your policy will help pay for this type of treatment. We hope this information is helpful!
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are very beneficial for many people. These artificial teeth are strong and durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. However, dental implants can be quite expensive, costing anywhere from \$4,000 to \$6,000 for a single tooth or a single implant.
There are a few reasons dental implants cost as much as they do:
- The dental surgery itself is technique-sensitive and requires the use of special equipment.
- Dental implants are typically made from materials like titanium, which can be expensive.
- The dental surgeon must undergo specialized training to learn about placing implants.
- Dental implants require ongoing care and maintenance for dental health.
- Additional procedures such as bone grafts, sinus lifts, and gum grafts can add to the cost.
For all these reasons, dental implants can be quite expensive. However, many people feel they are worth the cost. They look and feel like real teeth, providing a more natural and long-lasting solution than other options like conventional dentures or bridges.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Health Insurance?
The answer to this question depends on your insurance plan, your level of cover, and how it is structured.
Some health plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of dental implants, leaving you with some out-of-pocket costs. Still, some plans consider them to be cosmetic procedures and do not provide any reimbursement. Other insurance companies will cover the entire cost of the dental treatment if they are considered medically necessary.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider before the surgical procedure to determine the type of dental implant cover you will have.
How Does Dental Insurance Coverage Work?
In Australia, private health funds (or insurers) provide two types of dental insurance coverage – General Dental and Major Dental.
General Dental covers the cost of routine dental care, such as regular dental check-ups and cleanings. It also pays for preventative treatment procedures such as mouthguards, x-rays, and tooth extractions. Meanwhile, Major Dental covers the cost of more extensive dental work, such as root canal treatments, tooth fillings, crowns, and dentures. However, it does not include orthodontic treatments because they have a lifetime limit.
Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the costs for both General and Major Dental, but there is an annual limit on how much coverage is available for each type of service or item.
For example, a typical plan might cover 80% of the costs for General Dental and 50% of the costs for Major Dental. This means that you would be responsible for paying the remaining 20% of the costs for your routine care and half of the treatment costs for any major dental work.
When it comes to dental implants, your coverage depends on the specifics of your insurance plan. Some plans may offer partial coverage or rebates for dental implants, while others may not cover them at all. In addition, some plans may only cover the cost of the implant itself, while others may also cover the cost of the abutment and crown. Conversely, there are insurance policies with Hospital cover. This means they will cover dental implants as long as you are admitted as an inpatient for hospital treatment.
Since every dental insurance plan is different, it’s important to read your policy documents carefully to understand what dental services are covered and how much you have to pay out-of-pocket.
Also, check with your insurer or contact your dental provider to ask about waiting periods and other rules. By doing so, you can be better prepared to pay for the dental care you need based on your treatment plan.
What Makes Dental Implants Medically Necessary?
There are some instances where dental implants are considered medically necessary. These false teeth maintain oral health and function. As such, dental implant surgery may be covered by a health insurance policy in the following circumstances:
- When dental implants are used to replace missing teeth th