How To Get Affordable Dental Implants in 2024

Dental implants are among the most expensive dental procedures, costing between $3,000 and $7,000 for a single tooth.¹ This is much more than a dental crown, another common procedure for fixing damaged or decayed teeth. Many may consider crowns instead, wondering how long dental crowns last and if they can save a lot more money.

However, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of dental implants, potentially bringing the price closer to that of a dental crown while enjoying the functional and aesthetic benefits of an implant. This article explores several ways to get affordable dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth for less.

1. Understand your dental insurance coverage

Start by looking at your insurance coverage. Some insurance policies may offer coverage for these procedures if they’re medically necessary. Coverage may be limited, given the high cost of dental implants that often exceeds most plan’s annual limits. However, they can save you up to a few thousand dollars, depending on your plan. Make sure that you aren’t in a waiting period for the implants, either. A waiting period prevents you from getting coverage for the procedure until it ends. Contact your insurer if you have any questions about your coverage.

2. Compare prices with different dentists

Dentist offices may differ in prices based on several factors:

• Location: Dentists in densely populated areas may charge more for implants to cover higher living and business costs.
• Experience and specialization: Dentists with more experience and specialization in dental implants may cost more. Balance the dentist’s expertise with the cost to get quality work without paying top dollar.
• Business expenses: Dentists may vary in pricing due to differing overhead. For example, a dentist with high-end equipment and newer facilities may charge more to cover their expenses.

Furthermore, your insurance may offer more coverage for dentists within the insurance provider’s network. Therefore, shop with different dentist offices to get estimates for dental implants. Weigh each estimate against that dentist’s reviews and expertise to balance quality and comfort with cost.

3. Explore financing and payment plans

Dentists know that implants can be expensive up front, so many offer payment plans that spread the cost over time. Typically, the dentist will calculate a financing fee or interest rate to add to the payment plan in exchange for the convenience of periodic payments. This means you’ll pay more overall, but it could save you more on interest than using a credit card or getting a loan. Furthermore, dental financing organizations may provide you with financing. This can help you pay back your dental implant costs over time with less interest.

4. Consider visiting a dental school for the procedure

Dental schools may offer dental implant procedures where dental residents perform the procedure instead of a private dental practice. These arrangements are common and give students and residents work experience to advance their careers and graduate from residency.

Residents typically have already completed dental school and have DDS, DMD, or BDS degrees, meaning they have the same education level as private dentists. Furthermore, they are monitored closely by qualified dental faculty to ensure excellent work and maximum patient comfort during the procedure. This allows the facility to reduce the cost of implants while delivering high-quality care, saving you substantially without sacrificing quality of care. Plus, some schools may take insurance to drive your costs down further. Research accredited dental schools near you to see if they offer dental clinics where dental students and residents perform work on patients.

5. Look into government and nonprofit programs

State and federal government agencies collaborate to provide dental coverage to qualified residents. For example, Medicaid may assist individuals below a certain income threshold if the implant is medically necessary, such as restoring chewing abilities. Your state’s Health and Human Services agency or similar department should have more information about eligibility and available coverage.

Nonprofits exist to help as well. These offer grants and other forms of assistance to people who apply and meet certain financial criteria. You can find local nonprofits by browsing online for dental nonprofits or financial assistance near you. There are local, state, and national institutions that may be able to help.

The bottom line

Dental implants may be expensive, but you have many options to whittle away at the cost and put them within range. Start by reviewing your dental insurance to determine what’s covered. Then, shop with different dentists to balance coverage, cost, and expertise. Ask each dentist about their financing and payment plan options as well. Alternatively, consider visiting a dental school for similar care at a lower cost. Explore government and nonprofit programs for additional assistance. Following these strategies can put the functional and aesthetic benefits of dental implants within reach.

Source:

¹ GoodRx – How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Contact Information:

Name: Sonakshi Murze
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