Located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is one of the most popular destinations for holiday goers and dental tourists alike. Each year Thailand welcomes 350,000 medical tourists spending on average $1,700 in medical centres and dental clinics up and down the country. With dental fees being around 60% less than back home in Australia, it’s little wonder why people visit this area to undergo procedures like dental implants.
But before you book a flight to Pattaya for cheap dental implants, there are many pitfalls and dangers you should be aware of – pitfalls and risks that you wouldn’t necessarily face if you were to have the same treatment back home here in Australia.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the risks you might encounter if you decide to get dental implants abroad in places like Pattaya.
Dental Implants Overseas
Risk #1 –Failure to choose your dental clinic wisely
The areas around Pattaya, particularly Jomtien, attract 10 million visitors every year and is Thailand’s fastest-growing tourist destination. So it’s no surprise that Pattaya has its fair share of dental clinics. While it has many high-quality medical facilities and state-of-the-art dental practices, they typically aren’t the clinics offering dirt-cheap dental implants.
Inevitably those that are may well be so-called ‘back-street clinics’ – some of which are unlicensed. While Thailand has cleaned up its act on the unlicensed dental trade in recent years, you can still read about them in the news.
As a top tip – Don’t be swayed by the low price of Pattaya dental implants only. Do your homework on the many dental clinics in and around Pattaya and ensure you visit a reputable dental hospital or clinic for your dental implant procedure. Do this, and it will give you at least some peace of mind.
Risk #2 – Getting lost in translation
English is widely spoken in Thailand – around 27% speak English as a second language. Although that varies from region to region, popular tourist resorts like Pattaya will have their fair share of English speakers. So while many dental practices and dental hospitals will have staff that are able to converse with you, it may be a whole different ball game when trying to communicate your fears and desires when it comes to getting dental implants. Essential factors can quickly become lost in translation.
Risk #3 – The time factor
When you undergo a major dental procedure here in Australia, time isn’t usually a factor. Yet many dental tourists expect dentists in places like Pattaya to perform multiple treatments to fit in with their travel plans. These treatments would ordinarily require ample healing time or recovery time before the next phase of treatment begins.
The problem is that most people travel to places like Pattaya because they need multiple treatments that would probably be unaffordable back home. This means that when Pattaya dentists perform invasive treatments like dental implants, they may be forced to take risks to get the treatment done before the patient travels back home.
Because people heal at different rates, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
What’s right for one person may not be suitable for you, and therefore getting Pattaya dental implants when your schedule is limited is likely to be a risky business.
Top tip – If you are considering travelling to Pattaya for a dental implant procedure, book yourself an open-ended ticket if possible. This way, you can have the treatment done as safely as possible.
Risk#4 – No legal rights to claim
Here’s the thing: should you undergo a dental implant procedure here in Australia and it goes badly wrong through the surgeon’s fault, then the dentist is obligated to fix the problem. If they choose not to, then you have avenues to go down to seek recompense.
If you choose to travel to Pattaya for dental implants, then you have no such safety net to fall back on should things go wrong. Although a Thai dentist may do what’s right, they are under no such obligation, so you are in the lap of the Gods should things go wrong.
Moreover, with dental implants, problems don’t always show up within a day or so of the treatment – despite the convenience of doing so. Instead, dental implant problems can occur three, six, or even twelve months down the line, long after the sights, sounds, and smells of Pattaya are a dim and distant memory.
Aside from the extra expense of a flight back to Pattaya, there’s no guarantee that your dental implants dentist will fix the problem when you get there.
Getting dental implants in Pattaya – The key takeaway
While the idea of getting low-cost dentistry abroad and recovering in a tropical paradise may sound appealing, the truth of the matter is that there are inherent risks and dangers that you may encounter. You wouldn’t necessarily experience these risks if you were to undergo the same dental implants treatment back in Australia.
If, after weighing up the pros and cons, you’d prefer to stay at home for your dental implant procedure, there are ways that you might be able to save money on your treatment. Schedule a consultation at your local dental clinic.
Firstly, check your medical cover. Some companies now offer part coverage procedures like dental implants under ‘extras,’ so it’s worth checking the small print on yours to see.
Secondly, check for promotions. Many dentists offer regular promotions on specific treatments to garner more business. This may mean a free dental implants consultation at a local dental clinic or teeth whitening before undergoing an implant procedure. Ultimately, you may find the deal works for you when all things are considered.
Finally, ask about payment plans
Unlike dental implants in Pattaya, many dentists in Australia provide flexible payment plans, allowing patients to pay for their treatment over several months. This can be an affordable and cost-effective solution for anyone needing implant-based treatments.
If you prefer not to travel abroad and undergo a dental implants procedure right here in Sydney, then No Gaps Dental can help. With 15 convenient locations dotted throughout the Sydney Metro area, we provide affordable treatments without compromising quality. Book a consultation with a dentist at No Gaps Dental today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
Dental implants in Thailand – Prices and Locations For Dental Work
https://www.dentaly.org/us/dental-tourism-usa/thailand-dental-implants
Pattaya grows up
https://amazingthailand.com.au/pattaya-travel-guide
Trang Women Arrested For Unlicensed Dentistry
Trang women arrested for alleged unlicensed dentistry (nationthailand.com)
List of Countries By English Speaking Population
List of countries by English-speaking population – Wikipedia
Should You Travel Oversea for Dental Work?
https://adawa.com.au/news/should-you-travel-overseas-for-dental-work
Dental tourists – Treat, re-treat or do not treat?
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-020-2591-6?proof=t%C2%A0