A dental implant passport is a document that records which implants you have: the manufacturer, type, size and position of every implant. At TB Dent in Trebinje you get it in your hand on the day of surgery. With it, any dentist in the world can make or repair the crown or bridge on your implants, which matters most when you live far from the clinic that placed them.
What does an implant passport contain?
The implant passport you get at TB Dent lists the manufacturer, type, dimensions and position of each implant placed. We work with two systems, Straumann and Neodent, so the passport tells a future dentist exactly which system you have and where each implant sits.
Implant manufacturers treat this information as traceability data. Straumann, for example, describes its patient passport as containing "the traceability information of your implants and dental prosthesis".
When do you get it?
At TB Dent you receive the implant passport on the same day as your surgery, in your hand, before you leave the clinic. You do not have to wait for the final bridge or crown.
That matters for one reason in particular: if for any reason you do not come back for the final work, you have paid only for the surgical part, and the passport stays with you. You can then have the final work done anywhere in the world.
Why does it matter when you live abroad?
The implant passport means a dentist at home can make or repair the work on your implants. A crown or bridge on an implant can be repaired by another dentist, whichever system you have. Both Straumann and Neodent are used worldwide, so service and parts can be found in most countries. How the two systems compare is covered in Straumann vs Neodent.
If you prefer to come back to us for a repair, we see you straight away, without waiting for an appointment; the trip is at your own cost.
If something needs fixing once you are home, read Back home and something isn’t right?
What other documents should you get?
Besides the implant passport, at TB Dent you get a written warranty, signed by the surgeon and by you: ten years on implants and five years on the crown or bridge, with regular check-ups. For your insurer you get a report listing every procedure and price, together with a fiscal receipt. Whether your insurer reimburses any of it, you check with them.
The warranty covers failure of an implant and breakage of the crown, bridge or screws. It does not cover accidents and physical injury, missed check-ups, very poor oral hygiene, or a decline in general health that leads to implant rejection. Check-ups are one month after the final work, then every six months.
How should you use it?
Keep the implant passport with your other medical documents and show it to any dentist who works on your implants. Bring it to your check-ups, and take it on your second trip to Trebinje for the final bridge. Planning those trips is covered in Flying after dental implants.
Implants at TB Dent are placed by Dr Darijo Pandžić, a specialist in oral surgery. The consultation is free, in English, and can be done remotely before you travel.
Questions patients ask about the implant passport
What is a dental implant passport?
A document that records the manufacturer, type, size and position of every implant you have, so any dentist can work on them later.
When will I get my implant passport?
At TB Dent, on the day of surgery, in your hand.
Can a dentist in the UK repair a crown on my implant?
Yes. With the implant passport, any dentist can make or repair the work on your implants. Straumann and Neodent are used worldwide.
What if I do not come back for the final bridge?
You have paid only for the surgical part, and the passport stays with you, so the final work can be done anywhere.
What other paperwork should I get after implants abroad?
At TB Dent: the implant passport, a written warranty signed by the surgeon and you, and a report with every procedure and price plus a fiscal receipt for your insurer.
How long is the warranty on implants?
Ten years on the implants and five years on the crown or bridge, with regular check-ups.
This article is also available in German.
