Are Dental Implants Covered by Medicare

Are dental implants covered by medicare, many people research the answer to this question before getting implant treatment for their missing teeth. Health insurance may cover certain procedures of treatment. At this stage, it is very important whether you will receive a full mouth or single or multiple implant treatment.

Tooth extraction is covered by many insurance companies. Even if the entire procedure is not covered, a certain percentage is paid under your insurance policy. If there is not enough bone tissue for treatment, the graft procedure is applied. This procedure is considered out of scope by many institutions. Customized insurance covers a certain amount of implants. You should consult your insurance company for the costs and details of your treatment.

What’s a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots developed to replace missing teeth. The dentist reveals the jawbone in the area where the patient has no teeth and fixes a screw to the bone with the help of various equipment. This piece, which looks like a screw, acts as an artificial tooth root. Since it is made of titanium, it adapts to the bone structure of the patient in a short time and integrates with the bone. After the healing process is completed, a piece called abutment is added to the screw. A crown piece that will function as an artificial tooth is mounted on this piece.

The artificial tooth has the same appearance and function as the patient’s healthy teeth. The designed artificial tooth has a color that is compatible with the colors of the patient’s teeth. Since it is fixed, the person can start to eat the food he wants on the same day. Since it does not slip in the mouth like dentures, it can be spoken easily and smiles with self-confidence.

Compared to dentures, implants have many advantages. These advantages are:

• Implants are very comfortable and natural looking prostheses.
• The success rate in the first 5-10 years is over 90% in all patients.
• Foods that cannot be consumed with dentures can be easily consumed.
• While dentures cause deformation of healthy teeth over time, such a situation is not encountered in implants.
• It supports the protection of bone tissue where tooth loss is experienced.
• Dentures need to be removed every night before going to sleep and after every meal. Implants have the same properties as natural teeth.

What is the Process of Getting a Dental Implant?

After the clinical examination, dentists make a decision as to whether the person is a suitable candidate for the implant. If the person’s bone and health condition is suitable for treatment, procedures are started. Although the healing process is long, implants are among the prostheses that can be used for a lifetime. These procedures are:

First examination: Before starting the treatment process, specialist dentists examine the person’s existing jawbone and determine the types of implants that can be applied. The dentist will review all the details to determine the correct treatment. Thanks to tomography and x-ray, the most accurate treatment plan will be prepared. As a result of the evaluation, how many implants will be placed and oral health status will be discussed.

Tooth extraction: If a full mouth implant is to be made or if there are teeth that need to be extracted in the patient’s mouth, tooth extraction will be performed. Tooth extractions are performed on the day the screws are placed. Anesthesia is applied to the person to avoid any pain or suffering.

Mounting the implants: If the patient’s jawbone is in the desired condition, the screws are mounted on the jawbone. If the bone structure is not strong enough, first the bone graft procedure is applied. There is a certain healing process after the graft procedure. After the healing process, the screws are fixed to the bone.

Abutment and crown placement: After the implant root is fully fused with the jawbone, the final procedure is performed. After the healing process is completed, the abutment piece is attached to the screw. In the last stage, after the artificial tooth is added, the treatment process is completed.

Does My Dental or Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Today, many insurance companies do not cover treatment costs because they see implant treatments for aesthetic purposes. Although not covered by insurance, getting treatment for missing teeth is very important for many people. You need to pay attention to a few points about whether the implants are covered by your insurance. It is important that you review your health policy. It is recommended that you start your treatment after reviewing the information in your policy. When contacting your insurer, we recommend that you answer these questions:

• Does your insurance cover implants?
• If yes, what percentage of the treatment does it meet?
• What is your annual cost amount?
• Will you need referral status before getting an implant?

Medicare and Dental Coverage

General health insurances; It does not cover procedures such as scaling, filling, dentures and tooth extraction. Unmet procedures include dental implants. Health insurances are arranged to cover the costs of certain treatments. Transactions involving dental care are not covered by insurance.

Health insurances cover the costs of treatments related to injury. For example, if the jaw structure of the person is damaged after an accident and the implants are seen as the only treatment method, then the cost of the treatment is covered. In order for the treatment to be evaluated within the scope of insurance, the person must first be examined by a dentist who is an expert in the field. After the examination, the dentist issues a relevant health report. If it is stated in this report that the patient will recover with implants only, the insurance may cover the cost of the treatment.

If you want your implant cost to be paid under insurance, you can review private health insurance policies. Today, many private health insurances cover the implant costs of individuals. Although the relevant insurance does not cover the entire cost, it pays a large part of the treatment fee. Except for private health insurance, medicare applications do not cover the implant costs of the people.