Dental implants have quickly become a popular restoration solution if you need to replace a missing tooth. In fact, they are the poster child example of the continued advancements in dental technology. Not only are they difficult to discern from your natural teeth visually, but one could argue they are a close match when it comes to functionality as well. The implanted titanium post, after bonding and fusing to the jawbone, acts as a natural root. This new artificial root delivers terrific stability, security, natural-like biting and chewing sensations as well as temperature changes. An additional, unseen bonus, is this artificial root delivers continuous stimulation to the jawbone itself, therefore maintaining the density and mass and staving off atrophy. Sometimes the initial cost of this restorative treatment might prohibit you from choosing this quality-of-life restoration.
Understanding the Dental Implant
Before you brush off this fabulous solution for your missing tooth, you first should understand the process necessary and the list of benefits. The benefits add tremendous value to your decision in grasping and making the ratio of cost and value.
Your dentist must first give you a thorough examination to confirm your jawbone is healthy and can withstand the placement of the implant. If confirmed, a small incision allows the dentist to surgically place the small titanium post into your jawbone. Once sutured closed the post goes through a natural process taking several months of bonding and growing into the jawbone. When this has been completed, an extension or abutment is added to reach the surface of the gum and then a custom created artificial crown is mounted on top. Just like that you have a tooth that is difficult to tell it is not natural.
The list of benefits read something like this:
* Improved appearance- Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Because they are designed to fuse with bone, they are a permanent solution.
* Durability- Implants are exceptionally durable and will last many years. With proper care, most implants will last your lifetime.
* Improved speech- With some dentures, the appliance can slip in your mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants will allow you to speak without any worry that your teeth might slip.
* Improved comfort. Since they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of a removable appliance.
* Easier eating. Sloppy dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry or concern.
* Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can restore your healthy smile and help you feel better about yourself.
* Improved oral health. Dental implants do not require the altering other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because your adjoining teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, for flossing, improving oral hygiene.
* Convenience. Removable dentures are inconvenient when it comes to removing and messy when it comes to the denture adhesives needed.
With a current success rate at 98%, dental implants deliver on your investment.
The Financial Hurdles
If you wish to undergo an expensive procedure like the placement of a dental implant, which can average between $1,500 and $3,000 per tooth and sometimes even more when gum or jaw restoration is necessary, you may find yourself covering a portion or a large share of the cost out-of-pocket expenses. Even though dental implants are becoming the new gold standard for a tooth replacement, the dental insurance policies are slow in following suite, not covering quite as much as one might expect.
Dental implants are not covered by many dental insurance policies at this time. Coverage under your medical plan might be possible, depending on the insurance plan and the cause of the tooth loss. Coverage questions regarding your individual needs and how they relate to your insurance should be discussed with your dentist and insurance provider prior to beginning.
If you would benefit from a dental implant but cannot afford it the out-of-pocket costs, there are financing options available to you. Many of these options will require a good credit score to qualify, which then leaves some patients unable to finance the cost of dental implants conventionally. There are a few common options available for patients with low credit scores.
Sub-Prime Lender Financing
The first option usually for patients that do not qualify for a standard credit-based dental loan through a primary lender like CareCredit or GreenSky is to apply for a subprime lender financing. Standard lenders most often require a minimum score of 640 for loan approval, but subprime lenders take a deeper look at your financial history beyond just your credit score. Your income, employment history, and other information will be examined to understand the risk associated with lending to you.
Subprime lender financing plans usually come with slightly high interest rates and additional origination fees.
Personal Loans
A second option if you have a lower credit score is to apply for a secured or unsecured personal loan at your bank. Secured loans will require collateral from you, such as an asset like a car or real estate. The collateral reduces the lenders risk, improves your chances of approval, and increases the loan amount. If you default or become delinquent, the lender can repossess the collateral.
An unsecured personal loan does not require any collateral from you. These loans are more difficult to qualify for with poor credit because the lender is assuming more risk without collateral. Delinquent unsecured loans will be handled by a third-party collection agency.
Flexible Pay-Over-Time Plans
A third option available is the pay-over-time lenders like Healthcare Finance Direct. This option can work if you have been turned down from traditional financing options due to your low credit score.
HFD uses a unique data-driven underwriting process that factors in more than just a simple credit report to determine the level of risk. The lender then uses this data to create an installment loan agreement that will include a down payment. They will also use the information obtained to determine interest rates that also mitigate the provider’s risk.
Work with the Office Manager at Your Dentist
The supporting staff has encountered these challenges before and will have good advice from their experiences on which route they have had the most success with regarding previous patients.