How can low income people get help with dental implants?

I don’t want my jawbone to shrink away to nothing and I know dental implants can help. I am 47 yrs old and on my 2nd set of dentures. It scares me to think that by the time I’m 57 I will look like I am 77 because my face is sagging. My income is limited and due to my health I can’t take on more work for implants. I am wondering how low income people can get free dental implants or help with dental implants. Lance

Lance – If you are a denture wearer, the least expensive way to prevent or limit jawbone shrinkage is to stabilize your dentures with dental implants.

Within the process of stabilizing dentures, there are various options. Six to eight standard dental implants are ideal. Although the more implants you have, the more stable your dentures will be, as few as two implants can be used. Another, even more affordable option is mini implants. Mini implants are smaller in diameter, and although the stability won’t be the same as with standard implants, it’s better to have mini implants than no implants at all.

If you see an offer for free dental implants, be very suspicious of it. Quality dental implants require an investment from the dentist who is placing them.  Some of the costs involved for dental implants are:

  • Purchasing quality dental implant fixtures
  • Digital x-rays to ensure proper implant placement
  • Bone grafting, if needed, to build up the jawbone so that it will support implants
  • Implant placement surgery
  • A quality dental crown that is secured to the implant
  • Other miscellaneous expenses

These fees are billed to the patient. A dental implants consultation may be free, but not the implants. So realistically, look for a dentist who will work with your budget to determine the best option for you. He or she may also provide payment plans to fit your budget, or financing to help make the treatment affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.