Dental Implants
The Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss

You can browse a list of clinics that provide dental implants here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

Dental Implants are a tremendously successful mechanism for replacing missing or badly damaged teeth. They are however costly, and also require a specialist dentist called an implantologist or prosthodontist. Particularly because of the costs involved, implants are one of the most commonly sought treatments by Dental Tourists. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is normally a titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw bone to replace the old root. A natural looking crown is then attached to perfectly replicate the missing tooth. Unlike bridgework, implants do not affect the surrounding teeth. Integrated into the jaw, they avoid gum problems and bone loss that can accompany a bridge or dentures.

You might need dental implants if you are missing one or several teeth. Things to watch out for are:

• Your jaw may not be suited to implants and a bone graft may be required
• The implantation procedure requires unique skills and there are dramatically different levels of training, everything from a weekend to 3 years. Check to see that your dentist has the necessary qualifications
• Implants should not be used if your bone growth is not complete
• If you are smoker or are taking immune-suppressants the success rate for implants decreases

Ask your dentist what there 5 year success rate is – it should be about 95% for the lower jaw and 90% for the upper jaw.

What is the procedure like?

Implants can be placed either at the time of removal of the old tooth or at any time afterwards: the process is quicker if they are placed immediately after removal. Typically this is performed under a local anaesthetic.

The gum and jaw are prepared, creating an opening for the titanium screw. The screw is secured in place and then the gum is stitched over allowing the area to heal. Titanium has unique properties that allow it to integrate naturally with bone.

Over a period of three to six months the titanium and bone merge to form a very strong bed on which a crown or cap can be placed. This period before a final crown is placed can be shortened dramatically if the implant is placed at the time of extraction, to the extent that sometimes a crown can be fitted at the same time as the titanium screw is attached.

What different types exist?

There are about 50 different types of implants and the particular type or brand chosen by your dentist will depend on a variety of factors, including their training, their equipment, their stock, your bone density and the width of your jaw.

There is one other major category of implant, called blade or narrow. These are typically used when the patient’s jaw will not support normal screw-type implants.

There is also an alternative use of the implanted screws that allows dentures to be secured permanently to the jaw, thus preventing any accidental movement and improving their overall function.

The newest technologies also allow for what are called implants in a day or immediate load implants. This technique is very new though, and not very widespread. It is normally recommended to leave between 3 and 6 months between having an implant fitted and placing a crown on it.

What affects the price?

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One very important factor in pricing dental implants is that an implant is simply the titanium screw that attaches to the jaw bone. In order for a tooth to be replaced this implant needs a crown. When pricing dental implants, make sure the price includes the price of the required crowns. Things to look out for are:

• The Dentist selected to perform the procedure
• The type of implant being used
• The location of the implant
• The number of implants
• The type of crown required

To find our more about pricing, read our guide to why the cost of implants vary so much.

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. Here is a rough price comparison based on the average prices for implants around the world:

Dental implants offer a strong and lasting solution to damaged or missing teeth, and are often the most aesthetically pleasing option too.

Dentists in Greece
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Greece

Athens is one of Europe's oldest and most renouned cities. The Parthenon stands above a viberant modern centre, where museums filled with priceless antiquities stand among streets busy with cafes, restaraunts and great shopping.

Benefits of travelling to Greece

Greece and in particular Athens is a highly desirable dental destination. Access is easy with frequent flights from many airlines across Europe. An EU member since 1982 Greece has adapted its medical and dental institutions to fully conform with stringent EU standards: These include the monitoring of facilities and checks on the quality of equipment and materials used during procedures. A lower costs basis compared to Northern and Western European countries enable Greek dentists to compete at the highest levels of quality while offering substantially cheaper prices

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Dentists in Greece - Qualifications

Qualification to practice dentistry in Greece is obtained after a 5 year (10 semester) university degree course. The quality of this training is adapted to the EU standard, allowing Greek dentists to practice elsewhere in the EU. Dentists from other member states may practice in Greece once they are in good standing with their own dental authority and can show a proficiency in the Greek language.

After qualification a number of continuing education options are available after a minimun of two years clinical experience. Two specialties are recognized by the Greek dental authorities: Orthodontics - a three year course; and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery which has an extensive 5 year training period. Addtional courses are available concentrating on specific procedure types such as Implant Biology and Prosthodontics: These courses are awarded a diploma or masters.

Dentists in Greece - Additional Information

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Organizations

The Hellenic Dental Association (HDA) is the professional association for dentists in Greece. Membership is compulsory. All dentists must be registered with one of the 52 Regional Dental Societies which themselves are automatic members of the HDA.

Dental Ethics

Greek dentists follow a code of ethics that expands upon the core European code of ethics. It is administered at a local level by regional dental associations and centrally by the Hellenic Dental Association.

Continuing education

There is mandatory continuing education though no process for accessment is presently in place. A large number of 2-3 year courses are available to dentists to broaden their skill set into various specialties such as: Implants Biology; Endodontics; Prosthodontics etc...

Complaints

Complaints may be lodged with the Dental Association or directly with the Central Disciplinary Council of the the Ministry of Health. A fine or censure may be issued and in extreme cases the right to practice may be removed. Action through the civil courts is also possible.

Data Protection

The 2005 Code of Medical Ethics has articles covering a patients right to access their medical records (article 11) as well as the obligations of the medical professionals to protect that data.
Data is also protected under Act 2472/97 where medical records are designated as sensitive data: this category imposes additional obligations on the storage and access to data.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health and Welfare
17-19 Aristotelous Street
GR- 101 87 Athens
Tel: +32 10 52 32 821-9
Email: webmaster@mohaw.gr
Website: www.mohaw.gr/ (in Greek)

Hellenic Dental Association
38, Themistokleous Street
GR- 106 78 Athens
Tel: +32 10 38 13 380
+32 10 33 02 343
Fax: +32 10 38 34 385
E-mail: eoo@otenet.gr
Website: www.eoo.gr (in Greek)

Council of Euopean Dentists
CED/DLC Code of Ethics (Word Doc)