Dental Implants Cost Explained

Dental implants cost more or less depending on geographical location, experience of the dentist and the type of implant used. Generic implants that cost less are also available, but they may not have been examined for their success across different patients. Find out the type of implant your dentist uses and if it is worth it to you.

Dental insurance does not usually cover implants because most insurance companies consider implants an elective procedure. However, insurance policies may cover the implant crown, so be sure to talk to your insurance provider to learn what is and is not covered. Keep in mind if the cause of your tooth loss was an accident or disease, your health insurance policy may actually assist with some of the cost of an implant.

One way to pay less for implants is to join a dental discount plan, many of which offer 5 to 40 percent off dental implants cost, according to the New York Times. Make sure the plan you're considering does offer a discount on implants, and check if the plan has a waiting period before you can use the discount.

Another option, if you have a flexible spending account at work, is to use assets from that account to pay part of the cost. Often you can benefit from this by basing coverage on the two-part process of getting an implant: putting in the implant and then covering it with a crown six to 12 weeks later. TIME suggests scheduling the implant at the end of a calendar year, and then receiving your crown the following year. This schedule lets you use money from two years of your pretax flexible spending account, saving you as much as 30 percent if you are in a higher tax bracket.

Of course, ask your dentist about financing plans as well. And after your implant, follow his instructions for home care, which will include regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid future costs due to a damaged implant.