Despite the fact that dental implants are an innovative and longstanding solution to missing teeth replacement and are the preferred method for many patients, they do have one stumbling block – their initial cost. On average and according to a national dental fee survey, patients can expect to pay upwards of $3000 per tooth. This is why some people seek alternative solutions like travelling overseas for dental implants to save money.
And save money you can…
Did you know that in some cases, a dental implant in countries like Thailand, Malaysia or Bali can be priced at up to 50% cheaper?
It’s no wonder then that dental tourism is on the rise. In fact, with over 15,000 Australians travelling abroad for medical and dental treatments every year, it might (on paper at least) seem like a bit of a no brainer.
However, before you start checking out the next available flight, it’s important to note that there are risks involved when considering dental tourism that you simply don’t have when you choose to undergo dental implants back here in Australia. Let’s take a closer look at those risks.
Overseas Dental Implants risk #1 – You Get What You Pay For!
Let’s face it, everyone loves a bargain. But while there is no harm in buying everyday products and even luxury items at money-saving prices, the same can’t be said for cutting costs on your dental and overall health.
A dental implant is typically expensive for a reason. Primarily this is due to the high-grade materials and technology used plus the cost of training to become an experienced implant dentist. So, even when taking into consideration the cost of living in other countries, you shouldn’t be getting a dental implant for a bargain-basement price. If this is the case, then you really need to ask yourself why!
It could be that the dental implant used isn’t a recognised brand. It might be that the materials used are a lesser grade or it could be that your chosen implant dentist has had little or no experience. Either way, it’s a risky strategy because undergoing a cut-price dental implant overseas is likely to cost you more in the long run.
Top tip – If you are strongly considering getting dental implants overseas then avoid back-street dentists offering cut-price dental implants. Instead, look for well-established dental hospitals and clinics with excellent reputations. There are some highly skilled dentists overseas just as there are bad dentists here in Australia, except they won’t be the ones offering rock bottom prices, so it pays to do your homework if you want to limit any risks.
Overseas dental implants risk #2 – Differing Standards
Here’s the thing…
The standards of dentistry here in Australia are extremely high and are carefully regulated by the Australian Dental Board and the Therapeutic Goods Administration. These ensure that procedures and protocols are followed and that all materials remain safe to use. As a result, there are strict guidelines in place that need to be adhered to including infection control such as the use of hand sanitiser.
But while there may be guidelines or procedures in place across many other countries, there is no guarantee that they are of the same high standards. Ultimately, if you do opt for cut price dental implant treatment by visiting a lesser dental clinic overseas, you are inadvertently placing yourself and your health at risk.
After all, are they likely to consider investing in the latest sterilising equipment or hand sanitiser when trying to offer the cheapest dental implant possible?
We would suggest not!
Overseas dental implants Risk #3 – Shorter Treatment Windows
Typically, many people undergoing dental tourism do so because they need multiple or complex dental treatments meaning that any savings are maximised.
The problem with this theory is that most people have unrealistic expectations about how long treatments need to take to be deemed safe. As a result, many dental tourists are asking for dental treatment which should in effect take months, only for it to be carried out in a short period due to travel restrictions.
In many cases, the overseas dentist will typically oblige because they know that they only have a short window of opportunity to carry out the treatment. Clearly, this can place the patient at risk, particularly when the dentist fails to treat certain pre-existing conditions like gum disease first. This coupled with the nature and complexity of a dental implant procedure, can spell disaster.
Overseas dental implants risk #4 – Dental Implant Problems
Even though implant-based restorations have a success rate of somewhere between 92% and 95%, they aren’t immune to problems or issues. By its very nature, a dental implant procedure involves surgery which in itself can be a risk but then you have to take into account the placement process, the biocompatibility of the material and the aftercare – all of which can in some cases be problematic.
If a problem occurred after undergoing a dental implant procedure in Australia then you as a patient have certain rights that you can take up with your chosen dentist. Unfortunately, when you opt for dental tourism, the same can’t always be said.
Then there’s the small issue of distance. It’s easy to visit your local implant dentist if you do encounter any problems. Things, on the other hand, get more complicated and costly when your dental implant dentist is overseas
Affordable dental implants in Australia – Is It Possible?
It may seem that the best solution is to avoid dental tourism and save those exotic and undoubtedly beautiful destinations for a proper vacation. But can you actually save money on dental implant treatment in Australia without encountering the risks?
Here are some hints and tips…
- Check your extras policy – Some medical insurance policies are now starting to cover parts of the dental implant process under ‘extras’ cover so read your small print, you never know!
- Check out promotional offers – Some dentists encourage promotional offers across a range of services, treatments and procedures to get patients through their doors. This may involve dental implant treatment.
- Take advantage of flexible payment plans – Over the last few years far more dentists are offering flexible payment plans which allow patients to spread the cost of dental implant treatment over several weeks or months, so don’t forget to ask.
As a multi-location dental group, we strongly believe that getting dental implants overseas is a highly risky strategy and we want to encourage people to stay at home for treatment. With this in mind, we work hard to ensure that the cost of dental implants treatment remains very competitive without compromising on quality, care and most importantly, patient safety.
We also offer flexible payment plans allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment. Something you won’t get when undergoing overseas dental implants.
Book a no-obligation consultation at any one of our Sydney locations today and see for yourself, you may be surprised at how affordable dental implant treatment can be.
Contact us at (02) 8806 0227 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.