Dental Implants
The Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss
Thailand welcomed an estimated 1.4 million worldwide medical tourists 2006.
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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:
| $3,000 |
$4,000 |
$1,600 |
$1300 |
$3690 |
$1500 |
$1200 |
$1,800 |
| €2000 |
€2,700 |
€1,070 |
€975 |
€2,790 |
€1,000 |
€900 |
€1350 |
| £1,500 |
£2,000 |
£800 |
£650 |
£1845 |
£750 |
£600 |
£900 |
Dental implants offer a strong and lasting solution to damaged or missing teeth, and are often the most aesthetically pleasing option too.
Dentists in Thailand
Find and Compare Dentists in Thailand
The permanent solution for tooth loss
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Click on any of the dental clinics in Thailand on the left to see their full details,
including phone numbers, reviews, prices and a map of the clinic’s location. See more
dentists in Thailand by using the page links at the bottom of the list. If you need a
specific dental treatment, use the search box to find clinics that can perform that
procedure. If you can’t see the exact dentist in Thailand that you are looking for,
either contact us using our consultation form or use the search box or the map to
check other locations.
Locations of Dentists in Thailand
Thailand is the home of Medical Tourism with a long established
reputation for healthcare quality. An estimated 1.4 million worldwide medical tourists
travelled to this low cost country in 2006, with many thousands of these being dental
patients from Europe, Australia and the United States.
Our three most popular dental clinics are:
Dentists in Thailand - Additional Information
Dentists in Thailand combines the ethical responsibility of western
dental bodies with a strong social aspect informed by the country's buddist roots.
Education is comparable to the world's best dentistry programs - a 6 year university
career is usually followed by 3 years of public service dentistry. Specialties have
their own associations, encouraging continuing education - a requirement for the modern
dentist and soon to be incorportated into Thailand's legal dental requirements. Healthcare
is well regulated with strong data-protection laws and a centralized complaints system.
Of course part of Thailand's appeal is due to its natural beauty
and cultural riches. These combined with high dental standards and low costs make
Thailand a popular choice. Our most popular destinations in Thailand are
Bangkok and
Phuket.
Dentists in Thailand - Prices
The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in
Thailand. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your
dentist directly.
*Exchange rates from 08/2007
Dentists in Thailand - Qualifications
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Thai Dentists complete a six year course in one of
Thailand's 8 governmental dental universities or 1 private university.
Graduates from one of the government institutions are required to spend
3 years following the completion of their degree in the public dental system.
Following graduation there are 10 areas of dentistry that practioners can
specialise in including general dentistry, orthodontics and prosthodontics.
Dental nurses and therapists also receive specialised training in Thailand.
Dentists are registered with the Thai Dental Council and
may be members of a number of professional associations: the largest being
the Dental Association of Thailand. While ongoing education is not mandatory
it is recommended by each of the specialist branches of dentistry within Thailand.
Organizations such as the Thai Association of Orthodontists offer continuing
education courses and update their recommended practices - keeping in continual
contact with their peer organizations across the world.
Dentists in Thailand - Patient Rights
Organizations
The Thai Dental Council is the central organization for registration
of dentists. A number of associations exist covering the range of specialties recognised
in the kingdom. Complaints fall under the jurisdiction of the Council.
Dental Ethics
Ethics are an integral part of Thai society and are heavily
influenced by Buddhist ideals. The Medical Council is responsible for promoting ethics
throughout Thailand's medical professions.
Complaints
The Medical Treatment Profession Act (1982) has a unified approach
to the rights of patients across the countries medical professions. Following a written
complaint the Dental Council will initiate an investigation. The Council has the power to
issue warnings, suspend practitioners for up to 2 years or permanently revoke the right to
practice.
Where harm has been done patients may follow legal proceeding through
the courts: Though the process has a reputation for being difficult for non-nationals.
Continuing education
Each specialty encourages the principle of continuous learning.
Continuing training is not mandatory though legislation is in draft at present.
Data Protection
A general data protection law exists - Official Information Act of
B.E. 2540. It has provisions for the protection of medical information. Disclosure of
information without a patients permission is covered by the Medical Profession Act and
may result in criminal proceedings.
Resources
Thai Dental Council
Dental Council website
(in Thai - English version content planned)