Why the implant brand matters (and why it isn't everything)
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. An abutment connects the implant to the final crown. Because these components are precision-machined to fit each other, the brand of your implant determines which parts, tools, and digital workflows any future dentist will need in order to maintain or repair your restoration.
This is why the brand question matters more for international patients than for most local patients: if you receive an implant in Tokyo and later need an adjustment in London, Sydney, or New York, your local dentist will find the process far smoother if your implant system is one they recognise and can order parts for.
That said, the implant system is only one element of implant treatment. Diagnosis, three-dimensional treatment planning, surgical technique, the design of the final prosthesis, and long-term maintenance are all part of the process, and outcomes vary between individuals. At RODIN DENTAL OFFICE TOKYO (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/treatments/implants), implant treatment is planned with 3D CT imaging and surgical guides, and the prosthetic phase is led by a U.S.-trained prosthodontist.
The three brands compared
Hiossen (Osstem group) — the American-made system
Hiossen is the U.S. arm of the Osstem group, an implant manufacturing group that distributes internationally. Hiossen implants are manufactured in Pennsylvania, USA. FDA records include 510(k) clearances for the HIOSSEN Implant System (K140934) and ETIII Bio-SA Fixture System (K151626). These records apply to the named systems; they do not establish Japanese regulatory approval or superior clinical outcomes. Patients searching "Hiossen vs Osstem" often ask whether they are different products: Hiossen and Osstem belong to the same group, with Hiossen serving the American market with U.S.-based manufacturing and quality control.
Characteristics of this system:
- International distribution. The Osstem/Hiossen group distributes in many countries, which is relevant if you need components or maintenance outside Japan.
- Component cost. At RODIN, Hiossen is our standard system; alternative systems are quoted individually after assessment.
- Length of clinical use. The system has been in international clinical use for many years.
Hiossen is the primary implant system used at RODIN.
Straumann — the Swiss premium system
Straumann is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and clinical studies on its implant systems have been published over several decades. Its SLActive surface treatment and Roxolid titanium-zirconium alloy are described in the implant dentistry literature.
Characteristics of this system:
- Published research. Clinical studies on Straumann implants have been published continuously over several decades.
- International distribution. The system is distributed in North America, Europe, and Australia, and components can generally be sourced in those markets.
- Component range. The range includes narrow-diameter and short implants in a titanium-zirconium alloy. Whether such components are appropriate is determined by clinical assessment.
At RODIN, Straumann treatment is quoted individually after assessment.
Nobel Biocare — the original modern implant lineage
Nobel Biocare (Sweden/USA) traces its lineage to the earliest osseointegrated implants developed from Professor Brånemark's research — the foundation of modern implant dentistry. The company also developed the All-on-4® treatment concept for full-arch restoration.
Characteristics of this system:
- Historic lineage. Because of the Brånemark heritage, some of the longest-observed implant cases in the literature involve this lineage of implants.
- Full-arch protocol. Nobel's components and digital workflow are associated with the All-on-4 full-arch treatment concept (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/treatments/all-on-4).
- International distribution. As with Straumann, the system is distributed internationally.
At RODIN, Nobel Biocare treatment is quoted individually after assessment.
How the three compare at a glance
| Factor | Hiossen (Osstem group) | Straumann | Nobel Biocare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin / manufacturing | USA (Pennsylvania); named systems have U.S. 510(k) clearance | Switzerland | Sweden / USA |
| Clinical documentation | In international clinical use for many years | Published clinical studies over several decades | Lineage dates to the earliest osseointegrated implants |
| Global parts availability | Wide | Wide | Wide |
| Relative component cost | Moderate | Premium | Premium |
| Typical role at RODIN | Primary system | Premium alternative | Premium alternative |
This table compares product characteristics of implant systems. It is not a comparison of clinics, and which system suits you depends on your individual clinical situation.
Wondering which system fits your case? Send us your questions or photos for a free online consultation — a dentist replies within two business days. Start a free consultation (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/consultation), message us on WhatsApp (https://wa.me/81334594976), or call +81 3-3459-4976 (tel:+81334594976).
Which brand should you choose?
