The Scoop on Cheap Dental Implants

Dental implants are a durable solution for those grappling with missing teeth. It’s shocking that nearly one in six individuals aged above 65 lose most of their teeth and face complete edentulism.^[1] Sadly, tooth loss significantly impacts the quality of life, grabbing their confidence and comfort. It has a profound impact on speech and the ability to chew, further ruining their smile and public relations. Dental implants offer a natural solution that lasts for a lifetime. These are the tiny screws made from titanium or zirconia. Teeth implants will be fixed within the jawbone and involve a surgical procedure. Over time, they integrate into the living bone and behave like natural tooth roots. 

Implants provide natural-looking solutions for single or multiple tooth loss. However, you need to have a healthy oral cavity, free from soft bone problems and habits like bruxism or smoking, to get dental implants. In addition, undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy can disqualify you from getting dental implants.^[2] 

How Many Dental Implants Can You Have?

The number of dental implants typically depends on the number of teeth you’ve lost. Suppose you lost one tooth from your jaw; you’ll need a single-tooth implant. In case you lost most of the teeth from one or both the jaw, you need full mouth implants. Your dentist will strategically fix 4-8 implants in a jaw to support the prosthesis. The number of implants for full mouth reconstruction depends on the jawbone quality and expected budget. Now, let’s briefly elaborate on the various types of dental implants. 

Parts and Types of Dental Implants 

Dental implants typically constitute three parts: implant, abutment, and artificial teeth. The implant is the screw-like portion that sits within the jawbone and mimics tooth roots.  Artificial teeth are the visible portion and appear like natural teeth. Small connectors called abutments hold artificial teeth on implants. You’ll need the three parts for an implant to function like normal teeth. Here is the list of commonly chosen dental implant types.

• Single implant: One titanium or zirconia implant will be placed within the jawbone to restore the functions of a single missing tooth. The artificial tooth is a single porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. 
• All-on-4 implants: Four dental implants are fixed in one jaw to support a full arch prosthesis. The front two implants are placed straight, while the posterior two are at an angle of 45°. The strategic placement of the inclined implants makes all-on-4 a graftless procedure.
• All-on-6 implants: The dentist will place six dental implants in a jaw to support a complete prosthesis. The extra two implants offer support and stability to the complete denture. 
• 3-on-6 implants: Six dental implants support three dental bridges for one single jaw. Placing bridges instead of dentures distributes prosthesis weight equally on the implants, adding to the longevity and success of treatment.
• All-on-8 implants: Eight dental implants support a complete hybrid denture. While the extra implants offer stability to the prosthesis, healing after a higher number of implants can be tedious.  
• Zygomatic implants: Zygomatic implants are for the upper arch, where the dentist will fix longer implants than the traditional ones. These are fixed directly into the cheekbone for added stability. 

How Much Dental Implants Cost? 

Dental implant cost varies with the type, number, dentist, clinic, and city you choose for dental work. Typically, dental implants are relatively expensive when compared to other alternative treatments like dentures or bridges. A single titanium implant would be priced at around $5,500 in the United States. In case you live in Canada, the same will be priced at $4,500. Meanwhile, the same in countries with low cost of living, like Mexico, costs you $1,500. Note that this base cost does not cover pre-op tests like dental X-rays and additional procedures like sinus lift or ridge augmentation. Getting any of these procedures would add up to these base costs. Further, if you’re looking for full-mouth implants to replace an entire jaw, the expenses can escalate significantly. For example, getting all-on-4 implants can cost you nearly $26,000 in the United States. In Canada, the same will cost you $24,000 per jaw. These expensive prices can be a burden for low-income groups. Indeed, many seek cheap alternative to dental implants. Now, let’s learn about this in detail. 

