Gaepo-dong Dental Clinic: Reduce the Burden of Dental Implants with Health Insurance for Those 65 and Older

개포동치과 65세임플란트 건강보험으로 부담 줄이세요.

Hello.

This is Oks Dental Clinic.

“Is it true that implants are covered by insurance once you’re over 65?”

These days, this is one of the questions we hear most often from older patients in the treatment room.

The answer is “Yes, that’s right!”

In the past, many people found it difficult to start implant treatment because it was expensive. But with the introduction of the national health insurance implant support program, the burden has been greatly reduced.

Today, we’ll explain in detail the implant insurance benefits for seniors aged 65 and older.

What is this system?

It is a system in which the National Health Insurance Service supports part of the cost of implant treatment to help seniors aged 65 and older restore chewing function.

The official name is the “Health Insurance Coverage System for Senior Dentures and Implants,” and since 2014, implants have also become eligible for health insurance coverage.

Who is eligible for support?

✔️ Korean nationals aged 65 or older

✔️ Health insurance or medical aid beneficiaries

✔️ Those who have lost at least one permanent tooth

✔️ Those diagnosed by a dentist as suitable for an insurance-covered implant

※ However, support is limited to a maximum of two implants per lifetime.

Is it possible for any area?

Basically, it is primarily applied to molars or areas where chewing function needs to be restored.

Front teeth are also possible, but treatment for aesthetics alone may be excluded.

Also, if existing dentures do not fit well or other alternative treatments are difficult, implants can be a good option.

How much can the cost burden be reduced?

Implants are generally an expensive treatment that costs several million won.

However, when insurance is applied, the out-of-pocket cost is reduced to about 30%.

For medical aid recipients, only 15% needs to be paid, making the procedure more affordable.

Of course, additional costs may arise depending on the choice of prosthetic restoration or the materials used, so it is best to make a decision after 충분한 상담 with the dental clinic.

Things you must know before treatment

Even if implants are covered by insurance, the procedure cannot simply be done right away.

First, a detailed diagnosis is needed to check the amount and quality of the jawbone and your overall health condition.

In particular, for older patients, the following items are also considered.

▶ Whether osteoporosis is present

▶ Control status of chronic conditions such as blood pressure and diabetes

▶ Medications currently being taken (anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, etc.)

▶ For safety, it is important to receive a CT scan, oral examination, and thorough internal medicine-related consultation at the dental clinic before treatment.

Post-treatment care is also very important.

Having an implant does not mean care is over.

Especially for seniors aged 65 and older, periodontal health is often weakened, so prevention of periodontitis and hygiene management are essential.

▶ Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day

▶ Use dental floss or interdental brushes

▶ Have regular checkups and scaling every 6 months

▶ Avoid excessive chewing

▶ Stop smoking 반드시

Good care will significantly extend the lifespan of the implant and help keep the surrounding teeth healthy.

To conclude...

As we age, losing teeth one by one is natural.

However, teeth are not merely tools for chewing food; they also have a major impact on health, quality of life, and even self-esteem.

If you are wondering, “Could I be eligible too?” don’t hesitate—visit a nearby dental clinic.