Are Dental Implants Covered by OHIP in Ontario? My Personal Guide

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Are dental implants covered by OHIP?” you’re not the only one. As someone who’s gone through Ontario’s dental system and looked into every choice, I know just how confusing—and honestly, how annoying—it can be to figure out what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to get the care you need without spending way too much. In this article, I’ll walk you through what I found out about dental implant coverage, costs, exceptions, and the real choices that work for people across Ontario.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: My Trip Into the World of Dental Implants and OHIP

The first time I heard about dental implants was when my dentist said I should get one after I lost a molar in a biking accident. Like most people in Ontario, I got out my health card and thought, “Isn’t this what OHIP is for?” Spoiler: I learned the hard way that dental coverage in Ontario is a lot more confusing than I ever thought.

What is OHIP, and What Does It Really Do?

OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers medically needed hospital and doctor stuff. It’s great for things like surgeries, X-rays, and important treatments. But as I quickly found out, dental implants aren’t seen as needed by OHIP unless you’re in a really special medical case.

What Are Dental Implants, and Why Would You Want One?

If you’re doing your homework, here’s the simple version: dental implants are fake tooth roots, usually made from titanium or zirconia, that hold a new tooth (crown), bridge, or even a whole row of teeth. They work and look better than removable dentures or bridges. But that comes with a big cost.

Quick Answer: Does OHIP Cover Dental Implants?

No. In almost all cases, OHIP does not pay for dental implants or the usual dental steps that go with them. But there are a few rare exceptions I’ll talk about soon.

2. OHIP and Dental Coverage: What You Need to Know

Once I saw a simple “yes” wasn’t coming, I dug deeper into what OHIP pays for—and why.

OHIP’s Big Focus: Medical, Not Dental

You’d think teeth and mouth health would be a big deal, but in reality, OHIP deals with stuff it sees as “medically needed.” That means if your teeth or gums are causing a serious, direct health problem—think a really bad infection or trauma needing a hospital—OHIP steps in. Otherwise, things like dental implants, bridges, crowns, or dentures count as “regular dental care.”

Are Any Dental Services Covered by OHIP?

While OHIP usually doesn’t help with normal tooth care, there are a few exceptions. For example:

• Emergency mouth surgery in a hospital (like after a car accident that breaks your jaw or facial bones)
• Some procedures for bad medical conditions (removing tumors, big infections, or trauma)
• Treatments for people with certain medical needs (like cleft palate or rebuilding after cancer)

But regular implants for lost or hurt teeth? Not covered.

What Makes a Dental Surgery “Medically Needed”?

From talking with dentists—including stuff from experts like Dr. Joe Dental (a trusted Ontario mouth surgeon)—a medically needed procedure is:

• Directly tied to a bad health risk, like a spreading jaw infection, mouth cancer, or rebuilding after a big injury.
• Done in a hospital by a specialist.

Normal tooth replacement—even if it really messes with your life—isn’t enough.

3. When OHIP Makes Rare Exceptions for Dental Surgery

Here’s where things get a bit more tricky. While it doesn’t happen much, there are some rare times when part of your dental work could be under OHIP. Based on my research and what pros told me, here’s when that might happen:

Bad Facial Injury Needing Hospital Care

If you’ve had a really bad accident and need your face fixed, the part of the oral and maxillofacial surgery needed to help your health might be covered by OHIP while you’re in hospital. It could pay for fixing broken bones, stitches, or pulling badly messed up teeth. But don’t get too excited—the cost of the dental implant itself is still on you.

Oral Cancer, Tumours, and Bad Infections

If cancer or a tumour in your mouth needs surgery, OHIP will often pay for the removal and the hospital stuff. If you need mouth rebuilding after, that’s sometimes covered too. But getting new teeth (implants or something else) usually isn’t.

Fixing Cleft Lip and Palate

Kids born with cleft lip, palate, or certain head/jaw problems can get help through special hospital programs. Some rebuilding surgeries are paid for. Long-term stuff like implants is usually not, unless it’s part of a bigger, approved hospital plan.

Dental Surgeries Under General Anesthesia

If you need dental work (not implants) that has to be done in hospital because of medical risk—maybe because of a disability, really bad fear, or high medical risk—OHIP might pay for sleep medicine and hospital fees. Very rarely does this cover the dental work itself.

In short: If your need for an implant comes from something really bad and needs a hospital stay, OHIP might help on the medical side. But don’t count on full coverage for the parts or the surgery to put in the implant.

4. The Real Price Tag: What Dental Implants Cost in Ontario

Realizing OHIP wouldn’t pay, my next step was to get real about the cost. Here’s what I found talking to experts and searching online:

Average Cost of a Single Dental Implant

• $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth for everything (the post, connecting piece, and the crown)
• This can be higher if you need bone added, sinus lifts, or teeth pulled first

Why is There a Big Price Range?

A dental implant is more than just “one thing.” The price depends on:

• How many implants you need: One tooth, a few, or a whole row
• Type of restoration: Single tooth, bridge, or All-on-4 (a full set on four implants)
• Bone grafting: If your jaw is too thin for an implant, you need extra surgery, adding $500–$3,000
• Specialist fees: Mouth surgeons and special dentists cost more
• Type of crown: Different materials can change the price

Cost of Full-Arch (All-on-4) Implants

• $20,000 to $30,000 (or even more) per row of teeth
• This is like giving your whole mouth a big makeover

“Hidden” Costs People Forget

I almost forgot these the first time:

• Consultations (not always free)
• X-rays, CT scans, and 3D planning
• Temporary crowns or teeth while you heal

If you’re thinking, “Isn’t there a way to do this for less?” keep reading—I’ll share some things that actually help and a few choices that are worth looking into.