Cheapest Way To Fix Missing Teeth

Many elderly patients consider dentures as an inexpensive way to handle missing teeth problems. Dentures are low-cost alternatives to dental implants. These are removable artificial teeth or prostheses made from resin, metal, or acrylic. While partial dentures are for a few missing teeth, complete dentures restore the functioning of a completely edentulous jaw.^[3] However, affordable dentures require special care. Further, the worst problem that dentures carry is the requirement of refitting as the jawbone shrinks with time. In contrast, teeth implants are different! While dental implant expenses can be a cause of concern, their long-lasting benefits are too apparent. The benefits clearly outweigh the other cheap tooth replacement options. 

Benefits of Dental Implants 

Dental implants offer the following benefits over other alternative restorative procedures.

• Implants are biocompatible and rarely cause allergic reactions. They integrate with the jawbone and form a strong bond.
• Implants are permanent and last for a lifetime. They don’t slip or fall off like other alternatives.
• Dental implants mimic natural tooth root functions and preserve jawbone.
• They are easy to maintain and offer relief from the dentures.
• Implants impart fullness to the cheeks, preventing facial sagging, and offer a natural look to your smile.
• Implants improve daily activities like chewing and talking with clarity and restore your confidence. 

Considering the amazing benefits of dental implants, it's natural for patients to weigh the benefits and cost factors. Now, let’s understand the reasons for the high cost of dental implants.  

Why Are Dental Implants Costly?

Dental implants typically constitute three different components. They are made from reliable, biocompatible dental materials that can withstand wear and tear. These unique materials are quite expensive compared to the cheaper alternatives. Besides, getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure that an implantologist or a dental implant surgeon will perform. Dental specialists quote higher prices than general dentists. Adding to this would be the cost of diagnostic tests, pre-implant procedures, and anesthesia. None of these prices are unavoidable and add up to your final treatment bills. Furthermore, the dental implant procedure is carried out in a stage-wise manner. Some dentists quote separate prices for each stage. For some, the two steps in the implant procedure are carried out by two dentists, each of them quoting separate, stage-wise price estimates. Altogether, these factors make dental implants a costly procedure.

How Often Do Dental Implants Fail? 

The dental implant failure rate is 5% and occurs in the preliminary stages of the implant integration into the jawbone. Once the implant surface forms a strong bond on the jawbone through osseointegration, they last for a lifetime. Typically, dental implants show a high success rate and survival rate of 89.7% and 94.6%, respectively.^[4] Note that getting dental implants is a one-time investment. You don’t have to invest much in caring for your new teeth implants. It's simple and similar to caring for your natural teeth. Considering the long-term benefits, many look for affordable teeth replacement with dental implants. Let’s get more details on this. 

What if I Can’t Afford Dental Implants?  

You may consider other cheaper tooth replacements, like bridges or dentures, when you cannot afford the high implant costs at your dentist's office. Suppose you are not satisfied with the benefits these options bring to your table. Worry not. In that case, you may consider looking for affordable dental implants options. 

Free Dental Implants for Seniors on Medicare

The United States federal health insurance program, Medicare, covers dental implant costs when they are medically necessary. While Medicare is for senior residents aged above 65 years, it also applies to younger people with disabilities. However, getting free implants with Medicare isn’t for every patient. Conditions that require jawbone reconstruction after disease or trauma or severe oral health conditions with the potency of severe health risks and medical complications apply to this. More importantly, you need to verify the specific coverage options in your consultation with the healthcare provider.  

Free Dental Implants for Veterans

Many reputable dental organizations offer free implants for veterans the US citizens who served military and armed forces. Indeed, it’s seen as an expression of gratitude for their services. In case, you are a veteran, you can benefit from this by getting treated with a board-certified dentist. However, this applies to strict deadlines that close on a quarter or annual basis.^[5] 

Free Dental Implants for Low-Income Adults

Many low-income groups or uninsured individuals find dental implants an expensive procedure.  Even if you are insured, the problem arises when you need implants for cosmetic purposes. Dental insurance covers medically necessary implants, but they are indeed beyond the budget for a few. In either case, there exists a dire need for affordable dental implant costs. Here, we listed them in detail.

