All 8 Clinics that provide Dental Implants in Donegal County

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

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.

A guide to dentistry in Ireland

Ireland's economy has experienced a breathless rise from Western Europe's poorest nation to the top of the world's wealth indicators. Over 30 years of E.U. membership has helped shape Ireland's health system into a modern and highly regulated model of good practice.

Interest from Irish patients have increased substantially for dentistry in neighbouring Northern Ireland where dental treatments cost less than in the Republic.

Benefits of Irish Dentistry

Regular checkups are a vital part of good oral healthcare and a local dentist is by far the best choice. A trusting relationship with your local dentist has immense benefits: Dental emergencies can be dealt with by a healthcare professional who knows your medical history inside out. Even for more expensive treatments the value of this close working knowledge can far outweigh price considerations, ensuring an ongoing beneficial, oral regimen.

Dentists in Ireland - Qualifications

Ireland has 2 dental colleges with an addtional college offering specialty training. The course is 5 years, followed by 1 year of vocational training. Successful graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Science.

There are two recognized specialties: Oral surgery and Orthodontics.

There is no mandatory continuing education but its practice is strongly recommended by all professional associations and the Dental Council. Courses in Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Oral Surgery are among the continuing education options available in the country's dental schools.

Dentists in Ireland - Additional Information

Organizations

The Dental Council is the statuatory organization responsible for dentistry in Ireland. It oversees the standard of dental education and dentistry in general. The Council holds a registry of all those permitted to perform dentistry within the state: Registration is mandatory.

There are a number of professional associations covering the dental sector workers. Over 80% of Ireland's dentists are members of the Irish Dental Association. The association in its present form is over 80 years old and with its historic beginnings in the British Dental Assocation is one of the worlds oldest established dental associations.

Dental Ethics

Irish dentists are required by the 1985 Dental Act to: Safeguard the health of patients; promote oral health within the population and maintain the highest ethical standards with the profession. To these ends dentists must not overcharge, recommend unnessecary or damaging proceedures, create false expectation or in any way mislead their patients.

The ethical guidelines follow and expand upon those issued by the Council of Euopean Dentists, which define the core ethical values of European dentistry.

Complaints

The Dental Council has the power to deal with complaints against registered dentists. It can issue warnings, fines, suspend or remove a dentist from the dental register. Patients may also take direct action through the civil courts.

Data Protection

Ireland has a Data Protection Commissioner and a number of acts covering the protection and accessibility of personal data. A comprehensive website gives all information relative to data protection - see the resources section below.

Dentists in Ireland:

Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Dundalk, Drogheda, Bray

Resources

The Dental Council
7 Merrion Square,
Dublin 2,
Dublin,
Ireland.
tel: +353 1 676 2069
fax: +353 1 676 2076
email: info@dentalcouncil.ie
website: www.dentalcouncil.ie
ethical code: www.dentalcouncil.ie/g_dentalethics.php

Irish Dental Association
Irish Dental Association Ltd.
Unit 2, Leopardstown Office Park
Sandyford,
Dublin 18,
Ireland.
tel: +353 1 295 0072
fax: +353 1 295 0092
email: info@irishdentalassoc.ie
website: www.dentist.ie

Data Data Protection Commissioner
Canal House,
Station Road,
Portarlington,
Co. Laois,
Ireland.
tel: 1890 252 231 (lo call - inside Ireland only), +353 57 868 4800 (for outside Ireland)
fax: +353 57 868 4757
email: info@dataprotection.ie
website: www.dataprotection.ie

The biggest choice of dental implants clinics in Donegal County with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best dental implants for you in Donegal County.