Thinking of going abroad for dental implant treatment? Read why you should stay and have it done here.
Look, we get it. Dental implants aren’t cheap. Yes, you know they’re the best way to replace missing teeth, but they’re a significant investment – which can make cheaper implants abroad quite tempting. You might even know someone who’s had dental work done in another country and raved about their experience. The problem is that it’s very hit and miss and for every success story there’s at least one disaster – don’t let the disaster be yours.
Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.
Quality of care
What do you know about the dentist who will be performing your implants? In the UK, all dentistry is regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC), but similar agencies don’t necessarily exist – or have as stringent standards – in other countries. The GDC’s advice [set to open in a new window] on dental treatment abroad warns, “As the UK dental regulator, all dental professionals must be registered with us to work in the UK. We set the standards they must adhere to. We can’t guarantee another organisation like us exists in other countries, or even that the standards will be the same as they are here.” With lack of oversight, you also lose accountability and recourse if things do go wrong.
Language barriers
Unless you’re fluent in the language of the country you plan to visit, you’re entrusting your dental health to the English language abilities of the dental team there, or else to a hired translator. Many people who wouldn’t consider having a haircut abroad for fear of miscommunication – are you really willing to risk your teeth?
Aftercare
Dental implants may be quite routine these days, but they’re still a surgical procedure, and complications can arise. You need to consider how long you’ll stay in the country after your implants are placed, and how far away from your implant dentist you want to be if things don’t go according to plan.
Cost
Yes, cost is the whole reason you’re thinking of going abroad in the first place – but will you really be saving money? You’re likely to have to make several trips out of the country – for your initial consultation, any implant preparation, the implant itself and then final restoration – and each one comes with a price tag. When you tally up the price of flights, accommodation and meals for you and a companion and then throw in the cost of potential return visits for unforeseen problems – or the cost of then having to engage a dentist in the UK to repair any shoddy work done abroad – you’re unlikely to come out on top.
Alternatives
Deciding whether to go abroad for dental implants involves an obvious risk assessment and, as part of that process, you should weigh up the local option. Here at 543, we are skilled and experienced in implant placement using the latest digital technology – and fully regulated by the GDC. We’ll be with you every step of the way, holding your hand and speaking your language – and we’ll also be here for you afterwards, to show you how to care for your implants and to help ensure they last for the long term. Best of all, we offer reasonable prices with easy finance options – to bring dental implants within reach of everyone who needs them.
Why not book in for a no-obligation implant consultation at 543? We’re happy to answer your questions openly and honestly, giving you the information you need to make up your mind.
