Undoubtedly, dental implants are some of the best solutions for replacing missing or broken teeth. However, this technique requires high-standard engineered implants and specialist expertise, which come at a high cost. So when you prioritize cost over quality, you expose yourself to a health risk.
While the typical average cost of these implants is $3,000 – $5,000, some outlets claim that you can find $399 dental implants Los Angeles. And so you might ask, “do these cheap implants serve the same purpose as regular implants? Are they effective? Do they have some hidden costs?”
The answer to some of these questions is yes. Indeed, they serve the same purpose. However, they’re not entirely effective and have some hidden costs. You may walk out with a smile but not at a reduced cost.
You need to remember that your oral health plays a critical role in your overall health and quality of life. As such, you shouldn’t make any decisions regarding this lightly. Because of the expertise and engineering needed for this treatment, the costs will always be on the higher end—slightly.
Dental Implants as Permanent Treatment for Missing Tooth
Having a missing or broken tooth can have a toll on your self-esteem. Talk about covering your mouth when laughing or constantly hiding your smile. Besides, missing teeth can cause shifting or drift in your other teeth and prolonged deterioration of your jawbone.
Dental implants solve all these issues by feeling, looking, and working as your regular teeth. In general, a dental implant is an artificial root topped with a denture or crown. Most dentists always install false teeth similar in color, shape, and size to your existing teeth. This means that your implants will blend naturally when you smile.
However, while they’re a necessity to some people, they can be costly to install. According to Forbes, some dental implant procedures can cost up to $90,000. Therefore, when you find dentists in Los Angeles selling a $399 deal, you get surprised.
Should you opt for the $399 dental implants?
$399 dental implants! Sounds unreasonable, right? But not for the dentists advertising their services all over town. These are so far some of the low cost dental implants Los Angeles, but their cost is too good to be true. Here’s why:
The price, $399 dental implants is unrealistic
Let’s start by breaking down the costs:
- Post — $500
- Abutment and crown — $1,000
- Bone grafting — $200
- Tooth extraction — $75
- CT scan — $250
- X-ray — $20
Note that these prices are the national lowest; they don’t reflect the average cost of dental implants in Los Angeles.
As such, the $399 dental implant cost does not reflect the final cost of getting an implant, even if it’s advertised as low cost dental implants Los Angeles. Perhaps, it’s the cost of the crown or one of the three elements of an implant. However, you should know that with such a reduced cost, you’ll end up with something substandard.
Even if you don’t need different preparation processes, including bone grafting, sinus elevation, or tooth extraction, because they increase the overall cost, you’ll still pay way higher than $399.
Take this price as a marketing strategy for luring gullible consumers. For example, the advertised prices for swimming pools may tempt you to buy. Still, the construction costs such as extra concrete sidewalks, retaining walls, fencing, and landscaping might not be included in the deal. Also, you might have to part with $3,000 every year to operate your pool. The hidden costs will always overshadow the real costs.
Don’t fall for these adverts; the least you can expect to pay is roughly $1,500.
You’ll get substandard services and cheap material
Usually, the total cost of dental implants procedures depends on factors such as experience and materials. As regards experience, the more knowledgeable a dentist is, the more money they’ll charge you since working with an expert minimizes risk.
This does not mean that you should go to the most expensive dentist in the area. You can find low-cost dental implants in Los Angeles from an experienced dentist. However, the $399 dental implants dentists should not be on the list.
You can’t afford to work with someone who’s very desperate for your coins that they are eager to lie. Why should a dentist lie to you? First, they don’t mind having a long-term relationship with you —they’re in for the quick money then out. Assuming their deception attracts many people, they’ll capitalize on their customer outpouring and perhaps relocate before the customers expose them.
Client deception is not ethical. And, what can you expect from a non-ethical person? Substandard services disguised as $399 dental implants. You guessed it right.
Another cost that significantly influences the overall cost is the material cost. Dental implants are typically made from zirconium or titanium, which dictates the price. Most scholars recommend titanium implants, which as significantly higher in cost than zirconium.
This is because titanium fuses well with your tissues. After a dentist implants it, it will heal with your jaw until it becomes part of your jaw. The titanium metal also has relatively high strength. We all exert pressure when chewing food; as such, our teeth replacement must be strong. Since titanium is tough, it cannot bend, buckle or warp when you exert pressure.
You should also know that acids such as chlorine in water or fluorine cannot corrode titanium. This means that it’s durable and will serve you well.
The $399 may cause you more problems
Because you’re dealing with an ‘unethical’ dentist, the chances are that you’ll face a series of issues. Your implant could break, or you may find out that the dentist didn’t fit it properly into your gum. Not only will you experience excruciating pain, but also it will adversely impact your everyday life.
You might end up going to the dentist frequently for consultation—thus missing out on some of your hobbies. There’s also a high possibility that you’ll stop consuming some foods.
