Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants in Kirkland, WA?

If you are like many of our patients, you may have wondered:

Are dental implants in Kirkland covered by dental insurance? 

We’ll be straight and to the point. They probably cover part of it. Most dental insurance plans do not cover the full cost of dental implants.

However, certain parts of the procedure, such as exams, extractions, or crowns, may be included. Coverage depends on your specific plan. At Kirkland Family Dentistry, we help you understand your benefits before starting treatment.

In this post, we’ll discuss the cost of dental implants and insurance and payment options.

Dental Implants and Insurance: What You Should Know

Many patients at our dental office in Kirkland ask the same question.

Will my insurance cover dental implants?

Dental implants are a strong and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. But they do come with a significant cost. Whether your insurance will help depends on how your plan handles each part of the procedure.

As a trusted dental practice in Kirkland, we specialize in helping individuals just like you navigate their insurance benefits to ensure clarity and avoid financial surprises. With millions of Americans already benefiting from dental implants, this proven solution for missing teeth is more common than ever.

This post will explain how dental insurance typically works, outline the aspects of implant treatment that may be covered, and provide guidance on managing the parts that are not covered.

How Dental Insurance Usually Works

Dental insurance is different from medical insurance. Most dental plans are divided into three categories of care.

• Preventive care includes cleanings, exams, and X-rays. These are often included at or close to full cost.
• Basic services include fillings and simple extractions. These are often included at around 70 or 80 percent.
• Major services include crowns, oral surgery, and more complex procedures. These are usually included at a lower rate, around 50 percent or less.

Most plans also have an annual limit. This is the maximum amount the plan will pay in a year. It typically ranges between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you reach that limit, you are responsible for any remaining costs.

Employer-sponsored dental plans may offer higher coverage amounts and fewer restrictions. Individual plans tend to have lower limits and longer waiting periods for major procedures.

Some dental plans also exclude anything they consider cosmetic. Even though dental implants improve your ability to chew and speak, they are still often viewed as elective unless there is a medical reason.

What Parts of a Dental Implant Might Be Covered?

Dental implants are done in stages. While most insurance plans do not cover the full cost, they may include some aspects of the process. Each step is billed separately and may fall into a different category of coverage.

• Exams and X-rays are often included under preventive care.
• Tooth extractions may be included as a basic service.
• Bone grafting or sinus lifts are rarely included unless medically necessary.
• Implant surgery is usually not included. Most plans consider it an elective service.
• Abutment and crown placement may be included under major services depending on the plan.

At Kirkland Family Dentistry, we will contact your insurance provider and review the details of your plan. Our team will give you a clear estimate before treatment begins, so you know what to expect.

Why Most Dental Plans Do Not Cover Implants Fully

While implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth, many insurance plans do not cover the full process. There are a few common reasons why.

1. Implants cost more than other choices, such as bridges or the different types of dentures available today.
2. Many plans still label them as cosmetic rather than necessary.
3. The treatment takes place over several appointments and may exceed your annual benefit limit.
4. Some older insurance policies have not been updated to include newer technologies and treatments such as implants.

Due to these reasons, most patients can expect to pay for part or all of the implant cost themselves.

What to Do If Your Insurance Does Not Cover Implants

If your insurance only includes part of the treatment or does not include implants at all, there are still ways to make them affordable. While you may not be able to get your insurance to cover dental implants if it isn’t part of your plan, you have other options.

• Use a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account: These accounts often allow you to use funds to pay for implant surgery, the abutment, and the crown.
• Ask about monthly payment plans: At our office, we offer flexible options that allow you to spread out the cost over time.
• Apply for Financing: Popular healthcare financing programs, such as Cherry or CareCredit, allow you to pay for treatment in manageable monthly payments, often with low or no interest.
• Consider a dental savings plan: These are membership programs that offer discounted fees on services such as dental implants for patients without traditional insurance.

We will help you explore every option and find the best path forward for your specific needs and budget.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider

To find out what is included in your plan, ask these questions before you begin treatment.

• Are dental implants included in my plan?
• Which parts are included, such as the surgery or the crown?
• Do I need to get approval before I start treatment?
• What is my annual maximum benefit?
• Are there any waiting periods or restrictions?

If this process seems confusing, we’re here to help. Our team works with many insurance companies and will contact them on your behalf. We will make sure you understand exactly what is included before anything begins.

Get Dental Implants in Kirkland with Confidence

Dental implants are a long-term investment in your health and confidence. At Kirkland Family Dentistry, we believe your treatment should be accompanied by clarity and peace of mind.

If you are ready to explore your options, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We will review your insurance, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the process.

Book your consultation today and let us help you smile with confidence again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants included in insurance plans in Washington?

Most plans in Washington do not include the full cost of implants. Part of the implant process may be covered, including the initial examination, extractions, and crowns. The rest is usually paid out of pocket.

What parts of the dental implant process are usually included?

Your plan may include exams, X-rays, extractions, or the placement of a final crown. The surgery itself is often not included.

How much do implants cost without insurance?

A single dental implant in Kirkland typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. This includes the implant, the abutment, and the crown.

Can I use an HSA or FSA for dental implants?

Yes. These accounts are often used to pay for medical and dental expenses, including implants.

What if I do not have dental insurance?

You can still get treatment using payment plans, including our in-house financing plan, Cherry, or CareCredit. We will help you find the right option.