If you've experienced tooth loss, then you probably know that there's an effective, permanent procedure available to give you back your winning grin: dental implants. You're also probably aware that you can buy a fancy European luxury car for about the same amount of money as a full set of dental implants!  Relax.  Though this high-cost factor prevents many patients from seeking implant consultations, they shouldn't be deterred without even knowing all the facts.  Before you decide to get a consultation for dental implants--or, more importantly, before you decide not to get one--make sure your questions about the cost of this life-changing procedure have been answered factually and completely:

What's the bottom line, Doc?

No matter how you parse it, the simple truth is this: dental implants are expensive.  With costs ranging from $900-$3,000 per tooth, few patients will be able to whip out their pocket-book, count out the cash, or write a check.  If you think about it, though, the procedure involves quite a few specialists, all of whom expect their rightful payment: there's the surgeon performing the actual surgery, the anesthesiologist who sedates you during it, the tech who takes the X-rays, the lab who develops them, the dental lab who designs and constructs your customized crown, and several others.  Bear in mind that implants aren't just an accessory, and getting them isn't just a basic service; they're a lifetime investment in your appearance, your self-esteem, and your future.  That's the bottom line.

What determines how much I'll have to pay?

Several factors affect where you fall on that price spectrum.  Geography plays a considerable part, as costs are usually quite higher in big cities and on the east/west coasts.  (Food for thought: there's no law that says you have to go to a local dentist!)  Most significant, though, is the type of implant you receive--a crucial aspect of the procedure that is usually determined by your implant specialist according to your dental and financial needs.  In any case, it's worth a closer look.  Plus, if you're missing several teeth, you don't necessarily need to pay for each individual implant.  Over-dentures can be implanted on just 2-4 screws to cover a larger area. 

Will insurance cover implants?

Typically, no.  Medicare, for instance, will not pay for the procedure, nor will many employer-sponsored plans.  Exceptions are sometimes made for patients who have severe bone loss, or who have difficulty eating because of additional complications.  If you lost teeth in an accident, then an insurance company may be obliged to pay for the procedure--but you must make the request part of your settlement or verdict claim.  Talk to an attorney if you think another party is at fault for your problem.

OK, that's all wonderful, but how am I supposed to come up with that kind of money?

If you can afford implants, then it's hard to put a price on regaining your smile.  If you can't afford them...well, then what?  Try any--or all--of these ideas:

• Talk to your dentist or surgeon about payment plans.
• Check on-line for companies that specialize in financing medical procedures.
• See if your employer--or your insurance provider--offers a health savings account that can be used for dental treatments.
• Talk to your bank about a obtaining a personal loan, or refinancing an existing one.
• Come up with an innovative crowd-funding pitch...hey, it can work!

Make an appointment to see a dentist, like Peter J. Kaufman, DMD.  There is considerable room for flexibility, depending on a multitude of factors. Your smile is worth the time and effort, and you're definitely worth the investment.