Dental Implants with Low Monthly Payments
Dental Implant Cost
Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution which are often used to replace missing or damaged teeth which are beyond repair. Some of the main benefits associated with implants include their ability to function and appear just like the natural teeth. They are also specially designed with materials which make them incredibly strong, durable and long-lasting. When a patient is missing one or more of their teeth, or in cases where the tooth is damaged beyond repair, an implant is an exceptional solution to restore the teeth’s function and appearance.
A common question patients have who are considering dental implants is the expected cost associated with the procedure. As with most dental or medical procedures, there are numerous factors which can impact the overall cost. However, the average cost for a single implant will often range from about $1,500 to $3,000 or more. This price includes all factors associated with a standard implant procedure such as the implant placement surgery, all implant components/materials, in addition to the implant crown. In cases where additional procedures are required to prepare the mouth or gums for the implant, there will be additional costs involved. As an example, a bone graft may be required if the patient lacks adequate bone below the gum line which is required to support the implant.
Cost Factors
Some of the most common factors which can impact the cost of dental implants can includes items such as the geographical location, the dentist selected for the procedure, the need for any additional procedures, and the type of implant being used. In many cases, the dentist may prefer to use an implant from the Swedish manufacturer who developed implants. This particular type of implant has more than a 90% success rate. The dentist may also opt to use an implant which is created from zirconium or titanium. The type of material used and manufacturer of the implant and crown can affect the overall price.
Another factor which directly impacts the overall cost is the number of dental implants used. The cost of the procedure will increase with each additional implant. The dentist may suggest the use of alternative options which are less expensive depending on the patient’s budget. Any additional procedures which are required to prepare the patient’s mouth for an implant may also result in an increased cost. In some cases, the damaged tooth needs to be extracted prior to the placement of the implant. The tooth extraction will be an additional cost to the overall procedure.
Many patients who are considering tooth replacement options want to know why dental implants are more expensive. One factor which greatly increases the cost is the surgical procedure required to place an implant. It is also critical to select a dentist who has the appropriate training and experience in working with implants. Some of the specialists who offer implants include an implantologist, oral surgeon, and prosthodontist.
Although dental implants are quickly becoming the standard solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth, they are not typically covered by dental insurance policies. As a result, patients are required to cover the cost of the procedure.
When a patient is in need of dental implants, but is unable to afford the out-of-pocket expense, they may consider a financing option. Unfortunately, many of these financing options require the patient to have a good credit score in order to qualify. This results in nearly half of all patients being unable to afford or obtain financing for dental implants. Below are a few of the most common financing options which are available for patients who have a low credit score.
Sub-Prime Lender Financing
In many cases, the first option available for patients who do not qualify for a typical credit-based medical loan through a primary lender is to apply for sub-prime lender financing. Standard lenders typically require patients to have a minimum credit score of 640. Subprime lenders, however, are willing to take a deeper look into a patient’s history beyond their individual credit score. This can include the patient’s income, employment history, and other relevant information which can be used to evaluate the risk associated with offering financing to the patient.
Some of the challenges associated with subprime lender financing plans include higher interest rates and origination fees. This can place an additional financial strain on the patient. The terms of the loan, although they are set by a third-party lender, can also give the patient a negative impression of the dental office where the procedure is being performed.
Personal Loans
Another option which can be used by patients who have a low credit score is applying for a secured or unsecured personal loan. A secured loan requires some type of collateral from the patient. This may include a car or real estate property. This collateral can improve the patient’s chance of receiving approval and also help to increase the loan amount. In cases where the patient defaults or the loan is delinquent, the lender has the ability to repossess the established collateral.
Unsecured personal loans, on the other hand, do not require collateral. When an unsecured loan is delinquent, it is sent to an outside collection agency for follow up. This type of loan can be more difficult for a patient to qualify for as the lender incurs additional risk without having the collateral. It may be challenging for a patient who does not qualify for a credit-based repayment plan to obtain approval for an unsecured personal loan.
Flexible Payment Plans
A third type of financing option is pay-over-time lenders. This type of solution can work for all patients, including those who did not qualify for traditional financing options because of a low credit score.
Flexible payment plans are able to use a special underwriting process based on data beyond a simple credit report to accurately evaluate the risk of the loan. This data is also used to help define the terms of an installment loan agreement, which can include a down payment. The information collected is also used to determine the available interest rates.
Through the use of a pay-over-time lender, additional patients are able to qualify for a loan which can be used for dental implants.