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Dental implants are a good way to replace lost teeth. An implant is a titanium rod that is placed into the jawbone and topped with a crown or bridge. You can do anything you would normally do with your natural teeth such as chewing, biting, and speaking. Implants tend to last up to twenty years but most dental carriers will not cover them under their plans. If you cannot afford implants, there are ways you can get free dental implants.
There’s no denying the fact that dental implants can be costly. The cost of having a tooth replaced with a dental implant can add up to a whopping $2500! It’s, therefore, no wonder that many patients with missing teeth and other dental issues are always on the hunt for affordable or free implants. Free or affordable dental implants allow you to get the smile you’ve always wanted without the cost. This article offers some useful tips on how to get free or low-cost dental implants.
Costs of Dental Implants
The cost of getting dental implants tends to be high because it includes several expenses. Dentists typically bill patients for the surgical process of placing the implant, abutment and restoration procedures like installing crowns, bridge or denture. The total price of getting a single dental implant can cost anywhere from $1700 to $2500. The procedure, particularly when undertaken in urban dental clinics, can run up to $3000 per tooth or more. For many patients, this cost of getting dental implants can be prohibitive. Fortunately, there are some ways that patients can work to have this procedure undertaken at a reduced or nonexistent cost.
Tips on How to Get Free or Low-Cost Dental Implants
Finding free dental implants is not easy but is possible. If you’re ready and willing to put time and effort into research, you’ll definitely find free or low-cost dental implant offers available on the market.
One place to check is within schools of dentistry in your area. Some dental schools offer discounted or free treatments, including implants, to the public. These dental treatment programs are typically meant to provide dentistry school students and graduates with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working on patients in real-life settings. That doesn’t mean you’ll be a guinea pig for wannabe dentists, but rather you’ll receive quality treatment from dentistry school graduates who will be under the supervision of experienced and highly knowledgeable dentists or dental surgeons. These free services are often targeted at low-income individuals or those who cannot afford the cost of the procedure. If you qualify for dental school-sponsored treatment, you will be able to get highly discounted or even free treatment. The only problem with such programs is that you won’t be able to make an appointment and attend treatment at your most convenient time. You will be forced to follow their schedule (if you’re lucky to get yourself in the waiting list) and make multiple visits. While the hours can be quite inconveniencing, you can save thousands on your implants and still enjoy the top-notch dental treatment.
Aside from dental schools, implant institutes or specialist implant educators offer free treatments to the public. Implant educators provide continuing education courses for implants and related topics to practicing dentists, and they often require subjects for demonstration purposes. A good example is the California Implant Institute run by Dr. Faraje. Dentists travel from around the country to get an opportunity to learn specific skills under the tutelage of authority figures in the field. These dentists are already qualified and have had extensive experience but pay tuition to participate in these programs. So patients like you don’t have to pay a dime for treatment.
Another way to get free or low-cost treatment is through dental associations and charitable organizations. Many dental societies and non-profit organizations offer free implants and other treatments targeted at low-income patients or those who cannot afford. These services are usually offered during planned events to specific demographic groups, such as women, veterans, victims of domestic violence or people with disabilities. Check your local dental organizations or associations to see if they offer any free implant services.
Tips for Finding Affordable Dental Implants
When looking for free or discounted dental implants, it is recommended that you start your search online. The internet is one powerful tool that can provide you with information and resources regarding free dental implants as well as affordable options. Whether it’s dental school-sponsored programs or free treatment programs offered by dental associations, you can find facts and information about these services online.
If you fail to find free dental implants, you can still make your treatment affordable and easy through a number of ways. For example, you could visit a dentist who accepts Medicaid if you are a senior and have no dental insurance. Some dentists accept Medicaid, and you may be able to get the free implants that you need through their offices. However, it’s worth noting that there aren’t many dental clinics that accept Medicaid due to the problems of billing and getting paid by the state and federal government. You can check with your state’s department of health or dental association to see if there are any dentists in your area that accept Medicaid.
If all the above-mentioned free treatment opportunities are not available for you, you may consider taking advantage of dental financing or discount plans. A number of companies finance dental work, and you can apply for a loan from one of them to fund your procedure. If you qualify, you can get implants and make affordable monthly payments to pay off your loan.
Another way to make your treatment affordable is by joining a discount dental plan. This will require you to pay monthly or yearly fees in order to receive discounts on dental procedures, such as implants. These discounts can range anywhere from 10% to 70% of the total cost. That means you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your implant procedure. The only drawback of joining such a plan is that you’ll be forced to use affiliated dentists rather than your own dentist or the desired specialist.
The fees for dental implants vary quite significantly depending on location. They are typically higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. If you live in a large city, you can reduce the cost of the procedure by getting treatment in a rural location. But this will only work if you don’t have a problem with traveling or if you have a relative or friend who lives in a rural area and can accommodate you during your treatment. To get the best rates, try to get quotes from several dentists. Ask for a breakdown of the fees and the estimated total charges thereof. Choose a reputable dentist who offers the most reasonable quote.
Average cost of dental implants and alternatives
Dental implants are an excellent option to replace missing teeth or to secure dentures in place. However, the cost of dental implants can be a major concern for many patients, especially those who do not have insurance coverage. On average, the cost of a single dental implant can range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on various factors such as the location, the complexity of the procedure, and the experience of the dentist.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to dental implants that can be more affordable. One such option is a dental bridge. A bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that is attached to the remaining healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by a missing tooth, using crowns or metal wings. The cost of a dental bridge is usually less than that of a dental implant, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500 per tooth.
Another alternative to dental implants is removable dentures. Dentures can be made to look and function like natural teeth, and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Depending on the materials and quality, the cost of dentures can range from $500 to $5,000. However, dentures do not offer the same stability and comfort as dental implants, and may require periodic adjustments and repairs.
In summary, the average cost of dental implants can be prohibitive for some patients, but there are affordable alternatives available such as dental bridges and dentures. It is important to consult with a dentist and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option, taking into account individual needs and preferences as well as the cost. Investing in dental care is essential for maintaining oral health and overall wellbeing, and there are many financing options and insurance plans available to help make dental care more accessible for everyone.
I’m not aware of any programs that specifically provide free implants. However, I’ve seen TV news coverage of dental outreach programs that provide all kinds of free dental services to disadvantaged members of our community. I know these annual programs work in other communities, too. Hundreds of patients — notably homeless folks — get treatment from our local dentists over a two-day period.
Another method to get free implants is quite unpleasant: get some teeth knocked out in a fight and sue for damages. Or encounter damage in a traffic accident if you have good insurance covering bodily injury.
Dental schools need patients for the students…patients are also needed for board exams. Teaching Hospitals that offer Dental Residency Programs can possibly give a free or reduced rate if used as a teaching case. Call your nearest dental school or teaching hospital.