Medicare Coverage for Dental: What's Included in 2026
Quick Answer
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, dentures, or extractions. Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, and standalone dental insurance is also available.
Dental is one of the biggest gaps in Original Medicare. The good news: most Medicare Advantage plans add dental coverage, and standalone dental plans can fill the gap if you stay with Original Medicare and a Medigap policy.
What Original Medicare Covers for Dental
Part AHospital Coverage
- Dental care that is part of a covered hospital procedure (for example, jaw reconstruction after an accident)
- A dental exam required before certain surgeries or organ transplants
Part BMedical Coverage
- Generally no routine dental coverage
- Limited medically necessary dental tied to another covered medical service
What Medicare Advantage May Add
Benefits vary by plan, county, and year. The items below are common but not guaranteed — always confirm in the plan’s Summary of Benefits.
- Most Medicare Advantage plans include routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Many add allowances for fillings, crowns, root canals, and dentures
- Some include implant coverage (annual maximums and networks apply)
What Is NOT Covered
- Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays under Original Medicare
- Fillings, extractions, and root canals under Original Medicare
- Dentures and dental implants under Original Medicare
What You Can Expect to Pay
Original Medicare
You pay 100% of routine dental costs
Medicare Advantage dental
Annual maximums commonly range from $1,000 to $3,000; in-network dentists may be required
Standalone dental plans
Monthly premium plus copays; waiting periods may apply
In Your State
In Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans include a dental allowance, though annual maximums, networks, and what counts toward implants or dentures vary widely by plan.
Tips to Maximize Your Dental Coverage
- 1Compare Medicare Advantage dental annual maximums and dentist networks closely.
- 2If you keep Original Medicare plus Medigap, consider a standalone dental plan.
- 3Ask specifically whether dentures and implants are included or just basic care.
- 4Check for waiting periods before major dental work is covered.
- 5Confirm your dentist is in-network before enrolling in a plan for its dental benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover dental?
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. It only covers dental work that is part of a covered medical procedure. Many Medicare Advantage plans, however, include routine dental benefits.
Does Medicare cover dentures?
Original Medicare does not cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans include a denture allowance, subject to annual maximums and network rules.
Do Medicare Advantage plans include dental?
Most do. Coverage typically includes cleanings, exams, and X-rays, and many plans add allowances for more extensive work. Benefits and limits vary by plan.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Original Medicare does not. A minority of Medicare Advantage plans offer some implant coverage, usually with an annual maximum, so check the plan details carefully.
Compare Coverage Options for Dental
A licensed advisor can compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and standalone dental, vision, and hearing options for your situation.
Compare My OptionsExplore More Medicare Coverage Topics
See all conditions and services Medicare coversThis information is for educational purposes. Consult your doctor for medical advice and a licensed Medicare advisor for plan coverage questions. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by ZIP code and change annually; dollar amounts are shown with the year they apply and update each year.
HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).