It could be a tough nut to crack, but the Dutch health authority warns that patients could be paying too much for dental implants.

According to the Telegraaf, it believes dentists sometimes do not pass on discounts on bulk orders of crowns and bridges, and has launched an investigation.

It urges dental patients to ask for a purchase order if they suspect they have been charged too much, and to report any anomalies to the NZa authority. There are maximum prices in the Netherlands, but these are much higher than purchase prices in Asia or via Ebay and Alibaba online stores.

‘We have seen examples of implants costing 15 euros each billed to patients at 250 euros,’ Chris Oomen of health insurer DSW told the Telegraaf.

The Dutch health authority warned that some dentists (or their partners) have an import company, and although transport and administrative fees are allowed, this should not be used to rack up prices.