Discount Dental Implants: Everyone Deserves a Beautiful Smile
Unfortunately, for many older adults, tooth loss is another aspect of getting older. According to a study published by the Association of Health Care Journalists, 6.5 percent of American adults struggle with edentulism, also known as complete tooth loss. And the probability of struggling with tooth loss continues to increase as you get older. According to the same study, 14.2 percent of American adults between the ages of 45 and 64, and 24.9 percent over the age of 75, are also struggling with tooth loss. Fortunately, dental implants can help many of these same individuals restore their smile and enjoy many of the foods that they would otherwise have to forgo.
What Are Dental Implants?
For those who are not familiar with dental implants, they are screw-like titanium posts that are inserted into the gums and extend into the jaw bone. Once inserted, they fuse to the jaw bone through a process known as osseointegration and take on the role of artificial tooth roots. While dental implants can improve your smile and restore tooth function, it is a lengthy process as the implant itself can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fuse to the jaw bone. Nonetheless, once the implants fuse to the jaw bone and the gums have thoroughly healed, a dental crown or even permanent dentures can be attached to them.What You Should Know About Dental Implant Cost
If there is a downside when it comes to getting dental implants, it would have to be the cost associated with them. To put this into perspective, the cost of a single-tooth implant is between $3,000 and $4,500, and for those needing all on four dental implants, for example, the cost can be anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 per jaw, according to some studies. For seniors or anyone struggling with edentulism and considering full mouth dental implants, the cost is significantly higher, typically $40,000 or more. Given these prices, dental implants might seem out of reach for many people, especially low-income individuals and those on a fixed income.Can Dental Insurance Help with Dental Implant Cost?
If you're a senior who is considering full mouth dental implants, all on four dental implants, or even a single-tooth dental implant in hopes of restoring tooth function and improving your smile, you may be wondering whether or not these procedures are covered by dental insurance. Unfortunately, many dental insurance providers, including Medicare, will not cover the costs of these procedures as they are deemed cosmetic. However, there are always exceptions. As such, it would be a good idea to go over the details of your policy with your insurance provider if you are interested in any of these dental procedures.Discount Dental Implants are for Seniors
Even without dental insurance, you might be surprised to find that you can still get affordable dental implants. Many reputable dental implant centers, such as Clear Choice and Western Dental, for example, offer affordable dental implants for those who need them. To find even more dental implant centers in your area, consider visiting aaid-implant.org or even doing a Google search using the keywords "local dental implants near me."Grants and Local Dental Implants
For seniors and those who would otherwise be unable to afford them, there are grants that can help absorb some of the cost associated with getting dental implants, some which include:- The Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Organization
- American Dental Association Access (ADA) Access to Care Grants
- The Samuel Harris Fund