Dental Implants Abroad - 5 Things to Consider

Going for dental implant treatment abroad is nothing new. For years now, there are many clinics around the world, including from the UK, that offer treatment in the form of dental tourism where patients are offered dental implants at a lower cost at the clinic’s branch abroad.            

Whether it is the lower costs on dental materials, taxation or just the appeal of travelling to another country for treatment, many patients choose dental tourism in the hope of saving money on dental implants.

But is it a good idea? What is the downside of getting dental implants abroad? Is saving some money and getting a tan on the beaches of Turkey worth it?

In our latest article, we look at five aspects of dental tourism that should be kept in mind when getting a new smile overseas. 

1. Uncertain Times: Coronavirus and Brexit

These two are especially relevant during these uncertain times. With Covid-19, the ability to travel abroad is no longer guaranteed. As the situation in the country of your destination can drastically change at any time, so too can the ability to travel freely meaning dental tourism is quite risky now. Flight cancellations, mandatory isolations, quarantines, the risk of getting infected and spreading the virus to others – these are all issues that can affect your treatment plans during these times. 

Similarly with Brexit. As there is still no clarity on the subject for at least the next few weeks, you can expect that travelling after 2020 may not be quite as easy as it has been. By the end of the year travelling to both EU and non-EU countries for treatment might be much more difficult until new trade and travel agreements are in place. 

2. Quality of Treatment

One of the first and main glaring issues that surround dental tourism is the quality of the treatment itself. Dental clinics in the UK follow strict guidelines and regulations and all staff are professionally trained and registered to ensure the highest standards and quality of dental treatment are adhered to. 

That’s not to say that dental clinics abroad lack professional levels or quality treatment, but there is a chance that the country you are about to visit for your dental needs might not have as strict and high standards of regulations as the clinics in the UK, thanks to such institutions as the CQC, GDC and BDA.

This means you will need to spend a lot of time researching the reliability of these clinics, the training of their staff and the quality of the treatment provided for your own peace of mind.

3. Issues with Aftercare

Ok, so, for example, you have checked out a clinic in Istanbul that offers great treatment at great prices, all the staff are well trained and experienced, and all seems great. But what about aftercare? 

To ensure the longevity of dental implant treatment, you will be required to go for regular check-ups and maintenance. That means travelling to a different country at least every 6 months. Impractical and costly, the appeal of the initial bargain to save money starts to wear off over time. 

And that’s not to even mention the unpleasant scenario that could arise of suddenly having an emergency like inflammation or loose dental implants and needing to see a dental implant expert as soon as possible. Will you be able to book a last-minute flight to visit the clinic abroad for an emergency appointment? 

4. Dental Implant Failure and Difficulties with Replacements

In the case of experiencing any swelling, bleeding or any other complications with your dental implants it is important to seek the help a certified and well experienced dental implant dentist as neglecting these issues can lead to dental implant failure, requiring you to have the work redone which in turn can lead to additional expenses. This becomes especially difficult and expensive if dental implants are placed abroad. 

You might think that in the case of experiencing such issues with your dental implants, that you could then visit a dental implant surgeon in the UK, but there could be problems with that as well. 

Clinics in the UK will not always be able to assist with dental implants placed abroad as it is not easy to identify components used, order replacements and re-do the work. Additionally, the implant placed abroad might have used components that are purchased from suppliers whose materials are not approved by the regulatory bodies in the UK or can even be discontinued by the manufacturer. 

This means that in the unfortunate case of an implant failure, a replacement can be extremely difficult and expensive not to mention difficult to arrange. 

5. It Is Not That Much Cheaper

It might be possible for you to save some money on the treatment itself by travelling abroad, but what about travel expenses? Accommodation? And most importantly – aftercare, check-up, and emergencies? All of this costs extra money which, when added up, can end up being more than you’ll pay at a local clinic. 

Even if you manage to find a suitable dental implant doctor here in the UK to look after your treatment post-surgery, keep in mind that it can get more expensive as you won’t be an initial patient of the clinic. Most UK clinics offer to cover the costs of post treatment check-ups, emergencies and replacements for their existing patients. 

So, is it really that much cheaper to travel abroad for dental implant treatment? Is the appeal of saving a few hundred pounds at best really worth the risk and uncertainty? 

We’ll let you decide, but whatever you do choose, be sure to do proper research first to ensure that you receive the best and the safest dental implant treatment wherever you go.