Dental implants
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What are dental implants
A dental implant is a titanium metal screw used to support partial or full dentures.
Back to topWho can receive them
You may receive dental implants if you have an assessed clinical need and a:
- Veteran Gold Card; or
- Veteran White Card and you need this service due to an accepted service-related injury or condition.
What you can receive
If you are eligible you may receive:
- 2 single tooth implants every 2 years, if you have lost the tooth or teeth within the past 3 years; or
- 2 implants for attaching a partial upper jaw denture; and
- 3 implants for attaching a full lower jaw denture
How you access
- To access dental implants you will need to visit your dentist.
- If your dentist believes you need implants they may need to refer you to a prosthodontist and oral-maxillofacial surgeon, oral surgeon or periodontist.
- Your dental providers will discuss and develop a treatment plan with you. They will then request approval from us.
- If approved your treatment can commence.
Your request for dental implants may take a while to process.
Back to topHow much you pay
You will not need to pay for approved dental implants.
Back to topThings you should know
We can't pay for treatment plans which include:
- mini implants, smaller than usual dental implants for narrow locations
- block bone grafting, a transplant of bone into your jaw; or
- zygomatic implants, extra long dental implants where the amount of bone available in the upper jaw is insufficient
If your specialist believes there are exceptional circumstances we can assess approval on a case-by-case basis.
Dental implant surgery can be a long process, depending on circumstances like:
- the time it takes to heal from your surgery
- which jaw has been fitted with implants; and
- delays in appointments with your dental providers
What to tell us
Let us know if:
- you receive a bill from your dentist or specialist