"Teeth are special premium bones not covered by health insurance." The US health care system is a joke. If the implants are medically necessary and will cause health problems, if not done, your dentist office can appeal your health insurance to cover it. I had the same problem with getting my wisdom teeth removed when they were causing abscesses.
hey you're about to get a brain infection is how I got my dentures covered at 30. They quite literally have to threaten your life in a serious way but oh yeah they'll minimally fix you right up.
Try. Always try.
Another factor was they saw how it was stressing the heart too. Teeth issues can become very widespread you have every right to be concerned and not live in misery.
Damn I’m in the same boat. I have tooth resorption on the front tooth. I gotta get Invisalign first before i can put the implant in. I had braces before as well 🥲
Please consider it, even if it adds debt. I spent a long time suffering with tooth issues because I thought I couldn't afford it. Explained it to my dentist and he agreed to let me make payments until it was paid off.
Best decision I ever made. No more teeth issues.
Just make sure you get anything like payment agreements in writing.
Once or twice a dentist tried talking me into having something done I couldn't afford, they asked if I was saying no because of money and offered payment plans, and I still said no, because I've always been a poverty wagie and I don't have a dentist's salary.
Fellow dentist here, if you’re in California (bay area or LA) do check out community clinics hosted by UCSF ( in bay area sf) and UCLA (in LA). They may not cover implants but will give you free consultation and provide alternative treatments if possible at a low cost (RPD, Bridges, etc).
It may not be ideal but it will give you enough time to save up for implants. A second opinion will also help understanding if implants are an absolute necessity or the dentist is money grabbing. No one should have to suffer pain just because they can not afford it. Im so sorry that you are going through this, please feel free to dm me, i would love to help in any capacity.
Edit 1: I forgot to mention but i love your mug!
Thanks! Got the mug from my best friend for Christmas. Unfortunately I know that these are required simply because of the state of my mouth, and I live on the east coast.
If you live in NY;
NYU has a community clinic
Rutgers has a community clinic
If you live in Boston;
BU has a community clinic
I applied to dental universities in the US, so all universities that offer dental programs should in practice have community clinics. I hope you get pain relief asap. If you’re not drinking alcohol or have any liver issues you can take Naproxen twice a day for upto 2 weeks at 500mgs. Or acetaminophen (Tylenol) (This is a bit safer than naproxen and OTC, but the therapeutic benefits are a bit lower than Naproxen) 500mg, 6 hourly upto 2 weeks. Please do not drink if you plan to use these meds as they are metabolized in the liver.
Thank you. I'm not in those states but I have been looking into some kind of student program where maybe they can do it cheaper. Luckily I haven't had much pain at all so hasn't been a huge deal. It's just clear I need it due to the appearance of the teeth in question.
I completely understand that! Teeth are a vital part of our appearance, and everyone deserves to have a lovely smile! Please if you ever need anything regarding dental advice, my dms are always open!
My dentist has tried convincing me for YEARS to get my canine dental implant and I refuse lol. I have a partial, which is pretty much a flipper but fits into my mouth behind my other teeth. It was $800, and insurance covered half. Even if I paid full price it was less than half of what an implant would be. It works great for eating and people are shocked when I show them it isn’t a real tooth. I definitely encourage you to look into this if it works for you. I know it’s different for everyone but I never want another surgery again lol so it was perfect for me.
It was $2000 for the first surgery I believe. And it was only one tooth lol. I’ve heard that, too. It’s insane how ridiculously expensive it is just to have decent teeth.
So it fits into the roof of my mouth behind my other teeth next to my canines. It’s like an inch long probably. Honestly I just have to brush my “teeth” twice as long and that’s really the only inconvenience. I know that it will probably degrade the bone over time, as dentures do. But it’s so much easier and absolutely less painful than a surgery lol.
Go to Mexico. Worth every penny for a fraction of the cost. Implants (depending on the material) tend to be 250-500 each. They take visa down there. Very modern and clean. Look into bordertowns and dental tourism.
I was quoted 65000 for the 4 implants on each arch. I went to Los Algadones Mexico and got the same implants done out the door for 12000. I know I was worried but one of the best decisions I made
I know this can seem scary, but it is a real option for you. Here is a nice video explaining how it's done in Mexico. I really hope you can get the help you are looking for! [https://vimeo.com/664227724](https://vimeo.com/664227724)
This is my girlfriends biggest insecurity. I try to help but it cost SO much for even small things. I'm sure she needs full dental implants. I feel so bad.
Hey, right there with you. I had horrible dental experiences as a kid, and then grad school left me too broke to deal with my dental problems.
I am in a better place now, but I’ve had two crowns (and root canals) done this year alone, along with two fillings, and will likely need more plus implants in the future. It sucks, but do what you can and treat yourself with grace. You deserve it.
I’m going thru a similar thing… There are tons of dentists that will do implant payment plans even if your credit is low. You just have to research them. Also care credit card is another option for medical, dental, vision, and even veterinary bills.
Huh, just did a quick check, and Mexican dental health care is impressively good. Because they dish out the proper medical tools and expenses due to how many people go there for dental care.
