How to Find Low Cost Dental Implants

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: December 2, 2022 References

If you have any missing teeth, your dentist may have recommended that you get dental implants. While costly, these implants are one of the best ways to permanently replace a missing tooth (or even multiple teeth). Unfortunately, a single implant can cost thousands of dollars, which is too much for many people to afford. We’ve compiled a few ways you can look for low-cost dental implants to get the procedure you need.

1

Get quotes from several dentists.

Pricing can vary from dentist to dentist. Talk to each dentist about the details of the procedure, including any necessary x-rays and CT scans, anesthesia, modeling, surgery, what kind of materials will be needed, and what other procedures may be involved. You should get a comprehensive breakdown and cost estimate for each part of the process.^{[1]
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- Dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons are all qualified to perform dental implant surgeries.

2

Check local dental schools.

They often offer cheap or discounted services. You’ll be worked on by dental students instead of qualified practitioners, but they’ll be watched closely by their instructors. Keep in mind that dental schools are usually open during the day, which may be inconvenient to schedule around work or other obligations.^{[2]
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- Some dental schools only offer their services to low-income households.

3

Check with your dental insurance provider.

Some plans cover the cost of dental implants. Other plans might cover some of the cost, but not all of it. Call your insurance provider on the phone to talk about what’s covered and what isn’t.^{[3]
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- Your dentist might also know how much your insurance typically covers for dental implants.
- If you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you may also be able to get your dental implants partially paid for.

4

Look at prices in nearby towns.

Dentists in larger cities often charge more than rural areas. If you live in a city, expand your search to include several of the smaller towns surrounding you. You might have to drive a ways away, but it will be worth it to save some money.^{[4]
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5

Check the prices of implants abroad.

Dental implants in other countries can be much cheaper. For example, the average cost of getting dental implants in the U.S. is approximately $4,000, whereas it can be as little as $1,600 in Mexico and $850 in India. Some of the most popular destinations for dental implant surgery are Europe, India, and the Philippines, but other options include Argentina, Costa Rica, Africa, Hungary, Poland, and Spain. If you’re going to travel abroad, use caution and make sure you’re going to a reputable dentist with certifications and training.^{[5]
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- Make sure you factor the travel time, food, and living expenses into your final cost.
- Double check that the dentist office you’re going to is reputable and safe. Check their reviews and certifications online before you make an appointment.

6

See if you can be put under local anesthesia.

Your dentist will numb part of your mouth instead of putting you under. Generally, this option is much cheaper since you don’t need an anesthesiologist to be present. However, if you’re getting multiple implants, this might not be an option for you.^{[6]
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- Local anesthesia also means you won’t need to get a ride there and back.

7

Ask your dentist about financing options.

You may be able to sign up for a payment plan. Some dental practices offer payment plans for expensive procedures under these circumstances. You’ll most likely pay a monthly fee until your entire bill is paid off.^{[7]
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- Keep in mind that you will likely have to pay interest and other fees if you go with this option.
- There are also organizations like DentalLoans.com that can help you finance your dental implants if your doctor does not offer a payment plan. These types of services will give you a loan to cover expensive dental work (provided you meet their qualifications), splitting the cost into more manageable monthly payments, rather than one big lump sum.

8

Sign up for a discount dental plan.

They’re membership-based plans with a yearly fee. In exchange for this fee, members receive discounts between 10% to 60% on dental procedures. The fee is usually anywhere from $100 to $300, but it depends on which plan you pick. When you sign up for a dental plan, you have to go to specific dentists within the network, so you won’t be able to shop around as much.^{[8]
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- You can look for discount dental plans in your area by searching “Dental plans” + your city.
- Dental plans are a good option, but they aren’t quite as good as traditional dental insurance. Use them as a last resort if you can’t get insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants.
- Make sure you check the terms and conditions of the plan you sign up for carefully.

9

Reach out to dental associations and charitable organizations.

Many dental associations offer discounted care to low-income patients. They may also offer assistance to those in certain demographic groups, such as victims of domestic abuse and people with disabilities. In addition, there may be charitable organizations in your area that offer grants for dental work.^{[9]
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- For example, the Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program offers grants to people for cosmetic dental procedures that may not be covered by their insurance.^{[10]
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- If you are a victim of domestic abuse, apply for a grant via the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to get your implants covered.^{[11]
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10

Create a fundraising campaign.

If nothing else pans out, this might be your best bet. Websites like Indiegogo.com and GoFundMe.com allow you to start a campaign to raise money for a personal matter. Write a paragraph or two detailing what procedures you need and how they would improve your life, then send the link to friends, family members, and acquaintances.^{[12]
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- You can then share this page with your friends and family through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.