Financing for Dental Implants

Lauren WardUpdated March 5, 2023

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.

Dental implants are expensive. The cost can be approximately $1,000 to $5,000 per tooth, depending on the work being done, and it may not be covered by insurance. Fortunately, there are multiple options for financing for dental implants. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants financing and how it works.

Can You Finance Dental Implants?

Financing dental implants is possible, and there are a number of different ways to do it. In the past, many insurance companies generally considered dental implants to be cosmetic or elective. And while that is changing and dental insurance often pays for a small part of the cost now, dental patients may often be responsible for much of the expense themselves. As a result, many people end up getting dental implants financing.

Understanding How Dental Implant Financing Works

With dental implant financing, you borrow money that you repay over time. Depending on the type of financing you choose, there may be fees and interest involved. Recommended: Need to Borrow Money? 9 Ways to Consider

Financing Options for Dental Implants

Wondering how to get financing for dental implants? There are a few dental implants financing options you can choose from. Whatever method you go with, make sure you understand the total cost and how much your monthly payments will be.

Personal Loan

There are several ways to use a personal loan, including for health expenses. With a personal loan, a bank, online lender, or credit union lends you a lump sum of money that you repay with interest in installments over time. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you might get. You can explore personal loan rates to find the best option for you. Once you’re approved for a personal loan, you may expect to receive funds quickly, typically within one to five days. Borrowers with good credit who exceed personal loan requirements may be eligible for the lowest interest rates and terms. Knowing your credit and overall financial health ahead of time can help give you a sense of what you might qualify for.You may want to check into different personal loan options before you apply. For instance, you could consider getting a small personal loan of around $5,000 or less. Or, if you expect your dental implant work to be very costly, there are personal loans for high amounts.

Payment Plan

Many dentists offer a payment plan for dental implants through a third-party provider. These payment plans typically come with interest, so be sure you understand the terms before you commit. Ask about the APR (annual percentage rate), how much the monthly payments will be, and how long you have to repay the full amount. Also inquire if a down payment is required and any penalties for a late payment.

Credit Card

Putting your dental implants on a credit card is another option. If you have a good credit score, you may qualify for a credit card with a high credit limit and a 0% introductory APR. During the introductory period, you won’t be charged interest. And if you are able to pay off the full amount of the dental implants before the introductory period ends, you won’t owe interest at all. If you can’t pay off the balance in full, however, you will need to pay interest. Keep in mind that credit cards typically have higher interest rates than other lending products, like personal loans.Recommended: Best Credit Cards

In-House Financing

Some dentists offer in-house financing. Instead of using a third-party lender, these dentists provide borrowers with financing directly. While this can be an easy and convenient option, interest rates may be high with in-house financing. Ask about the APR, the monthly payments required, and the repayment length and terms.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

A flexible spending account (FSA) is not a financing option in the traditional sense. However, it can be a way to help pay for dental implants. With an FSA, you set aside some of your pre-tax paychecks to cover medical and dental expenses. You can deposit up to $2,750 each year into an FSA account, but you must use most of the money within a year. Check with your insurance company to make sure you can use your FSA for dental implants. Recommended: How Much Do Braces Cost?

Taking Out a Dental Loan

There are also dental loans you can apply for that are designed to cover the cost of dental work. A dental loan is a type of personal loan. Just as with any other personal loan, you will need to meet certain requirements to qualify. If you are approved, you will get a lump sum of money that you’ll pay back over time with interest. The better your credit, the lower the interest rate you may qualify for.Recommended: 12 Types of Personal Loans: Pros and Cons of Each

Explore Personal Loans for Dental Work

Dental work like dental implants is expensive, and insurance typically doesn’t cover the full cost. A personal loan could help you pay for the remainder, especially if you qualify for a loan with a competitive rate. Exploring personal loan options is easy and convenient with Lantern by SoFi. Just fill out one simple application, and you can compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to choose the right one for your needs. Compare rates and loan options today with Lantern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dental implant financing?

How does dental implant financing work?

How can you get dental implant financing?

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About the Author

Lauren Ward

Lauren Ward is a personal finance expert with nearly a decade of experience writing online content. Her work has appeared on websites such as MSN, Time, and Bankrate. Lauren writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SoFi, including credit and banking.

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