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?

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 Spain
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Spain

Spain makes a compelling dental travel destination: The harmonisation of qualifications and equipment standards across Europe allows patients to compare treatments on a price basis while being assured of quality.

A large number of destinations are available from the less explored natural beauty of the north to the bustle of the southern resort towns. Spain's islands, including Tenerife, offer other enticing destinations for high quality dental care.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Benefits of travelling to Spain

Spain is one of the world's most mature tourism destinations. A large number of regional airports and a good system of internal transport links allow easy travel to all areas of this diverse country. Large numbers of visitors as well as a substantial expatriate community, particularly along the Costa del Sol, mean travellers enter a country well used to dealing with their needs. A lower cost base in rent and staff fees allow Spainish dentists to offer substantial savings for most dental procedures over their Northern European counterparts.

Dentists in Spain - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Spain. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

Dentists in Spain - Qualifications

Dental training lasts 5 years. Currently, 10 public and 4 private Colleges produce about 900 dental graduates each year. The quality of training and verification of degrees is overseen by the Ministry of Health.

There is no compulary requirement at present though a system of monitoring skills development and training is currently in development. Currently, many courses and degrees are available and a commitement to furthering of skills and updating of procedures is a central tenant of the Consejo General's code of practice for it's dentists (accounting for over 90% of dentist's in Spain).

Dentists from other EU nations may practice in Spain without any linguistic examination - allowing for instance English dentists to open practices catering to expat communities without having to master the Spanish language.

Dentists in Spain - Additional Information

Organizations

Consejo General de Colegios de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de España (Spanish Dental Association) has a membership accounting for over 90% of Spanish dentists. It maintains an up to date register of all dentists qualified to practice in Spain.

Dental Ethics

The Dental Association regulates its members and publishes a code of ethics. This emphaises the dentist's obligation to the health and welfare of their patients and their own commitment to continuing training and perfection of their skills.

Complaints

Initial complaints of an ordinary nature should be refered to the Regional Colegio or Municipal Consumer Offices. Etiher party may appeal decisions or progress to civil authorites if disputes are not resolved. Severe disiplinary decisions such as removal from the register of dentist were previously rare but recently a more hardline approach to serious incidents has lead to an increase in harsher punishments.

Data Protection

Patient records are protected by a number of statuets and are in line with EU legislation. A dedicated agency, the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), oversees data protection in Spain. The digital processing of patient data must be registered with AEPD and the agency will ensure that proper safety procedures are in place to protect the data. Details are available on the Spanish Dental Association's website.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health: Pº Prado, 18-20.
28071-Madrid
phone: 901400100
fax: 34-91-596.44.80
website: Website:www.msc.es

Spainish Dental Association
website: http://www.consejodentistas.org/ (in Spainish)

Data Protection
http://www.consejodentistas.org/codigotipo.pdf (in Spainish)

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