How can I reduce the cost of a dental implant?

An implant is probably one of the most expensive treatments in the dental practice. However, since the implant is only marginally subsidized by health insurance and is a purely private service, there are considerable price differences. Every dentist can decide for himself for how much money he offers an implantation, which is why even within a single locality there are price ranges between a thousand and four thousand euros per implant, depending on the procedure, the design and the complexity of the implantation.

Therefore, it can be useful to compare prices and, if necessary, to obtain and compare estimates from several dentists, oral surgeons or maxillofacial surgeons. Already with this comparison the patient can save a thousand euros or more. Furthermore, because the implant is a purely private service, there is a certain amount of room for negotiation. It can be worthwhile to talk to the dentist in advance and to agree on a fixed price.

Costs of implants abroad

Many dentists abroad advertise with cheap implants, which are even combined with a vacation. But how useful are these offers? In general, one must weigh up whether one wants to take the risk of having such an operation abroad, where the medical standard is possibly not as high as in Germany.

There are also many different implant systems for which the appropriate dental prosthesis is subsequently created. A normal dentist usually has one or two systems on offer, which are discussed with the surgeon so that the prosthesis will fit. Patients often do not consider this aspect, because the implant has to heal for 3-6 months and only then can the prosthesis be made in Germany.

It is essential to clarify in advance which implant system will be used. It is also important to consider who will bear the guarantee if complications such as infections or non-healing subsequently occur. In addition, implants are planned together with the prosthodontist who creates the denture so that the dental construction fits optimally.

The implanter places the implants with a drill-scraping device so that they fit exactly. Such cooperation with a foreign dentist is hardly possible. Therefore, it must be weighed up beforehand whether the risks outweigh the cost advantage or the effort seems too great.