Do You Need Dental Implants Insurance? Discover Affordable Options Without the Stress

Do You Really Need Dental Implant Insurance?

When you’re considering dental implants, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I need insurance to cover this?”

And we get it. Figuring out if dental implants insurance coverage is necessary is puzzling and complex. You’re not alone if you feel confused or frustrated.

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we hear this every day from patients across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and beyond. That’s why we want to give you some honest insight into how insurance works when it comes to implants, and what your best options really are.

Frustrated patient reviewing dental insurance documents for implant coverage
Dental insurance coverage is confusing and frustrating, especially when it comes to dental implants

The Truth About Dental Implants Coverage

Dental insurance already comes with a tangle of limitations, but implants? They’re on a whole different level. Here’s why:

  • Many insurance plans don’t cover implants at all, listing them as “elective” or “cosmetic” (despite being the gold standard for replacing missing teeth).
  • There are tricky exclusions like the “missing tooth clause,” which means if the tooth was missing before your coverage began, they might not pay anything
  • Even if your plan offers some dental implants insurance coverage, it’s often limited to the annual max your employer has determined, which is usually about $1,500. That doesn’t stretch far when implants are involved.
  • Sometimes, coverage can be split across two calendar years, if your treatment timing works out, but this isn’t always practical or ideal.

The bottom line? If you let insurance be your guide, you will find yourself at the mercy of insurance companies, and unfortunately, their rules don’t always align with what’s best for your health.

Read on to find out if there is an alternative to dental insurance that may be a better solution for you.

What Patients Often Overlook

Here at Alpers Dentistry, our philosophy is simple: we never let insurance limitations dictate your care.

Scottsdale dentist discussing dental implant options with a patient
Dr. Alpers with a patient at their dental implant consultation
“Most of our patients don’t choose us because of what insurance will pay. They choose us because of how we care for them… and because they want it done right the first time.” – Dr. Kris Alpers

Dental implants are an investment in your long-term health and confidence. If placed and restored properly by a trusted expert like Dr. Alpers, who mentors other dentists in implantology, your implants can last decades, even a lifetime.

What patients often don't realize is that when you try to make your needed treatment fit within your insurance limitations, it comes with risk. Cutting corners or delaying care just to fit within an insurance allowance often leads to more cost and complications later. That’s why we act as your advocate and always put your health and results first.

With that said, how do you make you dental implants fit your budget? Rest assured, we've got you covered. Let's walk through alternative options you have.

We Make Dental Implants Cost Effective, With or Without Insurance

If you already have a dental insurance plan, we’re happy to look into it and see if any portion of your implant treatment is eligible for coverage. But as we've outlined above, patients shouldn't count on their plan to cover much, if any, of the procedure.

If you don’t have insurance (or your plan doesn’t offer sufficient dental implants insurance coverage, or any at all), you still have great alternatives and options at our office:

Our Membership Plan and Dental Implant Discount

For just $39/month, you get:

▪️ Cleanings, exams, and X-rays included

▪️ No deductibles, no denials, no waiting periods

▪️ 10% off all treatments, including dental implants

▪️ Transparent, predictable savings

This in-house membership plan is a perfect alternative for patients with no insurance or those frustrated by their current plan.

Payment Plans That Work For Dental Implants

We offer a variety of flexible financing options designed to fit your budget and lifestyle. Whether you prefer short-term, interest-free plans or extended payment schedules with low monthly installments, our team will work with you to find a solution that makes sense.

There’s no need to wait on confusing insurance approvals or settle for less than the care you deserve. With our in-house financing and trusted third-party lenders, you can move forward with implant treatment confidently, comfortably, and without financial stress. Your smile is worth it, and we’re here to help make it possible.

Don’t Let Insurance Pick Your Dentist. Here’s What We Recommend

If you're thinking about implants, our best advice is this:

✔️ Choose your provider based on trust and expertise, not insurance coverage.
✔️ Have a consultation with Dr. Alpers to explore your treatment options.
✔️ Let us help you understand your benefits, but don’t let them limit your care.

Why Patients Choose Us for Dental Implants

At Alpers Dentistry, patients choose us for implants because they know they’re in expert hands. Led by Dr. Kristopher Alpers, an award-winning implant specialist who mentors other dentists nationwide, we bring years of focused experience and a track record of success to every case.

Our Scottsdale patient who chose a full mouth of dental implants

Our high patient satisfaction rate reflects not just beautiful results, but also the confidence and comfort people feel throughout their journey with us. Our patients also consistently comment that they appreciate how transparent we are when it comes to costs of treatment.

We’ve invested in the latest dental technology, including 3D imaging and guided implant systems, to ensure your procedure is faster, safer, and more precise. From consultation to final restoration, we’re committed to delivering exceptional care that lasts.

Book a Consultation and Get Clear Answers

We’re here to make this process as clear and comfortable as possible. Whether you want to verify your insurance, explore our membership plan, or just get honest answers about dental implants, let’s talk.

📍 Visit us in Scottsdale, AZ | Call us at (480) 998-3355 or book your consultation online

Want to learn more about insurance-free dental care options? Check out our article on dental insurance alternatives and our membership plan page.

