Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically does not cover routine dental care or most dental procedures. Coverage is usually limited to dental services that are an integral part of another covered procedure (e.g., jaw reconstruction after an accident).

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) often includes additional dental benefits, which can cover preventive, basic, and sometimes major dental procedures. Coverage details vary by plan.

What procedures get covered depends in large part on what kind of coverage you have and your specific circumstances. In general, Medicare Advantage Plans can cover

– Preventative Care

– Restorative care

– Periodontal care

– Extractions

– Dentures

– Oral surgery

– Diagnostic services

– Endodontic care

– Limited Types of Cosmetic procedures.

Details about each are listed below.

Medicare Advantage Plans can provide full or limited coverage to the following:

1. Routine Exams and Cleanings:
   • Dental Exams: Regular check-ups to assess oral health.
   • Teeth Cleanings: Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
2. X-Rays:
   • Bitewing X-Rays: Commonly used to detect cavities between teeth.
   • Panoramic X-Rays: Provide a broad view of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures.

Medicare Advantage Plans can provide full or limited coverage to the following:

1. Fillings:
   • Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings used to repair cavities.
   • Amalgam Fillings: Silver-colored fillings used for back teeth.
2. Crowns and Bridges:
   • Dental Crowns: Caps placed over damaged teeth to restore shape and function.
   • Bridges: Used to replace missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.

Medicare Advantage Plans can provide full or limited coverage to the following:

1. Scaling and Root Planing:

• • Deep Cleaning: Treatment for gum disease involving the removal of plaque and tartar from below the gumline.

2. Tooth Extractions:

• • Simple Extractions: Removal of teeth that are visible and easily accessible.
  • Surgical Extractions: Removal of teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted teeth.

The cost of dentures and coverage will depend on individual circumstances. Medicare Advantage Plans can cover certain types of full and partial dentures.

Full and Partial Dentures:

• • Complete Dentures: Replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
  • Partial Dentures: Replace several missing teeth and are anchored to existing teeth.

Medicare Advantage Plans can cover certain oral surgeries depending on individual circumstances. This includes biopsies and minor surgeries.

Biopsies and Other Minor Surgeries:

• • Biopsies: Removal of tissue for testing to diagnose oral diseases.
  • Minor Surgeries: Includes procedures like the removal of small growths or lesions.

Medicare Advantage Plans can cover diagnostic services including oral cancer screenings.

Oral Cancer Screenings: Check for signs of oral cancer, especially important for older adults.

Medicare Advantage Plans can cover endodontic care including root canals.

Endodontic Therapy: Treatment for infected or damaged tooth pulp, saving the tooth from extraction.

Medicare Advantage Plans offers limited coverage for some basic cosmetic procedures.

Basic Cosmetic Procedures: Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited coverage for cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding.