does delta dental cover implants?

Replacing a missing tooth is a significant decision. It affects how you eat, how you smile, and how you feel about yourself. For many people, dental implants represent the gold standard in tooth replacement. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. However, there is one major obstacle that stands between you and a complete smile: the cost.

If you are holding a Delta Dental insurance card, you are probably staring at it right now wondering, “Does Delta Dental cover implants?”

The answer is not a simple yes or no. It is a story of percentages, plan types, waiting periods, and fine print. Unlike a simple filling or a routine cleaning, implants fall into a unique category of insurance coverage. The good news is that Delta Dental is one of the largest and most comprehensive dental insurance providers in the United States, and many of their modern plans do provide coverage for implants. The details, however, matter immensely.

This guide will walk you through every nuance of Delta Dental’s implant coverage. We will explore the differences between PPO and HMO plans, the impact of waiting periods, how to read your Explanation of Benefits (EOB), and clever ways to reduce your out-of-pocket burden. Let’s get into the details.

Understanding the Landscape of Delta Dental Plans

Before we can answer the question “does delta dental cover implants,” we need to clarify something important: Delta Dental is not a single company with a single policy. It operates as a network of 39 independent member companies across the country. This means Delta Dental of California has slightly different policies than Delta Dental of Michigan or Delta Dental of Massachusetts.

More importantly, your employer chooses the specific level of coverage. Two people working at different companies in the same city might both have “Delta Dental,” but one might have full implant coverage while the other has zero coverage.

Most Delta Dental plans fall into two main categories. Understanding which one you have is the first step to knowing your financial responsibility.

1. Delta Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

This is the most common type of plan offered through employers. It provides a broad network of dentists who have agreed to discounted fees.

• Flexibility: You can see any dentist, but you pay less if you stay in-network.

• Implant Stance: Most Delta Dental PPO plans DO cover implants. However, they treat them as a “Major” service.

• Coverage Level: Typically, Delta Dental PPO plans cover implants at 50% of the negotiated fee, up to your annual maximum benefit.

2. DeltaCare USA (HMO/Prepaid)

This is a managed-care plan with a smaller network. You must select a Primary Care Dentist (PCD).

• Cost: Lower premiums and no annual maximums or deductibles on many basic services.

• Implant Stance: DeltaCare USA plans generally DO NOT cover implants. Because these plans focus on the lowest-cost treatment alternative, they will almost always require coverage for a bridge or partial denture instead of an implant. You would have to pay for the implant entirely out of pocket.

Important Note: If you have a government-sponsored plan like Medicaid or Medicare Advantage through Delta Dental, the rules are different. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, but some Delta Dental Medicare Advantage plans now include a limited implant benefit.

The “Major Service” Classification and What It Costs You

Let’s assume you have a Delta Dental PPO plan—the one most likely to offer coverage. When you look at your benefits summary, you will see services grouped into categories:

• Class I: Preventive (Cleanings, Exams, X-rays) – Usually covered at 100%.

• Class II: Basic (Fillings, Simple Extractions) – Usually covered at 70% to 80%.

• Class III: Major (Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants) – Usually covered at 50%.

This 50% figure is where the reality of insurance meets your wallet. It is crucial to understand that insurance coinsurance is based on the allowed amount, not the retail price.

Here is a realistic breakdown of a single-tooth implant procedure with Delta Dental PPO coverage (50% coinsurance) and a standard $1,500 annual maximum.

Wait a minute. You just read that table and thought, “That looks great. Insurance pays half.”

Look again at the last line for Delta’s payment. $1,950. Now look at the Annual Maximum Benefit of your policy. Most Delta Dental PPO plans have a calendar year maximum of $1,500 or $2,000.

Reality Check: Even with 50% coverage, if your annual maximum is $1,500, Delta Dental will only pay $1,500 of that $1,950 benefit. The remaining $450 plus your full coinsurance share shifts back to you.

This is the most common misunderstanding regarding “does delta dental cover implants.” They cover it in part, but the annual cap often limits the financial help for this multi-stage, expensive procedure.

The Waiting Period Hurdle

You just signed up for a new Delta Dental plan through your job. You have a missing tooth that has bothered you for years. Can you schedule the implant surgery next week?

Almost certainly not.

