Dr Popovic” Dental Clinic belongs to the first private dental practices in Serbia. Therefore we decided to ask this dental clinic some questions regarding medical tourism in Serbia.

Dental implants are a trusted and effective solution to many different issues of the mouth. But it is also very important to have a trusted and effective dental expert who will do the procedure right with the best materials and take good care of you and make sure you are familiar with the procedure and know what to expect.

If you are considering dental implants abroad, then it can be beneficial to learn about Serbia, a country that is gaining more popularity for dental tourism in recent years, especially in the field of dental implants. In the following article, we will provide the most important information about coming to Serbia for dental implants, as well as how they work for you to be more comfortable with this dental procedure and know all the necessary details.

What are dental implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are the right choice for a variety of scenarios. A common reason is missing teeth. Accidents in athletics, slips, falls and gum disease can lead to teeth falling out. Age is another common cause of tooth loss. Dental implants are a way to get back the functionality in patient’s mouth to eat and talk properly.

8 reasons to choose Serbia for dental implants

Training and qualifications: Dentists in Serbia undergo extensive training and are well regulated.

State-of-the-art equipment: Many clinics in Serbia have invested heavily in the latest technology to make dental treatments as effective, quick and comfortable as possible.

The speed of treatment: Rather than wait months for treatment in their home country, patients may receive dental treatment in Serbia in a matter of days.

Excellent facilities: There is a strong emphasis on customer care and making the experience a pleasant one, with some clinics offering spa-like facilities for patients to use during their stay.

Price: Probably the main reason why people get dental implants in Serbia is the money they save compared to the pricing on the same procedures in their country.

Location and safety: Serbia is a safe country and Belgrade is a peaceful city that has great airport connections to all the European cities and USA and Canada, as well as low-cost companies that operate there and provide great flight costs.

Sightseeing: If you’re travelling for dental care, you may as well be somewhere picturesque, and Belgrade and many of the surrounding areas have much to offer in terms of sightseeing and recreation.

Visa: Coming to Serbia doesn’t require getting a visa, especially for short stays. All you need is a passport and a plane ticket and your dental holiday can begin.

Why is it cheaper?

You might assume that lower prices are a result of lower standards of care and outdated equipment. The opposite is true; many dental clinics in Serbia are kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment and offer a level of care which far outweighs that of many European clinics.

It is, in fact, business overheads which largely determine the cost of treatment. Renting business premises in Belgrade is not as expensive as in London, for example. Things like utilities, salaries and maintenance are all cheaper as well.

These savings quickly add up and mean dentists can offer their services at a comparatively low price. With larger profit margins, they can also invest more in equipment and facilities to improve the experience of their patients.

The dental tourism boom itself has also helped to keep prices down and standards up. As more and more dentists open their doors to patients from countries like the UK, France and Germany, they are constantly competing with one another to offer the best service possible.

The procedure of placing dental implants

The placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within the jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. Patients are able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, the dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The dentist will uncover the implants and attach small posts that protrude through the gums and will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. When the artificial teeth are placed, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

• Less bone tissue loss – Implants preserve the bone around them from deterioration. The implant joins in with the jawbone, thus preventing bone loss and gum recession that often occur with dental bridges and below dentures.
• Improved functionality – After the fusion, implants function like your own teeth. Unlike dentures, which create an unpleasant feeling of a foreign body in the mouth, the patient does not feel the difference between a natural tooth and those with the implant.
• Preservation of natural teeth – teeth around implant remain intact because there is no need for drilling. Implants serve as porters dentures because they are so much more stable and more comfortable to wear. Implants do not in any way impair the quality of the other teeth, which could happen in the preparation of dental bridges.
• Aesthetics – Prosthetic implant constructions are amongst the most visually pleasing oral cavity procedures, which contribute to an increased confidence and self-esteem of the patient.

How to choose the best dentist for your dental holiday in Serbia?

The choice of dentists in Serbia can be a little overwhelming when you first start to consider your options. You can book with clinics directly but there are also plenty of agencies who partner with certain clinics and can organize everything for you.

Some people like the peace of mind that comes with having everything done for them, whereas others prefer to deal with the clinic directly to get a feel for how they work and what their service is like.

As you do your research to find the best dentists in Serbia for your needs, here are some questions to ask to ensure you have all bases covered:

• How do they provide their consultations?
• At what point will you be given a fixed price for your treatment?
• What is included in the cost and what will you need to pay extra for?
• Are you happy with the level of English they speak?
• How are they accredited?
• What care will they provide while you are recovering?
• What aftercare will you need to arrange when you get back home?
• Do they provide any insurance and/or guarantees?
• What happens if you experience complications after returning home?

We’d also recommend you seek out some Serbian dentist reviews online – to help you make up your mind. This GCR article provides a good list of the top 10 rated dental clinics based on user ratings, facilities, services and staff. Some dentists have written or video testimonials from their patients that can also be helpful when making your decision.