Dental Implants Under the Canada Dental Care Plan After 60: How It Works
Access to dental implants under the Canada Dental Care Plan after age 60 depends on meeting defined program criteria and undergoing an individual clinical assessment. This guide explains how eligibility is typically evaluated, including the dental and health factors that may be reviewed, and how care is coordinated through participating providers within the public framework. It outlines the usual assessment stages, potential waiting times, and the scope of treatment that may be considered under the plan. Where implant treatment is not approved or falls outside program coverage, the guide also highlights alternative options, helping older adults understand their choices and plan next steps in a clear and realistic way.
Turning 60 can change your dental coverage options, especially as new public programs expand access to routine care. When it comes to dental implants, though, coverage decisions are usually more complex than for cleanings or fillings. Under the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP), implant-related requests tend to involve closer review, clearer documentation, and sometimes limits based on what the plan defines as eligible services.
How is eligibility for dental implants evaluated under the Canada Dental Care Plan?
Eligibility under the CDCP has two layers: program eligibility (for you) and service eligibility (for the treatment). Program eligibility generally depends on factors such as residency, tax filing, household income criteria set by the program, and whether you have access to other dental insurance. Separately, dental implants may or may not be included as a covered benefit, and coverage can depend on the plan’s current list of eligible services and any rules about frequency, clinical indications, or prior authorization. In practice, even if you qualify for the CDCP, an implant plan may still be limited, deferred, or not covered if it falls outside what the CDCP recognizes as eligible.
Dental and health factors typically reviewed during the clinical assessment
If an implant is being considered clinically, the assessment typically focuses on whether it is safe, appropriate, and likely to succeed. Dentists often evaluate the condition of the gums and bone (including bone volume and density), active infection, bite forces, and the status of neighbouring teeth. Medical history also matters: uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, certain osteoporosis medications, immune suppression, and past head-and-neck radiation can increase risk or change the treatment plan. Imaging (often panoramic X-rays and sometimes 3D imaging) and periodontal measurements help determine whether bone grafting is needed and whether an implant is feasible at all.
How care is coordinated through participating providers within the plan
Because the CDCP is delivered through participating dental providers, coordination often begins with confirming whether a clinic accepts the plan and what services it will bill through the program. A typical pathway starts with a general dentist exam and diagnostic records. If implant therapy is on the table, the dentist may refer you to a specialist such as a periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for surgical evaluation, while the restorative work (the crown) may be handled by the general dentist or a prosthodontist. Where prior authorization or a pre-treatment estimate is required, the provider usually submits clinical notes and radiographs for review, and treatment proceeds only after coverage is clarified.
Assessment stages, potential waiting times, and treatment scope under the CDCP
Even outside coverage questions, implant treatment commonly happens in stages. The early steps include an exam, imaging, and a treatment plan. If extraction is needed, healing may take weeks to months before implant placement, and if bone grafting is required, timelines can extend further. After implant placement, osseointegration (the healing period where bone bonds to the implant) often takes several months before the final crown or denture attachment is made. Under a public plan, additional waiting may occur due to appointment availability, referrals, and administrative review, and the treatment scope may be limited to services explicitly eligible under the CDCP at that time.
Implant care is also one of the more expensive areas of dentistry, so it helps to separate what a plan might reimburse from the total fee charged by a clinic. In Canada, a single-tooth implant is usually priced as multiple components (consultation and imaging, surgical placement, abutment, and crown), and the final cost varies by province, provider type, complexity, and whether grafting or sedation is needed. The examples below reflect common real-world provider settings and typical ranges people may encounter.
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Single-tooth implant (implant + abutment + crown) | Private dental clinic (e.g., Dentalcorp-affiliated clinics; fees vary by location) | Often about CAD 3,000–6,000 total, depending on complexity |
| Implant consultation and planning | University dental school clinic (e.g., University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, UBC Faculty of Dentistry) | Commonly lower than private fees, but varies by case and clinic capacity |
| Surgical implant placement (surgery only) | Oral and maxillofacial surgery practice (private) | Often about CAD 1,500–3,000+ for the surgical phase, excluding crown and imaging |
| Tooth replacement with a bridge (non-implant) | Private dental clinic (e.g., 123Dentist network clinics; fees vary by location) | Often about CAD 2,000–5,000+, depending on materials and number of units |
| Removable partial or full denture (non-implant) | Denture clinic / denturist practice (private) | Often about CAD 1,000–3,500+, depending on type and materials |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
What alternatives are available if dental implants are not covered by the plan?
If dental implants are not covered (or only partially covered), alternatives often focus on restoring function and appearance with different cost and clinical trade-offs. Common options include a removable partial denture (for several missing teeth), a full denture (when many teeth are missing), or a fixed bridge anchored to adjacent teeth. In some cases, keeping a space is reasonable if it does not harm chewing, bite stability, or neighbouring teeth, but that decision should be weighed clinically. If implants are still preferred, some people pursue a staged approach—addressing urgent care first (infection control, extractions, stabilization) and planning implant-related steps later when budgeting and coverage rules are clearer.
Dental implant decisions under the CDCP tend to hinge on both the plan’s service rules and the clinical realities of your mouth and medical history. A careful assessment, clear documentation, and coordinated care between participating providers and specialists are central to understanding what is feasible, what is covered, and what alternatives can still achieve a stable, functional result.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