Insurance companies use waiting periods to prevent people from signing up for insurance, getting expensive work done, and then canceling the policy. For Delta Dental PPO plans:

• Waiting Period for Major Services: Usually 12 months.

• Waiting Period for Missing Tooth Clause: This is a separate, stricter rule. If the tooth was missing before your coverage started, the plan will not cover its replacement, period. You cannot get a bridge, partial, or implant to fill a gap that existed before you had the policy.

If you are switching from another insurance provider to Delta Dental, you may qualify for a waiver of waiting periods. You must provide a “Certificate of Creditable Coverage” from your old insurer proving you had continuous coverage for the last 12 months.

The Alternative Benefit Clause: The “Bridge vs. Implant” Rule

This is one of the most frustrating but legal aspects of dental insurance. You want an implant. Your dentist recommends an implant. But the insurance contract includes a clause regarding the Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT) .

Here is how it plays out in real life:

• Your Mouth: Needs a replacement for tooth #19.

• Your Dentist’s Recommendation: Implant ($4,500 allowed fee).

• Delta Dental’s Calculation: A 3-unit bridge is a scientifically accepted alternative to replace tooth #19. The allowed fee for that bridge is $3,000.

• The Result: Even if your plan “covers implants at 50%,” they will only calculate the benefit based on the $3,000 bridge fee ($1,500 payment), not the $4,500 implant fee.

This means you pay the difference between the implant fee and the bridge allowance, plus your 50% coinsurance on the bridge allowance.

This policy is less common on newer, high-premium Delta Dental PPO plans, but it remains standard on many employer plans and nearly all DeltaCare USA HMO plans.

A Deeper Look at Delta Dental Plan Variations

Because “Delta Dental” is a federation of state-based companies and thousands of custom employer contracts, you must look at the specific name of your plan document. Here is a comparative look at how different Delta Dental product lines handle implant coverage.

How to Get a Pre-Treatment Estimate

You should never, under any circumstances, sit in the dental chair for implant surgery without knowing exactly what you will owe. The most powerful tool in your arsenal is the Pre-Treatment Estimate (sometimes called a Predetermination of Benefits).

Here is the process your dental office should follow:

1. Examination: Dentist takes X-rays (Panoramic or CBCT scan) and develops a treatment plan.

2. Submission: The dental office submits the proposed treatment codes (D6010 for Implant Placement, D6057 for Custom Abutment, D6058 for Crown) to Delta Dental electronically.

3. Review: Delta Dental reviews the X-rays, checks for the missing tooth clause, verifies remaining annual maximum, and checks waiting periods.

4. Estimate Return: Within 2-4 weeks, you receive a document showing:

   • The Dentist’s Fee.

   • The Delta Dental Allowed Amount.

   • The Estimated Insurance Payment.

   • The Estimated Patient Responsibility.

Pro Tip: Ask your dentist to send a Narrative. This is a letter from the dentist to the dental consultant at Delta Dental explaining why an implant is medically necessary over a bridge. Reasons like “adjacent teeth are virgin (no fillings)” or “patient has a strong gag reflex for a partial denture” can sometimes override the Least Expensive Alternative Clause.

Strategic Maximization: Using Your Calendar Year Timing

Because an implant takes months to complete—from extraction to bone healing to implant placement to final crown delivery—you can use the calendar to your advantage. This is a strategy savvy patients use to get the most out of their “does delta dental cover implants” question.

Scenario: You need an implant and a crown. Your annual maximum is $1,500.

• Phase 1 (Year 1 – November/December): Have the tooth extracted and the bone graft placed. This is a surgical phase. Delta Dental processes these claims in Year 1, using up a portion of your Year 1 maximum.

• Phase 2 (Year 2 – January/February): The implant fixture is placed. This is another major surgery code. Claims are filed in the new calendar year, giving you a fresh $1,500 maximum to use.

• Phase 3 (Year 2 – Summer/Fall): The abutment and crown are placed. This is the restorative phase. You are still within Year 2 benefits.

Result: You have spread the $3,900 allowed fee across two different benefit years, effectively doubling the amount of money Delta Dental can contribute to the overall case.

Does Delta Dental Cover Full Mouth Implants or All-on-4?

This is an area where the coverage becomes extremely limited. Standard group insurance through an employer is not designed to cover a full mouth reconstruction costing $25,000 to $50,000.

