Picture this: you’re at the dentist’s office reviewing bills, wondering how to pay for a new crown or denture. Could UHC ease the bill? Good news: restorative dental work with UHC coverage can help seniors get the care they need without breaking the bank.
In this guide you’ll learn exactly what services UnitedHealthcare covers, from simple fillings to full implants, and how to file claims for smooth reimbursement. You’ll also pick up tips to keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
Know your plan benefits
Before you schedule any procedure, review your plan summary of benefits. You’ll find key details like your annual maximum, deductible, and coinsurance rates for major versus basic services. Knowing these numbers helps you avoid surprises at checkout.
Keep an eye on in-network versus out-of-network dentists. Staying in network usually means lower copays and a bigger share covered by UHC. You can search for providers in your area through the UnitedHealthcare member portal or by calling customer service.
Typical benefit grid
- Preventive care (cleanings, exams): often covered at 80–100%
- Basic restorations (fillings, simple extractions): 70–80%
- Major restorations (crowns, bridges, dentures, implants): 50–60%
Not sure what “major services” includes? Those are procedures meant to restore form and function after decay or tooth loss, like crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
Repair and restore teeth
When you need a filling, inlay, or crown, UHC has you covered under its restorative clinical policy effective June 1, 2025. Small repairs can prevent bigger bills down the road.
- Fillings and inlays/onlays: UHC covers composite and amalgam fillings, as well as inlays and onlays to fix moderate decay. See more on uhc covered dental fillings for seniors.
- Core buildup and post-and-core: If you’ve had root canal therapy, a solid foundation is crucial. UHC covers core buildup, post placement, and retention pins under codes D2949–D2999. Learn more about uhc covered post and core buildup.
- Temporary and cracked-crown repairs: Lost a temporary crown or cracked a permanent one? You’re in luck. UHC covers short-term crown fixes and emergency crown replacements. Check uhc covered temporary crown repairs and uhc covered cracked tooth crown replacement.
Keeping up with small repairs can extend the life of your restorations and help you avoid more extensive treatment later.
Opt for implant solutions
Dental implants blend strength and longevity, and UnitedHealthcare covers both implant placement and the prosthetic that sits on top. Coverage came into effect June 1, 2025 under the Dental Clinical Policy.
Here’s what you can expect
- Implant placement and healing: UHC covers surgical placement of the implant post, plus treatment of peri-implant defects or disease.
- Single-tooth implants: Replace a missing tooth with a standalone implant and crown. Details are available at uhc covered single tooth implant.
- Implant-supported prostheses: If you need multiple teeth replaced, UHC covers the prosthetic portion that attaches to one or more implants.
If you need a sinus lift before implant placement, UHC often covers that too. Ask your dentist to request preauthorization for uhc insurance approved sinus lift procedure.
Manage dentures and prostheses
Whether you prefer a removable denture or an implant-stabilized option, UHC offers coverage across the board. Here’s a quick look:
- Full and partial dentures: Replacing a full arch or just a few teeth is covered under major services, subject to your plan’s coinsurance.
- Relines and repairs: Keep your dentures fitting comfortably with periodic relining and quick fixes. Find details on uhc covered denture relining and repair.
- Adjustments for seniors: It takes time for your gums and bone to adapt. UHC covers follow-up adjustments. See uhc approved denture adjustments for seniors.
Thinking about implant-supported dentures? While coverage varies by plan, many UnitedHealthcare policies include both the implants and the overdenture or bar-retained prosthesis.
File claims and appeals
Getting coverage means navigating paperwork, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Here’s a simple process:
- Ask your dentist to submit a preauthorization for major services. That gives you a cost estimate and confirms benefits.
- Complete the UHC claim form if your dentist doesn’t bill directly. You can download it from the member portal.
- Attach itemized receipts for all procedures, including CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes.
- Submit online through the UnitedHealthcare website or mail to the address on your card.
- Track your claim status in the portal or call member services for an update.
If you disagree with a denial or partial payment, you can file an appeal. UnitedHealthcare typically offers a detailed review if you provide supporting X-rays or letters from your dentist.
Maximize out-of-pocket savings
You’ve got coverage—now make it work harder for you. Try these cost-cutting tips:
- Schedule treatments early in the calendar year so you can use a fresh annual maximum.
- Bundle procedures to stay within UHC’s plan period and reduce duplicate deductibles.
- Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay deductibles and coinsurance with pre-tax dollars.
- Ask for generic or alternative materials when clinically appropriate, like standard composite fillings instead of gold.
- Confirm in-network discounts before you commit to care.
Your next steps
- Review your UnitedHealthcare summary of benefits and identify your annual maximum.
- Call or log into your UHC member portal to find an in-network dentist.
- Request preauthorization for any major restorative service.
- Schedule smaller repairs, like fillings or crown adjustments, to avoid future complications.
- Save this guide and share it with a friend who’s weighing dental care options.
Now you’re ready to unlock affordable restorative dental work with UHC coverage. If you have questions or tips to share, drop a comment below so we can all smile brighter together.
