You may have seen $399 dental implants advertised around the web. And while this may seem like a tempting offer, it is too good to be true. Dental implants are expensive because they require expensive materials and plenty of time from highly trained professionals.
$399 just isn't enough to cover all of the expenses involved — at least not in the world we live in now. But fortunately, there are ways to save money on dental implants.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at $399 dental implants and:
- Why you shouldn't trust offers like these
- Why implants are so expensive
- How you can find more affordable options
While we can't give you implants for $399, we do hope this information helps you find the dental care you need, for a price you can afford.
Table of contents
$399 dental implants review
It is important to be cautious when considering $399 dental implants. In general, it is not advisable to pursue dental implants at such a low cost. Offers for $399 dental implants may be misleading or potentially involve hidden costs.
Focusing on the skill and proficiency of the dental implant professional is crucial, rather than solely searching for the most affordable option. Opting for a skilled and trustworthy dental implant expert can enhance the likelihood of favourable treatment results and sustained oral well-being.
It is advisable to seek advice from a qualified dentist who can evaluate your unique requirements and offer a comprehensive cost estimate based on your particular situation.
$399 dental implants near me
You will not find quality implants for $399, but you can find a local quality dental implant specialist by calling a dental helpline. You will speak with a live operator who will connect you with a local implant dentist.
Why $399 dental implants are too good to be true
Even though you may see offers for $399 dental implants in California, New York, or anywhere else, this offer is simply not feasible. Let's have a look at why quality dental implants require more money.
Cheaper materials
Dental implants are typically made from titanium or zirconium, although titanium is often preferred for its great strength and biocompatibility with your jawbone. Strong implants are important, so they can withstand the pressure that comes from daily use, including chewing food, or jaw clenching.
Grade 4 commercially pure titanium is the gold standard for endosseous (screwed-in) dental implants because it is corrosion resistant, the most biocompatible material, and stronger than other grades.
It is highly unlikely that a $399 dental implant will be made of titanium material, which is ideal for placement because the material has an inherent cost that is not reflected in this price.
Another important issue is how your body will respond to foreign material. Titanium will cause no negative reactions from your natural tissues and your bone will naturally grow around a titanium post over time.
A variety of indications can lead to dental implant failure including:
- Size and type of implant
- Bone quality and location of the implant site
- Hygiene and compliance of the patient
- Surgical technique and placement
Substandard services
One of the primary concerns you should have if you see an offer for exceptionally cheap implants is that the services you receive will be sub-par.
As we mentioned above, the cost of implants is so high partially because you are paying for the services of an experienced professional. The more experience your dentist has, the more you'll pay for their services in some circumstances. That being said, not all highly experienced dentists will charge more for their services.
Another thing to consider is that they may advertise dental implants for $399, but that's for the implant only, and then you still might have to pay a fee for surgery, the abutment, and, of course, the crown. So you will end up paying more, and you might not get a picture of the full cost until after you have your implant placed.
It is not uncommon for multiple dental providers to be involved in the implant procedure from start to finish, depending on the patient's presentation.
For complex or less-than-ideal implant site selection, medically compromised patients, and/or treatment under sedation, dental specialists such as periodontists or oral surgeons may be better suited for the dental implant placement procedure (implant and abutment treatment).
This specialist has more experience with implant placement, which adds to the overall cost of the procedure.
Once the implant site has healed and is ready for this final step, neither a Periodontist nor an Oral Surgeon is typically involved in placing the crown. A general dentist or, if necessary, a prosthodontist can perform this procedure for multi-unit prostheses such as bridges or dentures.
If you want to visit an experienced dentist but are worried about the cost, here are a few ways to save money on dental implants and other dental care:
So, if you find an offer for very cheap implants, it may mean that the dentist making the offer is desperate to make a quick buck, and doesn't care about forming a loyal customer base or long-term relationships with their patients.
They figure they can make quick money from many patients — it's a quantity vs quality situation for them. In the worst cases, they'll even relocate and set up their clinics in different cities or states once they've ruined their reputation after providing poor care.
Another risk for poor services from $399 dental implants is outsourced work. Some dentists will perform the initial parts of the implant procedure, placing the post in your jawbone, but then pawn you off on a different private dentist to complete treatment.
This second dentist may take advantage of the fact that you're desperate to get a crown placed on your implant post and charge more for the procedure.
Actually, implant clinics like those offering implants for $399 often receive a commission for each patient they refer to private dentists, thus there's even more impetus for them to bring in clients, place the implant post, and then refer you to someone else to complete treatment.
Potentially dangerous
When you get implants for a price that is too low, there are myriad things that could happen which could harm your health. Cheap implants can break, or maybe they won't fit properly. This can cause chronic pain, and can also lead to infections, including peri-implantitis which leads to gum inflammation and bone loss in the jaw around your implants.
Another risk is implant mucositis disease, resulting in painful, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Poor-quality implants can also harm your surrounding teeth. If they aren't placed correctly, they might cause your other teeth to become misaligned, which could lead to a whole host of new problems.
