Do you want to make a dental implant, But you don't have the financial means? Well, know that the Brazilian public health system (SUS) offers this procedure. Keep reading this article, where we'll explain how this program works and who is eligible for dental implants.
See if you are eligible for dental implants through the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System).
According to the Federal Council of Dentistry, in 2018 Brazil had approximately 300,000 professionals working as dentists. Although this is a very large number, unfortunately not everyone is able to access this professional at least once a year.
Furthermore, although there are dental procedures that are more affordable, there are, for example, dental implants, which are more expensive and therefore difficult for most of the population to access. But did you know that the Brazilian public health system (SUS) offers this procedure?
Through the Brazil Smiling Program, it's possible to access this service free of charge. Therefore, to learn more about how it works and how to apply, continue reading this article. Happy reading!
Learn about the Smiling Brazil Program.
Created in 2004, the Brazil Smiling Program offers free dental treatment to the entire Brazilian population. Dental services are provided by the SUS (Unified Health System) through Family Health Units (PSF), Mobile Dental Units (UOM), Dental Specialty Centers (CEO), and even hospitals.
Although this project was created in 2004, it's important to remember that it wasn't until 2011 that dental implants were included among the procedures offered free of charge by the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System). Another very important point is that within this project there are other smaller ones.
Thus, within the Smiling Brazil Program, there are the Indigenous Smiling Brazil Program, the Minamata Convention, the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies, the National Plan for People with Disabilities, and the Health in Schools Program, among others. All of these aim to bring greater quality of life and oral health to people who have difficulty accessing healthcare.
Procedures offered by the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System)
Now that you know the objective of the Brazil Smiling Program, it's essential to know what procedures the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System) offers. Below, you'll see that the SUS offers many dental treatments, most of which are basic dental services such as cleaning, extractions, cavity removal, and others.
In addition to basic items, the Unified Health System also provides more expensive services such as wisdom tooth extractions, fillings, biopsies, endodontics, and dental prosthetics. In some units, it is even possible to get braces and orthognathic surgery.
However, you need to know that not all municipalities and health units have all the procedures we present here available, such as orthognathic braces and surgery. Although everyone has the right to these procedures, as it is guaranteed by the state, what happens is that each municipality receives the funds allocated to this program and can distribute them as they see fit. Therefore, the municipality prioritizes the procedures that have the highest demand, such as cleaning, extraction, and restorations.
Since not all cities offer dental implants, the municipality has the freedom and right to refer residents to another city that offers this procedure. It's important to remember that you will need to be placed on a waiting list, as cases are called in order of priority.
How is a dental implant done?
Before proceeding, please note that a dental implant is performed by implanting a titanium post into the patient's dental bone. This post acts as an artificial root, but rest assured it is painless, as local anesthesia is applied during the procedure.
Regarding titanium rejection, this does not occur because the material does not move immediately after implantation or over time. Therefore, it is a safe procedure with low risks of complications.
Who can apply?
Finally, let's find out if you are eligible for this procedure. First, you will need to search your city's website or go in person to the location or a Family Health Unit (PSF) to find out if they offer dental implants.
Having discovered that your city offers this procedure, you should go to your neighborhood health center with your SUS card (Brazilian public health system card), ID, and proof of address to request an evaluation with the dentist. After the evaluation, the dentist will open a case so you can be placed on the waiting list.
This waiting list works according to the level of urgency, priority, and risk, for example. If yours falls into one of these categories, you will likely be called soon, remembering that in addition to this classification, you are called to perform the procedure according to the order of arrival.
Graduated in Literature – Portuguese/English, and creator of the website Successful Writer, seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on a variety of topics, as a writer. At Vaga de Emprego RJ, she provides opportunities and tips on the job market.