Dental Care for All of Us

Dentists typically extract teeth as a last resort. If you need to have a tooth extracted, your dentist will talk to you about the tooth replacement options available to you. Among all the various options, tooth implants are unique because they replace the root portion of your tooth as well as the visible portion made of enamel.

During a dental implant procedure, a metal rod will be implanted in your jaw to prevent bone loss and allow your dentist to attach an artificial tooth. Your artificial tooth will be visually indistinguishable from a normal tooth. You'll be able to use it to smile and chew, just like any other tooth. Dental implants cost roughly $4,000, according to the New York Times. Here are some tips that can help you afford dental implant services:

1. Call your dental insurance company.

Conventional wisdom used to say that dental implants are never covered by insurance. However, many insurance companies have started covering the cost of this procedure either in full or in part. Call your insurance company to find out if tooth implants are included under your policy. Even if implants are not explicitly covered, some insurance companies will be willing to work with you. Your insurance company may be willing to put the amount of money they would have paid for alternative teeth replacement toward your dental implant cost.

2. Find out if your oral surgeon offers installment plans.

Oral surgeons understand that tooth implants are a considerable investment. Many of them offer payment plans that can help patients afford the care they desire. Call your oral surgeon before scheduling a consultation to ask what payment options are available. All dentists have different policies, so it's likely that you'll be able to find several surgeons that allow patients to pay for dental implant services in installments.

3. Apply for a medical loan.

If you don't have the option of paying in installments or you'd prefer to pay your dentist upfront, you may be able to take out a medical loan. Medical loans function similarly to personal loans. A lender will give you the amount of money you need for a medical procedure, and you'll pay them back over time. Take note of interest rates and repayment periods. Many medical loans offer a grace period of 12 to 24 months. If you repay your loan in full during this time, you may not owe any interest at all.