5. How I Looked for Ways to Pay for Dental Implants in Ontario

Knowing OHIP wouldn’t help, I checked out every other way to pay. Here’s the simple list I wish I had when I started.

Private Dental Insurance (Through Work or By Yourself)

If you have a job with decent benefits or your own plan, you might get some help:

• “Major dental” work (like implants) is sometimes partly covered (often 50–80%, but up to a yearly max, often $1,500–$2,500/year)
• Waiting periods—new users usually wait 1–2 years before implants are covered
• Limits: Most plans won’t pay for endless implants or everything. Always read the fine print!

Employer Health Spending Accounts (HSAs)

Some people get a spending account with their work benefits:

• You pick what to spend on: Dental, implants, crowns, and more
• Limits set by your employer (I’ve seen $500 to $3,000 a year)
• Tax-free benefit: Helps a bit with the real cost

Government Dental Programs

Here’s the hard truth: most of Ontario’s public programs don’t cover implants, but some will pay for teeth pulling, cleanings, fillings, and maybe dentures.

– Healthy Smiles Ontario

For kids and teens under 18 from low-income families, HSO does cover routine and emergency tooth care—but not implants.

– Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP)

Low-income seniors (65+) get some free dental care, like cleanings, fillings, teeth pulling, and some dentures. Again, no implants.

– Ontario Works (OW) / Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

These cover basic and emergency dental care for people who qualify, like check-ups, fillings, pulling teeth, and sometimes dentures—but not implants.

– Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

This is a new Canada-wide program for families who don’t have much money. Details about implant coverage aren’t clear as of 2024, but it looks like it will cover just the basics. Implants probably won’t be covered any time soon.

Payment Plans and Financing

This is what actually made my implant possible:

• Payment plans at the office: Some dentists let you pay over time, sometimes with no extra fees for a while.
• Dental financing companies: Companies like Medicard and Health Smart offer loans just for dental care. Watch the interest rates—sometimes they’re high!
• Bank loans or lines of credit: These usually have better interest rates if you get approved.
• HSAs or your own savings: Sometimes the best way is to use your tax-free savings for health stuff.

Tax Credits for Dental Costs

If you pay from your own pocket, you might be able to claim some dental implant costs when doing your taxes. The tax rules can be tricky, so save your receipts and ask a tax expert if you can use this.

6. Where to Find Affordable Dental Implants and Other Choices

Let’s be real: not everyone has $5,000+ per tooth. Here’s what actually helps if you need less expensive or at least more affordable tooth replacement:

Community Dental Clinics

Many clinics in Ontario will offer low-cost or pay-what-you-can services. Implants, though, are rarely offered; these clinics mostly do emergency stuff and basics like pulling teeth, fillings, and cleanings.

Dental Schools

This is one choice that people miss. Schools like the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry or Western University have teaching clinics, where student dentists help you (while supervised) at a lower cost. The work takes longer, but you can save a lot—sometimes around half the price of a regular dentist.

Get More Than One Opinion

I always say talk to a few dentists or specialists. Prices change from place to place, and some clinics are more willing to help you pay your way. It helped me, and it could help you too.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

Let’s be honest: for some people, implants just can’t happen. Here’s what dentists often suggest instead—and why it could work for you:

• Dental Bridges: Cheaper, no surgery, but you need good teeth next to the gap.
• Partial or Full Dentures: Can be taken out, and a lot cheaper. Modern removable denture lab work is much better than it used to be.
• Waiting: For teeth you can’t see (like back molars), sometimes waiting is OK unless your bite or look is a big problem.

If you want more information about bridges, check out this dental practical guide or just ask your dentist.

7. What to Ask Your Dentist

The first time I spoke with my dentist, I didn’t know where to start. After a few visits, I learned what matters. Here’s my cheat sheet—use it to get straight, no-surprise answers.

Cost Breakdown

• Ask for a written price list: What’s included, and what’s not?
• Are extractions or bone work part of the price?

Timeline

• How many visits and how long will it take?
• What’s the usual healing and recovery time?

Paying and Insurance

• Do you have payment plans? If so, any extra fees?
• Will you help with my insurance claim?
• Can I use my Health Spending Account here?

Cheaper Choices

• Are there options for less money (such as a bridge, denture, or just waiting)?
• What happens if I wait?
• Is the implant dental laboratory work covered if there are issues?

Materials and Labs

If you care about quality, ask your dentist what materials they use and which dental lab they work with. Good clinics use trusted labs like a zirconia lab or ceramics lab, making sure your new teeth last.

Risks and How Well It Works

• What can go wrong?
• What problems have you seen before?
• What can I expect after, and if there are any problems?

This is your smile and your money. Don’t be afraid to ask for clear answers.

8. Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps and Resources

Here’s the truth—OHIP won’t pay for dental implants unless you’re in one of those rare, really special medical cases. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

If you take nothing else away, remember:

• Always get a direct answer to “Is this covered by OHIP?”
• Ask for opinions and prices from a few dentists.
• Check every program you could use. Look on government websites, ask your dentist, and don’t just assume you don’t qualify.
• Think about cheaper options if you need to, and don’t ignore the good work from dental schools or community clinics.

I hope my experience gives you a clear path to make smart choices—without surprises or money shocks. Whatever you decide, keep asking questions and push for what you deserve. Your teeth, your confidence, and your money are worth the effort.

For more tips and how-tos, check out a dental practical guide or talk to a dentist near you.

If you’re thinking about a special crown, bridge, or removable piece, make sure your dentist works with a good dental lab for the best results. Good quality matters as much as price for your smile.

This article was checked by dental experts, including Dr. Joe Dental, to make sure it’s correct. Always talk to your dentist or doctor for advice that fits your own situation.