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Has a tooth injury or infection caused you to lose a tooth? You are not alone. In the U.S. alone, the average adult between the ages of 35 and 49 is missing seven teeth.
If you’re considering getting a dental implant to improve your smile, you may be wondering about the cost of the procedure. The higher pricing of dental implants reflects the cost of the implant materials and the length and complexity of the dental placement process. Dental procedures can be pretty expensive, but there are ways for you to save.
In this article, we cover dental implant costs and possible dental implant financing options for you.
Dental implants are a dental procedure that replaces a missing tooth and is considered a permanent solution for tooth loss.
Some benefits of this dental procedure are improved appearance, speech, and chewing abilities. Dental implants can also preserve the health of the jawbone and gums. A dental implant procedure usually occurs in phases, around a few months. These few months give time for the implant to heal before your dentist can safely place a final restoration.
The cost of a single dental implant with a porcelain crown is around $4,800, but can vary between $3,500 to $6,700. In the most extreme case, the average cost for a full mouth of implants is around $43,000 and may be as much as $56,000.
No two dental implant procedures are the same, which is why there is such a wide range of dental implant costs. Here are some of the elements that may be factored into the final cost, depending on your unique dental needs:
You may be able to afford a more inexpensive dental procedure like dental bonding or a temporary dental crown without insurance, but a dental implant is a step up in costs. Many people cannot afford to pay all of the dental implant costs upfront.
Dental implant financing is the most common way people cover costs with such a high-priced procedure. Here are a couple of types of dental implant financing options to consider looking into when planning for your dental implant procedure:
If you are tight on money upfront and don’t know if you qualify for a loan, a medical credit card may be a good fit for you. Unlike a typical credit card, medical credit cards are offered by dentists and used strictly for medical needs, including dental work.
Keep in mind that medical credit cards can sometimes come with higher interest rates and deferred interest. Certain dental providers may even let you have a couple of months of zero interest, depending on your provider.
A conventional loan is similar to a bank mortgage, with interest rates similar to personal loan rates, varying from 6% to 36%. If you have great credit and a high income, consider applying for this type of loan.
Lastly, you may want to consider opening a personal loan with your bank. Similar to other loans, they normally come with fixed monthly payments and interest rates. And unlike other loans, they usually don’t require you to pledge any collateral.
You can apply for dental loans through a bank, credit union, or online lender. Your credit score will determine the terms of the loan and interest rate.
Are you trying to determine how to finance your dental implant procedure? Here are some of the best financing options to make this common dental treatment more affordable.
Most dental offices will allow you to set up an in-office financial plan to pay off your dental implant costs monthly.
It may be time to tap into your personal savings account, as dental implants are a great lifelong investment. If you don’t already have a savings account and your dental implant procedure isn’t urgent, start saving up today so that you can pay for them outright when the time comes.
Personal savings may take longer than other financial options, but at least you’ll avoid going into debt and gaining interest with loans or credit cards.
Maybe you haven’t considered such a thing as a dental grant. Many people are unaware of this financing option. Many dental grant companies allow patients to pay for their much-needed dental procedures.
Some dental grant companies are fully funded by the government or foundations with income and need-based qualifications.
Are you looking to apply for dental insurance? It’s important to understand what is covered and what you will be required to pay.
Some dental insurance companies will cover some of the dental implant costs or even all of the costs. Coverage varies based on your specific plan, coverage, and the amount of money in your annual deductible.
A dental loan is just like a typical loan that comes with fixed monthly payments and interest rates. They are typically unsecured loans, and you can begin by applying for dental loans through a bank, credit union, or online lender.
Another great option for finding affordable care are dental schools. Dental schools are a low-cost option, providing quality care at reduced prices. Call nearby local dental schools to compare their pricing.
Do you have a job that offers you health coverage? Consider looking into the benefits to see if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
You can use an FSA to pay for health care costs, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It’s ideal for out-of-pocket costs, and you will not have to pay taxes for this money.
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a type of savings account where you can set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. These untaxed dollars in an HSA pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other expenses.
A HSA will not typically pay premiums, but you can save by lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Now that you have a better understanding of all your potential financing options for dental implants, here are your must-dos before moving forward with your financial plan.
Talking to your dental provider is a great way to understand what your in-office options are when it comes to dental financing. They can walk you through their specific requirements and payment plan options if they offer them.
Researching all your options out there is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and financial situation. By taking the time and going the extra mile, you can save a lot of money. Talk with your bank and other local banks to learn the best options for you.
It’s easy to get behind on credit card and loan payments. To improve your financial status and future, you can take actionable steps towards boosting your credit score.
Improving your credit score will give you the greatest financial flexibility and success when applying for loans for medical needs in the future.
Good oral hygiene is a great preventative measure to avoid the need for expensive dental procedures like dental implants. But sometimes, this is easier said than done.
Be proactive by gently brushing your teeth, flossing at least twice daily, and getting your regular dental checkups. Try your best to stay consistent and lessen your sugar intake as well.
Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about dental implant financing answered below.
Many dental financing options require a good credit score to qualify for dental implants. While your credit history affects loan terms and approval rates, getting dental implant financing with bad credit is still possible. Using a co-signer if you can’t qualify on your own is another option.
Choosing the best loan for dental implants depends on your particular financial situation. Consider what your credit is like, how much you can pay upfront, and what you could potentially spend on a payment plan. Speak with your local bank for a better look at your options.
The cheapest place to get dental implants depends on your insurance coverage, unique dental needs, and other factors. Dental schools are typically one of the cheapest options for less inexpensive procedure costs, materials, and more.
If you need dental implants or want to plan for this lifelong investment in your smile, you now know that you have many financing options. Do the necessary research and talk to the experts to make a smart financial decision for your future.
Sources:
Medical Credit Cards | Credit Karma
Best Dental Loans | Nerdwallet
Flexible Spending Account | Healthcare.gov
Health Savings Account | Healthcare.gov
Improve Credit Score | Equifax
