Hungary and mainly Budapest is the capital of dental tourism in Europe. Patients come here for dental care from all over the world even from Australia and the US. The majority of patients are from Europe. Dental tourism patients need all kinds of care, the selection is wide, from aesthetic treatments to those required for medical and health reasons. Generally speaking it can be said that most foreign people come to Hungary for dental implants.
Implant based treatments are possible nearly for everyone, there is only a little amount of people who can not have teeth implants.
An affordable solution for foreign patients seeking extensive care – dental implants in Hungary
In the realm of dental health, a range of issues can make it necessary the use of implant screws, which serve as a cornerstone for various solutions for missing teeth. These solutions include not only dental implants but other procedures that help restore smiles and oral functionality. While implant-based dental treatments have gained widespread recognition for their efficacy, the costs can be prohibitive in some Western countries. For them Hungary can be a beacon of hope with affordable dental solutions that can be executed with implants.
Let us see how Hungary has become a top destination for dental tourism and how it offers comprehensive implant-based solutions to patients from around the world.
Dental implant treatment abroad – Why in Hungary?
Patients are increasingly looking beyond their home countries to access high-quality dental solutions, particularly those that involve dental implants, at a fraction of the cost. Hungary has emerged as one of the prime destinations for dental tourism in Europe.
Hungary has earned its reputation for providing world-class dental care over decades, making it a reliable choice for foreign patients seeking extensive dental care. Several factors contribute to Hungary’s prominence as a dental tourism destination:
- Affordability: Probably it is the most important factor in decision making. Patients choose Hungary for implant-based dental solutions for its cost-effectiveness. The overall cost of dental implant in Hungary including consultations, surgeries, and follow-up care, is substantially lower than in many Western countries. Patients can realize savings ranging from 40% to 70% on treatments in Hungary. If you add travel and hotel costs, savings will be over 50%.
- Skilled Dentists: Hungarian dentists are renowned for their high level of training and expertise, particularly in the implant-based solutions. Many dental professionals worldwide have received their education in Hungary. Even now, hundreds of foreigners start their studies at dental universities in Hungary every year.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Dental clinics in Hungary are equipped with modern, cutting-edge technology, which allows for efficient and precise implant-based dental procedures. Patients can expect the same or better quality of care and facilities as they would in Western countries. This is especially true for those clinics that specialize in the treatment of foreign patients.
- Minimal Waiting Times: Hungary’s dental clinics often have shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures compared to many other countries. This means that patients can have their dental issues, including those requiring implant-based solutions, addressed more promptly, reducing discomfort and inconvenience. This is due to the fact that major Budapest clinics work with many dental chairs so they can provide treatment appointments sooner. also, treatments are performed in much shorter period of times enabling dental travel abroad.
- Tourist-Friendly Destination: Hungary is a captivating country with a rich cultural heritage. Patients can seamlessly combine their implant-based dental treatments with a memorable vacation experience. Budapest, the capital city, offers stunning architecture, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife and spas.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are medical solutions that can replace lost teeth almost perfectly in bite appearance and aesthetically.
The dental implant solution consists of 3 parts. The implant screw is the artificial root itself, which is inserted into the jaw bone by a dentist during a surgical procedure. After implantation, the artificial root needs time to heal while the bone grows around it and the screw becomes stable. After the healing time has elapsed, the crews are exposed and abutments are inserted into the implant screws, followed by crowns that are actually visible over the gums.
Types of dental implant solutions
Let us explore the differences between several common implant-based solutions.
Single tooth replacement
This solution is used when a single tooth is missing. A single dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and an abutment and a crown are attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking replacement tooth. It is suitable for patients with a limited number of missing teeth. The crown fitted on it can be of porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconium or porcelain.
Implant-retained bridge
It is ideal when multiple at least 3 adjacent teeth are missing. Two or more teeth implants are inserted into the jawbone to support a bridge. The bridge is a set of interconnected crowns, which are anchored to the screws. It provides a sturdy and functional replacement for several missing teeth. The bridge fitted on it can be of porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconium.
