Dental implants are a long-term solution to replace ailing teeth. They anchor to the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for the crown to sit on, giving a look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Plus, with proper care, they do not require ongoing maintenance or replacement.
Implants are a viable option for single tooth replacements, multi-tooth replacements, and full-mouth replacements alike. Thanks to modern dental technology, aging patients or poor dental health no longer have to deal with awkward dentures.
But high medical costs and gaps in insurance coverage can have many patients second-guessing dental implants’ high cost. In countries like the United States of America, dental care costs are prohibitive for most middle-income families. And, in countries where the government subsidizes healthcare, the waiting list can be far too long.
As an alternative, some patients seek out dental tourism where they travel to another country for the primary purpose of seeking dental care at a more affordable price tag. In the United States, a single dental implant ranges from $3,000 – $5,000, while the average cost in many other countries is $400 – $700.
The Best Countries to Get Dental Implants
Many factors contribute to the lower cost of dental implants in different countries. In areas where the cost-of-living is lower, the cost to operate a practice is comparatively lower, and the doctor’s salary is lower. That is not to say that these doctors are less qualified than their more expensive counterparts. Accredited facilities have well-trained doctors that use safe practices and sterile environments.
India is the Best Country to Get Dental Implants for a Low Cost
There are many options to get a lower cost dental implant outside of the United States. If you are strictly looking for the lowest price, India makes a compelling offer. The accredited dental hospital in Chandigarh has the highest accreditation level for hospitals and dental practices in India.
The cost to operate a practice is much lower in India compared to the United States. However, the biggest difference in deflating India’s price tag is that the doctors do not have to spend massive amounts of money on liability insurance or student loan debt.
A single implant in Chandigarh, India, costs between $400 – $850 depending on its brand. In the United States, the same dental implant would cost around $4000. If you are getting a full mouth of implants, you can expect to pay between $3000 – $7000, while the same procedure in the U.S. might cost up to $30,000.
Pros:
- State-of-the-art dental technology and on-site laboratory offer same-day implants.
- Located in a safe and heavily touristed city at the foothills of the Himalayan’s.
- Lowest cost compared to most other countries where dental tourism is popular.
Cons:
- Although maintenance is unlikely if there is a defect or problem, you will have to make another international trip to follow up.
- It is a long flight; from the United States, it can be 14 – 24 hours of air travel.
- You may travel only to find out you are not a good candidate for dental implants.
Best Country to Get Dental Implants in for United States Citizens
If rising dental costs in the United States have drawn your interest in dental tourism, you may be looking for the closest option. Unless you are a world traveler, jetting across the globe for a procedure can be a lot to take on.
North Americans can get affordable dental implants while visiting Mexico, Costa Rica, or Colombia. Colombia tends to be the lowest cost, but may also be the riskiest travel. All three options are similar in cost. Since Mexico shares a border with the United States, the cost and time to travel are much less than other options.
Dental Implants in Costa Rica
If you are looking for a destination that is a little more exotic, Costa Rica is another popular location for dental implant clinics. Not all dentists in Costa Rica are reputable, but if you are working with a clinic that specializes in dental tourism, reputable doctors are much easier to find.
Pros:
- Safe, tourist-centric location
- American-trained doctors
- Name-brand implants and state-of-the-art technology
Cons:
- Not as convenient as traveling to Mexico
- Passport required
- May require repeat trips due to failure or defect
Dental Implants in Mexico
There are many options for dental implants in Mexico; all are well-connected and heavily touristed areas. This includes cities like Tijuana, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexicali. Most of these clinics have certification by the American Dental Association and will feel like you barely left the United States.
Pros:
- Convenient travel from major U.S. cities and airports, including Yuma, AZ, and San Diego, CA.
- Average 40 years of experience in dental surgery per doctor
- Many areas in Mexico accept American currency.
Cons:
- Although it may be a 17-mile drive from San Diego, a passport is still required.
- Warranty varies by dentist
- May need multiple trips if you have bone loss.
Best Country to Get Dental Implants for Europeans
If you are traveling from Europe or just using your dental surgery as an excuse to trot the globe, Budapest and Hungary are popular choices for dental tourism. While a single implant in Europe costs about 2,000 Euros, the same procedure in smaller, nearby Budapest and Hungary countries is only around 470 Euros.
It is a quick 2 ½ hour flight from London to Budapest or Hungary, so if you are already in Europe, the travel is convenient. If you are coming from further away, take the opportunity to extend your vacation through Europe and get your implants as a side stop.
While concerns of a shoddy experience are valid, dental tourism is a big industry in these areas. The clinics are safe and accredited, and efficiently run. You can also book the entire trip from airfare and hotel to medical procedure through a concierge travel service specializing in dental tourism.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Efficient Procedure, sometimes available as same-day
- Help is available through dental tourism specialists to book your entire trip.
Cons:
- Travel expenses
- Easier to get duped with hidden fees
- Risk of failure; repeat travel.
Features to Consider
The price tag is the most obvious difference when considering traveling abroad for dental implant surgery. In many cases, especially for Americans, the cost-savings alone are enough to justify the trip. But before you put the cart before the horse, let’s take a look at why dental implants are a good idea.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One reason that dental implants are growing in popularity over dentures is that they are permanent. With proper care, your dental implants can last a lifetime while dentures only last 5 – 7 years, and traditional bridges need work every 7 – 10 years. Dental implants are a way to get the look, feel, and function of real teeth without a lifetime of repetitive dental work.
Why are Dental Implants Helpful for Dental Health?
If the low-maintenance alternative hasn’t sold you yet, consider the potential health benefits of dental implants over traditional dentures or bridges. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone in the same way that the roots of teeth do, which is important to prevent bone loss.
Dentures accelerate bone loss due to the lack of stimulation, and they can be uncomfortable to wear at times due to gum irritation. Traditional bridges compromise healthy teeth unnecessarily for anchoring.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
In addition to maintaining better dental health, implants offer a long-term solution that is more comfortable and functional than other solutions. They are permanent, so there is no need to remove them daily and reapply adhesives. They also have a high success rate, averaging 98%. For most patients, the process will be a one-and-done procedure that gives them functional, real-looking teeth.
The Takeaway on the Best Countries to Get Dental Implants
Dental tourism is a viable option for those looking for a more affordable option. The cost of dental work in some countries like the United States is high and unaffordable for most of the population, without incurring a significant amount of debt.
There are many countries worldwide where doctors who have trained alongside American or European doctors take advantage of this situation to offer lower-cost procedures through dental tourism programs.
In these countries, a lower cost of living, lower cost of education, and lower cost of operating a practice allow dentists to offer the same services with the same quality at much lower costs. But it falls on the patient to do their due diligence. The laws that govern dental professionals vary by country. There may be some differences in healthcare practices between your home country and your dental tourism destination of choice.
It is easier to get duped by a bad dentist or a bad practice like undisclosed fees when working with a dentist outside of your home country. Not only is language a barrier, but many nuances of everyday life are very different. Patients are encouraged to use a medical concierge service to assist with their trip and procedure details. And, patients are encouraged to thoroughly research the clinic and doctor before booking.
With a little bit of leg work and the right facility, choosing the best country to get dental implants can earn you significant cost-savings.