Best Dental Implant Insurance

Dental implants can improve your smile and support your dental health. They can also be pricey, but dental implant insurance can help. Here’s our guide to the best options when it comes to implant insurance. 

Quick Look: Best Dental Insurance for Implants

• Best Overall: DentalPlans.com
• Best for PPO: Smart Health Dental
• Best for Exams: Delta Dental 
• Best for Comparing Options: eHealthInsurance
• Most Affordable: Dentalinsurance.com
• Best for Including Vision Insurance: Ameritas

6 Best Dental Implant Insurance Providers

Who are the best dental insurance providers when it comes to implants? Here are our top picks:

1. Best Overall: DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com makes it simple to find implant insurance.

You can search for plans by procedure. You select “implants” as your procedure, enter your ZIP code and in a few clicks you have a list of dental savings plans that include discounts on implants.

It’s an easy way to find affordable dental coverage that meets your needs. 

• Dental implant care covered: usually 50% but varies depending on the provider
• Deductible: 20% - 50% depending on the provider
• Waiting period: depends on the provider
• States served: 50 states

2. Best for PPO: Smart Health Dental

Smart Health Dental (SHD) offers multiple dental insurance and non-insurance plan options. It has an extensive national network of more than 200,000 licensed dental providers.

You'll have a choice between preventive and comprehensive coverage. The preventive PPO plan offers coverage for most routine procedures like cleanings, check-ups and x-rays. Annual maximum coverage for preventive is $750.

The comprehensive coverage will get you coverage for major procedures, including bridges, implants and dentures. The maximum benefit starts at $750 and increases to $1,250 by year 3. Your also benefits increase from 80% to 100%.

• Dental implant care covered: 100%
• Deductible: none
• Waiting period: none
• States served: 50 states

3. Best for Exams: Delta Dental

Delta Dental is one of the top-rated dental insurance providers, and the company offers two options for coverage without an annual maximum.

DeltaCare USA: DeltaCare USA is Delta’s DHMO plan option. Though you’ll need to see a dentist in the Delta Dental network, you’ll enjoy low or no copayments for most preventive services. The plan also doesn’t have a deductible, which means you can start using your benefits right away.

Delta Dental Patient Direct: Delta Dental Patient Direct is Delta Dental’s discount plan option. With this option, you’ll choose from a panel of dental professionals within Delta’s network. After receiving treatment, your dental office will provide you with a discount on services provided. You also won’t need to worry about deductibles or filing a claim with this option. 

• Dental implant care covered: 50%
• Deductible: 50%
• Waiting period: none
• States served: 50 states and other U.S. territories

4. Best for Comparing Options: eHealthInsurance

eHealthInsurance is a marketplace where you can review a variety of dental plans.

You enter your information and it produces a list of dental providers. You will need to review each plan’s details to see whether it covers implants, but it does save time.

You can sort plan options by premium, by deductible or by annual maximum benefit. 

• Dental implant care covered: usually 50% but varies depending on the provider
• Deductible: 20% - 50% depending on the provider
• Waiting period: depends on the provider
• States served: 50 states

5. Most Affordable: Dentalinsurance.com

You can comparison shop and apply for dental insurance and discount dental plans online with Dentalinsurance.com.

Enter your ZIP code to find the plans available in your area. Dentalinsurance.com offer a range of dental plans. Choose from DMHO (dental health maintenance organization), PPO (preferred provider organization) indemnity plans or dental discount plans.

The site also provides education on how to care for your teeth and the ins-and-outs of how dental plans work. Enter your email to subscribe for oral health tips and news.

• Dental implant care covered: usually 50% but varies depending on the provider
• Deductible: 20% - 50% depending on the provider
• Waiting period: depends on the provider
• States served: 50 states

6. Best for Including Vision Benefits: Ameritas

Ameritas provides a range of dental plans that include vision benefits at no extra cost. Some plans offer a $100 yearly credit toward any vision service you need. Apply this credit to an annual eye exam or new glasses.

Ameritas dental plans also feature annual maximums that can partially carry over to the next year if you don’t use the full amount.

• Dental implant care covered: 50%
• Deductible: 1st year is 20% and the following year is 50%
• Waiting period: none
• States served: 50 states

What is Dental Implant Insurance? 

Health insurance, dental insurance or a combination of both may cover dental implants. Coverage depends on a couple of factors, including:

1. Reason for the implant: If the implant was from an injury or accident, health insurance might cover some of the costs of your implants. Health insurance may also provide some coverage if your tooth loss is causing medical complications. 
2. Individual policy: Health and dental insurance policies vary depending on the provider. You’ll need to review the fine print of potential plans to find 1 that covers implants. 

Your health and dental insurance may also cover different aspects of the dental implant process. This is because dental implants are a complex, multi-step procedure. Let’s take a closer look at the steps involved in a dental implant.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are relatively expensive when compared to other dental procedures. This is because getting an implant is a lengthy process that may involve an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). This is a surgeon who specializes in oral surgeries. 