All-on-4
Recommended for patients with substantial tooth loss or edentulism (loss of all teeth). Four dental implants are strategically placed in each arch (upper and lower). A full arch prosthesis, which is a fixed bridge attached to the implants. This solution offers a stable and cost-effective alternative to traditional dentures. The main advantage of All-on-4 is the quick treatment period and lower cost as generally no sinus lift and bone graft are necessary. The bridge fitted on it can be of porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconium. The bridge comes with artificial gums if it is necessary for cosmetic reasons. Probably it is the most seek solution of those who want dental implants in Hungary.
All-on-6
Similar to the All-on-4, but six dental implants are used in each arch (upper and lower). This approach provides added stability and strength, making it suitable for patients with greater chewing force or bone density. All-on-6 may be more expensive if sinus lift and bone graft is necessary and it also increases healing period. The bridge fitted on it can be of porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconium. The bridge comes with artificial gums if it is necessary for cosmetic reasons.
Denture on implant bar
Designed for patients who prefer removable dentures with increased stability and/or the appropriate amount of jaw bone cannot be achieved even with bone grafting or sinus lift for a fixed solution. A custom-made metal bar with attachments is anchored to dental implants to provide increased stability for the denture. The denture clips onto the bar, offering enhanced retention and eliminating common issues associated with traditional dentures. It is easier to clean and repair than the fixed versions. The denture is made of high quality acrylic and comes with artificial gums.
Healing periods after implant based treatments in Hungary
We know from many years of experience that, in addition to price, the length of dental care in Hungary is also an important factor for dental tourists. Below, we generally write about healing times and visit length but in each case we create a personalized treatment plan for our patients based on a panoramic X-ray. The tailor-made treatment plan includes all the important information so you can make an informed decision before traveling to Hungary for dental implants.
If the tooth replacement is done within a short period of time after the loss of the natural tooth, i.e. the implant is placed, there is usually a sufficient amount of bone in the patient’s mouth so no bone graft in necessary. In this case the healing time is 3-4 months after the placement of the implant. If there is no need for bone grafting, the tooth replacement process is fast, as you only have to travel to Hungary twice for an implant-based treatment. The first visit is the surgery for placing the implant screws and then 3-4 months later the placement of the abutment and fitting the crown over the 2nd visit. This is true for a single tooth replacement or a full mouth solution.
If it takes a long time between the original tooth loss and tooth replacement then the jaw bone may get thinned or absorbed/receded so bone grafting is needed. The thinning of the jaw bone can be attributed to two reasons. One of the reasons is that teeth are lost, there is no chewing there, so the stimulation of the bone stops and begins to degenerate. Another possible cause is if gingivitis remains untreated and travels from the gums to the teeth and then to the bone and as a result the bone withers. In this case, the teeth will loosen and may even fall out on their own. Also, it is good to know that tooth extraction itself causes some bone loss.
Based on a 3d scan, the oral surgeon will decide about the need for bone replacement before implantation and the amount of bone grafting material.
Dental implants and bone grafting in Hungary
If there is no enough bone in the region where the implant screw should be placed, then dentist may replace the bone. Several variations of this are conceivable, depending on the extent of bone loss. For minor bone loss, the oral surgeon delivers an artificial bone replacement material under the gums. The dentist covers with an absorbable membrane, then sutures the gums together. If an artificial bone substitute is used its composition is very similar to natural bone.
In the case of more significant bone loss, artificial bone replacement is no longer sufficient. To solve this problem the dentist will remove a small amount of bone from the posterior layers of the jaw bone and place it in the area where the implant screw will be placed. If there is significant or severe bone loss, our Hungarian clinic also allows the oral surgeon to replace the missing bone from the hip bone. In this case, the bone replacement is no longer done in the dental chair but in the traditional operating room.
If bone grafting is required in Hungary before implantation in terms of process two versions are possible. Bone grafting and implantation can be performed at the same time, and the dental tourism patient will receive the abutment and crown 6 months after the first visit. So, it is just two visits in Hungary to replace lost teeth.
