With the lack of decent dental insurance, it’s no wonder people are in need of dental implants. Of course, we know how to care for our teeth and our gums. How many times did our mother remind us to brush our teeth when we were younger? And, don’t forget to floss! But, despite the care we have put into our teeth, without a dentist’s assistance, inevitably, tooth loss could become a problem for anyone. Don’t fret…dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss, and best of all, they look just like your own teeth, so nobody has to know!

Once you have visited your dentist, and he has told you that you are a good candidate for dental implants, you have your work cut out for you. There are a few things you may want to cover before you jump into the dentist’s chair. Although it’s exciting to look forward to your new smile, you want to make sure there are as few speed bumps as possible.

First of all, most dental insurances won’t pay for dental implants, so be prepared to pay upwards of $1000 to get them (and I’ve even heard that they can cost in the tens of thousands!). Because such implants can be on the pricey side, quite a few dentists will work out a payment plan for you. Be ready to explain your financial situation and what you are able to pay up front. Your dentist will appreciate that you have already put thought into how you can afford to pay for your dental implants.

Once you have gotten your financial budget set up and worked out with your dentist for your new teeth, make sure you understand the scope of the procedure. Getting dental implants is not a one-stop procedure. It could take several months to get just one implant completely finished. This is the time to ask your dentist what the course of action is, and what you need to expect. Signs of infection and recovery time are definite must-knows. You’ll be able to ask questions along the way, and make phone calls to your dentist if anything pops up after the procedure, but wouldn’t you rather know what you’re getting into from the beginning.

Be sure you can take the time off from work to get your dental implants. Some companies may label this as medical leave time, but it just depends on the employer. Remember, you will need to take a day off several times to visit the dentist over the course of months. You probably want to discuss with your employer the procedure that you are getting, the time that you may need off and any potential side effects, like chances for infection and the risk of having to stay home because of it.

You don’t have to deal with tooth loss just because you don’t have adequate dental insurance. And, with insurance agencies refusing to pay for dental implants, there is still hope. If you’re looking into dental implants, and you have a budget you can work with, consult your dentist. A new smile may be in the future for you.