While commonly thought of as an artificial tooth, a dental implant technically is the instrument (e.g. a metal post) surgically inserted into the jaw (or skull if it’s an upper tooth). The instrument functions similarly to the original tooth root and on it a crown (or other device such as a bridge) is attached. Dental implants are a common restorative procedure for patients with a missing tooth. If an implant requires extensive work on the part of the dentist, the cost may reach several thousand dollars.
Comprehensive insurance coverage with implant benefits can greatly reduce a patient's out-of-pocket costs in this scenario, though it is important to note that insurance plans vary on their implant coverage. Most plans classify implants as a form of “major” dental care. Major care represents higher cost dental procedures like implants, crowns, and root canals. While 90 percent of the dental plans we reviewed across the nation had coverage for crowns and root canals, slightly less than half covered dental implants. Most often implant coverage was accompanied by a waiting period restriction or a cap on implant expenses covered by the plan.
A waiting period is a delay on an insurance benefit where a person must be enrolled in a plan for a minimum period (e.g. 6 months) before the benefit is available for use. The list of dental plans at the bottom of the page includes some examples where there is no waiting period for implant coverage.
Over millions of dental implants have been performed across the world, highlighting the popularity of this dental solution. Dental implants are often used as a remedy for severely cracked or missing teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. However, as demonstrated by the following section on dental implant cost, the expense of the procedure can be a significant burden for many patients.
Given that implants cost thousands of dollars, it’s essential to find a dental policy that provides comprehensive coverage with affordable out-of-pocket costs. Without such coverage, patients may forgo treatment.
The cost of implant care varies by factors such as the number of teeth to be replaced, the dentist performing the procedure, the condition of the underlying bone, the material of the implant, etc. The estimated price range for a typical single tooth dental implant is from $3,000 to $6,700. Given the high expense of implants, it is always recommended that a patient compare prices among several in-network dentists. The difference in cost among dentists might be several thousand dollars in some situations.
An unfortunate risk associated with implants is their risk for problems and failures. For example, the metal screw at the bottom of the implant may not properly integrate into the jawbone. An implant may also be initially successfully in the jaw but later experience bone loss. In either case, this would be classified as a osseointegration problem (see the FDA’s report “Metal Implant Adverse Event Reports Made Public by the FDA”1). Such events were considered quite rare but in recent years the work of a former FDA data analyst demonstrated dental implant adverse outcomes were much more prevalent than originally thought.
A patient may also have pain or numbness at the site where an implant is located. This may be the result of several factors such as nerve proximity or nerve damage, bone infection, or an allergy to one or more materials used in the implant. Because of this risk, it has been recommended that “allergy testing for any device material implanted in the body should be compulsory…even staples and clips.”
All dental procedures carry risks and most are performed without patient dissatisfaction. However, some patient, wishing to avoid the risks of implants have investigated alternatives such as biomimetic dentistry.
There has been a growing trend of dental practices dedicated to dental implant care. The names of these businesses include Nuvia Dental Implant Center, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, and OneSolution Dental Implant Centers. These centers may claim quicker completion of implant work as well as access to experienced specialists. Before selecting one for implant work it is advisable for a consumer to check the business for:
A recent study by DentalInsurance.com found about half (53 percent) of plans reviewed across the nationwide covered dental implant care.
Dental plans can cover implants in different ways. They can vary by the range of services insurance will pay for as well as the out-of-pocket cost obligations for the patient. Below are examples of differing coverage of implants among plans.
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Implants:
Implants:
Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not, and cannot be, made serviceable.
Implants:
In-Network Coverage
In this example, the insurance plan increases its coverage for implant care the longer the enrollee belongs to the plan. The plan will only pay for care delivered by an in-network dentist.
