If dentures are required for health or aesthetic reasons, dentists offer various solutions. If only a few teeth are affected, the existing teeth usually serve as supports for a fixed denture in the form of a bridge. However, if teeth are missing as supports in the case of complete edentulousness in the upper or lower jaw or if the molars have to be replaced, dental implants are usually the only alternative to a removable denture. Prostheses as a complete denture are associated with difficulties for some patients. In the upper jaw, the palatal plate necessary for firmness can cause constant gagging, and in the lower jaw it is often difficult to fix.
- Since dental implants are considered private services, the dentist and dental laboratory can also charge a higher cost rate for patients with statutory health insurance.
- Private dental supplementary insurances offer members of statutory health insurances the assumption of costs for dentures and special dental treatments over and above the health insurance rate.
- The contractual provisions of a private health insurance are basically freely negotiable between the insurer and the policyholder.
Dentures with implants – materials and technology
Unlike other forms of dentures, dental implants are firmly inserted into the jawbone with the help of artificial tooth roots. The implant serves as a replacement for a tooth root and is therefore also known as an artificial tooth root. It is fastened with a thread or a plug connection, which is firmly connected to the jaw within six months and is therefore very resilient. In some cases, an artificial bone structure has to be carried out so that the dental implant does not fall out.
Common materials for dental implants are titanium or special plastics. Ceramic is rarely used due to its fragility. Dental implants are not necessarily used for every tooth to be replaced, but also as supports in order to attach fixed dental bridges or removable prostheses to them later.
Dental implants – cost
When patients are diagnosed with needing dental implants, many people immediately think of the high costs they will face. The exact amount cannot generally be quantified. The price of a dental implant varies depending on the patient. In advance there are costs for diagnostics for x-rays or preliminary examinations. The costs for dental implants are comparatively high due to the expensive materials and the surgical effort. The preparation for an implantation alone costs several thousand euros. The use of an implant costs between 400 and 2,000 euros, depending on the technology and material.
The treatment costs vary depending on the severity of the procedure, the need for bone augmentation and the value of the materials used. The person’s insurance status also has an impact on costs. Patients should expect a price between 1000 and 5000 euros per implant.
Statutory health insurance covers the costs of implantology
Since dental implants are considered private services, the dentist and dental laboratory can also charge a higher cost rate for patients with statutory health insurance. Regardless of the type of dental prosthesis selected, the statutory health insurance companies assume a fixed amount that depends on the patient’s individual bonus. The patient has to pay the remaining amount himself.
Dental implants in private dental insurance
The treatment costs for the use of dental implants are invoiced as a private dental treatment. Therefore, in this case, the dental treatment costs are also higher than the usual rate for members of the statutory health insurance companies . For this reason, people with statutory health insurance are generally obliged to pay for these services themselves.
Private dental supplementary insurances offer members of statutory health insurances the assumption of costs for dentures and special dental treatments over and above the health insurance rate. Whether supplementary dental insurance covers the costs of dental implants depends on the individual contract structure. A 100 percent assumption of the costs is usually not insurable. The expensive bone structure is also not insurable with every dental insurance.
Does private health insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
The contractual provisions of a private health insurance are basically freely negotiable between the insurer and the policy holder. However, since private health insurers are also paying more attention to cost savings, the contracts contain numerous clauses that specifically restrict the assumption of costs for dental treatments. Often the assumption of the costs is made dependent on the medical necessity, whereby there are often disputes about the interpretation of this term. Certain tariffs limit the maximum number of reimbursable implants, others limit the insurer’s subsidy. Therefore, before taking out private health insurance, in addition to comparing costs, it is also advisable to take a closer look at the services of various insurers.
Are Dental Implants Eligible?
Civil servants usually have to take out private health insurance for themselves and their family members. Since the employer of a civil servant is also responsible for his health care, he participates in the health insurance for civil servants by means of the so-called subsidy at medical and dental costs. Insurance companies therefore offer special subsidy tariffs for civil servants, which are associated with lower reimbursement of costs. The aid agencies are required to reimburse only necessary and reasonable costs. For the reimbursement of costs for dental implants, the various subsidy regulations stipulate under which circumstances and to what extent reimbursement is possible. Some employers reimburse a flat rate per implant and limit the maximum number of implants that are eligible for funding.
Inexpensive dental implants from abroad?
More and more often, foreign dentists and dental laboratories advertise inexpensive dental treatments as well as dentures and implants. As a result, there is a real dental tourism, especially in Eastern European countries. The savings can amount to several thousand euros for larger treatments. However, when making such a decision, patients should also think about the necessary follow-up care that is required after a major procedure such as an implant operation. If it comes to painful inflammation, the treating dentist is not easy to reach. In the worst case, there is a risk of complete loss of the dental implants, as a dentist in the place of residence cannot undertake any further treatment to avoid possible recourse claims.
