How to Get Low-Cost Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically implanted into the jawbone. They restore your missing tooth while mimicking the color and function of your natural tooth.

They’re a fantastic long-term solution for lost teeth. However, their high cost can often scare people away.

Fortunately, there are reliable, low-cost options and discount plans for implants. Let’s explore how you can navigate these budget-friendly paths and feel secure about your investment.

5 Ways to Get Affordable Dental Implants Without Insurance

While it’s important to look for alternatives, your dentist may let you pay in monthly installments instead of paying upfront in cash. Talk to your dentist to see if they have any available options for making the procedure more affordable.

Here are five ways to find affordable dental implants without spending thousands of dollars on insurance annually.

Dental Discount Plans Cover Implants

Dental discount plans are a great way to save money on dental implants. Many discount plans are available, and all of them work similarly: 

• No annual spending limit — Receive discounts on the dental treatments you need without an annual limit. 
• Members pay a yearly fee — For access to a network of dentists who offer reduced rates to members.
• No approvals or claim forms are required — Simply take your ID card to the dentist and save on services.

DentalPlans is a popular dental discount option that provides 20 to 50% savings on dental care costs. Unlike insurance, there’s no yearly spending limit on dental services. 

Patients pay one low annual fee and can use their plan to save on dental treatments all year.

Dental Implants From ClearChoice

ClearChoice centers specialize in same-day dental implant procedures. Their dentists perform more implant surgeries yearly than many other facilities because of their innovative, all-inclusive approach.

Most ClearChoice implant centers charge one flat fee to remove all of your teeth in one or both jaws and replace them with implants. On average, the cost for All-on-4 implants is between $35,000 and $55,000.

Cheap Dental Implant Payment Plans

A dental implant payment plan may be an excellent option for those who don’t have insurance.

Your dentist or oral surgeon may allow you to pay off a portion of the implants over a few months. Instead of paying for the implants through an insurance provider, you would pay your dentist directly.

It’s important to note that not all dentists offer a payment plan for implants. Talk with your dentist to determine the best option for your needs. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Grants

Cosmetic Dentistry Grants (CDG) is a nonprofit dental organization that provides funding for various dental procedures. In some cases, they can help you get free implants.

Discounted Services at Dental Schools

Many university dental programs offer discounted dental services in the U.S. and worldwide. The public can visit these on-campus clinics to receive treatment from current dental students. 

Dental professionals check each step during treatment, and supervision ensures the dental student does everything “by the book.”

Most university programs offer 50 percent savings on preventive and restorative treatments, including dental implant surgery.

Dental Insurance, HSA, and FSA

Some dental plans cover 25% to 50% of an implant if it’s deemed medically necessary (such as after an accident). However, dental insurance can be expensive.

Additionally, many policies still exclude implants considered “cosmetic,” so confirm your plan’s fine print.

Furthermore, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these pre-tax funds on eligible dental expenses, including implants.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The average cost of a dental implant is about $4,800 for a single implant. Prices range from $3,500 to $6,700 based on location and the dentist performing the procedure.

This price typically includes the implant (artificial tooth root), the abutment (support post), and the dental crown (false tooth). The cost of treatment will increase if bone grafts are needed.

Here are the different types of implants and how much they cost:

• Mini dental implants — Smaller titanium posts that cost around $500 to $1,500 per implant. They require less bone density, making them great for moderate bone loss.
• All-on-4 (full-mouth) implants — These cost around $43,000 per arch but can go as high as $56,000. Four implants are placed along the jaw to support a full arch of replacement teeth.
• Implant-retained overdentures — Dentures that snap onto 2 to 4 implants for extra stability. They typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 per arch.
• Snap-in dentures — Similar to implant-retained overdentures, these rely on a small number of implants (typically 2 to 4) to secure a partial or full arch. They typically cost $3,000 to $6,000.
• Full mouth implants — The average cost of full mouth implants in the U.S. is $20,000 to $90,000 or more.

What Affects the Cost of Dental Implants?

Dental implants can be quite expensive because various expenses outside of the procedure can add to the total.

These include:

• Material components such as the abutment and the crown
• Pre-surgical procedures such as bone grafts, sinus lifts, or extractions
• X-rays, CT scans, and oral evaluation costs
• Follow-up appointments
• Your dentist’s location and expertise

What is Dental Tourism, and is it Cost-Effective?

Dental tourism involves traveling to other countries for cheaper dental work. While this might sound like an appealing option, some factors can make it more troublesome than it’s worth.

For instance, you’ll still have to pay for flights and accommodations in the country you’re visiting. Additionally, the type of implant you get overseas may not be available in the U.S. 

This means you'll have to make multiple trips abroad to address complications.

Is it Safe to Travel Abroad for Cheap Dental Implants?

Yes. When done properly, dental care overseas is as safe as you would expect in the U.S. However, it’s essential to research the clinic and dental professional before you go.

For example, dental practices in Costa Rica offer some of the cheapest dental implant procedures, allowing patients to save up to 70%.