When people first enroll in Medicare, one of the most common surprises is this: Original Medicare does not cover most dental care. Cleanings, fillings, dentures — none of that is included. For something so essential to health and quality of life, this often leads to confusion and frustration.



At MediHealth Options, we help people understand what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, and how to find the right dental coverage through Medicare Advantage plans, supplemental insurance, or other options. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dental coverage under Medicare — what’s included, what’s not, and how to make sure you’re protected.

Let’s break it down clearly and simply.

What Does Original Medicare Cover (and Not Cover) for Dental?

To start, it's important to know what Original Medicare — that’s Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) — actually includes.

Here’s the short answer: Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care.

That means:

• No coverage for cleanings
• No fillings, extractions, or root canals
• No dentures or implants
• No routine X-rays or oral exams

What Does It Cover?

Original Medicare will only cover dental care if it is medically necessary as part of another covered service. For example:

• If you need dental work in preparation for jaw surgery that’s covered under Part A.
• If a tooth extraction is necessary before radiation treatment for cancer in the jaw area.
• If you receive treatment for a jaw fracture that happens to involve dental surgery.

But those cases are rare. For everyday dental care, you’ll need additional coverage.

That’s why MediHealth Options helps clients explore plans that fill these dental gaps — so you don’t get caught off guard later.

Common Dental Services Not Covered by Medicare

Medicare’s lack of routine dental coverage isn’t just a technical oversight — it affects millions of people who assume they’re protected.

Here are the most common dental services not covered by Original Medicare:

• Routine exams and cleanings
• Fillings and crowns
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions
• Bridges, dentures, and implants
• X-rays for dental checkups
• Orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry

This means if you visit your dentist for an annual cleaning or to fix a cracked tooth, you’ll be responsible for 100% of the bill if you only have Original Medicare.

That’s why many people turn to Medicare Advantage plans or separate dental policies — and MediHealth Options can help you evaluate both paths.

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Dental?

Here’s where things start to shift. While Original Medicare falls short, Medicare Advantage plans — also known as Part C — often include dental benefits.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They include all the coverage of Parts A and B and often add extras like:

• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision
• Hearing
• Dental

But it’s important to know that dental benefits vary widely from plan to plan.

What Dental Services Can Be Included in Medicare Advantage Plans?

Most Medicare Advantage plans include preventive dental, such as:

• Cleanings (typically 1–2 per year)
• Oral exams
• Fluoride treatments
• Basic X-rays

Some plans go further and offer comprehensive dental coverage, which may include:

• Fillings
• Extractions
• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures or partials
• Root canals

However, not every Medicare Advantage plan covers these services — and those that do may have annual coverage limits, copays, and network restrictions.

At MediHealth Options, we compare the dental benefits of all available Medicare Advantage plans in your area to help you find one that actually fits your dental needs.

Standalone Dental Insurance and Discount Plans

If a Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t provide the dental coverage you need — or if you prefer to stay on Original Medicare — you can still get dental coverage through other options.

1. Standalone Dental Insurance

Private dental insurance plans work much like employer dental coverage. They usually offer:

• Preventive care covered at 100%
• Basic care (e.g., fillings, extractions) with copays or coinsurance
• Major services (e.g., crowns, dentures) at a percentage

Plans may have:

• Monthly premiums
• Annual maximums (usually between $1,000–$2,000)
• Waiting periods for major procedures

These plans can be helpful for people who need ongoing dental work or want flexibility beyond Medicare Advantage networks.

2. Dental Discount Plans

These are not insurance, but they provide reduced rates when you visit participating dentists.

You pay an annual fee (e.g., $100–$200), and in return, you get discounts on services — sometimes 20–60% off regular prices.

These can be a good option if:

• You don’t need dental work often
• You want a lower-cost solution
• You want access to dentists without dealing with insurance restrictions

At MediHealth Options, we help clients compare both standalone insurance and discount plans alongside their Medicare coverage to build a complete picture.

The Cost of Ignoring Dental Coverage

Skipping dental coverage may seem like a small compromise — until you need it.

Dental care is closely linked to overall health. Ignoring it can lead to:

• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and infection

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 adults over 65 has untreated tooth decay, and 2 in 3 have gum disease. Dental costs without insurance can add up quickly:

• Cleanings: $100–$200
• Fillings: $150–$300 per tooth
• Crowns: $800–$1,500 each
• Dentures: $1,000–$3,000

It doesn’t take long for these costs to outweigh the price of dental coverage.

Let MediHealth Options help you avoid these financial and health risks by identifying Medicare Advantage plans or supplemental coverage that fit your needs.

How to Choose the Right Dental Coverage with Medicare

If you’re ready to add dental to your Medicare plan, here’s how to approach the process:

1. Review Your Dental Health Needs

• Do you need more than cleanings?
• Are you managing chronic dental issues?
• Have you delayed dental care in the past?

2. Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

• Look at what’s included: Preventive only or comprehensive?
• Check annual limits and provider networks.
• Review out-of-pocket costs and copays.

3. Consider Standalone Dental Plans

• Are the premiums and coverage levels worth it for your situation?
• Are there waiting periods for major services?

4. Ask for Professional Guidance

• Dental coverage under Medicare can be complicated — and plans change every year.
• MediHealth Options helps you find clear answers and reliable plans with your budget and health in mind.

FAQs About Medicare and Dental Coverage

Here are some of the most common questions we hear from clients:

Does Medicare ever pay for dental?

Only in specific, medically necessary situations tied to a covered health condition. It will not pay for routine care like cleanings or fillings.

What dental benefits do Medicare Advantage plans include?

This varies by plan. Most include basic preventive services, and some offer more comprehensive benefits. MediHealth Options can show you which ones.

Can I get dental coverage without switching to Medicare Advantage?

Yes — through standalone dental insurance or dental discount plans.

Is it worth getting a dental plan if I only go once a year?

Even preventive care without insurance can be expensive. If you need even one filling, the cost may exceed a year’s premium. Plus, dental issues can develop quickly.

Can I get dental through Medicaid if I qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

It depends on your state. Some states offer extensive dental benefits through Medicaid, while others are more limited. We can help you navigate this if you're dual-eligible.

How MediHealth Options Helps You Make the Right Dental Decision

Understanding Medicare’s dental rules is only step one. The real question is: What’s the best option for you?

At MediHealth Options, we offer:

• Personalized guidance on dental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans
• Help comparing standalone dental insurance vs. discount plans
• Assistance for dual-eligible clients (Medicare + Medicaid)
• Access to multiple plan options from various carriers
• Ongoing support with enrollment, renewals, and plan reviews

We make it easy to find the right dental coverage, at the right cost, with no guesswork.

Conclusion: Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Let’s recap:

• Original Medicare does not cover most dental services.
• You can get dental benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, private dental insurance, or discount plans.
• Dental health affects more than just your teeth — it’s part of your overall well-being.
• Coverage options vary, so choosing the right plan is essential.

If you're unsure about your current coverage or looking to add dental benefits to your Medicare plan, we’re here to help. Don’t let confusion delay important care.

📞 Ready to Add Dental to Your Medicare Plan?

Visit MediHealth Options to compare Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits or explore other coverage options that fit your needs.

Your smile — and your health — are worth protecting.