Here are the steps to getting a dental implant. Keep in mind the process may vary depending on your individual needs.

1. Initial Consultation

You have an initial appointment with an implant dentist or surgeon. The dentist will take images of your teeth and mouth and develop a surgery plan. 

2. Tooth Extraction

If you have a damaged tooth that needs to be replaced by an implant, your dentist will extract, or take out, the damaged tooth. 

3. Implant Placement

After you’ve healed from your extraction, your surgeon will place your implant. The implant is a metal post. It’s put into your jawbone and serves as the root for your replacement tooth. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough for an implant, the surgeon will perform a bone graft. After that heals, the surgeon will place your implant. 

4. Healing

After the implant placement, the implant and your jawbone need time to heal and grow together. This typically takes a few months. 

5. Abutment placement

After your implant and jawbone have grown together, your dentist will put an abutment on your implant. The abutment is a small piece that inserts into your implant and extends it past your gum line. Your new artificial tooth will attach to the abutment. Your gums will need time to heal after abutment placement. 

6. Artificial Teeth

Your new teeth are the last step. Depending on your needs, your dentist may do 1 tooth, a bridge or dentures with multiple teeth that are attached to your abutment. 

7. Aftercare

You’ll need to follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain your artificial teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing and regular checkups. 

Implants require multiple steps to the dentist. You’ll also need anesthesia for some of the procedures. These expenses drive up the costs. Dental insurance that covers implants can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

Types of Dental Coverage

Keep the type of plan in mind as you consider your affordable dental insurance options. Some plans are more restrictive than others when it comes to which dentist you see. Here are the types of plans you might see when you get dental insurance quotes: 

Indemnity Plans

You may also see these plans called fee-for-service plans or traditional plans. You can typically choose your own dentist with this type of plan. The dental insurance plan pays a percentage of each service, and you’re responsible for the balance. 

Dental HMO

With a dental HMO, your insurance company pays your dentist a fee each month. You have to choose a network dentist. You receive your dental care at no cost or a reduced cost, depending on the service. 

Dental PPO

A dental PPO allows you to see in-network and out-of-network dentists. The plan will typically pay a higher percentage of your fees if you see a network dentist.

Discount Plans

These plans aren’t technically insurance, but they can still save you money on your dental care. You pay a membership fee. The discount plan negotiates with dentists who agree to reduce their fees for services. You receive a discount on your dental care. You don’t need to worry about claims or forms with dental discount plans. 

Pay Cash

Yes, you want to have insurance that will make your life easier, but you may be in a place where you cannot afford insurance. In the interim, consider paying cash. Most medical providers offer a discount for cash payments or payment plans, and you can get in front of even an emergent situation by offering this solution instead of exclaiming, “but I don’t have insurance,” and in the future, you can purchase dental insurance so as to avoid these issues in the future.

Average Cost of Dental Implant Insurance 

The average cost of dental insurance varies based on the type of plan as well as other factors. Indemnity plans with a $2,500 annual limit have an average premium of $780 per year. The average cost of a PPO plan is about $350 per year. These plans may or may not include coverage for dental implants. That varies by provider. Many providers offer a range of plans, some of which include coverage for implants. It’s essential to review the terms of each plan to know for certain. 

What Impacts Dental Insurance Costs?

Why does the cost of dental insurance vary so much? The features of each plan also impact the cost and can include the following:

Maximums

Plans often have an annual maximum. This is the most your plan will pay toward your dental care. If you have a plan with a $2,500 maximum, your dental insurance provider will pay $2,500 toward your dental costs each year. If your dental costs are more than $2,500, you’re responsible for the difference. A lower annual maximum usually means lower premiums. 

Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before your plan starts paying. If you have a plan with a $500 deductible, you pay the 1st $500 for covered services. After that, your plan will pay according to its terms. A higher deductible typically means lower premiums. 

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of costs your insurance plan will cover. Dental insurance plans typically have a range of coinsurance percentages based on the type of services. Preventive services may be covered at 100%, while major services like implants may be covered at 50%. A lower coinsurance often means a lower premium because you’re paying a higher share of the costs.  

What to Look for in a Dental Insurance Provider

If you or a family member is thinking about dental implants, you should look for that coverage from your dental insurance provider. You should also dig into the details of their coverage. Ask about whether all the steps in getting an implant are covered. Ask whether anesthesia is covered, for example. If you need a bone graft, ask about that, too. 

You should also ask about waiting periods. Some dental providers have a waiting period of 6 months or more before you can get major services like implants. Look for a plan with the shortest waiting period possible. 

Which Dental Implant Provider is Right for You?

You deserve a great smile, and dental implants can help. The right provider offers great service and an affordable premium. To get started on your search, consider visiting our trusted partner for a quote. In just a few clicks, you’ll see a range of dental plans in your area. Choose the plan that fits your budget and your dental needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions