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Table of Contents
Understanding Medicare > Medicare Coverage & Benefits > Dental and Vision

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Brett Braithwaite
Written by:
Bryan Strickland
Jason Kolkey Author Image GoHealth
Reviewed by:
Jason Kolkey
3 min read

Key Takeaways

  • A dental implant is a metal piece surgically inserted in the jawbone to replace a tooth’s roots.
  • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover dental services unless they are medically necessary as part of another treatment plan.
  • Medicare Advantage plans from private insurance carriers may include additional coverage, but the details vary by plan.

Tooth loss is a common problem for older adults that can cause discomfort and make everyday activities like speaking and chewing difficult. One possible treatment is dental implant surgery, when a specialist installs an artificial post to replace the roots of a missing tooth and caps it with a crown.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B), the public health insurance program for U.S. adults over 65 or certain disabilities, does not cover dental implants or routine dental care. You can only have dental services covered when they are necessary for a specific Medicare-covered treatment, such as an oral exam conducted before surgery.

Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) from private insurance carriers may offer additional benefits, but details vary by plan.

It may be difficult to access coverage for dental implants, so you should be aware of your range of options for oral care.

My Medicare coverage doesn’t address all of my needs.

A drawing of a person selecting an option

Dental Implant Surgery Vs. Dentures and Bridges

Dental implants are different from other options for replacing missing teeth like dentures or a bridge:
  • Dentures are removable appliances that replace some or all of your teeth.
  • A dental bridge is an appliance inserted into the gap in your mouth and cemented to your healthy teeth for support.
After a few months of healing, an implant fuses into your jawbone, becoming more like a natural tooth than either dentures or bridges. Implants won’t slip or make noise like dentures or risk harming the enamel of neighboring teeth like a fixed bridge. Implants are often more expensive and less likely to be covered by insurance than the other options, but they last longer without the need for replacement. An implant may be the best choice for you if you have healthy gum tissue and a thick enough jawbone to support the post.

 Does Medicaid Cover Dental Implants?

Medicaid  is public health insurance for people with low incomes and limited resources. Every state administers its own Medicaid program in cooperation with the federal government, and some offer dental coverage that’s not provided by Original Medicare.

However, no state’s Medicaid program specifically covers dental implants. In cases where Medicaid does provide some dental coverage, this help is typically is directed toward more affordable solutions like dentures.

If you’d like more information about the dental coverage that each state offers for Medicaid beneficiaries, the Center for Health Care Strategies has compiled the details.

Let’s find your ideal Medicare Advantage plan.

A drawing of a person selecting an option

 How Much Are Dental Implants?

The cost of dental implants can vary widely based on many factors, such as the extent of dental work that’s necessary to prepare for the surgery. GoodRx estimated the cost of an implant for a single tooth could range from $3,000 and $7,000 without insurance coverage.

If you have dental insurance, it may help with these costs. However, not all policies will cover implants. Even if you have a policy that includes implants, you may be responsible for a significant portion of your costs. Make sure you clearly understand the costs and your coverage details before making an appointment for dental implant surgery.

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