Dental implants have become the gold standard in the dental industry when replacing a natural tooth. The tiny titanium post or screw is surgically placed in your jawbone and functions like a natural root providing complete stability. An average dental implant might cost between $1,500 and $3,000 and sometimes dental insurance plans may not cover their placement or just a portion of the cost. There are financing options available, simply ask your dental office. A successful dental implant involves innovative technology, a trained and caring dentist, and a level of creativity. Creativity not only with implant placement but also creativity with financing if necessary.
The Benefits of a Dental Implant
There are a variety of advantages to having a dental implant placed. Here are a few.
- A dental implant looks natural.
- You can eat what you wish and speak naturally.
- An implant is the absolute most comfortable restoration available.
- The dental implant restores your healthy smile and also increases both your self-confidence and your self-esteem.
- It will improve your oral health.
- It helps prevent jawbone atrophy.
- It is exceptionally durable and has long life expectancy.
The Dental Implant Process
If you have lost a natural tooth from decay, an unfortunate injury, or gum disease, the best option available today for a restorative replacement is a dental implant. The entire process might be extended to achieve utmost success. The first step is to have an evaluation. At this exam, with the help of x-rays, your dentist will determine if your jawbone has enough density to support the implant. If insufficient, a simple bone grafting procedure will provide the mass and density necessary. This step happens quite often and adds a few months of healing to the process.
To start the actual implant placement, a local anesthetic is used to numb the immediate area, and your jawbone is then accessed with a small incision. A small hole is made in your jawbone into which the titanium post or screw is inserted, and the incision is then sutured closed.
It will take several months for the jawbone and the post to bond, grow, or fuse together. This healing time is essential. This integration is what makes the implant function as an artificial root. Once the post is determined to be secure, an extension or abutment is added to reach the gumline surface.
The last step is the custom created artificial crown, matching your natural teeth, which will be affixed on top of the extension. You now have a premiere tooth restoration. You could even have a tough time telling the difference from your natural teeth.
The artificial root does more than support the artificial crown. It also delivers all pressures from biting and chewing to your jawbone. This stimulation is critical in preventing jawbone atrophy. It will even deliver hot and cold sensations, just like a natural root.
Dental Implant Financing Options
Some financing options might require a good credit score to qualify. There are common options available if you have a lower credit score, and here are a few examples that can cover the cost of your dental implant.
Sub-Prime Lender Financing- Historically, this is your option if you do not qualify for a standard credit-based loan through a primary lender like GreenSky or CareCredit is to apply for subprime lender financing. Usually, a standard lender will require a minimum score of 640 for approval, but subprime lenders take a look at your history beyond the credit score. This includes your current income, your employment history, and other information available which is reviewed to determine the level of risk associated with lending to you with the substandard credit rating.
There are most often some downsides to subprime lender financing plans. They come with higher interest rates and origination fees. They can add further financial strain, and they do not benefit your dental office in any way. The terms of the loan are set by a third-party lender, not your dental office, which could reflect poorly on your dentist if it appears to be unfair to you.
Personal Loans- A second option if you have sub-par credit is to apply for a secured or unsecured personal loan. Secured loans require a form of collateral, like a car or real estate. This collateral improves your chance of approval and also increases the loan amount. If you default or the account becomes delinquent, the lender will repossess the collateral.
The other option is an unsecured personal loan which will not require any collateral. Delinquent unsecured loans are sent to an outside collection agency that then follows up with you. These loans are more difficult to qualify for with poor credit because the lender is taking on more risk without any collateral. It could be difficult for you, if you do not qualify for a credit-based repayment plan, to be approved for an unsecured personal loan.
Flexible Pay-Over-Time Plans- Pay-over-time lenders like Healthcare Finance Direct are a third option that can work for you, even if you have been refused traditional financing options because of a low credit score. Lenders like Healthcare Finance Direct quite often help dental offices treat patients, which certainly encourages a winning health outcome.
Healthcare Finance Direct employs a unique data-driven underwriting process that goes beyond just a simple credit report and credit score to determine the risk of loaning to you. They use this unique data to determine the specific terms of the installment loan agreement which also includes a down payment. They will use the information collected to establish the interest rate that then mitigates the dental office’s risk. The dental office will keep the interest from the payments, not Healthcare Finance Direct. Using direct debit payments from your account, the dental office does not have to waste time and resources chasing payments.
Not only is it easier for your dentist to treat patients and generate some income using a pay-over-time lender like HFD, but it is also convenient for you. HFD offers a payment portal where the dental office and you can access payment information and receive any customer service support.