🦷 What Dental Services Are Not Covered by Original Medicare?

Medicare does not cover the following:

• Routine dental cleanings
• Fillings
• Tooth extractions (unless medically necessary)
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• X-rays for routine checkups

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✅ When Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) may cover dental procedures only when they’re part of a medically necessary service, such as:

• Jaw surgery following an accident
• Tooth extractions needed before certain surgeries (e.g., heart valve or organ transplants)
• Hospital stays due to dental complications

But it still won’t cover the dental work itself — only associated hospital care.

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🦷 How Can You Get Dental Coverage on Medicare?

1. Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

• Many Medicare Advantage plans do include dental benefits.
• Coverage often includes cleanings, exams, X-rays, and sometimes crowns, dentures, or implants.
• Check individual plan details — not all dental coverage is equal.

2. Standalone Dental Insurance

• Private insurers offer plans specifically for dental care.
• Can be combined with Medicare for fuller coverage.

3. Dental Discount Plans

• These are not insurance, but provide reduced rates for dental services at participating dentists.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re relying on Original Medicare, you won’t get dental coverage for most routine care in 2025. To fill that gap, consider a Medicare Advantage plan, a private dental policy, or a discount dental program.