In life, it can be tempting to reach for the temporarily cheaper option without fully considering the consequences. Dental implants overseas, for instance, can seem like an affordable option. However, how do the overall costs add up? Is this really the better option for the long-term health of your mouth and your smile?

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even a whole row of teeth. Dental implants can also act as a support for dentures or a dental bridge, providing additional security as well as oral health benefits like jawbone stimulation.

As such, implants are permanent, sturdy root and tooth replacement systems designed to act, feel, and look like your natural teeth. They’re installed by a qualified dentist and require high-quality materials and safe dental operatory procedures.

Additionally, for dental implants to be placed safely and have a high success rate, a dentist must evaluate the health of your mouth to ensure that you have a sufficient pre-existing bone that will heal well over implants.

What are the components of dental implants?

If you are in good oral and overall health and have sufficient jawbone for a dental implant, a skilled dentist at Dental Spot can walk you through the elements of dental implants at your initial consultation. An Australian-standard dental implant consists of three elements:

Titanium implant

This tiny, screw-like, biocompatible titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone. This titanium implant will fuse with your jawbone over the next 3-6 months. This new “root” then becomes an incredibly strong base for your prosthetic tooth.

False tooth crown

Crafted out of long-lasting and incredibly natural-looking materials in our on-site lab, this is the tooth replacement others will see whenever you smile. It mimics your natural teeth aesthetically and functionally.

Abutment

This post connects the titanium implant base with the artificial tooth. As such, it sits partially inside and outside the gum, providing excellent support for your new tooth.

Skills and standards

Although an overseas dental implant might be everything you hope it to be, there is simply no guarantee. Also, different countries have different standards. To help facilitate patient health and safety, the Dental Board of Australia has strict guidelines on all of the following issues:

Dental records 

• Dentists are required to keep accurate records of patient care, facilitating a thorough dental knowledge of each patient and the highest possible quality of dental care.
• This helps to keep track of past dental issues, allergies, medication reactions, and compounding health factors.

Infection control 

• This has ramifications across the spectrum of dental care and helps keep patients healthy and safe when visiting a dental practice.
• Topics include sterilisation of dental equipment, dental practice cleanliness, hygiene standards for dentists and practice assistants, and the sterilisation and quality of surgical items such as dental implants.

All these requirements work together to provide a dental patient in Australia with the best possible outcome. Sterilisation requirements help prevent infection, which in turn aids in preventing any other compounding dental issues. Education requirements mean that dentists in Australia are up to date on the latest and most effective procedural requirements, technology and materials.

This ultimately means the patient spends less time in the dental practice, less energy worrying about their health, and more time enjoying a functional and beautiful smile.

The importance of a strict national dental board

Without a strict dental governing body, there is simply no way to guarantee that you are receiving the highest possible quality of dental care.

If you’re considering a dental implant overseas, the dentist you’re considering could be very well-trained. However, national standards for sterilisation, continuing education, or well-maintained dental records would be severely lacking, no matter the competence of the individual dentist.

As such, it’s safer to stay in Australia than to obtain a dental implant overseas such as in Bangkok, Thailand; Bali, Indonesia; etc. It simply involves much more risk to your health.

Cost and consequences

Without these national standards, the patient risks:

• Infection that necessitates more dental procedures or medication.
• Implant complications or implants that fail due to improper installation or poor materials.
• Spending money on transportation, lodging, food, and dental work in another country.
• Wasting time getting to and leaving another country for an overseas dental implant that doesn’t work as expected.
• Thinking you saved money by going overseas, only to be unable to go back overseas to get a dental mistake fixed.

Why Australian dentistry?

By staying in Australia, you not only save money on lodging and transportation, but you can also get to know your local dentist on a more personal level. They can keep accurate health records that let you know that you’re in control of your dental health. If complications arise, they’re only a short drive away.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one need dental implant work, contact Dental Spot on (02) 9158 6115 or email info@dentalspot.com.au. We can answer questions you may have and help you begin your journey to a healthier, happier smile.