Losing your teeth can be emotionally taxing and embarrassing, and yet gum disease and tooth decay continue to deprive people over the age of 50 of good teeth.
Fortunately, with recent developments in dental technologies, several options are now available to help older people reclaim and restore their smiles to their maximum. One of these methods is through dental implants. However, while dental implants seem enticing, there are several questions to consider, especially when it comes to cost. Why are dental implants so expensive? How to find affordable dental implants in the U.S.?
Let's explore affordable dental implants cost and how to get them in this article.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement teeth that appear and feel exactly like natural teeth. A titanium screw is placed into the jaw and holds the tooth, or crown, in place. You can eat, talk, and drink normally, and many people will not even notice that the tooth is an implant.
There are many advantages to having dental implants, including the following:
- Implants, with proper care and management, can last as long as conventional tooth restorations
- Well-planned and cared-for dental implants generally offer "survival rates" comparable to or better than other tooth replacement options
- Dental implants, like natural teeth, are anchored in your jawbone — they will help to protect the jaw bone and greatly minimize bone resorption over time
- They preserve native tooth tissue by eliminating the need for adjacent teeth to be trimmed down for conventional bridgework
Why Implants Procedures Are Expensive
According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 41% of American adults have unpaid medical and dental costs, making implants unattainable for many. Dental implants are expensive because they are an intrusive yet long-lasting treatment option and are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Here are numerous factors that make dental implants cost so much:
- Dental implants require a surgical procedure
- A dentist must have specialized training to place a dental implant
- Hours of dental laboratory work are required to fabricate a single implant
- Most dental implant procedures require multiple visits and several processes to complete
Given the standard cost of quality materials, length of time, number of processes, and professional training needed, dental implants are one of the most expensive procedures in dental care. In fact, dental implants in the United States typically cost between $3,500 and $4,000 per tooth, including the abutment and crown.
How To Find Affordable Dental Implants Cost In The U.S.
Despite the extremely high cost of having dental implants, there are certain things you can do to reduce the cost of this procedure.
Go Abroad
Dental tourism has grown in popularity among people seeking low-cost dental implants. South American and Eastern European countries provide dental implant treatments at a fraction of the cost they would in the United States. Not only that, but you can also experience higher dental care standards, more advanced equipment, and better service at a price 50-75% lower.
Check Out Dental Schools
Another alternative is to look for dentistry schools in the country that provide dental implants to low-income patients.
Many schools across the nation allow undergraduates to receive clinical experience and education while working under the supervision of expert dentists and oral surgeons.
Try Clinical Trials
If you are looking for low-income dental implants, you should look into clinical studies conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. They sometimes provide free or reduced treatment costs for dental implant procedures.
Search For Nonprofit Organizations
Many non-profit organizations work to achieve equality in access to vital dental services such as dental implants. Simply ask your local dentist if any non-profit organization in your area offers dental implant procedures at a lower cost.
Want to know the cost of one dental implant? Check out our detailed article about it today!
Finance Your Dental Care In 4 Ways
Below are some of the most helpful options for financing your dental implant treatment:
- Dental Loans. Dental loans and dental credit cards are two of the most popular dental financing solutions. You can borrow money to help finance your treatment from online lenders at a fixed interest rate.
- Dental Insurance. Dental insurance requires purchasing a premium plan that covers your dental implant. This is a much cheaper option than paying for the procedure out of your pocket.
- Dental Tourism. Traveling overseas for dental implants can reduce treatment costs and bring substantial savings. Common destinations include Mexico ($870/tooth), Hungary ($740/tooth), and Costa Rica ($800/tooth).
- Dental Discount Plans. Dental savings programs are a form of membership plan in which you pay a yearly fee, which usually costs $150, in exchange for cheaper dental services, including dental implant procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The average cost of a single dental implant in the US ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on factors such as location, the dentist's experience, and the materials used. The total cost typically includes the implant, abutment, and crown. Keep in mind that prices can vary significantly, so it's essential to research and compare costs from different providers in your area.
Several factors can influence the cost of dental implants, including geographical location, the dentist's experience and expertise, the materials used for the implant, abutment, and crown, and any additional procedures required, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts. Dental insurance coverage, if available, may also impact the overall cost.
To find more affordable dental implant options, consider researching dental schools, which may offer discounted rates for procedures performed by supervised students or faculty. You can also inquire about financing plans or payment options with your dentist, which may help spread the cost over time. Additionally, some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, so be sure to check your policy and discuss the options with your provider.
Find Help For Your Dental Needs Today
Because implants are expensive for the average person, you may want to find affordable dental implant procedures. Fortunately, there are a few popular ways to save money on or reduce the cost of dental implants, as discussed earlier.
If you can't still afford dental implants, try alternatives like dental bridges. Learn more about dental bridge vs dental implants cost here.
If you need help with your medical expenses, check out this article by Gov Relations on different financial assistance programs to pay off your medical bills.