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, your care comes first, always. Let’s create a smile that lasts a lifetime, with or without insurance holding you back.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get dental implants covered by insurance?
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As described above, getting dental implants covered by insurance can be tricky. Many plans exclude them altogether or apply frustrating limitations. Some patients have partial success if the procedure is considered medically necessary (like in cases of bone loss, trauma, or infection). Coverage may also be possible if the implant is needed to support a denture or bridge (read more about dentures and bridges here).

At Alpers Dentistry, we will verify your insurance benefits as a courtesy before treatment and help you navigate any coverage options. However, we also encourage patients to make care decisions based on their long-term health, not just what insurance may or may not cover.

What insurance covers dental implants?
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Some higher-tier PPO dental plans may offer partial dental implants insurance coverage, but usually with low annual limits (like $1,000–$1,500), waiting periods, and exclusions such as the “missing tooth clause.”

Since every policy is different, we’ll help you review your specific benefits and estimate your patient portion. Many of our patients find that our membership plan or flexible payment options are a better long-term solution.

Does dental insurance cover implants?
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In many cases, no. Standard dental insurance plans often classify implants as “elective” or “not medically necessary,” even though they’re the most advanced and reliable option for replacing missing teeth. If your plan does offer some coverage, it’s typically limited and may not include all steps of the procedure (such as extractions, bone grafting, or crowns).

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re transparent about costs and help patients understand exactly what their insurance will (and won’t) cover.

How do I get dental implants covered by medical insurance?
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In 99% of cases, medical insurance does not cover dental implants. Most patients turn to dental benefits, payment plans, or our $39/month membership plan instead.

Which insurance is best for dental implants?
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It is difficult to say which dental insurance is best for dental implants, because it varies widely and also depends on individual circumstances. Most often, insurance helps with related procedures, like extractions or dentures, but not the implant itself. And when coverage is available, it's usually subject to annual maximums, exclusions, and timing issues.

We recommend coming in for a personalized consultation, where we’ll review your benefits, outline costs, and explore all your options so you can make the best choice for your health and budget.

How much does most dental insurance pay for implants?
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It depends on your plan. While some premium dental insurance plans do offer partial coverage for implants, many do not. Even when implants are included, insurance often covers only a portion of the full treatment cost, which may include surgery, abutments, and crowns.

Our team at Alpers Dentistry takes the guesswork out of the process by reviewing your plan and explaining everything clearly. And if your insurance doesn’t offer enough support, we’ve got affordable alternatives that don’t compromise on quality.

Does Medicare cover dental implants?
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Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover dental implants or most routine dental care. That can be a surprise, and a frustrating one, especially for seniors hoping to restore their smile and quality of life.

However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do offer limited dental benefits, and a few may include partial coverage for dental implants. These benefits vary widely depending on the insurer and plan, and coverage usually comes with caps, waiting periods, or restrictions.

How much do dental implants cost?
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The cost of dental implants varies depending on your needs, the number of implants, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required. A single dental implant can range from $5,000 to $6,000. To learn more on the cost of dental implants, visit our article here.

We know that’s a big investment, which is why we focus on long-term value, precision, and quality, so your implants last for decades. We also offer financing and savings options to make it manageable.

How do I get dental implants when I can’t afford them?
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You're not alone. Many people worry that dental implants are financially out of reach. The good news? You have options, and we’re here to help you find the one that works best for your budget and your health.

  • A $39/month membership plan that gives you discounts on all treatment, including dental implants
  • Flexible financing so you can pay over time
  • Honest, transparent pricing with no surprise fees

Our goal is to make quality care accessible without compromising on results. You deserve a healthy, confident smile, and we’ll work with you to make it possible.

Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?
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Yes, depending on your needs, there are several more affordable alternatives to full dental implants:

  • Dentures (complete or partial)
  • Dental bridges
  • Implant-supported dentures (fewer implants than a full set)

While implants are often the longest-lasting and most natural-feeling solution, we’ll walk you through all your options and help you choose what fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget. You can also read more about the pros and cons of each option here.

How do people afford dental implants?
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Many of our patients pay for dental implants using a combination of:

  • Dental insurance benefits (if available)
  • Payment plans we offer in-office
  • Financing (like Cherry or Sunbit)
  • Our in-house membership plan for discounted treatment
  • Savings or HSA/FSA funds

Because implants are a long-term investment in your health, confidence, and ability to eat and speak comfortably, many patients find that they’re worth prioritizing financially, and we’re here to make it as stress-free as possible.

Ready to schedule an appointment?

We look forward to meeting you! To schedule, call or text or book online.

Old Town Scottsdale city landscape

Locations We Serve

Our Scottsdale dental office serves the following areas:

Scottsdale

Paradise Valley

Fountain Hills

Phoenix

Tempe

We also serve these specific communities in Scottsdale AZ:

  • Old Town Scottsdale
  • Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • Camelback Country Estates
  • Mountain Shadows
  • Arcadia
  • Arcadia Lite
  • Biltmore Area
  • Papago Parkway
  • Central Scottsdale
  • Gainey Ranch
  • McCormmick Ranch
  • Kierland Commons
  • Sweetwater Ranch
  • Scottsdale Ranch
  • Cactus Corridor
  • McDowell Mountain Ranch