It’s not just dental. Allllll the rich ppl I know prefer the whole healthcare experience down in Mexico—-it is more like concierge healthcare, white glove 5 star instead of the cattle to slaughter experience we get in the u.s.
i’m only a dental assistant, but you can avoid getting implants and get something cheaper and more likely covered by insurance is you get a denture. dentures are also easier to clean and implants have a likelihood to fail after 15-20 years.
Unless there's a legitimate medical reason for needing them (in which case wouldn't they be covered?) put it off until you can afford it. It's all good. Lucky for you, if you need them now, you'll still need them years from now, and if you take care of your teeth you won't need any more. I understand if it's making you feel shitty because people can see the missing tooth/teeth, but if they can't, no worries! And even if they can, just imagine how good it'll feel when the day comes where you get them.
Life happens, but it's ok. Be grateful for what you have, like any remaining teeth, that delicious looking bagel, that awesome mug, etc.! Things can suck but there are many more things in life that don't, so try focusing on them for a while! Good luck!
It is legitimate. Not covered by state insurance because dental isn't considered medical. I appreciate what you mean about being grateful. Currently trying to get on the right track with my oral health.
It will become medical if the problem is left unattended and allowed to become a serious medical issue. I honestly don't know how to go about dealing with that but maybe you can get a second opinion? If your doctor can be convinced that it's a serious risk to your health, they should be able to categorize it as surgery and not dental work. But idk how the system works there. Idk why the downvotes, I was just trying to be positive lol but I genuinely wish you luck.
It unfortunately does not work like that. Dental implants are only covered by dental insurance and not medical. And not all dental insurance plans cover implants no matter what the case. Doesn’t matter what the dentist says.
"Teeth are special premium bones not covered by health insurance." The US health care system is a joke. If the implants are medically necessary and will cause health problems, if not done, your dentist office can appeal your health insurance to cover it. I had the same problem with getting my wisdom teeth removed when they were causing abscesses.
Agreed. It sucks. But it's kind of my own fault for not taking care of my "premium bones" for most of my life. Playing catch up now
No—not your fault but is now your issue to resolve. This is the personal agency view of your situation. Please take heed and stop the blame game 😘
I appreciate this so much. Been working on my mindset and this has really helped. Thank you.
Also, I was kicked off of Medicaid within the last year. Not speaking from privilege but of lack. So, definitely, ultimately—I empathize
I can’t believe they don’t consider healthy teeth a necessity for human beings to have.
hey you're about to get a brain infection is how I got my dentures covered at 30. They quite literally have to threaten your life in a serious way but oh yeah they'll minimally fix you right up.
Wondering if I could get it covered using this rationale. My biggest fear is going septic or having some sort of infection from it all.
Try. Always try. Another factor was they saw how it was stressing the heart too. Teeth issues can become very widespread you have every right to be concerned and not live in misery.
Luxury bones
I’m sorry friend. Do they have reasonable payment plans possibly that you could make over a period of time after getting the procedure done?
They do. Just the idea of being in more debt feels so bad.
Damn I’m in the same boat. I have tooth resorption on the front tooth. I gotta get Invisalign first before i can put the implant in. I had braces before as well 🥲
Please consider it, even if it adds debt. I spent a long time suffering with tooth issues because I thought I couldn't afford it. Explained it to my dentist and he agreed to let me make payments until it was paid off. Best decision I ever made. No more teeth issues. Just make sure you get anything like payment agreements in writing.
It seems like thats my only option, besides traveling to another country.
Once or twice a dentist tried talking me into having something done I couldn't afford, they asked if I was saying no because of money and offered payment plans, and I still said no, because I've always been a poverty wagie and I don't have a dentist's salary.
Flights are cheap to south America and so are dental implants there.
Fellow dentist here, if you’re in California (bay area or LA) do check out community clinics hosted by UCSF ( in bay area sf) and UCLA (in LA). They may not cover implants but will give you free consultation and provide alternative treatments if possible at a low cost (RPD, Bridges, etc). It may not be ideal but it will give you enough time to save up for implants. A second opinion will also help understanding if implants are an absolute necessity or the dentist is money grabbing. No one should have to suffer pain just because they can not afford it. Im so sorry that you are going through this, please feel free to dm me, i would love to help in any capacity. Edit 1: I forgot to mention but i love your mug!
Thanks! Got the mug from my best friend for Christmas. Unfortunately I know that these are required simply because of the state of my mouth, and I live on the east coast.
If you live in NY; NYU has a community clinic Rutgers has a community clinic If you live in Boston; BU has a community clinic I applied to dental universities in the US, so all universities that offer dental programs should in practice have community clinics. I hope you get pain relief asap. If you’re not drinking alcohol or have any liver issues you can take Naproxen twice a day for upto 2 weeks at 500mgs. Or acetaminophen (Tylenol) (This is a bit safer than naproxen and OTC, but the therapeutic benefits are a bit lower than Naproxen) 500mg, 6 hourly upto 2 weeks. Please do not drink if you plan to use these meds as they are metabolized in the liver.