Our agents can:
Now that you are educated on the basics of implant coverage, it’s time to start reviewing plans. There are many dental plans whose insurance benefits include implants. The below list provides examples of dental plans covering implants. Please make note that:
One last reminder - some plans listed may not be available in every region of the state in which it’s offered. Deductibles typically must be satisfied prior to insurance coverage.
| Insurance Company | Plan | Dental Implant Coverage Conditions |
| Alabama | ||
| NCD Nationwide | 5000 Plan | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable. |
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after. |
| Alaska | ||
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Arizona | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental High | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Arkansas | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Guardian | Advantage Diamond | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| California | ||
| California Dental Network | Plan 595 | No waiting period. $1500 copayment for surgical placement of implant body, endosteal. This includes cost of, and placement of, healing cap when indicated. |
| Dental Health Services | Super SmartSmile | No waiting period. $1,500 for surgical placement of implant body. |
| Colorado | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Premier | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Renaissance Dental | Max Choice | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after. |
| Connecticut | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Platinum | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Guardian | Advantage Achiever | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Delaware | ||
| Dominion National | Select Plan Basic | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs. |
| Dominion National | Select Plan Premium | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs. |
| Florida | ||
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental High | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Guardian | Advantage Achiever | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Georgia | ||
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| NCD Nationwide | 3000 Plan | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable. |
| Hawaii | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Idaho | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Plan II | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Guardian | Advantage Core | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Illinois | ||
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental High | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period before coverage is available. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 30% in the second year, 50% in the 3rd year. |
| Indiana | ||
| Cigna | Dental Vision Hearing 3500 | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% after deductible up to $2000 lifetime maximum. |
| Anthem | Essential Choice Incentive | No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 40% in 2nd, and 50% in 3rd. |
| Iowa | ||
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| NCD by MetLife | NCD Complete by MetLife | No waiting period. 10% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 50% in second year, and 60% in the 3rd year. $3,000 calendar year maximum benefit on implant care. One per tooth in 10 calendar years. |
| Kansas | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Guardian | Advantage Diamond | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Kentucky | ||
| Delta Dental of Kentucky | Bright Smiles | No waiting period. 25% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 50% in the 2nd year and later. |
| Cigna | Dental Vision Hearing 3500 | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% after deductible up to $2000 lifetime maximum. |
| Louisiana | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Maine | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Incentive | No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 40% in 2nd, and 50% in 3rd. |
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Maryland | ||
| Dominion National | Select Plan Basic | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard rate. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Massachusetts | ||
| Guardian | Advantage Core | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Renaissance Dental | Plan II | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Michigan | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental High | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Minnesota | ||
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Guardian | Advantage Achiever | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Mississippi | ||
| NCD Nationwide | 5000 Plan | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable. |
| Renaissance Dental | MAX Choice Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after. |
| Missouri | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Montana | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Nebraska | ||
| Humana | Humana Extend 5000 | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. One tooth per 5 years subject to review. 50% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 60% in the 2nd and after. |
| NCD Nationwide | 5000 Plan | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable. |
| Nevada | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Platinum | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Guardian | Advantage Core | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| New Hampshire | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Incentive | No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd, and 50% in the 3rd. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| New Jersey | ||
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| New Mexico | ||
| NCD Nationwide | 5000 Plan | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable. |
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| New York | ||
| Anthem BlueCross BlueShield | Essential Choice Platinum | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Ameritas Life of NY | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| North Carolina | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Max Choice | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after. |
| Humana | Humana Extend 5000 | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. One tooth per 5 years subject to review. 50% of costs covered in 1st year of enrollment, 60% in the 2nd and after. |
| North Dakota | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Ohio | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Platinum | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Guardian | Advantage Achiever | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Oklahoma | ||
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental High | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Renaissance Dental | Plan II | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Oregon | ||
