Dental implants are a great tooth-replacement solution for many patients. There is a surgical component of the procedure which essentially replaces the roots of the missing tooth with a metal implant post. The damaged or missing tooth is also replaced with an artificial tooth which looks and functions just like the natural teeth. Many patients are finding that dental implants are an excellent alternative to other tooth-replacement solutions such as dentures or bridges, which have significant limitations. Dentures are often ill-fitting or easily slip out of place because they rest on top of the gums. In addition, the jawbone is not stimulated, which can result in additional bone loss or the shifting of the remaining teeth. Implants also allow patients to eat the foods they love without limitations.
The surgical placement of the dental implants directly into the jawbone gives the implant an incredibly strong and secure base. The implant works by replacing the root of the missing tooth. During the healing process, the titanium implant will actually fuse to the jawbone. This ensures that the implant does not slip or move out of place. When patients use a bridge or dentures to replace a missing tooth, they can have significant limitations with fitting properly. The materials which are used for implants are incredibly strong as well. It is virtually impossible for the materials to decay, and damage is highly unlikely. Implants have an incredibly high success rate with very few cases of failure or rejection.
Below are things which make patients a good candidate for dental implants:
1. Missing one or more permanent teeth
2. Fully mature jawbone
3. Good oral health
4. Healthy and adequate jawbone structure necessary for supporting an implant
5. Able to receive bone grafting, if needed
6. Do not have any underlying health issues which will negatively impact the healing process
7. Unable or unwilling to use dentures as a tooth-replacement solution
8. Desire improved speech and pronunciation
9. Commit the healing process which make take a few months
10. Do not smoke tobacco
In most cases, the procedure for placing dental implants is performed in multiple stages. The surgical component is an outpatient procedure and there is also healing time required between the steps. Below is an overview of the process used to place dental implants:
- Removal of the damaged tooth
- Preparation or grafting of the jawbone
- Surgical placement of the dental implant into the jawbone
- Bone healing and integration with the implant
- Placement of the abutment
- Placement of the artificial tooth or crown
- Adjustments and modifications as needed
From start to finish, the entire process can take a few months. A majority of the overall treatment time is waiting for the body to heal allowing for the jawbone to fuse to the implant, forming a secure base. The overall treatment time can vary based on the patient’s unique situation, the procedures required such as bone grafts, and materials which are being used. In some cases, various steps of the procedure can be combined.
One challenge associated with dental implants is the high cost of the procedure. Implants cost an average of $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth. When additional procedures such as grafting are required, the cost for the procedure is higher. In many cases, patients will have to pay for at least a portion or the entire procedure out-of-pocket as it is rarely covered by dental insurance. While dental implants are the preferred tooth-replacement solution, they are not typically included in most dental insurance policies.
Fortunately, there are financing options available for patients who require dental implants but are unable to afford the treatment out-of-pocket. Many of these options, however, do require that the patient has a good credit score in order to qualify. This may prevent up to half of patients from being able to finance the cost of the dental implants. Below is a summary of financing options available for patients who have lower credit scores.
Sub-Prime Lender Financing
Patients who do not qualify for a standard credit-based medical loan can apply for subprime lender financing. Standard lenders typically require that patients have a minimum score of 640 for approval. Subprime lenders, however, are able to take a deeper look at the patient’s history in addition to their credit score. Things such as income, the patient’s employment history, and other details are used by the lender to have a better understanding of the risk associated with lending to the patient.
Unfortunately, there are certain downsides or limitations associated with subprime lender financing plans. These plans typically come with higher interest rates and origination fees that the patient will incur. This can place additional financial strain on patients and the patient must work with the lender rather than the dental office. The terms of the loan are also established by the third-party lender.
Personal Loans
Another option for patients who have a lower credit score is to apply for a personal loan. This loan can be secured or unsecured. A secured loan typically requires some form of collateral from the patient. This may include real estate or a car. The collateral can improve the patient’s chance of being approved and can also increase the amount of the loan. Unfortunately, this also means if the patient becomes delinquent or defaults, the lender can repossess the established collateral.
An unsecured personal loan does not require the patient to provide a form of collateral. Unsecured loans which become delinquent are sent to an outside collection agency who is responsible for following up with the patient. Because the lender takes on more risk without collateral, these loans are often harder to qualify for patients with bad credit. A patient who does not qualify for a credit-based repayment plan may find it difficult to be approved for an unsecured personal loan.
Flexible Pay-Over-Time Plans
Another option for patients who have a low credit score and do not qualify for traditional financing options is pay-over-time lenders. This can include lenders such as HFD who can work with a variety of patients which require financing for implants or another costly procedure.
These types of lenders use a special data-driven underwriting process. This process is able to consider information beyond a simple credit report for determining the amount of risk associated with offering a loan to the patient. The lender will use the information they collect to determine the terms of an installment loan agreement. This will typically include a down payment as well. The information will also be used to establish the interest rate. Many payment plans require that the patient sets up direct debit payments which aids in automating the payment process.
Patients who are considering dental implants should follow up with their dentist to discuss their financing options. Many dental offices offer payment plans or have a relationship with third party lenders. This helps ensure patients can get the necessary treatments needed to restore their smile.