Over the last decade having dental implants as a form of tooth replacement is becoming more common amongst patients compared to more traditional treatments such as bridges and dentures. Why? Dental implants provide patients with long term stability, prevents bone loss and becomes cost effective longer term.
As with most goods and services, when there is an increase in demand, there are many choices and decisions to make. Dental implants are no different in this respect with over a 100 different makes and brands worldwide. North Cyprus is no different too, where there are a number of brands in the market, each competing to gain a market share. Implant companies sell their products directly to dental practitioners and not to the public.
What is a dental implant?
Imagine hanging a picture frame on a wall. First you drill a hole, then put a raw plug in that hole, then you put a screw into the raw plug with the screw head sticking out and hang your frame on that screw head. Dental implants are similar. Implant brands provide dentists with a ’toolkit’ of drills, screwdrivers, adaptors and measures. A hole is drilled into the jaw bone, the dental implant then performs the role of the raw plug which is ’screwed’ into the jaw bone. A screw (known as an abutment) is then screwed into the implant to which the crown is then either screwed or cemented.
What to know?
Dental implants are commonly grouped into two categories, ’Premium and Value’. There are only 3-4 brands that fall into the premium segment, these brands manufacture the highest quality implants which tend to have the best results and outcomes. They also have the largest market share and have a worldwide presence. The ’value’ segment of the market is very wide ranging from brands that are developing their quality and trying to get into the premium segment, to those that provide a limited service with low quality. Market presence is usually country or region based.
Why have implants?
Patients tend to choose dental implants to increase their quality of life (i.e .having confidence in chewing and smiling). Patients tend to consider the following factors – value for money, how long the treatment will take and invasiveness during the operation.
Value for money - for a premium implant, prices can be in the region of 1000 euros per implant in North Cyprus. Comparable implants in the UK can start upwards of £2500 per implant.
Treatment duration - One of the critical factors is for the implant to ’stabilise’ inside the jaw bone. It takes time for the bone to integrate and bind itself to the surface of the implant, usually three months for a value brand and 6-8 week for a premium brand due their superior surface quality.
Invasiveness - having dental implants requires a surgical operation under local anesthetic and sterile conditions. Some brands put emphasis on exaggerating the design of the implant eaves. This is usually described as being ’aggressive’ i.e. they try to achieve stability through the eaves cutting into the bone and nestling. Other brands go through a more scientific approach with emphasis on the quality of the implant surface to ’osseo-integrate’ with the jaw bone to create a natural yet secure binding between the bone and implant.
Things to consider:
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Generally speaking, the higher the price/cost, the higher the quality of the implant (unless your dentist is ripping you off or giving you an absolute bargain!).
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When you have dental implant treatment, it is not just the implant you buy, it is the whole concept. The implant is only as good as its stability when placed in the jaw bone. The implant is only as good as its binding with the abutment. The slightest movement and you’ll think you have a loose tooth. The implant is only as good as the crown placed on top of the abutment in terms of the aesthetics (because you can’t see the implant or the abutment). In other words there are inter-related processes to ensure success and customer satisfaction.
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Carry out your own research. Note – implant brands’ own websites are not overly helpful as they all say they are the best! Try looking at medical journals where clinical studies and evidence give reference to the best performing brands.
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There is a gum disease called ’peri-implantitis’ – a direct result from dental implants. There are correlation clinical studies that suggest the lower the quality of implant the higher the risk of developing ’peri-implantitis’.
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Some brands offer a ’lifetime’ guarantee under certain circumstances.
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Some brands provide a ’passport’ – basically a record and log of the dental implant, its origin, serial numbers and so forth so that in the future if there is a problem, they can trace the implant origins. The other major benefit of the ’passport’ particularly relevant to people who may travel frequently, is the continuation of service in another country if need be.
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Some dental practitioners do not undertake the implant surgery themselves and procure the services of a dental surgeon.
In conclusion;
As with most goods and services, price (or cost) is linked to quality. For those in search of quality, there are just a few implant brands to choose from. If the cost is a serious consideration and a value brand is chosen, then be informed of the risks involved. The price and quality of the low end premium brands and the high end value brands are merging and therefore making it more difficult to choose between them.
In the TRNC all dental implants must be imported through official channels and must be ’originals’; with the correct import duties applied, VAT charged and declarations of conformity and quality assurance controls made and checked by the Department of Health. Anyone carrying out the dental implant procedure must be registered with the appropriate medical and dentistry bodies.
