Despite many advances in materials, techniques, and implant design, implant failure is a significant concern for the dentist and patient. Peri-implantitis and lack of osseointegration are considered to be the major factors leading to implant failure. Occlusal overloading, medical status of the patient, smoking, and implant characteristics are among the other causes for implant failure. Failure of implants is also caused by infections in the oral cavity. These mostly include peri-implantitis in early stages that is during or immediately after implant placement.
Gum disease is an infection that can damage the gums and jaw bone. An untreated infection could develop around the implant and lead to failure. See a dentist to treat gum disease before getting an implant.
Abroad
- Quality of Treatment
The first thing to consider when choosing dental implants abroad is the quality of treatment you will receive. Considering dental implants in the UK, you will be choosing between dental practices that are regulated and trained in placing implants. Depending on where you choose for your dental implant placement you will not necessarily have the reliability of the UK regulation. What is not acceptable in one jurisdiction may be classed as acceptable in another.
You will need to research practice, training and accreditation well to know you are getting the quality of treatment that your smile deserves!
- Hidden Costs
Dental practice’s abroad that can place implants for a significantly cheaper price than in the UK can seem like the ideal solution for your smile. However, it is important to be aware of the potential hidden costs, particularly in the future. Poorly placed implants are more likely to fail or to have complications in the future. As you will have had your implants placed abroad, you won’t be able to easily or cheaply return to your dentist for ongoing treatment. This can mean added costs and the hassle of finding a new dentist in the UK who can help with fixing any issues and ongoing aftercare for your dental implants.
- Aftercare maintenance & Treatment
When you have dental implant surgery, there is a degree of maintenance that will be needed to make sure your implants stay healthy and function well. People who choose treatment abroad often neglect this aspect of treatment. The aftercare and long-term regular maintenance is essential to avoid implants failing in the future. If you have had your dental implants placed abroad you will have the choice of returning to that dentist for regular check ups, which could be impractical and costly, or finding a dentist who has experience of the implant that you have had placed.
- The Costs to fix a failed dental implant placed abroad
The success of dental implants is very much dependent on the way they are placed.
Leaving minor complications, such as swelling in the gums or bleeding from the implant site, can lead to more serious complications that cause the implant to fail. Often failing dental implants have no immediate symptoms, which is why dentists placing implants in the UK recommend regular maintenance checkups and hygiene appointments.
While it may seem cheaper to opt for dental implant surgery abroad, actually choosing a payment plan with a UK dentist with the skills and experience to place your implants, and support you in aftercare can save you money in the long run, whilst giving you time to pay the costs over an agreed period.
- Trace Dental Implants
If you choose to have dental implants placed abroad and there is an issue, a UK dentist may not always be able to easily identify the components used or order replacements. This can lead to a larger treatment being needed to fix problems with dental implants later on.
- Cost of fixing Dental implants just isn’t financial
If you choose to have cheaper dental implants placed abroad by a dentist without the dentistry skills, knowledge and sometimes regulations even, then the cost to fix a dental implant isn’t just financial. Failed dental implants may need to be removed, cleaned or have components sourced and changed. In some cases, where the dental implant failure isn’t picked up for a while, it can be even necessary to have a bone graft. All of this treatment doesn’t just have a financial implication but also a biological and emotional cost. Many people are nervous about longer treatments but are then left with no option but to have more treatment. If dental implants fail and affect the bone around the site, this can mean the need for bone grafting.