Cheaper dental implants: what are the best options?

Dental implants are the best solution for replacing a missing tooth that does not have the base to fit a crown. It also avoids affecting adjacent teeth, as a bridge can do. However, the dental implant has a major disadvantage: the price !

In this article we'll help you find the cheapest dental implants options, in the UK and elsewhere, or how to find a reliable alternative, but less expensive.

The components of the estimate

We'll look at different places you can go to find attractive rates. When making your comparison, you should ensure that each quote is comprehensive and includes all elements, as the implant price alone is meaningless.

Your quote should include :

• All consultations
• X-Ray
• All parts of the implant: the abutment, the implant and the crown
• The Surgery and anesthesia for each consultation
• All additional costs for special procedures : bone grafting, sinus lift, etc.

Take the opportunity to check the warranty period. A poorly designed or incorrectly placed implant can deteriorate quickly and should be replaced at no cost.

Don't hesitate to ask for several quotes

If your regular dentist presents you with a quote that is really prohibitively expensive, there is nothing to stop you from going elsewhere. The implant remains an expensive prosthesis, but some professionals abuse it. So don't hesitate to ask for more information and quotes.

You may want to talk to a new dentist who has just moved to your area. They may be looking to build a customer base by charging attractive rates. If you live in a large city, you may just have to go outside the city to find cheaper prices. A dentist in the heart of a big city has much higher fixed costs than a dentist in a small town or rural area.

On the other hand, dentists are not the only health professionals who are qualified to place dental implants; you can also turn to a stomatologist or a periodontist.

Negotiate with your complementary health insurance

You can contact your supplemental health insurance company to negotiate with them and find the best solution for you to have implants placed. It is possible to pay a little more for a year for example.

In this case, you must check that you do not have a waiting period. This is also the time to group as many treatments as possible. Talk to your dentist who will be able to advise you.

Dental tourism

With the democratization of air transport and the proximity of certain countries, it can be interesting to go abroad to perform an implant. Hungary, Spain and Portugal are the three most recommended countries. The dentists are as well trained as in the UK and the offices have high-tech equipment, in impeccable hygienic conditions.

You must add travel and accommodation costs to your estimate, but be aware that some clinics offer all-inclusive packages.

It is more difficult to leave Europe and go to more distant countries. You will not be reimbursed by health insurance outside of Europe, the plane can be quite expensive because you have to go several times and, if you encounter any problems, you will not have easy access to after-sales service.

Care in dental schools

As with barber schools, you can serve as a guinea pig for dentists who are about to graduate or have just graduated. Rest assured, they work under the direct and strict control of experienced dentists and you take no risk !

Depending on the dental school you apply to, you can expect to get an appointment very quickly, or on the contrary, you can find yourself on a waiting list if you live in a tight area.

What are the alternatives to implants

If you definitely cannot afford implants, you will have to resort to a bridge or partial denture. A bridge will be possible if the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth are strong enough. If you are missing several teeth or your other teeth are failing, partial dentures are probably the best solution.