What to Do When You Can’t Afford Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring a confident smile. Unfortunately, the cost of dental implants can be a significant barrier for many people. Dental insurance typically does not pay for dental implants, classifying implants as an optional cosmetic procedure. It is important to know that dental savings plans typically do include discounts on dental implants and other cosmetic procedures.

Are dental implants the best way to fix missing teeth?

First, let’s look at why dental implants are so popular. One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is their positive impact on oral health. Unlike traditional tooth-supported bridges, which require altering adjacent healthy teeth, dental implants do not compromise the integrity of neighboring teeth. They integrate seamlessly into the jawbone, promoting long-term oral health and preserving the bone structure. Additionally, dental implants also prevent bone loss, which often occurs when teeth are missing, helping to ensure that your face doesn’t appear to have aged prematurely.

And unlike removable dentures, which may slip or cause discomfort, dental implants are very stable. So, no more worries about your dentures slipping out of place when you are speaking, eating, drinking or just going about your everyday activities. You’ll also be able to more easily eat crunchy foods like veggies, fruits and nuts. This contributes to better digestion and overall health, as you can maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. And there’s no need for messy adhesives, and no more oozing denture glue in your mouth – dental implants become a permanent part of your oral structure.

So, yes, dental implants can be a great option for a lot of people, but not everyone. A lot depends on the condition of your jaw and gums and your overall health. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, are taking immunosuppression medications, or have a history of radiation treatments to the jaw, your dentist may recommend alternative options to restore your teeth. Always speak to your dentist to determine the best treatment for you.

How much do dental implants cost?

Let’s take a look at the most commonly used dental implants:

Endosteal implants which use a titanium post which is placed into your jaw under the gum line, an abutment which is visible above your gum, and a dental crown or crowns that fits on top of the abutment and replaces the natural tooth. A single, complete Endosteal implant can cost $3,000 to $4,500, a full set of can run from $20,000 to $45,000.

Subperiosteal implants which are placed just above or onto the jawbone and are used in cases where people don’t have sufficient bone structure to support an endosteal implant. Subperiosteal implants cost about the same as Endosteal implants.

Mini implants, which look like a toothpick-sized screw, are placed into the jawbone, and are typically used to secure a denture or bridge in place. Standard implants are 3.4 to 5.8 mm wide, mini implants are only 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter. Four to six mini implants may be enough to secure an entire lower denture. Mini implants typically cost between $1,000-$1,500 per implant, or – when placed all at once – about $2,500 to $6,000 for 4-6 mini implants.

Your dentist can tell you what type of implants will work best for you, and whether your jawbone can support implants. In some cases, getting implants would require the jawbone to be built up with a bone graft, and perhaps a sinus lift – a surgery that can regenerate lost bone and tissue in your mouth. These procedures will add to the cost of your dental implants.

Affordable dental implant options

Mini implants – Far less expensive than Endosteal or Subperiosteal implants, these heal faster than regular implants and require less supporting bone. But there are some drawbacks – mini implants may only have a 6–9-year life span, where conventional implants are expected to last over 15 years or much more if maintained correctly. And if you grind your teeth, mini implants can get damaged and worn down much more quickly than traditional implants for those who grind their teeth. This issue can often be prevented by using a nightguard.

Consider traditional dentures or bridges – Dental implants have significant advantages, but full or partial dentures and dental bridges are far more affordable, and can be the best option for you. Don’t dismiss them based on how they functioned and felt a decade or more ago, advances in dentistry have led to the creation of flexible and lightweight denture materials, providing a more secure fit, natural look and improved functionality.

Health Savings Account –HSAs can often be used to pay for dental treatment. Implants typically must be part of a treatment for dental disease, such as bone loss, to be a qualified expense. Check with the benefits coordinator at your workplace or your financial provider to confirm that dental implants – or perhaps parts of the procedure, such as extractions – are a qualified health care expense.

Join a dental savings plan – Dental savings plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. Make sure the plan you join includes discounts for implants, of course. Unlike insurance, many dental savings plans do include reduced rates for dental implants and other cosmetic dental procedures like overlays and whitening treatments.

Dental savings plans are a trusted alternative to insurance where plan members pay an annual fee to save on virtually any procedure, at any participating dentist or specialist nationwide. And while dental insurance often has deductibles and waiting periods for costly procedures, dental savings plans do not.

If you’d like help choosing a dental savings plan that offers the biggest discount on dental implants (or other dental procedures) give us a call at 1-833-735-0399. We’re the largest dental plan marketplace, with over 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare, accepted by over 70% of U.S. dentists. We make it easy to find your perfect plan.

Want more details right now? Use our calculator below to see how much you can save on implants.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. Savings range from 10-60% off. 

All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool.