If you are looking for a permanent solution to an aesthetic smile at a reasonable price, dental implants in Turkey are a great option. This treatment has long been a popular one and those considering dental implants have been travelling to Turkey due to its convenient location, modern clinics, affordable pricing and opportunity to combine the trip with a holiday. In this article, everything you need to know about this procedure, the cost getting dental implants in Turkey and more will be covered. Keep reading below to find out more.
What Are Dental Implants
Dental implants are as close as it gets to real teeth. Similar to real teeth, the implants are made up of a root and tooth. For the root, a titanium metal screw is placed into the jaw bone underneath the gum, and a porcelain tooth is created and placed sitting on top of the gum. The high quality material used for the implant screw and artificial tooth mean dental implants are a reliable solution. At the same time, as the teeth are constructed to look aesthetically pleasing, dental implants can be a permanent solution if cared for correctly with the instructions from your dentist. One of the other benefits of dental implants is that multiple teeth can be placed on one screw which goes into the jaw bone.
Although this procedure is highly desirable due to the advantages it provides, it can take some time to complete due to there being a need to wait for the metal screw to heal with your jaw bone. Additionally, this procedure requires general anesthesia in most cases so it needs to be a full commitment.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure is mainly done in 2 phases. The first phase involves embedding the titanium screw(s) into your jaw bone which is usually done in under 1 hour. After this is done, there is a healing phase which lasts between 3-6 months. This ensures the screw(s) set without causing any issues. Upon recovery, you will follow up with your dentist at an appointment to have a check up and based on the assessment, your porcelain crowns (teeth) will be added on. If your dentist is not satisfied with the healing process, they will discuss the next steps with you to recovery.
If you meet certain criteria, it is possible to have the entire process complete in 1 day. This will be based on your health history, bone density and gum health. Based on these things, your jaw and mouth may be able to handle both the screws and crowns being placed in the same day. This will be determined upon x-rays and physical check ups. If you’re considering travelling abroad to Turkey for this treatment, make sure to discuss how the dentist will assess these things before being able to guarantee a 1-day treatment. The full dental implant process and how you can make sure you choose a reliable dentist this will be covered in another article in the future.
Types of Dental Implants
There are many different types of dental implants and dental implant procedures. What will work best for you is based on a number of factors including the number of teeth missing, bone density and gum health. The types of implants are:
- Endosteal Implants
- Endosteal implants are the most common type of implant. This method involves using a small screw which is attached to the jaw bone to place the replacement teeth on. Endosteal implants can hold one or multiple teeth and are used when there is enough bone density to place the screw. They are also a great option if you have or are a candidate for traditional dentures.
- Subperiosteal Implants
- Subperiosteal implants are another version of an implant used when the jaw bone density may not be enough. This type of implant is placed on top of the jaw bone and under gum tissue and is a great option for when regular dentures may not be an option.
- Zygomatic Implants
- Zygomatic implants are another type of implant used in more complex cases where there has been a lot of bone loss in the upper jaw. As a result, the implant will be screwed into the cheek bone to support the artificial teeth which will be added on.
- Mini Dental Implants
- Mini dental implants are implants where the screw is very thin. They are comparable to the size of a blade of grass or toothpick and as a result, are a great option for patients who may have less bone density than necessary for traditional implants. Some of the other benefits of mini dental implants include, the use of less invasive techniques, stopping and stabilising denture slippage.
- Immediate Load Dental Implants
- Immediate load dental implants are the implant type where both the screws and the artificial teeth can be placed in the same session. It is a convenient solution as it minimises the time without teeth. For those who are eligible, based on factors listed previously such as gum health and bone density, this is an attractive option as it is the quickest solution dental implant.
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- All on 4 dental implants are the method most widely used for patients who are missing a full row, most or all of their teeth. The all on 4 dental implant method works similar to its name. Your dentist will places 4 screws across the top or bottom row of your jaw bone before placing temporary teeth. This is done so your jaw bone has a chance to accept and heal around the newly placed implants. After 5-6 months, you will be required to go back to your dentist to have the rest of your teeth fully placed.
- Guided Implant Surgery
- Guided implant surgery uses computer software to scan and create a virtual 3D model of a patients mouth, While it is not necessarily a unique implant type, the use of software to plan the placement of the implants allows for improved accuracy and reliability.
Should I Get Dental Implants
Before deciding to get dental implants, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. While dental implants may seem like a great option upon initial research, it is also important to consider the drawbacks before making a decision. To help with the decision making process, in this section the suitability/eligiblity of dental implants, along with the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants will be discussed.
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
You can be a suitable candidate for dental implants based upon whether you are currently missing a tooth or teeth due to an injury, decay, disease or any other cause that has led to missing teeth. While missing tooth/teeth is the first determining factor, your full eligibility will be determined by your dentist based on bone density, gum health and overall oral structures. If you are determined unsuitable for dental implants due to the reasons listed, there are also other options available to you such as dentures, a bridge or crown.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages. These include:
- First and most importantly, dental implants can be a permanent solution for teeth if looked after right. This reason alone makes dental implants a popular option as you will not need to get things replaced or renewed every few years.
- Due to being a permanent solution, over the long term dental implants are also the most cost effective solution. The cost of dental implants will be covered in more detail below.
- Dental implants provide improved ability for chewing.
