Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants
Dental implants are an effective treatment option for patients who are missing one or multiple teeth; however, many people who are missing most of their teeth and forced to rely on wearing traditional dentures. While traditional dentures allow patients to replace their missing teeth at a low cost (oftentimes an entire set of traditional dentures costs less than even one or two implants), the sad fact is there are numerous issues commonly attributed to wearing these prosthetics. Among the many complaints wearers of traditional dentures have include constant moving around and slipping in their mouths, the odd taste of the denture, and the frustration of having to deal with the dental adhesives necessary to keep the dentures in place. Not only that, dentures can be very uncomfortable and cause sores to frequently develop.
If you are a beneficiary of Medicare and are missing one or multiple teeth, you may be wondering whether Medicare covers the cost of dental implants. Unfortunately, the cost of dental implants are not typically covered under Medicare unless the implants are necessary due to an injury or illness. For example, if you require dental implants as a result of an injury to your jaw or face or as a result of oral cancer, Medicare will likely cover these expenses. Additionally, if you have to go to the hospital to have a complex dental procedure performed, Medicare will likely cover the cost of your inpatient care; however, the procedure itself will not likely be covered. Additionally, Medicare will also typically cover any medical care necessary should your dental implants become infected after placement or any other health complications that may develop related to the surgery.
You may be able to cover supplemental procedures related to your dental implants like cleanings and regular exams through Medicare Advantage plans. Every plan is different, but you may also be able to find a plan that covers procedures such as tooth restoration or replacement, tooth extractions, fillings, and possibly even dental implants. Prior to scheduling your procedure, it is important to contact your provider (or see if your periodontist is willing to do so on your behalf) to help maximize your coverage and determine what your anticipated costs will be.
Are Dental Medications Covered Under Medicare?
Prescription medications for dental services are not generally covered under Medicare with the exception that any medications you are given in a hospital are typically covered. Patients who have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan will likely have coverage for the cost of prescription or pain medication and/or antibiotics prescribed by your periodontist.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Because Medicare does not typically cover the costs of dental implants, and because the dental implant procedure is expensive and requires committing to having several appointments performed over a period of months or even years, many patients (especially patients who are older) wonder: “Are dental implants really worth the time and trouble?”
If you have been asking yourself this question, you may want to consider the many benefits you will enjoy once the dental implant procedure is complete, especially if you are currently using dentures and are dissatisfied with them. For example, once your dental implant procedure is complete, you will enjoy the following:
- Improved ability to enunciate and speak
- Expands the types of foods you are able to eat and strengthens your ability to chew, which will improve your digestion and overall physical health
- Far less maintenance compared to traditional dentures
- Eliminates issues like slipping out or sore spots developing due to rubbing
- Look and feel more natural
- Provides necessary stimulation to your jawbone, which prevents jawbone deterioration from occurring
- Reduced risk of developing additional oral health issues
- Many patients experience an improvement in their overall sense of self-worth because of the embarrassment associated with having a toothy smile or wearing dentures can cause
What Steps Are Involved in the Dental Implant Process?
You will need to be evaluated by your periodontist to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. While most people are good candidates for this procedure, underlying health conditions like heart issues or diabetes may preclude you from having this procedure performed. Another important consideration is whether you have enough jawbone material to support a dental implant. To determine this, your periodontist will take a diagnostic exam that will provide them with detailed information of the health and density of your jawbone. If you do not have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support an implant, you may be able to have a dental bone graft placed, which will restore the density of your jawbone and allow for placement of an implant once the grafting process is complete.
If your periodontist determines that you are a good candidate for dental implants, a follow-up procedure will be scheduled, wherein your periodontist will make an incision into your gums in order to access your jawbone. Next, they will drill a hole into your jawbone and place the titanium post. This post will naturally fuse with your jawbone over a period of months, and once this process is complete, your denture can either be screwed or cemented onto this post, or you can begin snapping your denture onto this post, which will provide you with much greater stability and improve your ability to chew.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are covered under Medicare and wondering if dental implants are right for you, or if you have additional questions about whether your plan will cover the costs of your dental implant procedure, contact your periodontist today. During this appointment, be sure to address any concerns you may have regarding the procedure. If you are concerned about whether you will be able to afford dental implants, ask your periodontist if they offer financing options or have any recommendations for how you might cover the cost, such as through a dental discount plan or taking out a personal loan.