The way most people ask about how much dental implants cost sound very much the way they would ask how much a car costs and with good reason. As with cars, the cost of which will depend on what type and model of car you require, the cost you pay for implants depends on how many implants you need and why you need them.
On a good day, patients can expect to pay anywhere between the amounts of $1,200 to $3,000, not including any of the fixtures above it or anything else to hold your teeth in. If you’re going to pay for the implant, the piece that goes into it, the crown on top of that and grafting materials, this could set you back about $3,500 to $4,000 for that type of implant. OK, so it is actually closer to purchasing a new car but the thing is, dental implants last longer and well, even if you have the flashiest car around, if you mumble or slur your words because of ill-fitting dentures or bridges, then the car may actually be a better investment.
The good news is, you can actually find dental implants that won’t break the bank. Dental implants that are affordable don’t easily come by but with a lot of patience you may be able to find one at about half of the total cost and maybe even ones for free. All you need to know is where to look.
The first thing you need to do is discuss your options with your dentist. He or she may be able to come up with affordable payment plans or allow you to pay for your implants in installments. He or she may even suggest that you get dental discount cards that they participate in, ones that offer at least 30%-50% on dental procedures and are usually valid for a year.
Another way to afford your dental implants is to shop around for dental insurance policies that cover a substantial part, if not the full price for dental implant procedures. While most dental insurance policies won’t cover dental implants because it is considered cosmetic procedure, it is better to have at least a part of it covered than having to pay for it all when your budget clearly doesn’t allow it even if you need it.
You can also try to browse for cosmetic dental clinics online that offer payment plans for their patients to get dental implants. Find sites that accept Hicaps and most reputable health cards, as well as credit through any financing institutions. Sites that allow you extended payment options ensures you get the treatment when you want it and when you need it without worrying about how to pay for it.
It is also recommended that you take advantage of your benefits package at work if you have any. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow you to contribute money from every pay period before they are taxed, and this is the same money you can use to pay for your dental implants. Combining these with individual or employer-sponsored dental insurance plans could save you hundreds of dollars off getting your implants done.
And lastly, while you may be able to get your dental implants for free and this is by playing guinea pig to dental students who are training to perform such procedures while being supervised by a licensed professional during the entire time, you could be exposing yourself to a lot of risks that could entail greater costs in the long run. Never sacrifice your health and well-being for price because it is not worth it.