Dental Implants and Insurance

Dental implants are increasingly becoming the preferred option for replacing missing teeth, whether you are missing a single tooth or several.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically embedded in the jaw. The implant fuses with the bone, creating a secure foundation for an artificial tooth, bridge, or dentures. The procedure goes beyond simple cosmetic dentistry and restores your ability to chew and speak clearly with teeth that cannot fall out or even slip and slide.

If you have missing teeth, you may have questions about the cost of implants. The dentists at Southern Dental Implant Center, serving the Memphis area, would be happy to explain dental implants insurance to you. They will carefully review your case and take the time to explain treatment, costs, insurance, and financing.

Insurance

Dental implants are expensive and, unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover the cost of implants, despite their obvious benefits to patients. Because there are other options, such as crown-supported bridges or traditional dentures, some insurance companies balk at paying for implants.

However, if you are interested in implants, your first step is contacting your insurance company to understand their coverage policies. Some may cover implants, others wont, and some may pay part of the costs. Each company is different and sets its own policies. Thats why its important to get current information from your insurer.

Tips

• If you have a pretax flexible account you should consider timing your implant to span two tax years. You can have the surgery to place the implant in one tax year and then have the implant topped with the tooth, bridge, or denture in the following year, allowing you tax breaks in both years. In addition, if you have dental coverage that covers implants but sets a cap on yearly spending, scheduling the implant over two years may keep you under the spending limit.


• If your insurer does not cover implants, but will cover a bridge or conventional denture, ask if they will give you an allowance equal to what they provide for dentures or bridges.


• Investigate discount dental plans that you buy on the open market to see if they offer discounts on implants. Do the math and see if joining will save you money. But be sure to read the fine print. Some discount plans require you to be a member for a year or more before taking advantage of discounts for implants. Also, take note of deductibles, co-pays, and spending limits.


• If you are missing all or most of your teeth, check your medical insurance. A medical plan may consider restoration of most of your teeth as jaw reconstruction and cover all or part of the procedure.

Payment Plans

If your insurance does not cover the costs of implants or only pays for part of the cost and you cannot afford to pay your share upfront, we offer several financing options, including one-year interest-free and long-term plans.

If you prefer to pay cash, we can offer a discount for cash payments made before your treatment.

If you want to improve function and restore your smile, but need more information to make the right decision, please call for an appointment so we may answer your questions.