The Truth About Screwless Dental Implants – What UK Patients Should Know

What Our UK Dentists Had to Say About Screwless Implants

Chances are if you’re Googling screwless dental implants, you’re considering treatment abroad as these types of implants are often used by Turkish clinics to speed up the process.As a UK-based dentist who has committed their practice to dental implants, we thought it best to educate patients on the types and differences and why it matters which implant you choose.

The rise of screwless dental implants

With the rise in dental tourism over the last few years and thousands of UK patients seeking cheaper treatment abroad for their missing teeth, we’ve seen screwless (cement-retained) dental implants grow in popularity.Screwless dental implants are not fundamentally flawed, but they’re not always the best option or the right fit for all cases. Cheaper clinics might prefer to use them because they’re quicker and cheaper to place, not necessarily because they’re the optimal choice for the patient’s reconstruction.

What are screwless implants?

Cement-retained screwless dental implants rely on cement to connect the dental implant to the abutment as an alternative to a small screw.

When we might recommend them:

Screwless dental implants are recommended for the front teeth to create an even more natural-looking appearance. However, this option is not always favoured, as the potential risks and downsides tend to outweigh any cosmetic advantage.In addition, the only other time our dentists would likely recommend a screwless implant is in areas of limited space or angulation issues.

Associated risks and problems

While screwless dental implants might seem appealing as they’re cheaper, they come with their own risks and limitations. They are favoured abroad because their placement involves less surgery and faster recovery times, which means Turkish dentists can rush essential parts of the process so they don’t need to see you again.

1. Difficult to maintain and repair—if there are issues, they cannot be easily removed or repaired. If the crown ever becomes loose or damaged, then the entirety of the implant might require replacement.
2. Heightened risk of peri-implantitis, an infection of the gums, can cause bone loss and implant failure.
3. Poorer long-term outcomes. Studies show that screw-retained implants have better long-term outcomes as they’re easier to maintain and adjust. Issues with screwless implants are more invasive to correct and costly.

Are you confident a UK dentist would recommend the same?

Even if you are set on treatment abroad, we recommend that you consult with a qualified dentist in the UK who can determine the best approach for your long-term oral health or at least guarantee that the materials and designs used abroad meet UK standards to avoid future problems.In the UK, dentists must follow strict regulations to ensure the highest standards of quality, so you can rely on our advice to identify the correct course of treatment and type of implant, whether screw-retained or screwless.If you’d like expert advice on dental implant treatment and the best types for long-term results, book a consultation with our team today.

Why UK implants might be better:

• The types and brands used passed stringent safety trials and have an overwhelming amount of clinical studies, backing, and evidence.
• Dental implants are made from medical-grade, trackable materials, which are closely regulated to ensure they deliver the results patients expect.
• Come with the guarantee and certainty that they will last 20 years or more.
• Regulated dentists in the UK are all familiar with the brands and types of implants, which means if you face any issues, they can be quickly and easily sorted. When complications arise from abroad, some UK dentists might refuse to help or face challenges in correcting issues when using foreign parts and systems.