Blog
We post all the latest information here regularly so it's always up to date for you. If there is a topic you would like to have us cover please ask.
27 January 2016
Ten questions you need to ask before getting dental implants
What materials are the dental implants made from?
Some overseas clinics use less researched and unproven dental implants. These can develop more problems in the long term while offering short term savings for the dentist. There can be difficulties in sourcing parts in the future if there are problems with the implant used. They may not be as strong as others and may use weaker alloys.
Is the clinic offering temptingly misleading prices in order to lure customers into their clinic?
Make sure the price includes all the parts of a set of finished dental implants – the implant fixture, the abutment and the crown. Many patients are caught out when they realise the implant fee doesn’t include the tooth.
How many dental implants does your dentist place?
Our dentists are experts in placing dental implants. They are able to deal with many difficult cases which are passed over by other clinics. If you are having implants done, you want them done by an expert in the field.
What kind of guarantee is offered?
Many overseas clinics offer very limited guarantees safe in the knowledge that you are so far away that you will usually pay to get a problem fixed locally. Check that your clinic offers a guarantee of at least 3 years, as most problems will occur in the early years.
Is a CT Scan being performed?
For all but the simplest cases a CT is a very useful procedure to have prior to implants. Without a CT, the dentist cannot know how the bone is before uncovering it. This means you could potentially be faced with unexpected complications and additional costs. A reputable clinic will usually have a CT scanner onsite so will be able to arrange one for you conveniently. We charge a single fee for all x-rays, as we do not want extra fees to be a barrier to taking the right images.
Who will be doing the crowns on the implant for you?
Often a different dentist will do the crowns for you on the implant. Make sure you are happy with the person making the final teeth for you so that you get the result you want.
What support will you get if anything goes wrong?
If you are treated overseas the answer is generally none. A local clinic is more likely to be able to help you quickly and easily if something goes wrong. If you have a problem with a clinic overseas you will have to book an expensive last minute ticket and take precious time off work. It is generally preferable to have the person who placed the implant looking after any complications as he/she will know best what has been done.
What materials will be used in the crowns?
Some porcelains are not as strong as others and do not look as good. Make sure you are going to get the result you want by checking what is being provided.
Will your dentist speak English fluently?
Many dentists in clinics overseas operate a conveyor belt system where you are given very little time to discuss your hoped-for result with a dentist. Instead you talk to a representative and a game of Chinese Whispers takes place between staff and the dentist. Your implant dentist should spend time asking you what you are hoping for, reducing the chance of you ending up with a result you are unhappy with.
Is all the work quoted actually necessary?
Due to the very low fees sometimes quoted by overseas clinics there is a temptation for them to over treat a patient who is looking for dental implants. This means they may advise unnecessary or undesirable treatments in order to increase the overall fee. Make sure you get a treatment plan which will give you what you are looking for and not what is efficient for them to provide.