Oral surgery is a common procedure that can be done to treat a wide variety of dental issues. The two most common procedures are tooth extraction and wisdom tooth removal. While oral surgery can be performed in a dentist’s office, If your dental insurance doesn’t extend to oral surgery, then your dentist might suggest an oral surgeon. But how much do you know about oral surgeons? Let’s see if we can shed some light on this popular dental professional.
Oral Surgery can be performed to treat a wide variety of problems and conditions. Oral Surgery can include wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery and impacted tooth extractions. It is pretty safe to say that your oral surgery will fall under dental insurance but you should double check with your plan’s provider first, as some exclusions apply.
Is Oral Surgery Covered Under Medical Insurance
Oral surgery is a general term for surgery that’s performed inside the mouth. This includes pulling teeth (extractions), placing implants and grafting bone.
If you have a dentist’s referral and the surgery is medically necessary, your insurance may cover it.
The following is a list of common oral surgeries:
Removal of wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last permanent molars that erupt towards the back of your mouth. They’re often removed because they’re impacted, or they come in sideways or at an angle, which can cause problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. Wisdom teeth removal is usually done under local anesthesia, but some dentists can perform this procedure under general anesthesia if you prefer. If your dentist recommends removing wisdom teeth, ask whether he or she has performed this particular procedure many times before and how long it will take to recover.
Dentures or partial dentures. Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth by attaching to remaining healthy teeth or implants with clasps or suction cups. Dentures can be made of resin (plastic) or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM).
Medical insurance covers the majority of oral surgery. However, there are a few situations where your dentist may recommend pulling a tooth instead of doing an extraction in order to save money. For example, if you have dental insurance through your employer and your employer pays for oral surgery, your plan might not cover pulling a tooth. This can be confusing because pulling out the entire tooth is considered an extraction by most insurers.
In addition, some plans have annual maximums for what they will pay for oral surgery procedures. If you go over this amount, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for any additional treatment. Other plans only cover certain procedures or charge patients a co-pay based on their income level.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is any procedure performed on the mouth or jawbone that requires general anesthesia (sleep) or sedation (relaxation). Most dentists are trained in general anesthesia techniques and can perform these procedures in their office setting without having to refer patients to an oral surgeon who specializes in this area of medicine.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Covered by Medical Insurance
Wisdom teeth removal, also known as third molar extraction, is a common dental procedure that many people undergo at some point in their lives. The question of whether this procedure is covered by medical insurance is one that often arises among patients. The answer to this question can vary depending on the individual’s insurance plan and the specific circumstances surrounding the removal of their wisdom teeth.Most medical insurance plans do not typically cover the cost of wisdom teeth removal because it is considered a dental procedure rather than a medical one. Dental insurance is designed to cover the costs of routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, and other preventive services. However, there are some situations in which medical insurance may cover the cost of wisdom teeth removal:
- If the removal of wisdom teeth is deemed medically necessary due to an infection or other serious oral health issue, medical insurance may cover a portion of the cost. If the procedure is performed in a hospital setting rather than a dental office, medical insurance may be more likely to cover the cost. Some medical insurance plans offer coverage for oral surgery procedures, which may include wisdom teeth removal.
It is important for patients to check with their insurance provider to determine what coverage is available for wisdom teeth removal. In some cases, patients may need to obtain pre-authorization from their insurance company before undergoing the procedure in order to ensure that it will be covered.Overall, while medical insurance may not always cover the cost of wisdom teeth removal, there are some situations in which coverage may be available. Patients should carefully review their insurance plan and consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.
Dental Insurance that Covers Oral Surgery Immediately
Oral surgery is a surgical procedure that removes damaged or diseased tissue from the mouth, throat and jaw. It’s also known as oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Oral surgery can be performed to treat problems such as:
- Cancerous or noncancerous tumors
- Lumps in the mouth
- Traumatic injuries that affect the mouth, lips, cheeks and tongue
- Fractures of the jawbone or skull
- An accident or injury, such as a sports injury or a car accident, can result in jaw misalignment (malocclusion).
Oral surgery may include:
Removing wisdom teeth (third molars) — Wisdom teeth are four additional molars located at the back of your mouth. Most people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, but those who have overcrowded jaws may need them removed. A dentist or oral surgeon usually removes wisdom teeth.
The dentist might recommend oral surgery if you need to remove a single or multiple teeth. This may be necessary if you have gum disease, an infection or other problems that make it difficult for your dentist to remove your tooth.
Oral surgery can include:
Removing impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that erupt in your mouth. They can become impacted, which means they don’t break through the gum into their normal position. They can lead to jaw pain, inflammation and decay around them.
Removing wisdom teeth without anesthesia. If you have impacted wisdom teeth that aren’t causing symptoms, you may be able to have them removed without anesthesia. Most insurance plans cover this type of procedure because it’s considered minor surgery and doesn’t require general anesthesia (which makes people sleepy). Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia before removing the tooth or teeth. You may need stitches afterward but probably won’t require any prescription medications or follow-up care except for rinsing out your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day while eating soft foods until the swelling goes down after about two weeks following surgery (until the stitches dissolve).
What Dental Procedures Are Covered by Medical Insurance
Oral surgery is a surgical specialty that deals with the mouth and jaws. It includes removing damaged or decayed teeth in root canal treatment, as well as facial trauma resulting from accidents or birth defects. Oral surgeons may also treat oral cancer, cleft lip, and other facial deformities.
Oral surgeons are dentists with additional training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. They can perform procedures such as:
- Root canal treatment – The dentist removes infected tissue from inside the tooth to prevent further spread of the infection. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed to prevent future infections.
- Crowns – A crown replaces the outer layer of a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its strength, appearance and function. Front teeth that have suffered significant decay or damage frequently need crowns.
- Fixed bridges – A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth by joining crowns on either side of the gap with a false tooth placed between them (the pontic). A fixed bridge maintains your facial structure, prevents shifting of other teeth and provides support for chewing.
- A root canal is a common procedure that removes diseased pulp and bacteria from a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can lead to an abscess (infection) or even death of the nerve tissues.
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning out any debris left in the root canals of your teeth. Your dentist will then fill the root canal(s) with gutta percha (a type of rubber material). Once this is done, a final filling will be placed over the gutta percha to seal off any remaining space within your tooth so that it can’t fill with more infection-causing bacteria.
