Many Australians are tempted by dental tourism. They believe that dental procedures are too expensive, and the tooth implant cost in India is significantly lower.
Especially for Australians with multiple missing teeth, the dental implant cost is often a concern. However, although it may be tempting to go abroad for your dental implants, the risks outweigh the perceived benefits. In many cases, your total costs, when including travel, accommodation and time off work, may end up being higher if you get your dental implants in India.
Risks of Going Abroad for Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery is a relatively complicated process, involving two surgeries, several weeks of recovery time, and multiple follow-up appointments. Choosing to get your dental implants in India comes with numerous risks, that can also increase the total tooth implant cost in India.
Different Standards
In Australia, the Dental Board of Australia governs all registered dentists. They must follow national hygiene requirements, receive continuing education to stay up-to-date on new procedures, and have a recognised degree.
However, in India, it may be more challenging to tell if a dentist is qualified. If their dental implant cost is extremely low, it might be because they are not registered. Receiving dental work from an unqualified or non-accredited dentist could result in damage or infection, increasing your costs and putting your health at risk.
Multiple Journeys
After your first dental implant surgery, you’ll likely need to wait up to six months for the osseointegration process to finish. This means you’ll need to make at least two trips to India, and possibly more. The more flights you take, the more likely you are to catch an illness from another traveller. This study of 460 travellers reported that 70% surveyed felt ill after travelling.
Even a cold could result in a delay of your surgery, increasing your accommodation costs. Many tourists in India often experience upset stomachs from the food and water, which could also increase your discomfort while recovering or delay your surgery.
Language Barriers
The Indian Constitution recognises 23 official languages, including Hindi and English. Although many Indians speak English, they often learn it as a second or third language, and regional accents could lead to miscommunication.
When preparing for a dental surgery, you want to be sure that you understand every word. A misunderstanding due to the language barrier could result in an allergic reaction or receiving dental work you don’t agree to.
All Australian dentists must pass an English language proficiency test before being allowed to practice.
Recovering in an Unfamiliar City
After receiving your dental implants, you’ll need to take one to two weeks to recover. You will likely need to eat a diet of soft foods for the first days, and if you receive IV sedation, you’ll need someone with you for the first 24 hours.
Although eating out abroad is an enjoyable, exciting experience on holiday when recovering from a surgery you want to eat comfort food you’re familiar with. If your hotel doesn’t have a kitchen, you’ll need to find food that follows your dentist’s recommendations that don’t require cooking or heating.
It can also be challenging to navigate foreign supermarkets. Your favourite brands and food items may not be available, and the labels may be in a different language.
The Real Tooth Implant Cost in India
In addition to the risks to your health, the real tooth implant cost in India is higher than the quote you receive from a dentist. For most dental implants, you’ll need to attend an initial consultation, receive two surgeries, see your dentist for a mould-fitting, and again to fit your artificial tooth.
Some people discover that before they can receive their dental implants, they require a bone graft, gum disease treatment, or other healthcare. If you go abroad, this discovery could mean several added trips, increasing the total tooth implant cost in India. Many health insurance companies also don’t cover dental work abroad, meaning that the entire cost of travel and surgery will come out of your pocket.
If you experience any complications after your dental implant surgery, the resulting emergency care could be costly.
Dental Implant Cost in Australia
Remaining closer to home for your dental implants is easier, less risky, and may reduce your costs. No Gaps Dental follows all hygiene requirements from the Dental Board of Australia, and are fully qualified to perform the procedure.
You’ll also be closer to your support system while recovering and can save your time off work for a proper holiday.
If you’re still concerned about the dental implant cost in Australia, you can try talking with your health insurance, to see if they will help cover some or all of the costs. No Gaps Dental also offers payment plans through MacCredit for payments up to $70,000. You’ll need to show proof of income, and once approved, your weekly payments could start as low as $30.
Choose No Gaps Dental in Sydney
Staying local can help you save on your dental implants. Instead of going abroad and risking your health, save money on travel and accommodation and receive high-quality implants by working with No Gaps Dental.
Call us on (02) 8806 0227 to learn more about whether dental implants are right for you. Make your initial appointment at any of our 15 Sydney-based locations today to start your journey toward your dream smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.