How to Find Affordable Dental Implants

Missing teeth, from decay, gum disease or trauma, were once replaced by bridges or dentures, with considerable drawbacks. Today, dental implants solve the problem of missing teeth. Doctors surgically implant artificial teeth on a titanium post that extends directly into the jaw, allowing the implants to function exactly like natural teeth. Unfortunately, the steep price of this relatively new procedure prevents many patients from benefiting from it. Luckily, there are a few creative options available to make dental implants more affordable.

Shop Around

• Most dental insurance plans provide only minimal coverage for dental implant procedures. Out of pocket costs are generally quite high. Even patients with comprehensive employer dental plans are surprised to discover how the annual reimbursement limit for implants may be less than half the cost of an implant to replace a single tooth. Patients without sufficient insurance coverage, or personal resources to pay full price for implants, may benefit by accessing more affordable dental implant options.

Provide a Learning Experience

• Look into local dental schools with teaching clinics that serve the general public. Dental schools provide implants at substantially reduced rates as part of their regular curriculum. This allows students to gain experience performing the procedure while also offering a much lower cost to the patient. Students are closely supervised at all times by experienced, licensed dentists on staff with the school. The American Dental Association's website provides a directory of dental schools that offer low-price teaching clinics to the public.

Dust Off Your Passport

• Consider traveling to another country. “Dental tourism” is an increasingly popular way of accessing affordable dental care in countries where the costs of operation are much lower and passed on as savings to the patient. With careful online research, you can locate foreign clinics that specialize in serving patients from other countries. First, consider the general standard of care in a particular nation. Research the procedures offered by the clinic, qualifications of their staff—in some countries, it is not unusual to find dentists who were trained in the U.S. or Europe—and compare facilities and rates. The savings enjoyed from procedures performed offshore usually more than compensate for the expense of traveling abroad.

Make An Offer

• If you’re in a bind and need implants sooner rather than later, discuss financing options with your dentist. If you can raise the funds, find out if your dentist will give you a break on the total price by paying cash up front. Alternatively, inquire about a payment arrangement that allows you to get implants immediately upon making an initial down payment, with the balance paid off in monthly installments. For patients who qualify, dental payment plans frequently provide lower interest rates and save money when compared to financing the procedure on a major credit card.