All three systems are used internationally for single-tooth and multi-tooth restorations. The result of implant treatment depends on diagnosis, planning, surgical and prosthetic technique, and maintenance as well as on the system used, and outcomes vary between individuals. In practice, the choice of system usually comes down to:
- Your budget. At RODIN, alternative implant systems are quoted individually after assessment.
- Where you will live in the future. All three brands have wide international networks. If you already have implants from a particular brand, staying within that system can simplify future maintenance.
- Your clinical situation. Bone volume, bite forces, the position of the tooth, and whether you need a single tooth or a full arch all influence which system and components your dentist recommends. This is assessed with a CT scan and clinical examination — not something that can be decided from a price list.
At RODIN, we use Hiossen as our primary system and also offer Straumann and Nobel Biocare, so that the system can be selected according to your case and your preferences. Whichever system is used, restorations are designed and supervised by our U.S.-trained prosthodontist.
What dental implants cost in Japan at RODIN
Implant treatment is self-pay (non-insured) in Japan for the cases described here — Japanese National Health Insurance does not cover standard implant treatment, and RODIN is not a provider of Japanese National Health Insurance.
- Dental implant (implant body + abutment + standard crown): ¥578,800 per tooth (tax included). A multi-layered zirconia crown can be selected on request, but it may require additional time and is quoted separately. Premium-brand implants (Straumann, Nobel Biocare) are also quoted individually.
- Initial examination & written treatment plan: ¥19,900, covering examination, intraoral photography, and a written plan with itemised fees. This is charged separately from treatment fees.
- Treatment timeline: implant placement is completed in one visit, followed by an osseointegration (healing) period of about 3 months before the final crown is fitted. International patients typically plan two visits to Tokyo.
Every case is quoted in writing before treatment begins, with laboratory fees included in the written estimate. Full pricing for all treatments is listed on our fees page (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/fees).
Want a written estimate for your case? Use the free online consultation (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/consultation) to receive a preliminary plan before you travel, or contact us on LINE (https://lin.ee/OSvnk4M) or WhatsApp (https://wa.me/81334594976).
Risks and considerations
Dental implant treatment is surgery, and no implant system eliminates its inherent risks. Main risks and side effects include: post-operative pain, swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness; infection around the implant (peri-implantitis); failure of the implant to integrate with the bone, which may require removal and, after healing, re-placement; damage to adjacent teeth, nerves, or the sinus (risk is reduced, though not eliminated, by CT-guided planning); and mechanical complications over time, such as screw loosening or porcelain chipping, which may require repair.
Outcomes also depend on factors such as smoking, diabetes and other medical conditions, oral hygiene, and attendance at maintenance visits. Suitability for implant treatment is determined by clinical examination and CT imaging; some patients may be advised toward alternatives such as bridges or dentures. For international patients, healing timelines may not align perfectly with travel plans, so we recommend building flexibility into your itinerary and attending the follow-up schedule we set for your case.
Talk to our team about your implant options
Whether you are comparing brands, comparing countries, or simply want a second opinion on a treatment plan you received elsewhere, our English-speaking team is happy to help — with a written, itemised plan and no obligation.
- Free online consultation: rodin-dental.jp/en/consultation (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/consultation)
- WhatsApp: wa.me/81334594976 (https://wa.me/81334594976)
- LINE: lin.ee/OSvnk4M (https://lin.ee/OSvnk4M)
- Phone: +81 3-3459-4976 (tel:+81334594976)
RODIN DENTAL OFFICE TOKYO — 6-19-19 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Two minutes from Onarimon Station, minutes from Tokyo Tower. Access & map (https://rodin-dental.jp/en/access)
Manufacturer and regulatory sources
- Hiossen: company background and Pennsylvania manufacturing (https://hiossen.com/about-us/).
- U.S. FDA: HIOSSEN Implant System, K140934 — 510(k) clearance, 12 November 2014 (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf14/K140934.pdf).
- U.S. FDA: ETIII Bio-SA Fixture System, K151626 — 510(k) clearance, 21 July 2016 (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf15/K151626.pdf).
- Straumann: Roxolid material information (https://www.straumann.com/en/dental-professionals/dental-implants/dental-implant-materials/roxolid.html).
- Nobel Biocare: company history and All-on-4 concept (https://www.nobelbiocare.com/en-se/our-story).
