How to Pay for Urgent Dental Implants

NEW YORK, February 2, 2021 (Newswire.com) - When someone is missing a tooth, getting a replacement as fast as possible both helps preserve dental health and keeps people confident in their smiles. Spending time without a tooth can lead to problems with chewing as well as loss of both some of the jawbone and gums, and of course, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

It's natural to want to get your smile back to normal as quickly as possible but replacing even a single tooth with a dental implant is an expensive process, often ranging from $1,000-$4,500. Here's how to pay for this sudden expense when it happens.

Understand your dental insurance coverage

If you have dental insurance, that can contribute substantially towards covering your dental implant. However, it depends on the coverage level of your insurance, and when your insurance coverage started.

Some dental insurance plans consider dental implants cosmetic, and more basic insurance plans only provide coverage for routine care such as cleanings. If your insurance falls into one of these two categories, it's unlikely that it will cover any portion of a dental implant.

Full coverage dental insurance plans will still often have an annual maximum that they'll cover, which can be within the range of several thousand dollars. This might not cover the entire amount of your dental implant, but it should cut down your costs substantially.

Thinking about picking up dental insurance after losing your tooth? Be sure to read the fine print — many dental plans have a waiting period before they over major procedures which can last from as long as six months to a year. Other plans also won't cover replacements for teeth that were lost before you purchased the insurance. Take a close look to confirm if the plan you're considering will be worth it for your needs.

Consider a payment plan

Dental practices are aware that implants can come at a steep price for many people. Dentists will often set up payment plans through their office, which can work similarly to a low or 0% interest loan. Rather than pay upfront, you'll pay for the procedure in smaller installments over time.

Not every dentist will be willing to work with you on a payment plan, but if you shop around you may be able to find a good option.

Compare prices

While no one wants to delay replacing a tooth, taking a few days to call multiple dentists and compare prices can be worthwhile. The price of dental implants can vary by thousands of dollars, and dentists with less experience or accreditation are likely to charge less for their services.

You may even be able to find a nearby dental school that will perform a dental implant for a much lower cost.

Thinking of dental implants as an investment

Dental implants can definitely come with sticker shock compared to alternatives such as dentures or a dental bridge, but it may help to think of them as an investment — not only in your own comfort and smile but in your long-term dental health.

Partial dentures can be difficult to use for chewing and can be a challenge to fully clean, encouraging faster tooth decay. Dental bridges are a good option for some people, but they may put too much stress on the two neighboring teeth depending on your personal situation. Dental implants, while expensive, are a highly reliable, long-term solution that preserves your best dental health as well as offering a natural look.

Source: iQuanti, Inc.