Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants in Texas?

Written by: 
Matt Kiggins
Last updated: 
August 7, 2025

No - Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover dental implants or any routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, or extractions.

This comes as a surprise to many people, especially when they’re facing a serious dental need like implants.

Dental implants are often recommended for seniors who have lost teeth and want a permanent, natural-looking solution.

But they come with a high price tag - often $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth, and even more if additional work like bone grafts or multiple implants is required.

If you’re on Medicare in Texas and trying to figure out your options, here’s what you need to know:

  • Original Medicare won’t help with the cost.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage, but it varies widely and often comes with caps and restrictions.
  • Separate dental insurance or discount programs can be worth considering if you’re planning ahead.
  • Other resources like dental schools and community clinics in Texas may offer lower-cost alternatives.

Medicare Coverage for Dental Implants in Texas

If you’re on Medicare in Texas, it’s important to know up front: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover dental implants.

That’s because Medicare considers implants a dental procedure - and routine dental care isn’t part of what Original Medicare pays for.

There are a few rare exceptions. For example, if you need reconstructive jaw surgery after an accident or certain cancer treatments, some parts of the implant process might be considered medically necessary. But this is the exception, not the rule.

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in Texas do include dental benefits that may offer partial coverage for implants - but there are important limitations to keep in mind:

  • Coverage varies by plan and ZIP code. Some plans offer no implant coverage at all, while others might include a small benefit.
  • Implants are often only partially covered. You may still be responsible for thousands of dollars out of pocket.
  • Most plans have an annual dental maximum of $1,000 to $2,000. A single implant often costs more than that, so the benefit may not go very far.

We’ve seen many people assume their plan will cover the full cost - only to be surprised when they get the bill. Understanding these limitations now can help you plan more effectively.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants are one of the most effective - and expensive - ways to replace missing teeth.

In Texas, the average cost for a single implant is between $3,000 and $5,000, and that’s just for one tooth.

If you need full-mouth restoration, such as an All-on-4 implant system, the cost can easily climb to $15,000 to $30,000 or more. That includes the implants themselves, the custom denture or crown that attaches to them, and any prep work your dentist might need to do beforehand.

Here are a few factors that affect the total cost:

  • Number of implants: Replacing multiple teeth gets expensive fast.
  • Type of implant system: Some materials and techniques cost more than others.
  • Additional procedures: Bone grafting, extractions, and imaging all add to the final bill.

We’ve seen many seniors get caught off guard by the price of implants, especially when they assumed Medicare or insurance would help more than it actually does.

If you’re considering implants, it’s important to plan ahead and get a full cost estimate before starting treatment.

What Options Do Seniors Have?

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary in Texas facing the high cost of dental implants, don’t give up hope - there are still ways to make them more affordable.

We’ve worked with plenty of seniors who found solutions that made implants possible, even without full coverage from Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer limited benefits for dental implants.

However, coverage varies widely, and there are a few things to look out for:

  • Annual dental maximums - often only $1,000–$2,000 total
  • Network limitations - some plans require you to use certain dentists
  • Waiting periods or exclusions for major procedures like implants

If you’re considering this route, check the plan details carefully - don’t assume implants are fully covered just because dental is included.

Stand-Alone Dental Insurance

You can also purchase separate dental insurance from companies like Ameritas, NCD, Cigna, or Delta Dental.

Some of these plans include implant coverage, but be prepared for:

  • Waiting periods, often 12 months for major services
  • 50% coinsurance for implants (meaning you’ll still pay half)
  • Annual benefit caps, possibly between $1,500 and $2,000

These plans work best if you know in advance that you’ll need implants and can plan around the waiting period.

Dental Discount Plans

These aren’t insurance, but they can reduce costs significantly.

With a dental discount plan, you pay an annual membership fee and get access to reduced rates from participating providers.

Details include:

  • Discounts typically range from 15%–40%
  • No waiting periods or claims paperwork
  • You pay the discounted rate directly to the dentist

This can be a good option for people who don’t want to wait or don’t qualify for insurance.

Financing and Payment Plans

Many dental offices offer financing directly or through third-party lenders like CareCredit.

These plans let you split the cost over several months - sometimes with low or no interest for qualifying patients.

Bottom Line

Dental implants are a major investment, and Original Medicare doesn’t cover them in most cases. That surprises a lot of people, especially when they’re facing urgent dental needs.

The good news? There are ways to reduce the cost - but you need to know where to look.

Some Medicare Advantage plans in Texas offer limited dental benefits, and stand-alone dental insurance or discount plans can help cover part of the cost. Dental schools and financing options also make implants more accessible for many seniors.

If you think you’ll need implants in the next year or two, now’s the time to start planning.

Compare your Medicare Advantage options carefully, and consider a dental plan that fits your timeline and budget. Being proactive can save you thousands.

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FAQs

Rarely. Part B might cover part of the procedure if it’s tied to a covered medical condition, such as reconstructive jaw surgery after an accident, but not for routine dental implants.

Some Medicare Advantage plans do include limited dental implant benefits, but coverage varies by plan and ZIP code. You’ll usually see caps around $1,000–$2,000 per year, which often doesn’t go far with implant costs.

Plans from Ameritas, NCD, and Cigna often include implant coverage. Look for plans that offer at least 50% coverage after a waiting period and higher annual maximums.

They can be. While not insurance, they offer 15%–40% savings on implant procedures through participating dentists. For some people, especially those who don’t want to wait for insurance to kick in, this is a practical option.

Texas Medicaid offers very limited dental coverage for adults, and implants are rarely included. If you’re dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid), some D-SNP Medicare Advantage plans might offer enhanced dental benefits, so it's worth checking.

Matt Kiggins
Senior Editor
floridainsuranceguide.com

With nearly 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Matt Kiggins is the Senior Editor at Texas Insurance Guide and a seasoned Health & Life Agent licensed in multiple states, including Texas (#1585860). He is also the co-founder of Policy Guide, a respected insurance agency based in Pensacola, FL. Matt has built his career on one simple principle: people deserve clear, honest guidance when making some of life’s most important healthcare decisions.

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Matt Kiggins
Senior Editor
Floridainsuranceguide.com
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