You may also have noticed that some clinics abroad advertise dental implants at prices that appear considerably lower than treatment in the UK. When you are looking at the cost of treatment, it can be tempting to think that combining dental treatment with a holiday could be a good option.
But when it comes to dental implants, there is more to consider than the initial price.
An implant is a long term treatment that involves careful assessment, planning, surgery, healing and ongoing care. Before deciding where to have treatment, it is worth understanding what is involved and why the care you receive before and after implant placement is so important.
A dental implant is a small titanium implant that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth.
Once the implant has healed and integrated with the bone, it can support a replacement tooth, such as a crown. Implants can also be used to support bridges or dentures when several teeth are missing.
Although the implant itself is a relatively small component, the treatment involves much more than simply placing an implant.
Your dentist needs to assess your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health before deciding whether implants are suitable for you.
You may also need X rays or a 3D CT scan, known as a CBCT scan. This provides detailed images of the jawbone and surrounding structures and can help your dentist plan treatment safely.
One of the most important things to consider before having dental implants is your gum health.
Periodontal health refers to the health of the gums and the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Good periodontal health is important for natural teeth, but it is also an important part of caring for dental implants.
If you have active gum disease, this will need to be treated before implant treatment is considered.
Your oral hygiene is also very important. Plaque can build up around teeth and implants, and poor plaque control can contribute to inflammation and gum disease. Around an implant, inflammation can affect the tissues supporting it and may put the long term health of the implant at risk.
This is why implant treatment should not simply be about replacing a missing tooth as quickly as possible.
At Smile Society, we assess your oral health before implant treatment is considered. If your oral hygiene needs improvement or you have active gum disease, we would address these issues first rather than simply proceeding with implant treatment.
This might involve seeing one of our dentists or hygienists, improving your brushing and interdental cleaning routine, or having periodontal treatment where appropriate.
It is an important part of preparing your mouth for treatment and helping you look after your teeth and implants in the future.
There are excellent dental professionals working in many countries around the world, so the decision is not simply about whether treatment is taking place in the UK or overseas.
The important question is whether you have received the right assessment, planning and aftercare for your individual circumstances.
Before having implant treatment abroad, you should ask whether your gums have been properly assessed, whether your oral hygiene has been considered and what happens if you need additional treatment.
You should also find out exactly who will be carrying out the surgery, what qualifications and experience they have, what implant system will be used and who will look after you once you return home.
The General Dental Council advises patients considering dental treatment abroad to investigate the qualifications of the dental professional, the regulatory arrangements in the country, the treatment being offered and what happens if complications occur.
These are important questions wherever you have treatment, but they can become particularly important when the dental team is several hundred or several thousand miles away.
It can be easy to think of an implant as one procedure.
In reality, treatment can involve several stages.
Your dentist will discuss your dental history, examine your teeth and gums and assess whether implants are suitable for you.
X rays or a CBCT scan may be needed to assess the bone and plan where the implant should be placed.
If you have gum disease, poor oral hygiene or other dental problems, these may need to be treated before implant placement.
The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone.
The implant needs time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This process is known as osseointegration.
Once your dentist is satisfied that the implant has healed appropriately, your replacement tooth can be fitted.
Your implant will need regular professional monitoring, alongside good daily oral hygiene at home.
This is why being able to contact your dental team easily throughout the process can be so valuable.
Dental implant treatment has a high success rate when appropriately planned and maintained, but no treatment is completely risk free.
Problems can sometimes occur during healing or later on. You may experience infection, problems with the surrounding gum and bone or complications involving the implant or replacement tooth.
If you have had your treatment locally, you can contact your dental team and arrange an assessment.
If your treatment took place abroad, dealing with a problem may be more complicated. You may need to travel back to the original clinic, take additional time off work or find a dentist in the UK who is willing and able to assess and manage your treatment.
Before travelling abroad for dental treatment, make sure you understand what aftercare is included and what happens if you need further treatment.
When comparing dental implant treatment, it is understandable to look at the cost. However, make sure you are comparing like for like.
Ask what is included in the price. Does it include your consultation, scans, implant placement, the implant itself, laboratory work, the final crown or other restoration and follow up appointments?
You should also ask whether additional procedures could be required and what these would cost.
A treatment package that initially appears cheaper may not include everything you need.
We offer dental implant treatment at competitive prices, with treatment planned around each patient’s individual needs.
If you are considering dental implants and would like to find out whether they could be suitable for you, Smile Society Wrexham is currently holding Implant Open Days in October, November and December 2026.
Our Implant Open Day includes a free complete assessment package, including:
Free 3D CT scan, worth £250
Free comprehensive consultation, worth £200
Personalised treatment plan
No obligation quote
0% finance options available
There is also an opportunity to save £680 on implant treatment as part of the Implant Open Day offer.
There is no obligation to proceed with treatment. The consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your individual circumstances, understand your options and ask any questions you may have.
Find out more about our upcoming Implant Open Days at Smile Society Wrexham, including what’s included in your free assessment and the £680 saving. This offer is available across all Smile Society locations, consultations and implant placement will take place at our Wrexham Practice.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your appointment today and let our friendly team care for your smile.
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