• Standard PPO: Coverage for a single implant is common. Coverage for multiple implants in the same arch is still subject to the annual maximum. If your maximum is $1,500, that is the absolute most Delta will pay per year, regardless of whether you get one implant or ten implants.

• The “Implant Rider”: Some very high-end employer plans offer a specific Implant Rider. This is an add-on to the policy that increases the annual maximum specifically for implants to $5,000 or even $10,000. This is rare but becoming more popular in tech and finance sectors.

Important Warning: Some dental offices market “Teeth in a Day” or “All-on-4” with promises of insurance covering the denture portion (since dentures are covered at 50%). They might bill the implant posts as “non-covered services” and the denture as “covered.” This is legal but can lead to surprise bills if not explained clearly. Ensure you get a breakdown of what is coded as Medical Insurance vs. Dental Insurance.

Delta Dental and Medical Insurance Crossover

This is a lesser-known path to getting implant costs covered. Dental insurance often denies implants or caps them low. Medical insurance, however, has no annual maximum in many cases.

If your tooth loss is due to a medical condition or accident, you might have a case for medical coverage. Consider these scenarios:

• Trauma: You were in a car accident and lost a tooth.

• Cancer: You lost teeth due to radiation treatment.

• Congenital Defect: You were born missing certain permanent teeth (Hypodontia).

In these cases, your oral surgeon should submit the claim to your Medical insurance (e.g., Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna) using Medical CPT codes, not Dental CDT codes. The surgery is viewed as reconstruction of a body part, not just a dental luxury.

Reading the Fine Print: The Schedule of Benefits

Let’s get practical. You have your Delta Dental ID card. You logged into the member portal. You see a 50-page document called the “Evidence of Coverage” or “Summary Plan Description.” Where do you look?

1. Search the PDF: Press Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac).

2. Type: “Implant” or “D6010”.

3. Look for the “Exclusions” Section: This is where they list what they DO NOT pay for. If you see: “Implant placement, implant supported crowns, and implant supported dentures are excluded” — stop reading. You have zero coverage.

4. Look for “Replacement of Missing Teeth”: This is the clause regarding teeth missing prior to coverage.

Quotes from Real Delta Dental Policies (Anonymized):

“Coverage for Implants is limited to the allowance for a standard fixed bridge or removable partial denture.” (This is the LEAT clause we discussed earlier.)

*”Implant Services are covered at the Major Services coinsurance level after a 12-month waiting period.”* (This is the best-case scenario for a PPO member.)

The Cost of Implants Without Insurance (And With Delta PPO)

To give you a clear picture of the value of your Delta Dental coverage—even with the caps and limitations—here is a side-by-side comparison of costs for a single posterior tooth implant in a typical U.S. metropolitan area.

*Note: This assumes you have not yet hit your $1,500 annual maximum. If you have hit the max, the out-of-pocket would be $2,575 (Delta pays only $1,500 total).*

Even in the “worst-case” scenario where the annual maximum caps the benefit, having the Delta Dental PPO contract reduces the retail price by about 20-30% before the insurance check is even written. That network discount alone makes it worth using an in-network dentist.

Common Reasons Delta Dental Denies Implant Claims

It is helpful to know the enemy before you go into battle. If you receive a denial letter, it usually falls into one of these buckets:

1. Missing Tooth Clause: The tooth was gone before you had this insurance. This is the number one reason for denial.

2. Waiting Period Not Met: You have only had the plan for 6 months. You need to wait another 6 months.

3. Frequency Limitation: You already had an implant placed on the same tooth site within the last 5 or 10 years. (Yes, this is a real limitation).

4. Alternative Benefit: They will pay for a bridge, not an implant. You must pay the difference.

5. Not Medically Necessary: The insurance consultant reviews the X-ray and believes a bridge is just as good. This is why the dentist’s narrative letter is so important.

What About Delta Dental for Seniors?

Many retirees lose employer dental coverage and turn to individual plans through Delta Dental directly or through AARP (which is administered by Delta Dental). These plans have different rules.

• AARP Delta Dental Plans: These plans often have lower annual maximums (around $1,000 to $1,500) and longer waiting periods for implants (often 12 months, strictly enforced). However, they almost always cover implants at 50% once you pass the waiting period.

• Medicare Advantage PPO (Delta Dental): If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Delta Dental, look for a line item called “Comprehensive Dental.” Many 2025/2026 plans now include a $1,000 – $2,000 allowance for implants. This is a massive shift from just a few years ago. This is still a cap, not full coverage, but it is significant help for a fixed income.

