Quick Answer
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, or dentures. However, Medicare will cover dental services that are medically necessary for another covered procedure, such as jaw reconstruction after an accident. Medicare Advantage plans frequently include dental benefits.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Parts A & B) | Not Covered (routine) | Only covers dental when medically necessary for another procedure |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Varies by Plan | Many plans include dental benefits; check your plan's Summary of Benefits |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Not Covered | Medigap only supplements Original Medicare - no dental coverage |
| Stand-Alone Dental Plan | Covered | Available separately from carriers like Cigna, Aetna, and Manhattan Life |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Parts a & B)
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. Medicare Part A and Part B will only cover dental services if they are required for another medical procedure and a physician deems them medically necessary. For example, Medicare would cover tooth extractions as part of reconstructive jaw surgery after an accident, or dental work required before a covered cardiac or organ transplant procedure.
According to KFF.org, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide lack dental coverage. The services Original Medicare does not cover include: oral surgery, dentures, dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, oral exams, teeth cleaning, orthodontics, invisible aligners, root canal treatment, and abscess tooth treatment.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental insurance, and others don't. Dental benefits vary from plan to plan - some cover only standard preventive services like cleanings and X-rays, while others cover a wider range of procedures including fillings, extractions, and even dentures.
Every Medicare Advantage plan offers an outline of coverage on Medicare.gov. Review your plan's Summary of Benefits before scheduling dental care to confirm what's covered and where those benefits are accepted.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans only pay secondary to Original Medicare. Because Original Medicare does not cover routine dental services, neither does your Medigap plan. However, if you have a Medigap plan, you can purchase a stand-alone dental plan alongside it.
Popular carriers for stand-alone dental plans include Cigna, Manhattan Life, Aetna, and National General. These plans often bundle with vision and hearing coverage as well, since Original Medicare also does not cover hearing aids or routine vision care.
Dental Services: Medicare Coverage & Your Costs
| Service | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | Stand-Alone Dental Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine Cleaning | Not covered | Often $0 (preventive) | Often $0–$20 copay |
| Dental X-Rays | Not covered | Often covered | Usually covered |
| Fillings | Not covered | Varies by plan | Typically 50–80% covered |
| Tooth Extraction (routine) | Not covered | Varies by plan | Typically 50–80% covered |
| Dentures | Not covered | Some plans cover | Varies by plan |
| Dental Implants | Not covered | Rarely covered | Rarely covered |
| Medically Necessary Dental (e.g., jaw surgery) | Covered under Part A/B | Covered | N/A |
✦ When Does Medicare Cover Dental Services?
Medically Necessary Dental before a Covered Procedure
Medicare may cover dental work required before a covered procedure, such as tooth extractions before cardiac surgery or organ transplantation, when a physician determines it is medically necessary.
Dental Care Related to an Emergency or Accident
Medicare Part A covers dental treatment related to an emergency, such as jaw reconstruction after an accident or treatment for jaw cancer. The dental work must be directly connected to the covered medical condition.
Inpatient Dental Care
If you require hospitalization for a dental procedure due to a serious underlying health condition, Medicare Part A may cover the hospital stay, though not the dental procedure itself.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent dedicated to helping those eligible for Medicare find the best coverage options.