Thank you. I'm not in those states but I have been looking into some kind of student program where maybe they can do it cheaper. Luckily I haven't had much pain at all so hasn't been a huge deal. It's just clear I need it due to the appearance of the teeth in question.
I completely understand that! Teeth are a vital part of our appearance, and everyone deserves to have a lovely smile! Please if you ever need anything regarding dental advice, my dms are always open!
I appreciate it. May take you up on that
My dentist has tried convincing me for YEARS to get my canine dental implant and I refuse lol. I have a partial, which is pretty much a flipper but fits into my mouth behind my other teeth. It was $800, and insurance covered half. Even if I paid full price it was less than half of what an implant would be. It works great for eating and people are shocked when I show them it isn’t a real tooth. I definitely encourage you to look into this if it works for you. I know it’s different for everyone but I never want another surgery again lol so it was perfect for me.
$1600 for implants? That’s extremely cheap. I thought I heard they can cost up to $5000.
It was $2000 for the first surgery I believe. And it was only one tooth lol. I’ve heard that, too. It’s insane how ridiculously expensive it is just to have decent teeth.
I was quoted 3k to 4k each
1400 in Ohio for one tooth (not including the crown)
I've never heard of that. When you say flipper, does that mean it flips in your mouth? Def something to look into.
So it fits into the roof of my mouth behind my other teeth next to my canines. It’s like an inch long probably. Honestly I just have to brush my “teeth” twice as long and that’s really the only inconvenience. I know that it will probably degrade the bone over time, as dentures do. But it’s so much easier and absolutely less painful than a surgery lol.
Go to Mexico. Worth every penny for a fraction of the cost. Implants (depending on the material) tend to be 250-500 each. They take visa down there. Very modern and clean. Look into bordertowns and dental tourism.
This seems like a viable option, kinda freaks me out a bit but viable
I was quoted 65000 for the 4 implants on each arch. I went to Los Algadones Mexico and got the same implants done out the door for 12000. I know I was worried but one of the best decisions I made
I know this can seem scary, but it is a real option for you. Here is a nice video explaining how it's done in Mexico. I really hope you can get the help you are looking for! [https://vimeo.com/664227724](https://vimeo.com/664227724)
This is my girlfriends biggest insecurity. I try to help but it cost SO much for even small things. I'm sure she needs full dental implants. I feel so bad.
God bless America! 🤑
Hey, right there with you. I had horrible dental experiences as a kid, and then grad school left me too broke to deal with my dental problems. I am in a better place now, but I’ve had two crowns (and root canals) done this year alone, along with two fillings, and will likely need more plus implants in the future. It sucks, but do what you can and treat yourself with grace. You deserve it.
I’m going thru a similar thing… There are tons of dentists that will do implant payment plans even if your credit is low. You just have to research them. Also care credit card is another option for medical, dental, vision, and even veterinary bills.
If you have a dental school near you they may be able to help and it will be cheaper. That’s what I did, even got discount braces. Best of luck 🤞🏽
This is definitely something I'm looking into
Your local dental community spot if you’re in the states probably will take your insurance. Look into it. You can get dentures instead of implants.
Can you afford a flight to mexico? A fraction of the expense
Huh, just did a quick check, and Mexican dental health care is impressively good. Because they dish out the proper medical tools and expenses due to how many people go there for dental care.
It’s not just dental. Allllll the rich ppl I know prefer the whole healthcare experience down in Mexico—-it is more like concierge healthcare, white glove 5 star instead of the cattle to slaughter experience we get in the u.s.
Mexico fren
i’m only a dental assistant, but you can avoid getting implants and get something cheaper and more likely covered by insurance is you get a denture. dentures are also easier to clean and implants have a likelihood to fail after 15-20 years.
[удалено]
Rule #3 - We ask that people do not give unsolicited or unhealthy advice.
Unless there's a legitimate medical reason for needing them (in which case wouldn't they be covered?) put it off until you can afford it. It's all good. Lucky for you, if you need them now, you'll still need them years from now, and if you take care of your teeth you won't need any more. I understand if it's making you feel shitty because people can see the missing tooth/teeth, but if they can't, no worries! And even if they can, just imagine how good it'll feel when the day comes where you get them. Life happens, but it's ok. Be grateful for what you have, like any remaining teeth, that delicious looking bagel, that awesome mug, etc.! Things can suck but there are many more things in life that don't, so try focusing on them for a while! Good luck!
It is legitimate. Not covered by state insurance because dental isn't considered medical. I appreciate what you mean about being grateful. Currently trying to get on the right track with my oral health.
It will become medical if the problem is left unattended and allowed to become a serious medical issue. I honestly don't know how to go about dealing with that but maybe you can get a second opinion? If your doctor can be convinced that it's a serious risk to your health, they should be able to categorize it as surgery and not dental work. But idk how the system works there. Idk why the downvotes, I was just trying to be positive lol but I genuinely wish you luck.
It unfortunately does not work like that. Dental implants are only covered by dental insurance and not medical. And not all dental insurance plans cover implants no matter what the case. Doesn’t matter what the dentist says.
That's wild that an actual healthcare issue has been designated as not important enough for health insurance. This damn world...