Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental care — that means no cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, or most dental devices. The main exception is dental care that is part of a covered medical procedure (for example, a dental exam before certain surgeries, or jaw reconstruction after an accident). For routine dental coverage, many people use a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental, a stand-alone dental plan, or pay out of pocket.
What Original Medicare does and does not cover
Original Medicare generally does not pay for routine dental services. It will not cover cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.
Part A may pay for certain dental services you get while in the hospital — for example, if you need emergency or complicated dental procedures as part of a covered inpatient stay.
How to get dental coverage
- Medicare Advantage: many plans include routine dental, often with an annual allowance for cleanings, x-rays, and sometimes major work.
- Stand-alone dental insurance: private plans you can buy separately.
- Discount dental plans or community/dental-school clinics for lower-cost care.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover dentures?
Original Medicare does not cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans include an allowance toward dentures — check the plan’s Summary of Benefits.
Does Medicare Advantage always include dental?
No. Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, but not all do, and the amount of coverage varies widely. Always confirm the specific plan’s dental allowance and network.
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Related guides
Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.