Many types of emergencies require quick cash, but medical and dental emergencies are definitely the most serious. And unfortunately, about 74 million Americans (23% of the population) have no dental coverage.1
There are dental financing options available to you if you’re in need of emergency dental work, even with bad credit. Read on to learn about dental loans for individuals without dental insurance.
Average Price of Minor and Major Dental Procedures
Many people seek out dental loans because dental costs can be substantial. Check out how much money you may need via a dental loan to cover various procedures below:
| Dental Procedure | Average Cost |
| Dental Cleaning | |
| Basic cleaning and polish | $75–$200 |
| Panoramic X-rays | $100–$200 |
| Dental Filling | |
| Amalgam (1–2 teeth) | $50–$150 |
| Composite or ionomer (1–2 teeth) | $90–$250 |
| Gold (1–2 teeth) | $250–$4,500 |
| Dental Crown | |
| Metal | $500–$1,500 per tooth |
| Porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) | $600–$1,800 per tooth |
| Ceramic (porcelain) | $800–$2,000 per tooth |
| Tooth Extraction | |
| Simple tooth extraction | $75–$250 |
| Surgical tooth extraction | $180–$550 |
| Wisdom tooth extraction | $120–$800 |
| Root Canal | |
| Incisor | $500–$1,000 |
| Molar | $800–$1,500 |
| Dentures | |
| Low-cost dentures | $600–$1,000 for a full set |
| Mid-priced, mid-quality dentures | $1,000–$3,000 for a full set |
| High-quality dentures | $4,000–$8,000 for a full set |
*These prices are average estimates and can vary based on location, dental insurance, and specific dental offices. It’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental office for exact pricing.
Payment Assistance for Dental Care
If you’re currently dealing with a dental emergency, you may need money now. For example, there are several options for getting dental work with bad credit, with or without a loan, including government assistance programs, dental school programs, medical insurance, clinical trials, and other state/local resources.
While bad credit scores can affect borrowing, you can find great financing options by doing some research. Below are a few dental loan options that may help you.
Getting Dental Work With No Money
The following services exist to help people get the medical and dental care they need. All of these resources can be found on the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (1-888-Ask-HRSA) offers federally-funded health centers all over the U.S. These centers offer low-cost—or even no-cost—health and dental services.
Medicaid is a state-run program that provides health and dental benefits to qualifying individuals without health insurance. Each state has different requirements for who can qualify for these benefits. Call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to learn more about the qualifications in your state (1-800-MEDICARE).
Dental schools and dental hygiene schools may allow you to get dental work done by students at a reduced cost. Don’t worry, though, as licensed dentists closely supervise and monitor them. Check out the website for the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and click “Find a Program.”
I Need a Dentist With Payment Plans Near Me
If you would prefer to pay for your dental work by spreading your payments out over time, that may be an option as well. Many dental clinics in the U.S. offer dentistry payment plans.
An in-house payment plan means that the dental office would provide dental treatments and then give patients a dental bill. The dental office would then allow you to make monthly payments over time until the cost of dental care is repaid.
This may not be something that all dentist offices offer. Call some local offices near you and ask whether or not they offer payment plans for cosmetic dentistry and other high dental costs.
Common Loans Used for Dental Financing
There are various ways a person can secure a dental care loan. Have less than perfect credit? Know that there are dental loans for bad credit available! You don’t have to suffer from a painful cavity or broken tooth, as there are many lenders that offer dental loans. But remember that it’s critical to inquire with multiple financial institutions. Settling for the first loan offer can result in expensive fees and high interest rates.
Personal Loans
A personal loan is an installment loan that borrowers can use for almost any expense, even recent dental care. Individuals can receive a lump sum for a procedure and repay the dental loan through manageable monthly payments. Personal loans are typically unsecured, but there are secured personal loans available.
A personal loan can provide between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the lender. A good credit score is not always required for personal loan qualification, as many lenders have flexible credit requirements. But it’s in your best interest to find the best personal loan offer for your needs.
Secured Loans
A secured loan is a loan that requires collateral to secure funding. The borrower gives temporary ownership of a personal item until the loan is repaid. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can seize ownership of the asset through the repossession process.
Although using a secured loan is risky, there are benefits. For example, a borrower with a bad credit score could receive a lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and extended repayment length. Below are a few examples of secured loans.
- Home Equity Loans — A home equity loan uses a homeowner’s real estate property as collateral. The loan amount depends on the equity available in the property. Interest rates can be low, but the qualification requirements tend to be strict.
- Pawn Shop Loans — A pawn shop loan can be obtained at a local pawn shop by offering a valuable asset as collateral. Pawnbrokers typically accept various personal items like jewelry, electronics, instruments, etc. Loan amounts are typically low, while rates are high.