Free Dental Implants for Low-Income Groups

If you require free dental implants, try looking for them in clinical trials. These studies are part of the research to understand the efficacy of new drugs and protocols. While you may worry about the possible risks, it's worth noting that research organizations prioritize patient safety. For this, you need to rely on trusted or government-recognized research agencies.

Free Dental Implant Programs

Inquire at the local community health care center for the best cheap dental implants. This can be part of the charity or free services, among other healthcare options. Learn about the costs, procedures, and basic requirements for getting treated. Ideally, these relate to citizenship, income, and physical and mental health. Meeting the eligibility criteria allows you to make use of this cheap dentistry option. 

Dental Schools That Do Free Dental Implants

Many dental schools offer inexpensive dental implants costs, along with other free services. This will be a part of the training program for the students at the dental schools. While they offer discounted prices, you don’t have to doubt the treatment quality. The procedure will be supervised by a university professor or experienced dentist. Plus, many reputable implant manufacturers provide implants to dental schools for charity. So, it's not a burden for dental schools to offer free or low-cost implant solutions. 

Low-income groups can receive free dental implants through charities. However, the rules differ with the state or city where they are based. Below is a scoop on availing of the cheap dental implants cost. 

Low-Cost Dental Implants Near Me

Dental implant costs vary based on multiple factors. You can get low-cost for dental implants at the dentist’s office near your location. Few dentists quote cheaper implant prices because they rely on locally-made implant materials. Using imported German-based implants can raise the bar high due to the overhead charges. Some luxury and fancy dental clinics quote expensive prices to satisfy their maintenance and utility charges. However, some modern but not fancy clinics offer cheap dental implants for seniors. In dentistry, being modern refers to utilizing advanced equipment for diagnosis rather than offering luxury amenities for patients. Some dentists utilize expensive surgical guides for the accuracy of the implant placement. However, it is worth noting that experience speaks more than advanced technology in a few cases. Moreover, some clinics have in-house dental labs. A few others are tied to third-party services for prostheses. You may look for dental clinics with in-house labs, as this would reduce the intermediary charges quoted by external labs. Check out the clinics and dentist reviews and go for patient referrals before planning your treatment.

Deals on Dental Implants

If you are looking for cheap dental implants in Texas or cheap dental implants Las Vegas and no other alternative approach has worked, don't worry. Some dentists offer promotional deals on extensive dental procedures and discounted prices on patient referrals. These incentives can save you from pocket-burning prices. Also, check out if the clinics offer payment plans where you can make payments in manageable installments. While this choice does not offer you free implants, it can ease the burden of heavy implant bills. 

What if everything else fails? We understand this can be as scary as losing life. Losing multiple teeth affects psychological well-being. But the good thing is, this isn’t the end. We elaborate on other alternatives for low-cost dental implants. 

Where Can I Get Cheap Dental Implants?

To get affordable and cheaper dental implants, you may travel to different countries. Reports suggest that many Americans travel abroad for low-cost dental work.^[6] Dental tourism is gaining a boom, and implants are among the top chosen procedures. Cheap implants abroad can be a beacon of hope for those looking for budget-friendly, durable solutions. While you can avoid sky-high costs, you also get dental appointments according to your schedule. This is unlike what happens at the government dentist's office. Now, let’s get into the details of cheap dental implants. 

Cheap Dental Implants Abroad

Cheap dental implants abroad can save you from paying high dental bills, especially if you’re an American without dental insurance. Not only that, crossing the border to get your teeth done has plenty of benefits. Here are the details on all the benefits of getting cheap dental implants abroad.

