<prompt> Human: I have a few baby teeth that never had adult teeth grow under them. I have to have one baby tooth extracted and an implant put in, and apparently my dental insurance told my dentist that they wont cover it because its a baby tooth rather than an adult tooth.Can I do anything?  <response>: Hi there! I work in dental insurance and am finally able to comment on something!Your dental insurance may have a missing tooth clause. Since the adult tooth was missing prior to your coverage with this dental insurance, they will not cover any procedure dealing with that tooth or, lack of tooth. You may think What? I thought the Affordable Care Act Obamacare prevented denial due to preexisting conditions!? Youre right, but that wasnt applied to dental insurance unfortunately. Someone else noted that it may be cosmetic, which is a possibility depending on the location of the tooth aesthetic zone or anterior. In that case, insurance will not cover it.Another possibility is that you do not have coverage for implants. Many insurance policies do not cover implants. Those that do usually have extremely strict requirements and even limit the benefits that can go towards such treatments similar to how dental insurance works with orthodontics. You may have 2000 every year for your standard cleanings, fillings etc., but have a separate 1000 for implants that never renews once it has been used meaning that once its used, it doesnt renew on Jan 1 like your general dental coverage does.Final possibility is that insurance will apply a lower cost alternative. Insurance companies will always pay for the least expensive suitable treatment. This will almost always mean a flipper or a partial. If my office files for an implant for a patient, insurance may turn around and say actually, we are paying for a partial. This does not mean that you cannot get the implant. Any dentist should accurately file insurance for the work that is performed, but then the dentists office and insurance company will need to have a discussion regarding your portion of the cost.But look. Heres what you do. Ask the dentists office to send in a Pre-Determination of Benefits to the insurance company requesting an implant. See what comes back, and appeal if necessary. Once you get the insurance response, youll be given a reason as to why it isnt covered, you can then contact your insurance company who can walk you through the process of an appeal if you feel it is necessary. Your dental office can also file an appeal.Let me know if this helps. If youd like me to look up your group policy, DM me. All I would need is a group number, which is not unique to you or directly connected to you. 