Dental implant surgery is a treatment that aims to provide a more natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement for those who have lost one or more teeth. The surgery involves placing a metal post made of titanium into the jawbone, which will act as a tooth root for the artificial tooth. Once the implant post has healed, an artificial tooth will be attached to it, completing the restoration.
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Dental implants can be expensive, but many health funds offer partial coverage for the procedure. Read on to know more.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Private Insurance?
Many private health insurance extras cover a portion of the dental implant cost under major dental care. Major dental care is an extensive dental service beyond basic care, such as fillings and root canals. This type of dental care is often used to replace missing teeth.
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Depending on the type of insurance, levels of cover, or your annual limit, you may claim a rebate for the implant’s surgical placement and the cost of the artificial tooth. Some funds may also cover the cost of X-rays and other diagnostic tests needed before surgery.
Check with your health fund provider to see what type of dental covers they offer for dental implants before undergoing treatment.
How Much Does Dental Implant Surgery Cost?
Implant treatment cost varies, depending on the type and number of implants you need, your location and dentist, whether or not you need additional treatments, such as bone grafting, and if you have a major dental care policy. A single implant can cost between \$5,000 to \$7,000. If you need bone grafting or a sinus lift, it may cost you up to $11,500.
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Call your primary care dentist beforehand to know how much out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay. You can also ask them during your consultation for a more accurate quote. By this time, they have already assessed your case and know what type or how many implants you need. In addition, they may have already determined if you need additional dental procedures.
Why Don’t Some Health Funds Cover Dental Implants?
Medicare and some private health fund providers don’t cover this surgical procedure because they are considered elective or cosmetic. It means that it’s not medically necessary. To be eligible for rebates for this procedure, you may need to purchase an add-on or top-up policy. Also, it’s important to note that you must schedule your procedure after your health fund’s waiting period and check that you haven’t spent your annual limit.
Will Medicare Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of implant treatment. However, they may pay a portion of the cost if the procedure is considered medically necessary. For this to happen, you need to consult your general practitioner (GP) and get a referral under a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or a Team Care Arrangement.
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GPMP is a referral plan created by your GP for patients with chronic conditions. On the other hand, a TCA is a referral plan for patients with multiple healthcare needs. With these referrals, you can get up to five allied health services, including dental services.
Final Thoughts
Dental implant treatment is a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your teeth’s functions and smile. While it may be an expensive investment, there are ways to make the treatment more affordable. You can check with your health fund provider to see if you are eligible for partial coverage. You can also compare dentist charges to get the lowest possible rate and ask if they offer flexible payment plans, like a monthly instalment. It’s important to note, though, that a low price doesn’t mean good quality. In addition, consult with your GP to see if you can get a referral for Medicare coverage. Remember to check if you are in your health fund’s waiting period or if you haven’t reached your annual limit yet.
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If you are considering this dental treatment and want to know if you are a good candidate, contact Ellen Stirling Dental to book a consultation.
Our clinic is equipped with modern dental equipment, which enables us to provide efficient dental implant procedures. During your appointment, one of our clinic’s dentists will assess your oral health. We will also take X-rays and other diagnostic tests to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. We will develop a customised treatment plan based on the information we obtain. You may also ask questions you may have about the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of tooth implants is different for implant patients, primarily due to the individual’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. However, on average, dental implants can last for 10 to 15. But with proper care, their lifespan can be up to 25 years or more.
Teeth implants are generally safe, and the success rate is high. However, as with any medical procedure, certain risks, like nerve damage and infection, are associated with them. The most common complication is an infection at the site of implantation. This can usually be managed with antibiotics. In rare cases, the infection may spread to the bone and surrounding tissues, requiring additional surgery. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to care for your implants to minimise complications, especially during your recovery time.
The biggest benefit of this dental procedure is that they help improve your quality of life by mimicking the functions of your natural teeth. Because it can restore your teeth’s functions, such as chewing and speaking clearly, you can enjoy your favourite foods and feel more confident when talking to others. It can also improve the appearance of your teeth and smile, making you smile more often. They also support your cheeks and lips, which can help improve your appearance. Ultimately, they prevent jaw bone loss and can help preserve the structure of your jaw.
If you have a tight budget and a medical condition that disqualifies you from the procedure, you can consider other options. These include dental bridges and dentures. You may also look for other options if you don’t want to go through surgical procedures and several months of healing.