Smart Alternatives and Financial Hacks

If you discover your Delta Dental plan has an exclusion for implants or a very low annual maximum, you are not out of options. Here are several strategies used by patients every day.

1. The Dental Savings Plan
This is not insurance. It is a discount card or membership plan offered directly by the dental office. You pay an annual fee (e.g., $300/year) and receive 15-30% off all procedures, including implants. This often works out better than paying high premiums for a dental HMO that excludes implants anyway.

2. Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Even if insurance pays nothing, you can pay for the entire implant procedure with pre-tax dollars using your HSA or FSA. This effectively gives you a 20-30% discount depending on your tax bracket. Use your Delta Dental card for the exam to get the X-ray and diagnosis, then pay cash/HSA for the surgery.

3. Dental School Clinics
If you live near a university with a dental school, the implant department offers care at roughly 40-60% off private practice fees. The care is supervised by experienced faculty periodontists and prosthodontists. The trade-off is time. Appointments take much longer.

4. Out-of-Network Dentist Strategy
Some patients find a dentist who does not accept Delta Dental PPO but charges fees lower than the Delta Dental allowed amount. In that case, you can submit the claim yourself to Delta Dental. They will reimburse you directly for 50% of the procedure cost. This works best in rural areas where cash fees are lower than corporate PPO fee schedules.

The Future of Implant Coverage with Delta Dental

The dental industry is slowly recognizing that implants are not just a cosmetic luxury; they preserve jawbone and prevent the collapse of the bite that occurs with traditional dentures. Consequently, insurance carriers are adjusting.

Over the last five years, we have seen a trend where “Implant Coverage” is shifting from being a rider (add-on) to being a standard benefit in many mid-tier PPO plans. However, the annual maximum—which has been stuck at $1,500 for nearly four decades—has not kept up with inflation.

If you are in open enrollment this year and know you need an implant in the next 24 months, do not just look at the premium cost. Look for these keywords in the plan summary:

• “Implant Coverage: Yes”

• “Annual Maximum: $2,500 or Higher”

• “Waiting Period Waived for Major Services”

Navigating Delta Dental of Specific States

Because of the independent member company structure, it is worth noting the subtle differences in coverage philosophy across different regions.

Delta Dental of California
This is the largest member company. They are aggressive in covering implants for their PPO and Premier plans. They have a robust pre-authorization system and are generally quick to approve standard implant cases (single tooth). However, they are strict on the Missing Tooth Clause.

Delta Dental of Michigan / Ohio / Indiana
These plans often feature a “Base Plan” and a “Buy-Up Plan.” The Base Plan excludes implants entirely. The Buy-Up Plan covers them. You must elect the higher tier during enrollment.

Delta Dental of Washington
One of the most progressive in terms of implant coverage. They have specific clinical policies that support single-tooth implants over three-unit bridges because it saves the adjacent teeth from being drilled down. This state is more likely to approve an implant even if the bridge is the cheaper alternative.

Delta Dental of Massachusetts
Similar to Washington, they emphasize evidence-based care. However, they also have a strong presence in the HMO market (DeltaCare), which still does not cover implants.

The Step-by-Step Checklist for Delta Dental Implant Patients

Let’s summarize the actionable steps. If you want to find out if “does delta dental cover implants” for your specific mouth and plan, follow this checklist in order:

1. Find Your Group Number: It’s on your ID card. This tells the dentist exactly which employer contract applies.

2. Log into the Member Portal: Go to deltadental.com and find your state.

3. Check the “Eligibility” Tab: Look for a green checkmark next to “Major Services.” If it’s grayed out or red, you have a waiting period.

4. View “Remaining Benefits”: How much of the $1,500 (or $2,000) annual maximum is left this year?

5. Read the “Exclusions and Limitations” PDF: Search for the word “Implant.” Read that section carefully.

6. Schedule with an In-Network Provider: Use the “Find a Dentist” tool and filter by “Specialty: Implantology” or “Prosthodontics.”

