Dental implants are expensive–costing on average between $3,000 to $4,500 for one implant. But insurance plans often consider the procedure cosmetic rather than a medical necessity and won't pay toward dental implants. Therefore, whether you need one or more implants, you may need to pursue other options available for helping to pay for dental implant costs.

1. Contact your insurance company. Although your dental insurance may not cover the entire cost for dental implants, it may cover some of the cost–usually toward the cost of the implant crown. But no matter what portion of the cost your insurance may pay, having the work done by an in-network provider means less money that you'll have to pay out-of-pocket for the procedure.

2. Talk to your dentist. Explain that you have no dental insurance or that your plan pays little or nothing toward dental implants. Ask if there is a payment plan available that would allow you to have the work done.

   If you need multiple dental implants, your dentist may offer you a discount to help make the overall cost more affordable. The billing service may require a down payment and then bill you a fixed amount monthly for a specified period of time until you pay off the balance.

3. Shop dental professionals. Don't stop at a single dentist. If you can't afford the cost your usual dentist charges, contact other dental offices for quotes, as fees can vary. Oral surgeons and periodontists also do dental implants. Since dental implants can involve several procedures, choosing a dental professional who can do both the surgery and restoration steps will save you money as well, since you won't be paying separate fees to more than one provider.

4. Enroll in a dental discount plan. Dental insurance can be expensive and often doesn't pay much toward dental care other than routine checkups. However, a dental discount plan–an alternative to dental insurance–can save you money, particularly if you need multiple dental procedures in the same year.

   If you have a dental discount plan, find a dentist who participates in the plan and will perform the procedure at a discounted rate. How much you save on dental implants varies, as the fee schedule for the procedure may differ depending on where you live.

5. Consider a dental implant center. Having the work done at place where dental implants are done on a regular basis may save you money. Experienced dental implant specialists perform the work–all stages of which are completed in the same location, which cuts down on the costs.

6. Look into dental schools in your area. Dental schools often provide dental care, including dental implants, at reduced costs. You'll still get quality care, as students who recently graduated are closely supervised by experienced dentists and faculty. Students are knowledgeable about advanced dental techniques and often have state-of-the-art equipment and tools available for use. The students get experience and you get low-cost dental implants.

   You may have to meet income requirements to qualify to receive treatment. In addition, you may be placed on a waiting list.

For more information, contact a professional dentist, like Davis R Troup DDS PA, to figure out how to get started on finding the best way to afford your dental implants.