The worst aspect is that your dentist might refer you to another private dentist because they don’t have the resources to address your issues. This private dentist might overcharge you since they don’t owe you anything—they’re not the ones who advertised the $399 dental implants. Unfortunately, you are likely to stumble on these adverts when searching for dental implants near me.
As you siphon your hard-earned money out of your pockets, your ‘unethical’ dentist will still be getting their paycheck from every referral they make to the private dentist—including yours.
One thing you should bear in mind is that a cheap implant is a ticking time bomb. The number of dental implant infections continues to rise. The more prevalent one is peri-implantitis, which causes gum inflammation and loss of bone around the implants.
There’s also the implant mucositis disease, whose early signs include swollen, red, and bleeding gums. About one-third of dental implant patients are at risk of infection. Don’t let this be you. Remember, the treatment of these infections will make you shell out more cash eventually.
These implants may harm adjacent teeth
One of the motivations for dental implants is to have perfectly aligned teeth or protect your jaw. However, if these dentists compromise on the quality of these cheap implants, they’ll harm your other teeth. The effects are severe when you opt for full-mouth dental implants.
In general, injury to adjacent teeth always happens when the dentist inserts an implant along an incorrect axis or uses a significantly larger implant. These can arise when the dentist doesn’t evaluate your teeth history.
Because you paid for the $399 dental implants, your dentist would probably not inquire about your history since it’s the minimum price ever.
Ways to financing your dental implants
We wouldn’t want to kill the buzz — your desire to get implants simply because we have an idea of what getting them means to you. The average cost of dental implants in Los Angeles is relatively high, and it can go high for full-mouth dental implants. Besides, we understand that not everyone can easily afford to raise cash.
If your dental insurance provider does not cover implants and you lack the opportunity or time to switch providers, here are a few other ways you can afford it.
Go for a dental loan
You can fund expensive procedures such as getting full mouth dental implants by taking a personal dental loan. However, before selecting the suitable loan to cover your total costs, look out for factors such as annual percentage rate, approval time, additional fees, and requirements. For instance, you wouldn’t want to take a loan that takes too long to mature when your procedure is urgent.
You can also use the healthcare credit card—CareCredit—that will offer you several plans to help you cover your implant cost. Take as much time as you need to shop for the best option.
In-house payment plan
Some dentists provide their clients with in-house payment plans. This is when you negotiate with your dentists on how you’re going to cover your cost. This plan is highly recommended since it’s not only easy to set up but also quite affordable.
Our Southland Dental Care practice allows you to make an agreed amount of payments until the entire cost of your implant is covered. You needn’t wait for the right time—when you’ve gathered all your coins—before your start. You can visit the office and have your case looked at.
Lastly, you can choose the FSA, HSA or HRA
Your dental implant procedure might be eligible for the Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HAS), or the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) if you’re doing it for healthcare and not cosmetic reasons. So, to use these accounts, you need to ensure that your need for implants is necessary.
These accounts can help you reduce the financial burden that comes with getting an implant.
Why investing in dental implants is worthwhile
The average cost of dental implants in Los Angeles is $3,170 for a single tooth implant. Perhaps, this may appear as costly if you don’t consider their advantages.
Dental implants have the appearance of a natural tooth. When a prosthetic tooth is attached to a dental implant, the result is perfectly natural. Because the prosthetic tooth is flush with the gum line, no one will tell which one is real and artificial teeth.
Dental implants will support your facial structure. Bone loss can cause people with missing teeth to seem sunken and aged around the mouth, affecting the structure of the entire face. Dental implants can help to retain your facial shape by keeping your jawbones strong.
Dental implants are affordable. When you compare the lifetime costs of dental implants to the costs of other restorations that your dentist needs to update regularly, you’ll find that they’re surprisingly affordable. We can assist you to prevent future problems once your mouth is orally fit and your dentist has safely implanted the teeth.
Dental implants are simple to maintain. Dental implants are simple to care for because they require the same daily brushing and flossing as natural teeth, as well as regular dental check-ups and hygienist sessions. Many individuals believe that because their implants comprise artificial materials, they do not require cleaning, but this is not the case. Like your regular teeth, they can attract gum disease, infections, and tartar without proper care.
Finding Dental Implants Near Me
The appeal of saving some cash for an implant procedure is tempting, especially when you encounter billboards advertising the $399 dental implants Los Angeles. However, it’s very risky. These implants aren’t relatively cheap if you’re going to undergo pain or complications afterward.
Risking your emergency fund and your health aren’t worth the “primary” savings. You may slice down the costs a bit but think of the suffering and pain that will follow.
It will help if you weigh all your options before selecting the perfect dental implant services near you. In this way, you’ll rest easy knowing that superior oral healthcare services await you. You’ll also know that even though the $399 dental implants deal passed you, you didn’t compromise quality over the ‘price.’
Call us today if you’re ready to have full mouth dental implants or replace your missing teeth. We guarantee you the best services at affordable options.