Everyone likes a bargain but while getting dental implants overseas might seem a tempting alternative to higher-priced dental treatments in Australia, have you stopped to think about the consequences? While there is no harm in buying everyday products and even luxury items while you’re on holiday, spending money on purchasing dental treatments during a dental vacation is a more risky strategy and could put your health at risk.
Travelling overseas for dental treatment is becoming ever more popular but what are the risks? How come dental implants and other dental treatments are cheaper in other countries? What happens if something goes wrong?
At No Gaps Dental, it’s natural that we would recommend that you stay in Australia when undergoing treatments like dental implants. However, if you are serious about getting an overseas dental implant abroad then we’ve put together some hints and tips for your own safety, that you should follow.
But before we get into these, let’s take a closer look at the risks…
Dental Tourism – the risks of getting dental implants abroad
The dental tourism industry already sees more than 10,000 Australians per year undergoing dental treatments abroad. Fuelled by the lure of cheap prices and the promise of sun, sea and sand, it’s probably no wonder.
However, one of the main problems of getting a dental implant overseas is that while an overseas dental implant may be everything they had hoped for, there is no guarantee that this is always the case.
Here in Australia, for example, dental clinics and dentists must adhere to strict health and safety codes as directed by the Australian Dental Board. In addition, all materials used are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to ensure that they are safe.
Not only does this ensure good service standards, but it also means patients are automatically safeguarded against malpractices. Moreover, should anything go wrong, they will get legal protection.
When you travel abroad for treatment, however, without a strict dental governing board, you can’t be sure that you are getting a high standard of dental care. Even though your overseas dental implant dentist may be highly trained, continuing education, national standards for sterilisation, and well-maintained patient records could be severely lacking.
Another point to ponder is that Australian health insurers don’t accept claims for implants performed overseas. So if anything goes wrong while being treated overseas, you have zero fallback.
Shorter Treatment Windows
Another risk of travelling overseas to get dental implants is the issue of shorter treatment windows. Typically, many patients travelling overseas for dental treatment do so because they need several complex treatments and the savings are therefore higher.
Unfortunately, many patients have unrealistic expectations with regards to treatment times. In effect, they are asking for dental work which can take several months to be completed in several days. This can mean that the dentists may cut corners simply to accommodate patient needs.
They may fail to take note of pre-existing conditions such as gum disease. The consequences of which, coupled with the intricate nature and complexity of dental implants, may spell disaster.
What about a follow-up?
One of the key parts of undergoing a dental implant is the follow-up. This ensures that any treatment you have is not only going according to plan, but any problems can be highlighted and dealt with early.
On the contrary, having to return to your dentist overseas for a follow-up is hardly cost-effective when his clinic is located thousands of miles away.
At No Gaps Dental, we believe that getting a dental implant overseas can be risky. Implants should only ever be placed into healthy mouths which is why it’s important to visit a dentist who has the expertise and knowledge to give the appropriate advice.
Dental examinations, x-rays, and planning involve diagnosis and treatment of problems such as insufficient bone or gum disease. While this may extend the length of treatment which understandably can be frustrating, you know that the reason behind it is always your safety and to ensure a successful outcome.
All that said, if you are prepared to take a risk, then there are some things that you can do to ensure you experience a safer treatment. These include:
Being prepared
If you can, always ensure that you contact the clinic well beforehand and ask plenty of questions.
Some questions you should ask before undergoing treatment for dental implants overseas include:
- What experience does my dentist have of providing this treatment?
- Is he/she regulated under a professional regulatory board and what are the board standards?
- How many times has my dentist placed dental implants?
- What infection controls are in place?
- What system of implants is being used?
- Has all of my mouth been assessed carefully, and is any preliminary treatment necessary?
- If a complication arises how will it be fixed and what will it cost?
A quality dental implant clinic will be more than happy to answer any questions, but if they refuse or ignore them, then it’s probably best to move on and find a clinic that will.
Why choose Australian dentistry?
Of course, while dental costs are higher in Australia there are reassurances.
If you have a regular dentist then he or she knows you. They should already have detailed records, so they have a good understanding of any existing dental history.
Should complications arise, your local dentist is just a short drive away.
Get in touch
If you or a loved one are considering dental implants overseas, then we strongly urge you to think twice before putting your health at risk. We offer competitive prices, high-grade implants, and payment options to help you afford the cost of a dental implant in Australia.
Call or book online at a No Gaps Dentist near you. We can answer any questions you may have, address your concerns, and help you start your journey to a happier healthy smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.