Currently, dental implants are not reimbursed. However, these represent a more effective and durable replacement solution for missing teeth than crowns or dentures.
For the High Authority of Health, dental implants meet all the criteria to be covered
The High Authority of Health (HAS) has just ruled in favor of reimbursement for dental implants. She justifies her opinion by highlighting the functional, aesthetic and social impact of tooth loss, and by calling for better coverage to improve access to care. Although the HAS is an independent authority, the government most often tends to follow its recommendations.
Dental implants, which involve inserting an artificial root into the jawbone, are valued by dentists for their stability and natural appearance. Around a million of these implants are made each year in France, but no reimbursement is provided by Social Security, unlike other prostheses such as dentures and crowns. HAS evaluated the benefits of this technology and concluded that it effectively restores masticatory function and the aesthetics of the smile, while having a good lifespan. Patients thus benefit from an improved quality of life and better retention of the prosthesis. However, this solution, although effective, often remains too expensive for a large part of the population, making care inaccessible.
#Communiqué | Implants and dental prostheses
The HAS:
pronounces for their reimbursement in complete or single edentulism
defines the stages of the care pathway, emphasizing patient information— High Health Authority (@HAS_sante) November 6, 2024
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Reimbursement of dental implants: HAS sees a positive “return on investment”
Reimbursement of dental implants could concern more and more patients, particularly with the aging of the population. Indeed, tooth loss affects more and more people, sometimes from a very young age, due to periodontal disease or accidents. However, the HAS points out that this type of edentulism has profound consequences on the overall health of patients: eating disorders, psychological impact and even social disability.
The return on investment for Social Security could therefore be positive, with better patient care and more sustainable care. However, if the HAS recommends reimbursement, the practical arrangements remain unclear. For example, the question of the level of support arises: at present, Social Security only covers part of common dental prostheses, often leaving a large part to the patient’s mutual insurance.
The HAS also insists on the need to strictly regulate the care pathway for dental implants, particularly in the face of abuses by “low cost” dental centers. The latter are often criticized for non-compliant practices and insufficient information given to patients.
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