7. Request a Pre-Treatment Estimate: Do not skip this step. Ever.

8. Review the EOB: Compare the estimate to the actual Explanation of Benefits you get after the procedure.

9. Appeal if Denied: If you get a denial for “Missing Tooth Clause” but you know you had prior coverage, file an appeal with your Certificate of Creditable Coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delta Dental PPO cover implants for cosmetic reasons?
No. Insurance only covers procedures that are “medically necessary” to restore function (chewing) or health. If you are replacing a healthy front tooth just because you don’t like the shape, it will be denied.

My Delta Dental says “50% coverage.” Why did I get a bill for more than half?
Two reasons: First, the Annual Maximum cap. If your max is $1,500 and the implant cost is $5,000, 50% is $2,500, but they stop paying at $1,500. Second, the Least Expensive Alternative Treatment clause.

Does Delta Dental cover the removal of a failed implant?
This is complicated. If the implant fails due to infection or failure to integrate with the bone, surgical removal is usually covered as a basic service (oral surgery). However, replacement of that failed implant is subject to a new waiting period and frequency limitation (often 5 years).

Can I use my spouse’s Delta Dental to cover the portion mine didn’t pay?
Yes. This is called Coordination of Benefits (COB) . You can be covered under two Delta Dental plans. The primary plan pays its share. The secondary plan reviews the remaining balance and may pay up to its own plan limits, often covering a significant portion of the leftover coinsurance. You must inform both insurers of each other.

Is a bone graft covered under Delta Dental when I get an implant?
Yes, usually. Bone grafting (D4263, D4265) is considered a surgical service separate from the implant. It is typically covered at the same 50% coinsurance rate as the implant, but it counts against the same annual maximum.

Additional Resource

For the most accurate, personalized information regarding your specific plan and the latest policy updates, visit the official consumer portal:

Delta Dental Member Portal – Find Your Plan Details

Note: Always verify coverage with your specific state member company. Benefit information changes annually.

Conclusion

Delta Dental does cover implants in most PPO plans, but rarely at a true 50% due to annual maximum caps and alternative benefit clauses. Success requires checking your plan details, using in-network providers, and strategically timing treatment across calendar years. While coverage is partial, the network discount alone makes using Delta Dental financially advantageous over paying cash.

In-Depth FAQ: Unpacking the Nuances of Delta Dental Implant Coverage

1. Does Delta Dental cover the implant crown (the tooth part) and the post separately?
Yes. Dental coding separates the surgical placement of the implant (D6010) from the restoration (crown – D6058) and the connector (abutment – D6057). All three are considered “Major” services. If your plan covers implants at 50%, it covers all three pieces at 50%, subject to the annual maximum. This is important because the crown phase often happens months after the surgery.

2. What if I need a sinus lift or ridge augmentation? Are those covered?
These are advanced bone grafting procedures necessary when there is insufficient bone height or width to place an implant. They are covered under Delta Dental PPO plans as a “Periodontal Surgery” or “Oral Surgery” benefit. Coverage is typically 50%, but these procedures are expensive (often $1,500 to $4,000 for the graft alone). Due to the annual maximum cap, patients often pay most of the graft cost out of pocket while insurance covers a portion of the implant fixture.

3. My dentist says I need a CBCT scan (3D X-ray). Does Delta Dental pay for that?
The answer depends on the specific state policy and the dentist’s narrative. A standard Panoramic X-ray (D0330) is covered at 100% once every 3-5 years. A Cone Beam CT scan (D0367) is frequently not a covered benefit or is subject to a strict frequency limitation. Many Delta Dental plans consider it “investigational” for routine implant placement, even though it is the standard of care. Expect to pay between $150 and $350 out of pocket for this essential diagnostic tool.

4. Can I get an implant covered if I grind my teeth (bruxism)?
Yes, but it might affect the type of crown they will pay for. If you grind your teeth, you likely need a stronger material like Zirconia or Porcelain Fused to High Noble Metal (Gold). Delta Dental’s allowed amount is based on a “Base Metal” crown (the cheapest option). You can upgrade to a stronger material, but you will pay the lab fee difference between the base metal allowance and the premium material cost. This is called a “Patient Upgrade.”

5. I have DeltaCare USA (HMO). I know implants aren’t covered. Can I at least get the discount on them?
Unfortunately, no. The DeltaCare USA fee schedule has a specific copay amount for every covered procedure. For non-covered procedures (like implants), the dentist is not bound by any contract fee. They can charge you their full “Usual and Customary Rate.” There is no discount simply for being a member of the HMO for non-covered services.