- Auto Title Loans — An auto title loan, or pink slip loan, is a loan that uses the borrower’s car as collateral. The amount of equity in the car directly affects the loan amount. Interest rates can be high, although the repayment plan can be long.
Payday Loans
A payday loan is an unsecured, small-dollar loan that many financial experts call predatory. Many states outright ban payday loans or enforce strict lending laws because many payday lenders have extremely high interest rates and unfair repayment plans.
Many people borrow money through payday loans because credit is not usually important for eligibility. Almost every payday borrower has a bad credit score. But although payday loans are loans for bad credit borrowers, alternative bad credit loans are available. Consider all of your loan options before selecting a payday for your financial needs.
Credit Cards
Many people use their credit cards as dental loans to pay off costly dental bills. However, credit cards may not be a financing option for individuals with bad credit. Borrowers with a bad credit score may not have a high credit limit, which means they may have to use multiple forms of credit to cover the cost.
But if a person can use their credit card, paying off the balance as soon as possible is important. Credit cards typically have high APRs, making repayment difficult if the cardholder carries a monthly balance. While credit cards can be great dental loans for bad credit, they should only be used if you can pay off the bill quickly.
Medical Credit Cards
A medical credit card can help someone pay off expensive dental and medical procedures. A medical credit card works similarly to a traditional credit card, but they are offered by healthcare providers. These cards help patients pay off healthcare expenses, typically within 6 months to 3 years or longer.2 Unfortunately, these cards may only be used to pay off certain medical services and procedures. If your service/procedure does not qualify, you may not use a medical credit card to pay it off. And keep in mind that bad credit may disqualify you.
What Is No Credit Check Dental Financing?
Whenever a lender or financial institution advertises “no credit check loans” or financing, it simply means they won’t check your credit before providing you with a loan. This is seen most commonly with subprime loans.
Many payday, title, or pawnshop lenders may offer no credit check loans. And for borrowers with poor credit scores, this can be an attractive option. But can you find this type of financing for medical services or dental work?
The short answer is that any of those personal loan options mentioned above can be used for necessary dental work. But before opting for a high-interest, small-dollar loan, make sure you explore all of your options. Many state/local programs may be able to help you get the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Loans
Dental loans are specific types of personal loans used to cover dental expenses, including dental implants and cosmetic procedures. On the other hand, dental financing refers to various payment options, including loans, financial plans, and credit, to help patients afford their dental procedures.
Dental financing allows patients to spread out the cost of dental procedures, making treatments like dental implants more affordable. This can be especially helpful for cosmetic dental procedures that aren’t covered by insurance. However, some financing options might come with high-interest rates, especially if you have a low credit score, which can increase the overall cost of the procedure.
Improving your credit score involves timely payment of debts, reducing outstanding balances, avoiding opening too many credit accounts simultaneously, and regularly checking your credit report for errors. A higher credit score can increase your chances of securing the best dental loan with favorable terms and lower interest rates.
Some common mistakes include not reading the terms and conditions thoroughly, choosing a loan with a very high-interest rate, borrowing more than necessary, and missing or delaying loan repayments. It’s essential to understand the terms of any dental loan and ensure it aligns with your financial situation.
Generally, individuals with higher credit scores are offered dental loans with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. Those with lower credit scores might face higher interest rates or might need to consider alternative dental financing options. Shopping around and comparing different offers is crucial to find the best dental loans suitable for your needs.
Yes, many financial institutions and dental offices offer specific financing options tailored for cosmetic procedures. These can range from interest-free promotional periods to extended financial plans. However, the terms and eligibility might vary based on the procedure’s cost and the patient’s credit score.
Eligibility for dental financing is usually determined by financial institutions, credit companies, or dental offices offering the loan. Key factors considered include the patient’s credit score, income level, employment status, and the cost of the procedure. Some institutions might also consider the type of procedure, especially for high-cost treatments like dental implants.
The cost of dental financing for bad credit can vary based on several factors, including the type of dental procedure, the loan’s terms, and the individual’s credit score. It’s essential to compare different financing options and understand all associated fees and interest rates to get a clear picture of the total cost.
A Final Word From CreditNinja on Getting a Dental Loan
A dental loan is any loan that can help you pay off the cost of a necessary dental visit. If your FICO score is less than ideal, know that dental loans for bad credit are available! The best dental loan for you depends on your budget, financial needs, and preferred repayment terms.
At CreditNinja, we offer versatile personal installment loans that customers can use to pay off unexpected bills. Feel free to read our online reviews and browse our financial blog. We cover all types of personal finance topics, such as building credit and learning about good financial habits.
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