Free Dental Implants

You've seen the ads promising free dental implants and have wondered if they're too good to be true. The short answer is yes.

That's because when you think of restoring your smile, whether it's a few front teeth knocked out in an accident or replacing a full set of dentures, you're thinking of the finished product - gleaming, perfect and permanent new teeth.

But the thing is, dental implant specifically refers to the rod or screw that's fused into the jawbone. That rod is a substitute for the root of a missing tooth and can then be used in a couple of ways.

You can have it capped off with a custom crown that's either screwed or cemented into place. This is what you have in mind, and the whole thing is called a single-tooth implant crown.

But dental implants can also be used to anchor bridges and denture plates, turning a removable structure into a more secure one. (In this case, it can be done so that your dentist can easily remove the denture for maintenance.)

So as for getting dental implants for free, yes, there are dental professionals who are indeed offering free dental implants. The catch is, the visible portion - which is the part you care about! - is going to cost you.

Here's what you need to know on how to get free dental implants and low cost dental implants.

• Start with a search for "free dental implant" plus the name of your city, county or state. You can then see if there is a dentist in your area offering to throw in the dental implant for free if you get your paid tooth restoration done at their practice.
• Some hospitals offer free dental implants, but as in the case of private dentists you will have to pay for the abutments (these support the crowns), the prosthetic teeth, and other associated costs.
• Some dental clinics offer low-cost dental implants if you meet certain requirements.
  
• If you qualify, your state's dental society can connect you with a dentist willing to provide free or reduced rate dental implants based on financial need. (The American Dental Association, www.ada.org, has a list, but they don't make it easy to find; click on the Public tab in the center, then the Events tab on the far left, then the State Societies link on the far right.)
  
• Consider getting your dental implant work done at a local dental school or university, where the rate will be substantially discounted or possibly even free. The students are under full supervision of an experienced professional, and if you need to restore several teeth this may be your best bet without breaking the bank.
  
• Shop around. Get a couple of free consultations so you can compare prices. The cost of dental implants varies widely - $1,200 to $5,000 each - because every situation is unique. Keep in mind that a dental implant clinic, where this procedure is all they do, will likely be less expensive than a dentist or oral surgeon who only performs it occasionally.
  
• Location is another factor in pricing and so it may be well worth your while to choose a specialist that is farther away.
  
• Check your dental insurance. It's a safe bet they will not cover it as most companies consider it an elective, cosmetic procedure. But you never know until you ask.
  

This video talks about the many benefits and uses of dental implants.