- Dental implants are the most aesthetic solution available to missing teeth. They are the most similar solution to real teeth allowing for increased confidence.
- Dental implants allow for as many teeth as necessary to be replaced while also lowering the chance for gum disease and infections.
The Disadvantages of Dental Implants
While there are a lot of benefits to dental implants, at the same time there are some other considerations that can be viewed as disadvantages:
- Although over the long term they can be the most cost effective solution, dental implants require an initial upfront investment. This can lead to dental implants not being an option for many however, with medical tourism, especially in countries such as Turkey this makes dental implants more obtainable.
- Your bone density, bone and gum health, as well as oral structures need to be able to support dental implants. If your overall oral health is not sufficient, dental implants may not be an option.
- The process can be time consuming. Due to the consultations, examinations, appointments, surgery to place the implant and the healing process necessary, even with immediate load implants, the process can take time.
- While the most durable solution, over time you may need to replace some of the artificial teeth sitting on top of implant screws.
It is important to consider all of the possible advantages and disadvantages that come with dental implants with your dentist before opting for them.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
If you decide that dental implants are not the best option for you, there are other alternatives you can choose. The most popular options include:
- Dental Bridges
- Full or Partial Dentures
These options will be covered in more detail in another article as both have various versions.
Why Travel To Turkey For Dental Implants
There are many reasons why Turkey has become so popular for dental care and medical tourism overall in the last decade. These reasons include:
- Affordable Care
- Due to the difference in currency between most western countries and Turkey, the currency exchange is favourable for those travelling from abroad. As a result, dental care in Turkey is a lot more affordable in comparison to other countries such Dubai and Singapore.
- Top of the range, modern clinics
- Turkey boasts top of the range, modern clinics for both domestic and international patients. The healthcare system for citizens is highly regarded for its quality and as a result, the country constantly invests in clinics and hospitals.
- Highly qualified dentists
- Dentists in Turkey have to train for 5 years before becoming qualified to start working in a surgery. After qualification, dentists are also required to work along another dentist for 2 years before being able to work alone. This means the quality of dentists are high as they go through substantial training before practicing legally. It is recommended to find a reputable dentist with good reviews however instead of opting for the cheapest option you can find.
- Opportunity to combine treatment with holiday
- One of the most common reasons patients decide to travel to Turkey for dental care is the diverse country offers the opportunity to combine your treatment with a holiday. Whether you are looking to relax by the beach or do a city break, Turkey offers it all.
- Geographical Location
- Turkey is located in a very ideal location for many medical tourists. Those travelling from Europe and many Middle Eastern countries can fly there within a few hours and for those coming from the U.S.A., it is still closer than many other medical tourism hotspots further East.
Dental Implants Cost in Turkey
In many developed Western countries, dental implants are a very expensive treatment. This is due to the amount of preparation and work that is required for the treatment. Additionally, dental implants offer a permanent solution to damaged/missing teeth. The cost of this treatment in many other countries and Turkey can be seen below:
- In the U.S. you can expect to pay around $4,000-5,000 per tooth, making this an expensive treatment should you need a lot of teeth replaced.
- In Ireland, UK and other developed European countries, while slightly cheaper, you can still expect to pay around €1,700-2,500 per tooth.
- In Turkey, you can expect to pay around 3x less than what you would in your home country. The price for tooth is significantly lower at €250-400 per tooth and depending on the type and number of implants you opt for, you can expect the total treatment to cost less than €3,000.
FAQ's
- What are dental implants?
- Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. They consist of a titanium screw implanted into the jawbone, which acts as the root, and a porcelain crown that replaces the visible part of the tooth.
- What are the types of dental implants?
- Endosteal Implants: The most common type, screwed into the jawbone.
- Subperiosteal Implants: Placed on top of the jawbone under the gum, suitable for those with insufficient bone density.
- Zygomatic Implants: Used in complex cases of severe bone loss, screwed into the cheekbone.
- What are the different dental implant options?
- Mini Dental Implants: Thinner screws, ideal for patients with less bone density.
- Immediate Load Dental Implants: Both screws and crowns placed in the same session.
- All-on-4 Dental Implants: 4 screws placed to support a full row of teeth.
- Guided Implant Surgery: Computer software aids in precise implant placement.
- Am I eligible for dental implants?
- Eligibility depends on several factors, including overall oral health, bone density, and gum health. Consult with a dentist for a thorough evaluation.
- What are the advantages of dental implants?
- Permanent solution for missing teeth
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Improved chewing ability
- Natural and aesthetic appearance
- Lower risk of gum disease and infections
- What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
- High initial cost
- Requires sufficient bone density and healthy gums
- Time-consuming process
- Artificial teeth may need replacement over time
- What are the alternatives to dental implants?
- Dental bridges
- Full or partial dentures
- Why choose Turkey for dental implants?
- Affordable care due to favorable currency exchange
- Modern clinics and hospitals
- Highly qualified dentists with extensive training
- Opportunity to combine treatment with a holiday
- Convenient geographical location
- How much do dental implants cost in Turkey?
- Dental implants in Turkey cost significantly less (up to 75% less) than in Western countries, typically ranging from €250-400 per tooth. The total treatment cost can be less than €3,000, depending on the type and number of implants.
- Important Considerations:
- Always research and choose a reputable dentist with good reviews.
- Discuss all options and potential risks with your dentist before deciding on dental implants.