| Dental Health Services | SmartSmile | No waiting period. $1,500 for surgical placement of implant body. |
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Pennsylvania | ||
| Dominion National | Select Plan Basic | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs. |
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| Rhode Island | ||
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Guardian | Advantage Core | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| South Carolina | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 30% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| South Dakota | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Tennessee | ||
| Delta Dental of Tennessee | Brighter Advantage | No waiting period. 25% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 50% in the 2nd year and after. |
| Cigna | Dental Vision Hearing 3500 | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% after deductible up to $2000 lifetime maximum. |
| Texas | ||
| NCD Nationwide | 3000 Plan | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. Implants are covered on teeth extracted while on the plan. Implants and implant supported prosthesis covered under this plan are limited to; 1) the replacement of permanent teeth extracted while insured under this plan, or 2) the replacement of a prior Implant if it has been at least seven years since the prior insertion and is not and cannot be made serviceable. |
| Guardian | Advantage Diamond | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| Utah | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental High | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Vermont | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| Renaissance Dental | MAX Choice Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered in first year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, 50% in the 3rd year and after. |
| Virginia | ||
| Dominion National | Select Plan Basic | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs. |
| Dominion National | Select Plan Premium | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs. |
| Washington State | ||
| Guardian | Advantage Achiever | 12-month waiting period (6 months for VT residents) before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered with a $1,000 lifetime maximum benefit for implants. |
| MetLife | TakeAlong Dental Medium | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. No more than once for the same tooth position in a 10-year period. Missing tooth clause applies, see Schedule of Benefits. |
| Washington D.C. | ||
| Dominion National | Select Plan Premium | No waiting period. 15% discount on standard costs. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| West Virginia | ||
| Ameritas | Dallas Smile Plus | No waiting period. 20% of costs covered after deductible in the first year of enrollment, 50% in the second year and after.. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
| Wisconsin | ||
| Anthem | Essential Choice Platinum | 6-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Anthem | Essential Choice Incentive | No waiting period. 30% of costs covered in the 1st year of enrollment, 40% in the 2nd year, and 50% in the 3rd year and after. |
| Wyoming | ||
| Renaissance Dental | Plan III | 12-month waiting period before coverage is available. 50% of costs covered. |
| Careington | 500 Series Dental Savings (Discount Program, Not Insurance) | No waiting period. 20% discount compared to standard cost. |
Click our Dental Insurance link here and find plans available in your zip code.
No, slightly less than half of the dental plans we reviewed across the United States included implant coverage in their dental benefits.
Some of the biggest influences on implant cost are 1) the dentist performing the procedure, 2) the extent of the procedure given your oral health, and 3) the cost-sharing (i.e. out-of-pocket costs) your dental plan specifies for implants.
Some dental plans have payment limits on implants that are lower than the plan’s maximum benefit. For example, a plan may have a maximum limit that caps insurance payments toward covered dental care at $2,000 annually, but that same plan may have a lower limit for implants (e.g. a $1,000 maximum for implant expenses annually). Some plans also have a lifetime limit on what the insurance company will pay toward implant care, so once that amount is reached the plan will no longer make any payments for implant expenses.
Another limitation on implant coverage is a waiting period. Most plans require a customer to be enrolled in the plan for a minimum number of months before implants are covered. This time period might be as short as three months or as long as 18 months.
A maximum benefit is the annual cap on what an insurance company will pay for covered dental care. Since implants are very expensive, someone needing this care should look for a plan whose maximum limit aligns with expected implant costs. HMO plans, however, normally lack maximum benefits but may not always cover implants.
The amount an insurance plan can save on implants varies. It depends on 1) retail cost of the implant services needed, 2) the plan’s negotiated price for these services, and 3) the percentage of the negotiated implant price that the insurance company will pay (including any maximum benefit limits).
“Comprehensive” does not have a formal industry definition in the field of dental insurance. While a plan described as comprehensive is generally assumed to cover preventive, basic, and major dental services, it may or may not cover implants.
Since implants are extremely expensive, costing several thousand dollars, your choice of an in-network or out-of-network dentist can have significant financial implications. Normally, in-network dentists charge lower out-of-pocket costs than out-of-network dentists. Additionally, some dental coverage (such as HMOs and dental discount plans) do not cover out-of-network care.
The key features of implant coverage include dentist choice, cost-sharing (i.e. out-of-pocket charges), waiting periods, and payment limits whether annual or lifetime.
First and foremost, confirm that your preferred insurance covers the dentist who will be performing the implant. The dentist’s quality will have an effect on the success of your implant so using a quality professional you trust is of the highest importance.
Second, before buying a dental plan for implants, see how much it expects a patient to pay out-of-pocket for an implant and see what their annual and lifetime limits are on paying for implant care.
Third, confirm whether there is a waiting period before implant coverage is active and, if there is, whether your oral health situation can accommodate this wait safely.
Our knowledgeable customer service team will assist you with any questions you may have prior to enrolling in a dental plan. They can guide you through the process of choosing coverage that matches your needs as well as your budget.