• Savings: Getting dental implants abroad can considerably reduce your expenses compared to getting them done in countries like the US and UK. You can save up to 80% on this choice.
• Advanced dental care: Getting dental treatment at cheaper prices doesn’t mean compromised quality. Qualified and experienced dental professionals provide top-notch treatment. Rest assured, you’ll receive the same caliber of care as you would from the dentists in your home country. 
• Accessibility: Unlike dentists in the United States, who often have extended waiting periods, scheduling dental implants abroad offers flexibility. The treatment can be tailored to your availability and convenience.
• At-home feel: Contrary to common misconceptions, dental professionals abroad maintain warm, clean, and hygienic clinics. The coordinators offer personalized care and attention, while border clinics often exude a cultural familiarity akin to that of the United States, making you feel right at home.
• Relaxation: Dental treatment at far-off destinations offers a time for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of busy lives. It allows you to immerse yourself in new surroundings and carve out moments dedicated to relaxation.

To begin with this first up will be choosing the suitable location for your dental implant work. Crossing borders for dental implants can be daunting, especially if it's your first time. You should choose safe destinations and rely on trusted dental clinics overseas. Countries like Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Hungary are the top countries for dental work. Mexico is an ideal pick if you are looking for cheap dentures and implants. At Envoy Health, we recognize your apprehensions about selecting a dental clinic in far-off destinations. That’s why we’re here to make it easier for you. Now, let’s walk you through some essential considerations when picking the right dental clinic for your needs. 

Cheap Dental Implants Near Me: How To Find The Best One?

Do you live in the southern parts of the US and are concerned about high implant bills? Here are tips to help you find the best dental implants near me.

• Research meticulously: Take your time off to look for clinics that offer competitive prices and quality care. Check the patient reviews and treatment before-and-after pictures to gauge the patient’s satisfaction and treatment outcomes. 
• Material quality: It’s always good to enquire about the materials used for dental implants. Ensure that the implants are biocompatible and durable. Additionally, the prosthetic teeth that you get should mimic the natural teeth. Ensure that the materials used are of high quality, as quality materials ensure long-lasting results.
• Insurance coverage: Review your insurance plan and see if implants are covered entirely or partially. Although many providers do not cover dental implants, a few will cover restorations or consultations. Picking these can save you money.
• Dentist qualification: Approach an experienced and qualified dentist with a successful track record. Opting for a seasoned professional increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. 

Getting cheap dental implants Tijuana Mexico, and Algodones is a proximal option. Indeed, they are an ideal choice if you are looking for cheap dental implants full mouth for seniors. The country offers low-cost implants with savings of up to 80% on treatment. In case it sounds daunting, we provide you with clear reasons for affordable costs.

Are Dental Implants Cheaper in Mexico?

Dental implants in Mexico cost only a fraction of the Stateside implant costs. A single implant in Mexico costs around $1,500, which is four times less than the Stateside price of $6,000. Full mouth implants cost begin at $7,100 in Mexico. Meanwhile the starting cost in the States is $26,000 per arch. Overall, you can save anywhere between 75-80% on dental implants in Mexico.  

The reasonable implant costs in Mexico are mainly due to Mexico’s low cost of living. The low house rents and staff salaries do not impose an extra burden on clinic maintenance in Mexico. In contrast, the clinic rents and staff wages are much higher in the US. US dentists charge higher overhead charges for clinic maintenance. Besides, the Mexican government subsidizes dental education. Students graduate without any educational loans in Mexico, which is in contrast to the universities in the US. Adding to this will be the hefty-priced malpractice insurance. Its mandatory to hold malpractice insurance for a dentist to practice in the US. However, Mexican dentists do not require anything such. All this contributes to the lower implant prices in Mexico without sacrificing the quality.   

Are you ready to take charge of your dental health but want to know where to begin? Worry not. At Envoy Health, we partner with the top-rated dental clinics after thorough vetting. Sign up with our platform and reach out to the finest dentists. A dental journey with a trusted partner seems like a breeze.

References 

1. Tooth Loss
2. Dental Implants 
3. Dentures (false teeth)
4. Analyzing the Causes and Frequency of Early Dental Implant Failure among Iranians: An Epidemiological Study
5. Smile Veteran
6. What is Dental Tourism?