The Slog saved £20.000 on Dental Implants in Greece

John Ward on his experience with Dental Implants

John Ward, founder of the well-known blog the Slog, talks about how he saved £20,000 on dental implants in Greece.

John talks about his personal experience on how to research for a good dental clinic, and how he decided to opt for dental implants surgery abroad.

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In a more personal tone, he talks on his experience with the procedure and the healing. In the following paragraph- that comes directly from his post- he talks about the case for medical tourism and the cost of dental implants.

‘The differences are best explained using some price and percentage data.

To have a four-implant foundation for an eight-tooth bridge, the lowest quote I got in the UK was £25,000, the highest £37,000. The cost of doing it in Southern Greece (using a highly-skilled, German trained-dentist) was €6000 – but in cash, nudge nudge etc. That’s an 80% differential in price, and I reckon it was worth every penny: for example, for €20,000 in France you can buy a decent motor-home…the difference between the two prices.

So in theory, it’s a no-brainer IF you take great care on two points:

1. Extensive local knowledge of the skills and honesty of the dentist

2. A very good interpreter if you don’t speak the language.

In short, as always caveat emptor applies. I wouldn’t go to Mexico to have my teeth cleaned let alone extracted; but on the other hand, many middle class Greeks now get implants done in Albania…where the price is half of the Greek cost.’

Not sure if Dental Implants in Greece are right for you? 

Here are the  ‘Top 10 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants in Greece’

and our Special Offer on Nobel Biocare implants, the best implants at an amazing price

Full post : MEDICAL TOURISM: Truth, lies and dental implants

A zirconia crown is considered a top quality type of crown which is stronger, durable and visually appealing as compared to other types of crowns.

It is often preferred to metal ceramic crowns in that it causes less tooth sensitivity and with no sign of the dreaded grey line around the edge of the gums. For many people this is a downside of wearing a crown or a bridge.

But one way of avoiding that is to choose an all ceramic bridge or the highly rated zirconia bridge instead. More on my perfect dentist

There are certainly big differences between the two processes, the biggest of all being the cost. Teeth bleaching that takes place in a clinic produces better results and is safer but costs considerably more than over-the-counter methods.

The main differences are:

• Strength of the bleaching agent: Professionally applied tooth whitening products contain strong agent namely hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15% to 43%. On the other side over-the-counter products and dentist-supervised at-home products usually contain a lower strength bleaching agent, with about a 10% to 22% carbamide peroxide content, which is equivalent to about 3% hydrogen peroxide.
• Mouthpiece trays: The dentist makes a mouthpiece tray that exactly fits your  teeth. This customisation enhances the strength of the bleaching agent, which is applied exactly on the teeth while the gel’s contact with the gum tissue is minimised. Over-the-counter products contain an “one-size-fits-all” tray, which does not fit well on the teeth and allows more bleaching gel to seep onto the gums and increases discomfort.
• Additional protective measures: Your dentist further protects the gums and oral cavities via applying a gel to the gum tissue or use a rubber shield.
• Value of Supervised process: Your dentist will examine you, consider your medical history, and devise the appropriate treatment based on the type and extent of stains, and the number and location of restorations. Your  dentist will ensure you are following directions, check on the fit of the customised trays and inspect your gums for signs of irritation.

Teeth whitening is much more effective when properly done at a dental clinic, so do make up the most of your stay in Crete by taking up our special offer.

Dental implants improve quality of life but also… 

Dental implants save costs!

A systematic review of 14 studies published between 2000 and 2010 concludes that, compared with traditional tooth replacement options, dental implant solutions:  

• were generally cost-saving or cost-effective for single-tooth replacement,
• represented a cost-effective option for the replacement of multiple teeth over the long term and led to better improvements in oral-health-related quality of life

A scientific report published as the lead article in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants shows that dental implants offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional treatments for tooth replacement.

The report- is conducted by 3 researchers who reviewed a total of 14 studies on the long term costs and cost effectiveness of dental implants- published between 2000 and 2010. The report is available on PubMed, the US National Library of Medicine located at the National Institutes of Health (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23527335).

The main conclusion of this extensive study are as follows:

• For single-tooth replacement, implant-based solutions were generally cost-saving or cost-effective in comparison with traditional three-unit fixed dental prosthesis (bridges).
• For patients with full dentures, implant-borne solutions were associated with higher initial costs than traditional (non-fixed) dentures. However, the consensus of most studies was that, over the long term, dental implants represent a cost-effective treatment option.

Additionally patient acceptance, satisfaction, and willingness to pay for dental implants were high, particularly in elderly patients. This is mainly attributed to the fact that patients reported an improved overall oral health, better quality of life and less overall health care costs.

One of my very first experiences as a dentist was with Fabienne. Fabiene was a young Belgian woman in her mid-forties, who moved  to Athens in search of a warmer climate.  As was the case with most young professionals in pre-crisis Greece, she was working 2 jobs, as a secretary and freelancer to make ends meet. She felt it was high time to take care of one of her biggest concerns ever since she was a teenager, her front teeth. She was recommended to me and decided to give it a shot.

When she walked in the practice I met a blond, medium-height woman who obviously felt uneasy and failed to make eye contact. We immediately went ahead to discuss her treatment plan. When she left she seemed relieved and gave me a big smile-lips closed.  As she went on with her treatment, I got to know her better and chit-chat a little bit about life in Athens and the differences between Greece and France. I came to realise that she was a warm and insightful person, whose real personality remained concealed. Her smile was reserved and she even managed to talk with lips closed some times. She gradually opened up and let me gain partial glimpses of her teeth.

In her last appointment a miracle happened. She looked herself at the mirror and she smiled. She stepped out of the practice a different person, her pleasure was written all over her face. Her eyes were shinning, her smile was different- broad, unrestrained, cheerful.

It was that moment, I fully realised the difference dental work can make to my patients confidence and well-being. That is one of my most valued moments in my professional career and a big moral reward.

Dr. George Antonopoulos, DDS