The Real Cost of Dental Implants

The Real Cost of Dental Implants Abroad: What “€700 Implants” Don’t Tell You

If you’ve ever searched for dental implants abroad, you’ve probably seen headlines like:

“Dental Implants from €700”
“All-on-4 from €3,999”
“Affordable Implants in Turkey, Hungary, etc.”

At first glance, these prices can sound incredibly attractive, especially when compared to implant costs in Ireland or the UK.
But what many patients don’t realise is that these headline prices often cover only one part of the treatment.

In this article, we explain the real cost of dental implants, uncover the hidden or commonly excluded fees, and show you how to compare clinics properly, whether you’re considering treatment in Ireland, the UK, Spain, or elsewhere.

This isn’t about criticising choices or other clinics. It’s about transparency.

Key Takeaways

If you’re short on time, here’s what most patients need to know upfront:

• 💡 “€700–€1,200 implants” usually only cover the implant screw, not the full treatment

• 🦷 A complete implant requires three parts: implant, abutment, and permanent crown

• 💶 Crowns and abutments are often excluded and can add €600–€1,500+ to the final cost

• 🩻 CBCT scans, follow-ups, and temporary crowns may also be charged separately

• ⚠️ What looks cheap initially can end up costing thousands more

• ✅ The safest way to compare clinics is to ask for a fully itemised, all-in quote
  

If you want to understand why this happens and how to avoid surprises, read on. Or contact us if you want detailed information.

What Is Actually Included in a “€700 Implant”?

In most cases, when a clinic advertises a dental implant for €700–€1,200, the price only covers the implant screw itself, the titanium post placed into the jawbone.

That is just one component of a complete implant treatment.

A functional, long-term dental implant requires three essential parts:

1. The implant screw – placed into the jawbone

2. The abutment (connector) – connects the implant to the crown

3. The permanent crown – the visible tooth

If any of these are excluded from the advertised price, the final cost can increase significantly.

The Hidden (or “Add-On”) Costs Patients Often Face

1. The Abutment (Connector)

The abutment is a precision component that connects the implant to the crown.
It is essential, yet frequently excluded from promotional pricing.

Typical costs:

• Spain: €150–€350

• Ireland / UK: €250–€500+

Some clinics charge extra for:

• Original manufacturer abutments

• Custom-milled abutments

• Aesthetic-zone abutments (front teeth)
  

2. The Permanent Crown

This is the part that actually looks like a tooth and it’s where costs rise quickly.

Typical crown costs:

• Spain: €450–€700+

• Ireland / UK: €1,000–£1,200+

Pricing depends on:

• Material (zirconia, ceramic, layered ceramic, metal covered with ceramic)

• Dental lab quality

• Aesthetic requirements

Many “cheap implant” offers do not include the crown at all.

3. CBCT / 3D X-rays (Often Not Included)

A CBCT scan is critical for safe implant planning. It allows the dentist to evaluate:

• Bone volume and density

• Nerve positioning

• Accurate implant placement

Some clinics advertise implants cheaply and then charge separately for diagnostics.

Typical CBCT cost:

• €100–€200

At Clínica Dental Raíces, the CBCT scan costs €110 and is included once implant treatment reaches a defined treatment value, helping avoid unexpected costs.

4. Follow-Ups, Stitch Removal & Reviews

Responsible implant care includes post-surgical follow-ups and stitch removal.

However, in some clinics:

• Follow-up visits are billed separately

• Stitch removal carries an additional fee

• Post-operative reviews are chargeable

These costs are often not mentioned upfront and can add up, especially for patients travelling for treatment.

5. Temporary Crowns (Optional, But Sometimes Needed)

Temporary crowns are not always required, but they may be recommended when:

• The implant is in the aesthetic (front) zone

• The patient prefers not to have a visible gap during healing
  

They are less commonly needed for molars.

Temporary crowns are usually:

• Optional

• Charged separately

• Discussed case-by-case

This is another cost often omitted from headline pricing.

Why Implant Costs Can Double (or Even Triple)

Here’s a realistic example:

Advertised implant price: €900

Additional costs:

• Abutment: €250

• Permanent crown: €800

• CBCT scan: €110

• Temporary crown (if required): €250

👉 Final cost: €2,300+

This is why many patients feel misled... not because the clinic lied, but because the advertised price was incomplete.

How We Price Dental Implants Differently

We believe implant pricing should reflect the entire treatment, not just the surgical phase.

When we advertise an implant price, it typically includes:

• ✔️ The implant screw

• ✔️ The abutment

• ✔️ The permanent crown

Even though the crown is placed later, after healing and osseointegration (when the bone fuses with the implant), it is already included in the price you see. But we can also give you the quote itemised if you prefer. At clínica Dental Raíces we offer the Bioner implant system for €1,495-1,575 or the Straumann implant system which has a fee of €1,895 which include the implant screw, abutement, and permanent crown.

What may be charged separately (when clinically appropriate):

• CBCT scan (included once treatment value is reached)

• Temporary crowns (optional)

• Sinus lift, if required

• Bone regeneration, if required

This approach helps patients, especially those travelling, plan properly and avoid surprises.

A Note on Implant Quality

Not all implants are created equal.

Beyond price, patients should ask:

• Which implant system is being used?

• Is it a well-established European manufacturer?

• Will replacement components be available in 10–20 years?

At our clinic, we work with premium systems such as Straumann and Bioner, selected for their clinical evidence, long-term reliability, and global support.

How to Compare Implant Offers Properly (Before You Book)

Before choosing a clinic at home or abroad, ask for a written breakdown that clearly includes:

• Implant screw

• Abutment

• Permanent crown

• Diagnostics (CBCT, X-rays)

• Follow-ups and reviews

• Optional temporaries

If something isn’t listed, assume it’s not included.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re considering dental implants in Tenerife, whether you’re an expat, travelling from abroad, or planning treatment in advance, you can book a free consultation with our team.

We’ll review your case, explain your options clearly, and provide a transparent, all-in treatment plan no pressure, no hidden costs.

Also, for Irish patients, we can also fill out your MED2 form so that you can claim back up to 20% on non-routine dental care that you get done with us (Crowns, implants, bone regeneration, etc.) from revenue's tax relief scheme. We are happy to do this for visitors from other countries too, if such schemes exist.

For patients traveling from the UK, we can provide itemized invoices so that you can try to claim back off of your insurance, if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Costs

Why do so many clinics advertise implants so cheaply?

Because headline prices attract attention. In most cases, the advertised figure covers only the implant screw, not the full restoration.

Is it normal to pay separately for the crown?

It’s common, but not ideal. Separating prices can make treatment appear cheaper than it really is. All-inclusive pricing is clearer, especially for dental tourists.

Are cheaper implants lower quality?

Not always, but quality varies widely. The implant system, clinical planning, and follow-up care matter far more than the headline price.

Do all implant treatments require a CBCT scan?

Yes. CBCT imaging is essential for safe, predictable implant placement. A clinic that minimises or skips this step should raise concerns.

Are temporary crowns always necessary?

No. Temporary crowns are typically recommended for front teeth and are often unnecessary for molars. They should always be discussed in advance.

Why do implant prices vary so much between countries?

Differences in regulation, lab costs, materials, tax, and aftercare all affect pricing. The key factor isn’t location, it’s transparency and quality.

What’s the single most important question to ask before booking?

Ask for a fully itemised, written quote showing exactly what is included, and what isn’t.