Dental implants are small, screw-like metal posts inserted into the jaw bone and gum tissue through dental surgery. They provide stable support for your replacement teeth to stay in place. Medicare is Australia’s health insurance program that covers the cost of many health services and treatments for eligible Australians.

If you have missing teeth and plan to get this dental restoration, you should financially prepare ahead of time. Note that this type of dental care can be expensive.

Is Medicare Cover for Dental Implants Available?

Medicare generally doesn’t cover most dental procedures, including implant treatments. But it can pay a part of the cost of your dental implants if they’re considered medically necessary. For example, if you have an injury to your jaw that affects your ability to eat or speak, Medicare may help pay for implant surgery and related services.

Call your dentist for other flexible payment options. These could be monthly instalments to help you afford this treatment. You may also try private health fund providers to see if they offer implant dental care coverage.

What Kinds Of Dental Care Procedures Can Medicare Cover?

Currently, Medicare doesn’t cover most adult dental procedures, even major dental treatments. The only program they have is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). It can pay up to $1,000 worth of dental services for children.

The dental procedures included are fillings, x-rays, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, fissure sealing, and cleaning. These should be necessary and not purely orthodontic or cosmetic procedures. The dentist will determine the necessary and appropriate services for your child.

Requirements for eligibility include:

• Children between the ages of 2 and 17
• The family receives the Family Tax Benefit

You can contact the Australian Department of Human Services to know your eligibility status.

Does Medicare Pay For The Pre Or Post Dental Implant Surgery Medications?

If you avail of the Medicare Advantage (MA) plan with supplemental dental coverage that includes dental implants, your medications may be covered before and after your implant surgery. These include antibiotics and pain medications. However, you may have to pay additional monthly payments, and only a maximum benefit is allowed.

Final Thoughts

Dental implants are zirconia or titanium screws that your dentist or orthodontist places on your jaw bone. They act as artificial or false tooth roots in place of natural tooth roots of your missing natural teeth. It involves a minor but invasive surgery that requires anaesthesia.

A dental implant procedure can be expensive because it’s a long process. Unless it’s considered medically necessary, Medicare doesn’t cover the procedure. In some cases, depending on your plan, it may also cover some of the costs associated with the before and after-surgery medications. But some private health fund providers may offer dental implant coverage in their policies. Call us to book an appointment if you’re considering this procedure.

Ellen Stirling Dental is a state-of-the-art dental clinic. It has a team of dentists who have been performing this major dental procedure for many years. At your initial consultation, one of the dentists will assess your oral health condition and determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. We will also let you know if you are covered by whatever health fund you have. In addition, we will discuss our payment plan options to help you decide if you can afford this procedure. If you continue, your dentist will create a treatment plan for you.