Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Original Medicare does not cover dental implants because it is not considered a medically necessary benefit. It is still possible to get dental coverage by switching to a Medicare Advantage plan or purchasing a standalone dental policy.

Discover what influences the cost of dental implants and the nuances of how Medicare approaches coverage for these oral health solutions.

Key Takeaways

Dental implants range from $3,500 to $6,700 for a single implant and between $10,000 and $21,500 for full-mouth implants.
Medicare Part A does not cover the dental implant itself, though it might cover hospital stays associated with dental surgeries deemed medically necessary.
About 97% of Part C plans have dental coverage, but individual costs like deductibles and copays might still apply.
You can purchase a standalone dental plan generally for $20 to $50 per month for individuals or $50 to $150 per month for families.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is like a small screw, usually made of titanium, that acts as an artificial tooth root. It's surgically placed into your jawbone, and over time, it bonds with your bone to create a strong and sturdy base. This base can then hold a replacement tooth, like a crown, or support a bridge or dentures.

Dental implants are securely anchored to the jaw, offering stability and preventing them from coming loose, unlike conventional dentures or bridges. This ensures a more natural feel and promotes overall oral health as they don't rely on other teeth for support.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

You can expect to pay $3,500 to $6,700 for a single implant and $10,000 and $21,500 to get implants for your entire mouth.^[1] Several factors dictate the cost of dental implants, such as:

The number of teeth missing: The more teeth that need replacing, the higher the cost.
The loss of bone tissue due to infection: Bone structure can deteriorate over time, necessitating bone grafts that raise the price of implant surgery.
The location of the tooth: Teeth far back in the mouth are more difficult to get to than those in the front and cost more as a result.

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implant Medications?

There is no part of Original Medicare or Medigap that specifically lists dental implants as a covered benefit. The nearest type of coverage that Medicare will provide for dental implants is if you require medically necessary dental surgery.

In this case, Medicare Part A will pay for the cost of your hospital stay, as well as any medications related to the surgery. Afterward, Part D should cover associated prescription drugs when you are discharged.

Even then, neither Medicare Part A or Part D will pay specifically for the cost of the dental implants.

How Do I Get Medicare Coverage for Dental Implants?

While coverage for dental implants does not exist under Original Medicare, it is possible to get this dental benefit covered by purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan.

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Dental Implants?

A Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is the only Medicare-type coverage that may cover dental implants, as well as routine dental care, root canals and other procedures. An important distinction between Part C plans and Medicare is that Part C plans provide coverage similar to Medicare but are sold by private insurance companies. Fortunately, finding dental insurance should be easy, considering that 97% of Part C plans include dental coverage.^[2]

Can I Get Coverage Without Medicare?

You can enroll in a standalone dental plan in order to get secondary coverage for your dental implants. Unlike a Medicare Advantage plan, which may bundle dental coverage into a single health insurance plan, a standalone dental plan’s sole function is to provide dental coverage.

Luckily, dental insurance is relatively inexpensive with premiums being around $20 to $50 per month for an individual plan and $50 to $150 for a family plan.^[3]

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FAQs

Are bone grafts for dental implants covered by Medicare?

Bone grafts are generally not covered by Medicare. However, required hospital stays and subsequent medication will be covered through Part A and Part D of Original Medicare.