As per statistical reports, almost 50% of people nationwide are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants, or artificial titanium teeth roots shaped like screws, form the bases for supporting artificial teeth. This way, dental implants are good choices in terms of esthetics and functionality and are emerging as popular choices, particularly among seniors. However, since the procedure can be expensive, seniors should consider budget-friendly dental implant options to save money.

Talk to the dentist about financing options
Several healthcare credit cards can help break down the cost of implants into manageable monthly payments. Dental providers also offer 1–2 options to choose from, along with interest-free payments to reduce the immediate burden of medical costs. A few dentists in the country offer a $150 dental implant consultation, which can include a complete oral examination with X-rays.

Look up payment plans and discounts
Some dentists also offer in-house payment plans, so the costs may be divided over several months instead of having to pay them at once. They may also be in a position to offer special prices to help slash the cost of the treatment or offer a bulk discount to those getting multiple implants.

Visit a local dental school
Those situated near a dental school can also look for appointments with oral surgeons in training. Their charges can be much lower than those offered by surgeons’ offices, and the procedures are supervised by trained professionals. However, slots for these appointments are generally limited, and it can be difficult to secure one.

Apply for a grant
Private organizations such as Cosmetic Dentistry Grants and the ADA Foundation offer partial grants to help cover the cost of dental treatments. The grant money does not need to be repaid. Eligibility requirements for the grant are available on their websites, and applications are free. Currently, there are no government grants available for dental procedures.

Participate in a clinical trial
Being a participant in a clinical trial can also help seniors save money. Participants are rewarded for their time and efforts. To look for clinical trials, visit clinicaltrial.gov, and click on “Dental Implants” under the field “Other terms”.

Approach a non-profit organization
Non-profit organizations, such as the Dental Lifeline Network, also run several programs to help seniors and those with disabilities who have no other means to pay for their dental expenses. To qualify, one needs to meet the eligibility criteria, fill out the application, and provide all supporting documentation. One can also look for dentists who take up pro-bono work to reduce the cost of their implants.

Look for alternative treatments
Those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to dental implants can also opt for removable dentures. Also known as false or prosthetic teeth, they are made from acrylic and metal and fit snugly over the gums to give the appearance of a full set of teeth. Other budget-friendly alternatives are:

– Implant-supported dentures
– Dental bridges
– Dental crowns
– Veneers

However, some of these options may not be suitable for all, as only implants can reduce the risk of jaw bone deterioration over time. 

Medicare coverage and dental implants
Although most Medicare plans do not cover the cost of dental treatments, one can get coverage for medically necessary procedures that arise early in the process under Medicare Part B. This includes reconstruction of the jaw following an accidental injury or tooth extractions in preparation for radiation treatment due to cancer. Further, Medicare supplements (Parts F, G, K, L, M, or N) may help cover these costs. 

Another way of lowering the cost of dental implants is signing up for Medicare Part C, which covers several dental services and provides discounts when visiting in-network doctors. Although it does not directly cover the cost of dental implants, it can help reduce the cost of related services if the plan covers oral care benefits. Medicare Advantage plans can help cover:

Early-stage dental work: Advantage plans often offer coverage for medically necessary procedures, diagnostic imaging, extraction or decay due to gum disease, prescriptions, and alveoloplasty or bone grafting.

Late-stage dental work: In some cases, Medicare Advantage plans may also cover late-stage dental work such as implant surgery, abutment placement, and permanent dentures.

Medicare Part C can help make dental implants more affordable for seniors by offering several discounts. In-network dentists can only charge the pre-negotiated discount price to members. Always check the coverage with the insurance company, as Medicare Part C may differ by state and provider. Part C also has annual benefit maximums that limit the coverage of early-stage dental implant treatment costs per year. Currently, the average yearly maximum is around $1,500 of the allowed amount. Up to this yearly maximum limit, dental plans may cover the cost of the following treatments:

1. Up to 80% of tooth extraction cost
2. Up to 50% cost of a single dental implant 
3. Up to 50% of the abutment cost
4. Up to 80% coverage of the cost of a permanent crown 

In the case of a maxed-out dental insurance plan, spreading the treatment duration over several months or years can help. This will also give one ample healing time between appointments. Money saved in FSAs or HSAs may also be used to cover the cost of dental implants.

Dental implants have a success rate of 94% after 6 years. Although expensive, they can improve the quality of life for seniors. Practicing good oral hygiene, following up with the dentist regularly, and avoiding damaging habits like chewing hard candy or ice can help reduce the risk of damage to the implants, making them last longer.