If bone replacement and implant placement cannot be performed at the same time, a healing time of 6 months is required after bone grafting, before the implant post can be inserted. Then 4 months of healing are needed until the implant screw is stabilized. And then the patient can return to Hungary for fitting the abutment and crown in the course of the 3rd visit.
Sinus lift is a special solution of the bone grafting process. It is applied for the top jaw when the amount of bone is increased so that new bone is formed from bone substitute placed under the raised mucosa of the facial cavity. In case of sinus lift no membrane is necessary since the bone grafting material is held in place by the mucous membrane of the facial cavity itself.
The first visit of the surgery is 2-3 workdays in Hungary. Over this period bone grafting, if necessary, is taking place along with the placement of the screws. The same time length is necessary if bone graft and placement of screws are in separate visits. Fitting of crowns for single implants or crowns for implant retained bridges take 3-5 workdays in Hungary. If you need full mouth restoration making all-on bridges takes 7-10 workdays in Hungary.
If you have no enough bone and no bone grafting and sinus lift is possible then you still can have a snap on implant retained solution which is a denture on implant bar. This solution also includes 4 implants screws for one arch and a high quality acrylic denture is fitted on it. Artificial gums are added if it is necessary for aesthetic reasons.
Oral surgery under general anesthesia in Hungary
Placement of implants screws and bone grafting/sinus lift are possible under general anaestehsia. (You are sleeping while treated.) If you want it some tests (blood test, ECG, chest x-ray) are necessary before surgery. These tests can be arranged in Budapest before treatment. If you do not want general anesthesia, all treatments are under local anesthesia which also makes treatment pain free.
If you are a nervous patient, but do not want general anesthesia, it is possible to take a relaxing pill before surgery which makes it easy to get through the care. This medication is provided by the clinic.
After bone replacement and sinus lift, facial swelling and pain is still possible for a few days, which is a natural part of the process, but pretty slowly the swelling disappears and the pain goes away. Taking antibiotics and painkillers is necessary after the procedure.
Quality of dental implants in Hungary
Depending on the quality of the jaw bone, the dentist may recommend a premium quality implants (Nobel, Camlog or Straumann) for perfect ossification. In this case, the price will be slightly higher than if a mid-range implant (Alpha-Bio) were used. But the cost of implant based treatment will still be much lower in Hungary than if the patient had the same care in Western Europe or the USA.
Of course, implant-based solutions are possible in Hungary for one tooth, for some teeth, and for a complete arch, known as All-on-4 pr All-on-6. The healing processes described above are also valid when a single tooth is being replaced, or an implant retained bridge or even an all-on-4 or all-on-6 solution is required.
The prices are so competitive in Hungary for dental implants that patients from the UK or Ireland travel for a single implant based tooth replacement.
You can have zirconium or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or complete bridges and dentures fitted on your implants.
How much you can save in Hungary on dental implant treatments
Foreign patients save in Hungary on dental implant treatment up to ~40-70% compared to UK and Irish prices. If you need full mouth restoration with All-on-4 dental care with top quality Straumann implants you can save up to 75% including flights and accommodation costs even if you are from the US. In other words, the more extensive dental care you need the more you can save in Hungary.
Conclusion
Hungary has firmly established itself as a premier destination for affordable and high-quality implant-based dental solutions. The combination of skilled dentists, modern facilities, cost-effective treatments, and a welcoming environment makes Hungary an attractive choice for those in need of comprehensive dental care that can be accomplished with dental implants. Patients no longer have to compromise on their dental health due to the high costs in their home countries. With Hungary’s dental tourism, they can enjoy a beautiful smile and a memorable experience in a culturally rich destination, all while saving money in the process. Hungary offers a comprehensive range of implant-based dental solutions, ensuring that patients can achieve the smile they deserve.
If you want to know how much you can save in Hungary on dental implant treatments, feel free to contact us at smile@dentaltreatment.eu and we will get back to you with a quote soon.
