Dental care can be costly, even if you have dental insurance. Standard dental procedures can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars! If you need dental work done, you may stress about financing the cost. Keep reading to learn how to secure a dental care loan to help cover the high cost of dental work.
The Cost of Common Dental Procedures
Wondering how much you may have to pay for dental procedures? Knowing how much dental work costs before visiting the dentist can help you gauge how much money you may need through a dental loan. Below are five standard dental procedures and the average price.
Cost of a Dental Filling
If you have a small hole in your tooth, such as a cavity, your dentist will perform a dental filling. The price of a dental filling depends on the location, filling material, and cavity size.
Dental fillings are made from amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, or gold. Amalgam fillings are the least expensive, averaging $50 to $150 for one to two teeth. Composite or glass ionomer fillings are moderately priced, about $90 to $250 for one to two teeth. Gold fillings are the most expensive filling option. Gold fillings typically start at $250 but can cost as much as $4,500!
Cost of a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a permanent cap placed on damaged teeth. The cost of a dental crown depends on the material used. Dentists use metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and ceramic. Metal crowns are the least expensive option, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per tooth. PFM crowns are a mid-range option that costs anywhere from $600 to $1,800 per tooth. Ceramic crowns are the priciest option, ranging from $800 to $2,000 per tooth.
Cost of a Tooth Extraction
A dentist will recommend an extraction when the tooth is severely damaged due to trauma or decay. The cost of a tooth extraction depends on the tooth size, the location, and the difficulty level of the oral surgery. The average price of simple tooth extraction is between $75 to $250.
Cost of a Root Canal
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is a serious dental procedure done to save the natural tooth. Root canals are often required if the patient’s tooth has cracks, a deep cavity, or an issue from a previous filling. The price varies based on the severity of the problem and the affected tooth. A root canal on an incisor can typically cost $500 to $1,000, while dental work on a molar can range from $800 to $1,500.
Cost of Dentures
When most people think of dentures, they picture the elderly. However, there is no age limit for dentures. Dentures also come in various sizes depending on how many teeth are missing. Dentists often recommend partial dentures on patients with three or more missing teeth.
The cost of dentures depends on the quality of materials, the fit, and the size required. A low-cost full set of dentures can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Mid-priced, mid-quality dentures can cost $1,000 to $3,000. And the price of a full set of high-quality dentures can range from $4,000 to $8,000.
Cost of Invisalign
Don’t be surprised if you walk into a dentist’s office for a braces consultation and end up with Invisalign. Many dentists recommend Invisalign trays over traditional braces because they take less time and don’t require a complicated oral hygiene routine.
Cosmetic dental procedures, such as Invisalign, are pricey because they are elective. Many dental insurance companies do not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry, which can leave you stuck with a large dental bill. Depending on your insurance policy and other factors, the average cost of Invisalign ranges from $1,800 to $9,500.
Dental Financing Options for a Dental Procedure
Dental procedures can cost a pretty penny. Consider applying for dental loans if you need a little financial support to pay for dental work.
Dental loans are any loan option that offers a lump sum that you repay in monthly installment payments. A dental loan can be secured or unsecured. An unsecured loan does not require collateral, but the qualification requirements may be stricter. Secured loans require an asset to reduce the risk for lenders, such as a car title or cash in a savings account. Using an asset could help you get a loan to pay for dental work despite bad credit.
The best dental loan offers you enough money, decent rates, and a reasonable repayment length. Consider your choices carefully to ensure you pick the best dental financing option.
Medical Credit Card
A medical credit card can help you afford the cost of specific procedures. Borrowers pay medical credit cards monthly and can use up to the approved credit limit. Eligibility for medical cards is dependent on your credit history and income. The main benefit of a medical credit card is that you have the flexibility to make minimum payments, which range from $20 to $40. However, you may only use a medical credit card for select qualifying procedures. Suppose you need veneers, but your medical card does not cover certain forms of cosmetic dentistry. In that case, you will need to use another form of payment.
Personal Loan
Borrowers use personal loans for various personal expenses, such as dental procedures. If you need help paying for dental work, know that personal loans are flexible. The loan amounts can be pretty high if you have a tier 2 credit score or higher. But there are poor credit monthly installment loans available if your credit history is less than perfect. Credit approval depends on your income and credit score. Still, many lenders approve borrowers with low credit if they can provide proof of payment.
Personal loans feature repayment terms that last a few months or several years. If you need a substantial loan amount to afford a full denture set, extended loan terms can help you get smaller monthly payments. You can quickly pay off a sizeable dental bill through monthly payments. Over time, your on-time payments can help boost your credit score.
Home Equity Loan
You can use home equity loans to finance dental work! A home equity loan provides a lump sum based on the equity you have in your home. The approval process can take quite a bit of time, though. The financial institution will require an appraisal of your home to get an accurate estimate of its market value. If you have pain due to a large cavity, you may not want to wait weeks or a month.
Depending on the lender you work with, you may be able to get up to 85% of your home’s value! That means you can get thousands of dollars to afford expensive oral surgery. The interest rates can be high, so ensure you compare lenders before applying. Home equity loans are risky since you can lose your house if you fall behind on payments and default.
Auto Title Loan
If you are willing to risk using your car as collateral for a dental loan, you could get thousands of dollars! The approval process to get an auto title loan is quick! When you inquire, the lender will consider your car’s equity, income, and credit score. However, bad credit may not disqualify you since the car is the most critical factor. But your interest rates may be higher if your credit score is on the lower end.
Auto title loans require a lien on your car title for the duration of the repayment process. Depending on the lender, you may have to go without a car until you pay off the auto title loan. Living without a car can disrupt your life and make commuting a hassle. In addition, you can risk losing your vehicle if you fall behind on payments.
Debt Consolidation Loan
Some individuals who can’t afford a dentist use multiple credit cards to cover high dental costs. Multiple maxed-out cards can leave them stuck in a debt spiral! Suppose you are overwhelmed by the high-interest rates of credit cards. In that case, you can use debt consolidation loans to merge your financial accounts. Having one account can help simplify your life and reduce your monthly payments if you obtain a lower interest rate.
The Bottom Line: Dental Loans
If you need help paying for necessary dental work, know that you have various options. The best dental loans provide affordable loan terms and sufficient money.
Pay close attention to how much your monthly payments will be. Your credit can suffer if your monthly payments are too high due to a short repayment term or high-interest rates. Your lender will likely report late or missed payments to the three major credit bureaus. Negative information on your credit reports can make your life harder and limit your financial options. But successfully managing your dental loan can improve your credit score over time!
Dentists are notoriously expensive, which is why many people put off dental visits. However, regular dental checkups are an investment worth making. Preventative care can help you avoid major dental work and high dental bills. While flossing is bothersome, it is just as important as brushing your teeth. Many people avoid flossing due to gum bleeding and pain, but regular flossing can reduce your discomfort! Your teeth are replaceable but at a high cost! Take care of your teeth to save money and prevent serious health issues.
References:
Cost of common dental procedures │Humana
How Much Does Invisalign Cost Without Insurance?│GoodRx
