Does Medicare Cover Dental? Dentures & Implants
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. See what dental Medicare covers, including dentures and implants, and how to get it.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental care, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. Cleanings, fillings, and dentures are not covered if you have Original Medicare alone, while a Medicare Advantage plan with a dental benefit can cover them up to an annual limit. Your oral health is a window into your overall health, and it can be expensive to maintain, so here is exactly what Medicare covers, what it does not, and how to get dental coverage.
Does Original Medicare cover dental?
No. If you are on Original Medicare, routine dental is not included: no cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, or implants. Specific hospital or medical treatments that relate to dental services may be covered by Part A or Part B, such as an oral exam before a heart operation or organ transplant, or jaw reconstruction after an accident. Otherwise, Original Medicare will not cover routine dental services, and there is no standalone "Medicare dental plan" you can buy through the program itself.
Does Medicare Advantage cover dental?
Often, yes. To get dental coverage through Medicare, you will likely enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), offered by private insurers, which bundles Parts A and B, usually includes Part D, and adds benefits Original Medicare does not. Not every Advantage plan includes dental, but most do. Coverage generally splits into two levels:
| Dental care | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanings, exams, X-rays (preventive) | Not covered | Often covered at $0 in network |
| Fillings and extractions | Not covered | Often covered, with a copay or coinsurance |
| Crowns, root canals, dentures | Not covered | Covered by some plans, up to an annual limit |
| Dental implants | Not covered | Covered by some plans, up to an annual limit |
According to a report by KFF, 94% of Medicare Advantage enrollees in individual plans have access to some dental coverage, and the majority (86%) have access to a plan with more extensive coverage, while 14% had access to preventive coverage only.
Advantage dental does come with limits, which is why the amount of coverage is one of the biggest things to compare between plans:
- Annual benefit caps (a maximum the plan pays per year)
- Waiting periods before certain services are covered
- Limits on which procedures are covered
- Provider networks you must use for full benefits
How much dental does Medicare Advantage cover?
It depends on the plan. Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) is often covered at $0 in network. Comprehensive work is covered up to an annual maximum that varies widely from plan to plan, after which you pay the full cost. Comparing those annual limits, and confirming your dentist is in network, is the key to picking a plan.
Does Medicare cover dentures?
Original Medicare does not cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dentures under their comprehensive dental benefit, up to the plan's annual limit. If dentures matter to you, check each plan's coverage amount and whether a waiting period applies before major services begin.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Original Medicare does not cover dental implants. A number of Medicare Advantage plans cover implants as a major or comprehensive service, again up to an annual maximum. Implant coverage is less common than coverage for cleanings or fillings, so confirm it plan by plan before you enroll.
How to get dental coverage with Medicare
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with a strong dental benefit. The most common route. Compare the annual maximum and covered services. See our guide to Medicare extra benefits.
- Use a plan's flex card or allowance. Some Advantage plans load a flex card that can go toward dental costs.
- Pair a standalone dental plan with your coverage if your current plan has no dental. It adds a premium but lowers out-of-pocket costs.
- Lower-cost options: dental discount plans, community health centers, and dental schools.
Dental is usually bundled with vision and hearing on Advantage plans. See also whether Medicare covers vision and hearing aids.
Common questions about Medicare and dental
Does Original Medicare cover dental?
No. Parts A and B do not cover routine dental such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, or dentures. Part A covers dental only in rare cases when it is part of a covered hospital procedure.
Does Medicare Advantage cover dental?
Usually yes. Most Medicare Advantage plans include a dental benefit, commonly $0 preventive care plus comprehensive coverage up to an annual limit. It varies by plan and location.
Does Medicare cover dentures?
Not under Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover dentures as part of comprehensive dental, up to the plan's annual maximum.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Original Medicare does not. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover implants as a major service up to an annual limit, though it is less common than coverage for cleanings or fillings.
How much dental does Medicare Advantage cover?
It depends on the plan. Preventive care is often fully covered, while comprehensive work is covered up to an annual maximum that varies from plan to plan. Comparing those limits is key.
Does Medicare cover teeth cleaning?
Not under Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover routine cleanings, often at no cost, as part of their preventive dental benefit.
Want a Medicare Advantage plan with real dental coverage where you live? A licensed Medicare Advocate will compare the dental benefits of the plans in your area, including the annual limits, at no cost. Give us a call.