6. My implant was placed years ago, and the crown broke. Will Delta Dental cover a new crown?
Yes, this is the good news. While the surgical implant fixture (the post in the bone) is subject to a “once per lifetime” or “once every 10 years” limitation, the implant crown (the tooth part on top) is subject to the Crown Replacement Limitation. This is usually once every 5 to 7 years. If the crown is old and broken, and you still have active Delta Dental coverage, they will likely cover the replacement crown at the standard 50% Major Services rate.

7. Is there a difference in coverage between a single implant and an implant-supported bridge?
Yes. An implant-supported bridge (replacing three teeth with two implants) is coded differently. The implants themselves are still D6010. But the bridge is coded as D6065-D6077. Delta Dental calculates the benefit based on the number of teeth being replaced. They will typically allow the fee for a standard 3-unit bridge, even if it is supported by implants. The coverage is still 50%, but the allowed fee is higher because it’s a larger restoration.

8. My employer offers “Delta Dental PPO” and “Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier.” What is the difference for implants?
PPO Only: You get the best rates (lowest out-of-pocket) but only with PPO dentists.
PPO Plus Premier: You can see a Premier dentist. Premier dentists have agreed to a fee schedule that is slightly higher than PPO but still discounted from retail. For implants, this is a massive benefit. Many top-tier oral surgeons and prosthodontists are Premier providers but NOT PPO providers. If you have the “Plus Premier” option, you can see the very best specialist in town and still get 50% coverage based on the Premier allowed fee.

9. Does Delta Dental cover Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are an extreme, complex alternative to bone grafting for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss. Coverage is almost universally denied. This is considered a specialized, non-routine procedure. The only potential avenue for coverage is through Medical Insurance (not dental) due to the severity of the atrophy and the involvement of the cheekbone (zygoma).

10. I lost my tooth due to a failed root canal. Does Delta Dental cover the implant to replace it?
Yes, this is a very common scenario and a straightforward approval for Delta Dental. The tooth was present when you were covered. A failed root canal is a medical necessity for extraction. Once extracted, the space is eligible for replacement. As long as you have met the waiting period for Major services, this is a “clean” claim with a high probability of approval.

11. My child was born without an adult tooth (congenitally missing). Will Delta Dental cover an implant for them?
This is a long-term plan. Delta Dental will not cover an implant for a minor whose jaw is still growing. They will cover a space maintainer or a temporary partial denture (flipper) until growth is complete (usually late teens/early 20s). Once growth stops, the implant placement is covered at the standard Major rate, provided the plan is still active and there is no specific “congenital exclusion.” Some plans have a clause excluding coverage for “replacement of teeth that never developed.” Check your policy wording carefully for the word “Hypodontia.”

12. If I hit my annual maximum of $1,500 on the implant surgery, can I use my medical insurance for the crown?
No. The restoration of a dental implant (the crown) is almost exclusively a dental insurance benefit. Medical insurance covers the surgical placement of the fixture (D6010) only if there is a medical trauma or pathology reason. A crown is considered a dental prosthetic.

13. Does Delta Dental of [My State] have a specific “Implant Allowance” that stacks with the annual max?
This is a new feature in some premium 2025/2026 plans. Look for a line item called “Implant Allowance” or “Implant Benefit Maximum.” Some plans now offer a separate $500 or $1,000 allowance just for implants that does not reduce the standard $1,500 annual maximum for other crowns and fillings. This is the holy grail of dental insurance and worth looking for during open enrollment.

14. What is the Delta Dental Code D6190?
D6190 is the code for a “Radiographic/Surgical Implant Index.” This is a guide or stent used during surgery to place the implant in the exact perfect position. Many Delta Dental plans consider this inclusive to the surgical placement (D6010). That means you cannot bill for it separately; it’s part of the surgery fee. If a dentist tries to bill this to you as a separate charge, verify with Delta Dental that it is a legitimate separate benefit before paying.

15. I have a Dental Discount Plan through Delta Dental (not insurance). How does that work for implants?
Delta Dental Patient Direct is a discount plan. You pay an annual fee and get access to a fee schedule with reduced rates. This is not insurance. There is no reimbursement. You simply pay the discounted fee at the time of service. For an implant, this might be a 15-25% savings off the dentist’s standard fee. It is a good option for those who cannot get PPO insurance or have maxed out their benefits.