Looking Ahead: Dental Implants on the CDCP?

Thus far, Clearview Dental and other CDCP-accepting dentists in Alberta have been able to bill patients’ federal insurance coverage for basic dental care like exams, cleanings, emergency dental, and cavity fillings. Dental implants are not currently covered on the plan, however.  

We keep an updated list of CDCP coverage on our blog.

Government officials have indicated that as the plan matures, they might expand the list of covered services. There has been talk of adding more treatments in the future, potentially including some orthodontic or advanced procedures, but nothing is confirmed yet.  

If you need a dental implant, you will be responsible for the cost out-of-pocket or through any private insurance you have. However, many plans still consider implants a major expense and cover little to none of it. Always verify with your insurer what your plan includes. 

For those without private insurance, the cost of implants can be a concern. At Clearview Market Dental, we understand that, and we strive to offer fair pricing and flexible payment options. Our office follows the Alberta dental fee guide to set transparent fees for treatments.  

The Alberta Dental Fee Guide provides suggested fees for dental services in Alberta, helping to ensure patients are charged reasonably for procedures. While an implant is a bigger investment, we can discuss payment plans or staged treatment to make it more manageable for you. 

What are the Alternatives to Dental Implants? 

If an implant is not financially feasible right now, there are other ways to replace a missing tooth. A traditional dental bridge or a removable partial denture is often covered (at least in part) by insurance or possibly by government programs. The CDCP would help pay for a removable denture for a missing tooth, but not a fixed bridge or implant. It’s something to consider when weighing your options.  

Bridges and dentures have their own pros and cons compared to implants (for example, dentures are less expensive but not as stable; bridges don’t require surgery but involve drilling adjacent teeth). We can explain these alternatives if you’d like to explore them. 

Need a Dental Implant? Clearview Dental in Red Deer Can Help 

If you were hoping to use CDCP for an implant, don’t be discouraged from seeking care. Your oral health is important. You might choose to proceed with an implant and plan finances accordingly, or use a denture in the meantime to restore function. Our team is here to help you navigate the decision. We can provide a detailed cost estimate for an implant and discuss payment arrangements.  

We can also let you know if any portion of preparatory work (for example, extractions or bone grafts) might be covered by CDCP or other plans. Typically, CDCP will cover the extraction of a tooth if needed prior to an implant, even though it won’t cover the implant placement itself. 

For personalized advice, feel free to contact our office. Our dentists in Red Deer, AB are experienced in implant restoration and can guide you through your options. We can also help you maximize any benefits you do have. 

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