Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
TL;DR: Does insurance cover dental implants?
Most private health and dental insurance plans in Canada won’t cover the cost of dental implants or implant-related procedures. Plans that do offer partial coverage for dental implants rarely cover the full cost of the procedure.
If you have group or private dental insurance, check your plan details to see if dental implants are covered under any circumstances.
Why dental implants are often not covered
Dental implants typically aren’t covered by insurance because they’re considered “elective” or “cosmetic” dental work.
A dental implant is essentially an artificial root, typically made of titanium, that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone and paired with an artificial crown or bridge to replace a missing tooth. The result is a natural-looking solution to tooth loss that doesn’t require frequent replacement or maintenance.
While replacing a missing tooth is a legitimate dental need, the reason that insurance companies may not cover the cost of implants is simple: there are effective, low-cost alternatives to dental implants.
Because it involves oral surgery, a dental implant is significantly more expensive to place than a basic crown or bridge. The cost to replace a single natural tooth with a dental implant ranges from $1,000 to $6,000 or more. If you need multiple teeth replaced, the full cost of dental implants could soar into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Dental implant alternatives that insurance may cover more often
While most dental insurance plans won’t cover implants, they’re likely to provide some coverage for two common lower-cost alternatives: dentures and dental bridges.
- Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues
- Dental bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to existing teeth or implants
Both dentures and dental bridges are usually covered as major procedures under private health and dental insurance plans. Because they cost less than a full dental implant procedure, they’re more likely to be included in your dental benefits.
Note: Waiting periods may apply to coverage for major dental procedures like bridgework and dentures.
When dental insurance might help with implants
Your dental insurance coverage might help to pay for implant treatment if the procedure is considered medically necessary rather than elective.
Medical benefits of dental implants vs. dentures/bridges
If your insurance provider agrees that dental implants are necessary, you may receive partial reimbursement for your implant surgery. Be aware, however, that preauthorization will likely be necessary, your dental coverage will likely not cover the full cost of the procedure, and you may not have any coverage for related procedures such as bone grafting.
How much do dental implants cost without insurance in Canada?
If you have no implant coverage from your private insurance, the cost of dental implants in Canada varies considerably based on location, number of teeth replaced, and associated costs like anesthesia and bone grafts. On average, dental implants cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per tooth.
The cost of dentures is considerably lower, at approximately $1,000 to $1,500 for a single full or partial denture. With 50% insurance coverage, the total cost of dentures could be as low as $500 out of pocket. Bridges may be slightly more expensive, but still cheaper to complete than implants.
Is dental insurance worth it if you need implants?
If you need dental implants and don’t currently have dental insurance, purchasing a dental insurance policy might not be the most practical way to pay for your treatment. Dental plans that do cover implants typically impose a waiting period on major procedures like implants; those waiting periods could be as short as a few months or as long as two to three years.
If you can’t get your dental implants covered by insurance, talk to your oral health provider about other financing options or consider a tooth replacement treatment plan that your insurance will cover, such as dentures or bridges.
That said, dental insurance could still offer significant benefits if you need dental implants. Dental insurance may cover:
- Future dental procedures such as root canal therapy, fillings, and crown or bridgework
- Routine care like cleanings, x-rays, and exams to monitor ongoing oral health
FAQ: Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of March 2026. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.