Insurance coverage for dental implants is the number one question patients ask when they call Modern Day Smiles in St. Petersburg. We hear it multiple times a day: "Does my insurance cover dental implants?"



The honest answer is that it depends on your plan. But we can help you figure it out before you commit to anything. Here is what St. Petersburg patients need to know about insurance and dental implants in Florida.

Traditional dental insurance was designed for preventive care like cleanings, fillings, and basic extractions. Dental implants were not part of the equation when most plans were written. That said, coverage has been improving in recent years, and many plans now offer partial benefits for implant procedures.

Here is a general breakdown of what you can expect:



• Some plans cover the surgical placement of the implant (the titanium post) but not the prosthesis (the teeth attached to it)
• Some plans cover the crown or prosthesis but not the surgical component
• Some plans cover extractions and bone grafting that are part of the implant process, even if they do not cover the implant itself
• Annual maximums on dental insurance typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, which will not cover the full cost but can offset a portion

Every plan is different, which is why verifying your specific benefits is so important.

Based on the calls and consultations we handle at our St. Petersburg office, these are the plans patients ask about most frequently.

Medicare

Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover dental implants. Medicare was not designed to include dental care, and implants fall outside its scope. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do include dental benefits that may partially cover implants. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether it includes major dental services.

Florida Blue

Florida Blue offers several dental plans with varying levels of coverage. Some of their more comprehensive plans include benefits for major restorative procedures, which can apply to portions of implant treatment. Coverage amounts and waiting periods vary by plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS plans in Florida vary widely depending on whether you have an employer-sponsored plan or an individual plan. Some BCBS PPO plans offer implant coverage under major services, typically at 50% after the deductible, subject to the annual maximum.

United Healthcare

United Healthcare dental plans range from basic preventive-only coverage to more comprehensive options that include implant benefits. Their higher-tier plans sometimes cover implant placement and the associated prosthesis, though annual maximums still apply.

Solstice

Solstice is a popular dental plan in the Tampa Bay area. Coverage for implants under Solstice plans varies, but some of their PPO options do include benefits for implant-related procedures. We see a number of patients with Solstice coverage at our St. Petersburg location.

Even when a plan includes some implant benefits, there are common exclusions to be aware of:

• Cosmetic considerations — If the procedure is classified as cosmetic rather than medically necessary, coverage may be denied
• Full Arch procedures — Many plans that cover single implants do not extend the same coverage to full arch (All-on-4) treatment
• Pre-existing conditions — Some plans exclude coverage for teeth that were missing before the policy started
• Waiting periods — Many plans require 12 to 24 months of enrollment before major services are covered

Here is something many patients do not realize: your medical insurance (not dental) may cover certain parts of implant treatment. If tooth loss is related to an accident, trauma, or a medical condition, the surgical component of implant placement may qualify under medical benefits.



This is especially relevant for patients in St. Petersburg who have experienced tooth loss due to injury or disease. It is worth checking both your dental and medical policies.

The reality is that most Full Arch dental implant patients at our St. Petersburg office use a combination of whatever insurance benefits apply and financing to cover the remaining balance.

At Modern Day Smiles, our Full Arch pricing starts at as low as $12,995 per arch (PMMA) and $14,995 per arch (Zirconia), with everything included. We offer third-party financing with monthly payments starting as low as $216 to $250 per month, making the procedure accessible regardless of your insurance situation.

At Modern Day Smiles in St. Petersburg, we do not leave you to figure out insurance on your own. Here is how we help:

1. We verify your benefits — Bring your insurance card to your consultation and our team will check your specific plan for applicable coverage
2. We submit claims on your behalf — For covered services, we handle the paperwork
3. We maximize your benefits — Our team knows how to structure treatment to capture every dollar your plan allows
4. We present all your options — Whether insurance covers a portion or nothing at all, we will show you exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be

The only way to know exactly what your insurance covers for dental implants in Florida is to check your specific plan. General information online (including this article) can point you in the right direction, but your benefits are unique to your policy.

We encourage St. Petersburg and Pinellas County patients to call us and let our team verify your coverage. There is no charge and no obligation. We would rather you have clear answers before making any decisions

Call Modern Day Smiles St. Petersburg at (727) 347-8888 to verify your insurance benefits, or visit us at 2699 1st Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. We are happy to help you understand your options.

*Prices shown are starting rates. IV sedation is available for an additional cost. Pterygoid and zygomatic implants, when required, are subject to additional fees. Final pricing is determined after consultation and treatment planning*