Does Medicare cover dental?

Original Medicare does not cover most routine dental care — including cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, or other dental devices. Medicare may pay for certain dental services when they are an essential part of a covered medical procedure.

What it means

  • Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental exams, cleanings, or dentures.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits — coverage and cost-sharing vary by plan.
  • Medicare may cover dental services that are integral to a covered medical service, such as reconstruction of the jaw following an accident.

Action steps

  1. If dental coverage matters to you, compare Medicare Advantage plans that include dental in the Medicare Plan Finder.
  2. Ask any Advantage plan for a written explanation of dental benefit limits and networks.

Source:

Last verified: 2026-07-18

  • We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
  • Senior Direct Answers is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

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