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Understanding Dental Laser Treatment Insurance Coverage

  • Writer: Monica Pineider
    Monica Pineider
  • Oct 7
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 30

Laser dentistry is an innovative way of treating the mouth. It enables the dentists to do some accurate, minimally invasive procedures. Dentists can cure a great variety of problems with the help of focused light beams: cavity removal and gum reshaping as well as teeth whitening. The most popular question that patients have is: Does insurance cover dental laser treatment?


This article describes the factors that determine insurance coverage for such treatment. It includes such procedures as laser teeth cleaning, laser gum surgery, and any other laser-based procedure. You will also get to know how to maneuver through insurance.


Person wearing red protective glasses receiving Dental Laser Treatment with a curing light in a clinical setting, held by gloved hands.
Patient undergoing Dental Laser Treatment with precision light therapy in a modern dental clinic.

Table of Contents




Overview of Dental Laser Treatment


Dental laser treatment is a method of dental treatment employing the use of concentrated light. Lasers are also precise and minimize the damages to adjacent tissues.


Ordinary laser surgeries involve:


  • Laser teeth cleaning

  • Laser gum surgery

  • Laser cavity removal

  • Laser teeth whitening


This technology is an alternative to drills and scalpels that are modern. Patients are more likely to be less painfully sick and healed.


 


Advantages of Dental Laser Treatments


The dental laser therapy has a number of significant benefits:


  • Less pain and discomfort: Laser therapies are less invasive as compared to conventional. Most of the patients are less anxious and require less anesthetics.


  • Quick healing: Lasers can only hit damaged sites resulting in less tissue damage. Healing is quicker.


  • Reduced risk of infection: Laser beams disinfect the treatment area. This will minimise the risk of post-procedure infections.


  • Minimal bleeding: Lasers minimize bleeding and swelling, especially when performing gum surgeries.


Due to these advantages, dental laser treatment is being thought of by a significant number of patients even in case of regular treatment. Insurance coverage however may differ.




Issues That Influence Insurance Cover


Dentist in blue scrubs wearing magnifying glasses and a mask performs a laser dentistry procedure on a patient in a clinical setting.
Focused on precision, the dentist performs laser dentistry to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Dental laser treatment is also covered in insurance depending on a number of factors.


Medical Necessity vs Cosmetic


The insurance companies make a distinction between cosmetic surgery and medically necessary treatment.


  • Medically necessary: Procedures relating to health problems such as laser gum surgery on periodontal disease are commonly covered.


  • Cosmetic: Cosmetic surgery (e.g., laser teeth whitening, cosmetic gum reshaping, etc.) is usually not included.


An example would be, to have gum disease, insurance can cover the laser gum surgery.

However, in case you desire laser gum reshaping as an aesthetic form, coverage is not possible.




Type of Procedure


Various laser dentistry procedures have varying policies of coverage:


  • Laser Teeth Cleaning: This is usually regarded as preventive. The coverage is based on what plan and type of cleaning.


  • Laser Gum Surgery: It is more likely to be covered in case of gum disease treatment. Out-of-pocket may be necessary to pay cosmetic gum reshaping.


  • Laser Cavity Treatment: It is subject to coverage in case cavities are regarded as medically relevant. There is less likelihood of covering cosmetic applications.


The coverage is often related to the consideration of the health requirements rather than the cosmetic intentions of the procedure.




Insurance Plan Details


The amount of coverage depends on the insurance company and policy.


  • Periodontal treatment plans are also more prone to cover laser gum surgery.


  • Other plans that do not include cosmetic dental procedures can leave out laser teeth whitening or gum contouring.


  • Certain procedures are pre-authorised. Your dentist may be able to go ahead and document to the insurer to make it sure.



Measures to Be Taken to Guarantee Insurance Cover


To optimize your possibilities to be covered by dental laser treatment, you should take the following steps:


  1. Connection to Your Insurance Company: Inquire directly of specific laser dentistry coverage. Clarify any exclusions.


  2. Request Pre-Authority: This is where most insurers require pre-authorization of procedures. Request your dentist to provide pre-authorization documents to your dentist.


  3. Give Specific Information: Be sure that your insurance company gets everything necessary about the procedure and its medical necessity. Wayzata Dental can provide the necessary documentation that outlines why the procedure is needed and how it benefits your overall dental health.


  4. Record Keeping: Keeping of all communications with your insurance company. Documentation is beneficial in case of problems that occur during approval.




Alternatives if Dental Laser Treatment Is Not Covered


In case the dental laser treatment is not covered by insurance, it is still possible to afford it:


  • Financing Plans: There are numerous dental offices that provide a monthly payment of treatment that is out of pocket.


  • Discounts on Upfront Payment: Discounts could be offered on payment in cash or in full.


  • Supplemental Coverage: There are certain dental plans or additional coverage that can cover procedures that are medically necessary such as laser gum surgery.


Dental laser treatments can be available with planning even in the absence of insurance.



Choosing the Right Dentist


To choose the appropriate dentist for successful laser procedures is crucial. Look for someone who:


  • Experience in dental laser treatment

  • May direct you on insurance cover

  • Funding or payment options could be offered in case of necessity

  • Gives patient comfort and safety first priority


A competent dentist will make the process effective, safe, and economical.



Conclusion


Laser dentistry is more accurate, painless and curing. It works best with such processes as laser teeth cleaning and laser gum surgery.


Insurance can cover treatments that are medically required like laser surgery to gum disease. Plastic surgery such as teeth whitening using laser is not normally covered.


To ensure coverage:


  • Call your insurance company in advance

  • Collaborate with your dentist in order to provide documentation

  • Research funding sources, when necessary


Dental laser treatment can be used to benefit by getting yourself better and more comfortable dental care, with the right preparation.



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