There’s no denying that getting teeth implants abroad can work out considerably cheaper than the equivalent treatment back here in Australia. In fact, with destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Bali and India offering implant-based restorations for less than half the price of the same treatment back home, it’s no wonder that dental tourism is on the rise.
But before you go searching the World Wide Web for cheap dental implants abroad, you should know that there are several risks and dangers associated with dental treatment abroad that you wouldn’t have to contemplate back home.
So what are those risks? Let’s take a closer look…
You get what you pay for
The main reason people undergo dental tourism is to save money and while the cost of living may be cheaper in countries like India and Thailand, quality dental implants don’t come cheap – irrespective of what country you live in. Remember, dental implants are highly engineered oral appliances designed to last several decades or more in an environment that is continually being exposed to wear and tear. For this reason, I guess you could say that implants are ‘reassuringly expensive.’
Aside from this, you should also take into account the skill of the dental implant dentist and the added services of others involved in the process – all of which needs to be paid for.
With this in mind, imagine when you see dental implants advertised in another country for 60-70% less than back here in Australia. The reality is that something has to give!
Usually, those who offer cut-price dental implants are either using less expensive implants – utilising cheaper materials or implant brands that are new to the market – or the dentist simply doesn’t have the experience. Either way, it’s a big risk to take with your health.
For the record, there are high-quality dental clinics abroad, just as there are bad clinics in Australia, it’s just that they won’t be the ones offering cut-price dental implants at super-low prices – this is something you should be aware of.
Differing standards
Another issue with any kind of dental tourism – not just those seeking teeth implants abroad – are the differing standards. Here in Australia, for instance, dental clinics and everyone who works within them are highly regulated. They will have strict guidelines to adhere to in terms of infection control, cleanliness and cross-contamination. Guidelines such as ensuring a plentiful supply and use of hand sanitiser, for example, or the regulation in the proper cleaning of dental instruments, all play a vital part in patient safety.
While popular dental tourism destinations like Thailand, Malaysia and India may also have guidelines, it’s unlikely that they are as stringent as any dental regulations back home. They may for instance neglect the use of hand sanitiser or have dentists who aren’t trained to the same high standards. This is the risk you take when you embark on any form of dental tourism.
Problematic timescales
One of the main reasons that people embark on dental tourism is because they typically require multiple treatments – treatments that would otherwise set them back a great deal of money here in Australia. As a result, and understandably, they see dental tourism as a chance to have the treatment they need at an affordable price.
While this isn’t necessarily a problem in itself, treatments like dental implants take time, particularly if a patient needs pre-treatments such as a bone graft or gum disease treatment. This can leave the destination clinic in a dilemma because time is something that your typical dental tourist doesn’t have. Ultimately, the chosen dentist will have a short window of opportunity to get all treatments completed, sometimes to the detriment of the patient.
Conversely, patients seeking out multiple treatments at their chosen clinic here in Australia can rest assured that an experienced dentist will take as much time as is needed to allow sufficient healing and recovery time between treatments. Whether that’s a bone graft before having dental implant treatment or tooth extraction prior to fixed denture treatment – patients don’t need to worry because their dentist won’t be an 8-hour flight and another continent away.
Lost in translation
A successful dental implant process relies not only on the skill of the dentist but the considerations and compliance of the patient. It really is a two-way relationship.
While here in Australia, this relationship is easy to forge because everyone speaks the same language, it’s a different situation when undergoing teeth implants abroad.
Say, for example, you’re a nervous patient and you need to convey your fears to the dental team, how are you going to do that when English isn’t their first language?
Alternatively, the dental implant dentist may have some treatment-specific instructions that you need to follow. Are you certain that you can fully understand their important requests?
Either way, it’s very easy for key factors to become lost in translation when you undergo dental tourism abroad.
Recourse or rather, the lack of it!
Unfortunately, dental implants aren’t foolproof. Despite the popularity and trust in dental implant restorations, there are any number of elements that can cause a dental implant to fail. Often weeks, months, or even years after the initial placement.
If you experience problems with a dental implant here in Australia, then it’s fairly easy to return to the dentist in question and resolve the problem. However, if you’ve travelled thousands of miles to seek treatment due to dental tourism, then any form of recourse after teeth implants abroad becomes much more difficult and indeed – far more costly.
So there you have it, the risks and dangers of getting teeth implants abroad.
If you prefer to stay at home to undergo dental implant treatment then no one is better positioned to serve patients than No Gaps Dental. With 15 Sydney locations to choose from coupled with flexible payment options, you get the affordable treatment you need backed by the safety, security, and convenience you deserve. Our team is highly skilled in dental implants and pride ourselves on our levels of hygiene – we ensure the best protective measures including the use of hand sanitiser, for example.
You don’t have to live with missing teeth – Schedule an appointment with a No Gaps Dental clinic of your choice and start your journey towards a healthy mouth and a happy you!
Call us at (02) 8806 0227 today!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.