Dental Implant Question?

My sister has good dental insurance but it cost alot. She has a missing tooth that has affected her bite and the dentist recommended a dental implant for her front tooth. She found out later, after she called her insurance company, that insurance will not pay for implants. Is this true and why not if it is affecting her bite and causing her teeth to shift?

Dental Implant Question?
Most dental plans pay some, but very little toward a dental implant. This is because it isn't ABSOLUTELY necessary. It is an expensive procedure. That being said, the teeth around the extracted tooth will shift because there is nothing stopping them from doing that. As this happens it will affect the way she bites. The body has wonderful ways of compensating for things that are wrong. It will try to fix it. In this case the fixing needs to be done by a dental specialist. Money is the main factor...? Sometimes you have to save for 2 or 3 months to have enough money...some times it can be borrowed from parents etc. The dental office will help with a payment schedule if she has a job and good character references. Bottom line? If it doesn't get fixed her teeth will shift positions and her smile will be less than attractive for ever. I hope this helps...good luck. you're a good 'friend'! ♥
Reply:Many insurance companies consider some kinds of procedures "elective", "cosmetic" or "not medically necessary". They do this to reduce cost and maximize profits (surprise, surprise). Your sister can petition the ins. co for an exception, but she will likely be denied. This is the sad situation that has arisen from (IMO) allowing insurance companies to determine what is necessary as opposed to medical professionals.
Reply:implant are consider cosmetic that is why insurance don't pay for it and it is very expensive.





There are other solution to missing tooth problem that insurance will pickup the tab but the outcome won't be pretty.





I have couple implants and i workout a payment plan with my dentist.
Reply:Most insurance companies will not pay for implants. It is an increasingly popular procedure, but considered a cosmetic choice by most insurances.





A few dental plans are starting to cover implants, but not many at this time.



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