I am a sucker for great deals! I recently got a 67% off dental implants deal in my eamil and it totally caught my eye.  I’ve been consulting with my dentist regarding implants and his quote was several thousand dollars, so saving 67% sounds right up my alley! But there’s another part of me that thinks this may be too good to be true. Could a dentist really cut his rate by that much? My dentist is great, but if I can if I can get more affordable dental implants from someone else, I would consider switching just to get the implants. — Marla

Marla,
Who doesn’t love to save money? Daily deals can be great for things like jewelry, household items and clothing, but when it comes to dental procedures like implants, your best advice would be to say, “no deal!” Most of the companies that distribute these deals are taking at least half of the the profits, so if this dentist is offering 67% off, he is making a very small profit.  Think about it this way… if an implant normally costs $2000, the affordable price they are charging you is $660, and the dentist will only receive half of that amount.

High-quality dental implant materials that have been approved by the ADA and FDA can cost anywhere from $300-$500. When you factor in the cost of the crown that goes on the implant any other materials he uses as well as his time and his office staff time, it’s impossible to understand how or why he would make such an affordable offer, unless he’s:

• Using lesser quality materials
• Offering mini implants when you think you’re getting traditional
• Inflating the rates for the special to make it look like you’re getting a good deal when in reality, the discount is much lower
• Taking a loss on the procedure in hopes that he’s gaining a new patient and can recoup his costs in the long run

Read the fine print carefully. Before committing to anything, be sure you understand exactly what you are getting for the price and ask for the dentist to spell out any additional costs you will incur. Unexpected expenses or even a failed implant are definitely not something to smile about.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.