Do you get the best dental implants abroad?
With Reuters data from clinics abroad demonstrating an expected increase of 450% from case numbers in 2022 and a further expected increase of 15% from case numbers in 2023, dental tourism doesn’t look set to stop anytime soon.
The people who travel abroad for dental treatment often fall into one of two categories – those looking for lower-priced care, and those who believe they will get a better quality of treatment in places like Turkey, Hungary, and Romania.
But how true is this? Do you really get the best dental implants abroad?
Should I travel to Turkey for dental implants?
It is increasingly common for patients to travel for procedures like dental implants in Turkey or other parts of Eastern Europe, but does that mean doing so is advised by UK dentists?
Simply put, it isn’t recommended. In most cases, it is strongly discouraged, and the reasons for this are as follows:
- Many patients need further treatment when they return to the UK
According to a 2022 survey from the British Dental Association (BDA), many patients who have gone abroad for dental implants and other procedures have required subsequent care in the UK – which is not included in the initial costs.
Out of the 1,000 dentists surveyed:
- 86% of cases required further treatment to correct complications and problems stemming from dental tourism directly
- 86% of crowns and 85% of dental implant treatments abroad required further treatment in the UK
- The most common complications included failed treatment, intolerable pain, and poorly executed treatment – with 86%, 76%, and 72% of cases respectively.
Out of these cases, all patients needed to meet significant costs for rectifying treatment in the UK too – with 65% needing to pay out an additional £500, 51% paying an extra £1,000, and 20% of cases spending over £5,000.
- Dental implant materials may not be as good as you hoped
Non-native materials designed to be added to the body, like dental implants or joint replacements, should be biocompatible, thoroughly tested, and remain traceable in case further quality issues are identified.
When you receive dental implant treatment in the UK, all materials are highly regulated, undergo rigorous testing, and have full traceability with serial numbers, all of which can be demonstrated to you before you start treatment.
If you travel abroad for dental implants, it can be much harder to make sure all parts of your dental implants are manufactured and held to the same standards, because of factors such as the language barrier.
- Prices for treatment are not always what they seem
It is commonplace for quoted prices for dental implants in Turkey and similar non-UK destinations to not be inclusive of everything you will need – leading to extra outgoings before you have even had your treatment.
This can include costs such as:
- Anaesthetics
- All dental implant materials – as some quotes may include the most basic materials that are not encouraged by dental professionals
- Aftercare medicines, including antibiotics and pain relief
Consider UK-based nationwide suppliers for dental implants
The simplest, easiest, and least stressful way to source and book in for dental implants is by choosing a UK provider.
Many nationwide providers have a simple, all-inclusive pricing structure that includes everything you will need to restore your bite and get a brand new smile.
Some even offer advanced alternatives to all on 4 dental implants, which make them more accessible for complex cases – you just have to find them!
