Dental implant insurance can be available within the coverage provided by most employers, as well as with private providers. In most cases, the coverage will be provided to those who do not have an existing need for this type of service, otherwise the companies will require a six month waiting period or longer before the insurance kicks in. Implants are not cheap, but if they are needed, then certainly it pays to seek out the least costly coverage available. Do not let the cost of the service prevent you from getting the dental attention needed. The health of the individual is more important than the cost, and payment plans can always be worked out no matter what the service is. There are so many different insurance providers out there, that certainly there will be a plan that is acceptable to almost everyone. Implants are screws that are drilled into the bone underneath the gums, to which the artificial tooth is attached. If there is significant bone loss due to the lack of many teeth in one area of the jaw, implants may need to be more extensive, or may not be feasible at all. Having implants installed can help slow down or stop the loss of bone deterioration when teeth are absent. Implants can prevent adjacent teeth from moving around and becoming crooked. They can be critical to the functionality and look of the rest of the teeth, and are important for an individual's self esteem. Some providers of dental implant insurance consider these services to be cosmetic in nature. However, there are more and more insurance companies that are willing to cover this service more often, because many are realizing the nature of the implants as necessary to proper dental health and integrity. In the event that implant coverage is not available, the company may pay for a similar service that effectively produces the same benefit.
For example, having a bridge made and inserted in the area of the missing teeth can also prevent the other teeth from moving around in the mouth and causing more problems. If all the teeth are absent, then probably the only option available will be dentures. Therefore, dental implant insurance would not be necessary, but rather cheaper alternative coverage for other measures. In some cases, more work may be indicated for individuals with periodontal disease that causes gums to recede, exposing more of the tooth closer to the root. Gum disease is the major cause of implant surgery. Sometimes the implant must be carried out in more than one session. Be sure to check with the insurance company to make sure that this will not be a problem. Companies may prefer that the entire procedure be completed in one session in order to be fully covered. He that dwelleth in the place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalms 91:1 KJV).
Another option for finding dental implant insurance would be to look into some discount provider programs that offer percentages off the total cost of these types of procedures. While the insurance may not cover 100% of the cost, there is still the opportunity for significant savings so that the entire burden will not be borne by the average wallet! A cursory search on the Internet will provide many options for discount dental plans that will offer discounts on implant services. This is better than paying the full cost. Ensure that the dentist doing the work is reputable and has done the procedure many times before. If mistakes are made, no other insurance company will pay to have the mistakes fixed. Do the research on the doctor well before any decision is made to have the procedure done. Ask friends and relatives for suggestions of dentists they may be able to recommend who are good. Call various dentists and ask if they are offering any discounts on these procedures, and how often the discounts are offered, especially if the dental insurance for implants is not available.
When learning about what all is included in dental implant insurance, be sure to also check out what procedures are covered that may need to be performed after the implant surgery has been done. There will most likely be some kind of maintenance care on a regular basis to insure the work done stays in good shape, and that the patient is properly following post-surgical implant care. The worst thing that a person could do would be to spend all that money on the needed implants, but then fail to properly care for them once they are in place. Coverage providers may or may not cover the care so look carefully. Also find out if the procedure must be pre-verified by the insurance company. This is called a predetermination. The company will give an estimate of how much of the cost they will pay, and then the remainder will be paid by the patient. If a predetermination is not done, many times the dental implant insurance provider will not pay the claim at all. The phone call is well worth the time, and doesn't take very long to complete.
Another concern of companies paying dental claims is that of medical necessity of the procedure. If the dental implant insurance issuer is not convinced that the procedure to be done is something the patient absolutely needs, then it is unlikely that any payment will be made. There are providers out there that will offer dental implant insurance; it is just that they are not that prevalent. Employers who offer dental coverage may off the implant coverage, so if this is offered, the employee would be wise to get it. As we age, our mouths age with us, and without proper care, there may be this type of surgery in the future. Be prepared for this when it happens.
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