If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you are likely considering your replacement options. One option that may be front-of-mind is dental implants. With that said, you may have heard dental implants are expensive and you may be wondering if there is a way to get dental implants with low monthly payments.
Below is helpful information about implants, including what they are, their benefits, and different payment options that may be available.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a teeth-replacement option. The process involves the placement of a prosthetic tooth or teeth that are held in place with a titanium rod that is installed in the jawbone of the patient. Over a period of time, the rod fuses with the jawbone. Once the rod is securely in place, a prosthetic tooth or teeth are placed via an abutment.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are a variety of different benefits of dental implants. Some of these include:
- Healthier teeth. It’s important to keep in mind that having a missing tooth or teeth is more than just an appearance issue. Missing teeth can actually lead to some serious oral health issues down the line. This is because teeth are held in place with the help of other teeth. When you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, the surrounding teeth can migrate. This leads to crowding, crookedness, and impacting of other teeth. These conditions can make properly brushing and flossing very difficult, which in turn can lead to the development of cavities and gum disease. Dental implants help to halt the shifting of teeth, which in turn leads to better overall oral health.
- A healthy jawbone. Did you know that teeth help the jawbone to stay healthy? If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, your jawbone will start to deteriorate over time. A dental implant helps to halt this damage to your jawbone and maintain your jaw health.
- Long-term cost savings. The initial cost for dental implants (even with low monthly payments) may seem high at first. While they aren’t cheap, dental implants can also help with long-term cost savings. Keep in mind, dental implants can help to protect your oral health—potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Treating gum disease, cavities, and root infections adds up over time. Poor oral health may even lead to extractions—leaving you with more teeth to replace. The upfront cost is often much less than the cost of repairing the damage that comes with avoiding a tooth replacement.
- Increased self-esteem. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you may be smiling less than you used to. This can lead to a decrease in mood, confidence, and self-esteem. Dental implants fill the gap, allowing you to smile wide and with pride.
Are Implants Right for Me?
Now that you know the benefits of dental implants, you may be wondering if implants are right for you. There are a few considerations that go into determining if you are a candidate for dental implants. One major consideration is the strength of your jawbone. You need a strong jaw for the placement of the implants. If your jawbone has begun to deteriorate over time, you may need to consider a bone graft procedure to strengthen your jaw.
Keep in mind that a bone graft procedure is a separate procedure and will come with its own costs. This may be a factor in your decision.
Dental Implants with Low Monthly Payments
If your dentist has determined you are a good candidate for implants, you’ll then need to determine the right payment option. Keep in mind, dental implants are often between $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth. This doesn’t include bone grafting for your jaw (should you need it).
While some patients pay entirely out-of-pocket, others rely on insurance to pay for at least a part of the procedure. If you don’t have insurance or it doesn’t cover implants, you may be wondering what options you have to pay.
Here are some payment options you can consider (some that may be available with low monthly payments):
- Pay-over-time plans. If you have bad credit, a pay-over-time lender may be the right option for you. The company will use multiple factors to decide on the right loan agreement. With a pay-over-time plan, you’ll likely first need to pay a downpayment.
- Personal loans. Another option for patients is a personal loan. Personal loans can be unsecured or secured. A secured loan involves a patient putting up collateral. An unsecured loan does not require collateral, but it will involve the patient being sent to collections if the bill goes unpaid. This, in turn, hurts the patient’s credit. If you have bad credit, an unsecured loan may be difficult to secure.
- Subprime lender. For those with lower credit (generally less than 640), a subprime loan may be an option. These types of loans are easier to get, but they also come with a higher interest rate (as the borrower is considered higher risk). A subprime lender will look at the borrower’s credit, employment history, and income before determining the terms of the loan.
Speak with Your Dentist
If you are considering your replacement options for a missing tooth or teeth, ask your dentist if dental implants are a good option for you. If they determine you are a good candidate for implants, you can discuss available payment options. They even may be able to point you in the direction of preferred lenders (should you need them).
Whatever payment option you decide on, make sure you are able to pay the amount owed and that it doesn’t create too much financial strain.
Once your payment option is sorted, you can set an appointment with your dentist to begin the placement process of your new dental implants.