You may be saving more upfront, but you'll end up paying for it with your health, not to mention the countless fees you'll face to fix the problems caused by the bad implants.
In the video below, Dr. Ramsey Amin, a California dentist, provides more information on why you shouldn't trust these online offers.
Dental implants: What are they?
A dental implant is essentially a fake tooth that is surgically placed in your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. A good implant shouldn't feel any different from the teeth you were born with.
There are various parts to a dental implant, and while we often refer to the entire replacement piece as an implant, the implant is actually just the screw that is inserted into your jawbone. The part of the tooth that you can see is called the crown.
- Implant: This is the part that is actually inserted into your jawbone
- Abutment: Connects the implant to the crown
- Crown: The part of the implant that you can see — it looks like a natural tooth
Implants are considered the best way to replace a missing tooth, since they function very similarly to natural teeth, in that they look like a normal tooth, you can eat and speak normally, and they maintain the integrity of your jawbone, as well as prevent your facial muscles from sagging inwards.
Find out more about dental implants, how they work, and who might need them in our full dental implant guide.
Reasons to consider dental implants
The factors listed below contribute to why dental implants are deemed an appropriate choice for those who require tooth replacement or have gaps in their teeth:
- Aesthetics: Dental implants are designed to mimic the look and function of natural teeth, making them a great option for improving the aesthetics of your smile. The aim is to create a smile that looks natural by seamlessly blending with your original teeth.
- Improved chewing and speech: Dental implants offer a comfortable chewing experience and can improve speech, as they function similarly to natural teeth.
- Durability and longevity: The longevity and durability of dental implants are remarkable, as they can endure for a lifetime with appropriate maintenance and care.
- Bone preservation: Dental implants imitate the root of a natural tooth, which helps to stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss. Maintaining the shape and density of the jawbone is crucial for promoting good oral health.
- Convenience and comfort: Dental implants are fixed in place and eliminate the need for messy adhesives or daily removal for cleaning. Implants become a permanent part of your mouth, providing comfort and convenience in your daily life.
- Improved facial structure: The use of dental implants can aid in preserving the natural shape of your face, which can boost your self-esteem by giving you a more youthful look.
Affordable options for implants
Yes, implants are expensive, but there are ways to make them more affordable. Let's have a look now.
- Dental loans: A dental loan allows you to pay for all of your treatment upfront. You then pay back the sum in smaller increments over time. It's important to make sure you set up a payment plan that fits with your budget, so you don't find yourself unable to pay off your loan, as this can make interest rates shoot up. Read more about dental loans here.
- Dental tourism: Going abroad for dental work is a popular option. You can get quality dental care for much less, as long as you do your research and find a dentist with a good reputation. Find out more about dental tourism, including the best place to go, here.
- Dental insurance: Some dental insurance plans provide coverage for restorative dentistry treatments like implants. If you want to help pay for your implants with insurance, you'll need to plan ahead a bit, as many plans have a waiting period for restorative dentistry. Find out more about dental insurance in our full insurance guide.
- Dental savings plans: Savings plans, also called discount plans, give you discounted dental treatment in exchange for a yearly fee. Unlike dental insurance, there are no deductibles, annual maximums, or waiting periods with a dental savings plan. Find out more about this way to save money on your dental care here.
Conclusion
Paying as little as $399 for dental implants is too good to be true — unless you participate in a clinical study or you get a dental implant grant. This is simply a momentary trend being propagated by low-quality dental clinics, scheming to make a quick buck.
When you choose $399 dental implant treatment, you run the risk of receiving an implant that does not meet the standard of care due to the type of material, size, etc., or of experiencing cost add-ons or bundling because the base price of $399 does not reflect specialty training, sedation, bone grafts, and so on.
There are ways to save money on dental implants, and it's worth researching your options before deciding to risk it with low-quality, albeit cheap options.
FAQs
Can you get dental implants for $399?
Maybe, but they won't be high quality, and the service you receive will probably be poor. You run the risk of pain, infection, and irreversible damage to your oral and overall health.
Are $399 dental implants a scam?
Probably yes. There are currently offers online for $399 dental implants, but these offers likely come from low-quality clinics that are just trying to make a quick buck off desperate patients.
What are the questions I should ask myself before a $399 option?
The questions you should ask before getting a $399 option are questions that are related to quality and safety. Some questions are:
- What are the provider training and successful outcome rate?
- What are the itemized list of cost and expected materials, radiographs and appointments?
- What is the research quality of the dental lab used (e.g. Is it local or international- some labs used in different countries may not have certain standards and regulatory requirements)?
- What type of technology is used in dental implant placement (eg. Cone Beam imaging, CAD/CAM equipment etc.)?
- What happens if the implant fails in less than 12 months?
- What are the emergency treatment and services protocols?
ScienceDirect: Dental Implants. Consulted 23rd February 2022.
Pubmed: Peri-Implantitis. Consulted 23rd February 2022.