In recent years, implant dentistry has grown into an increasingly popular type of medical tourism. This trendy treatment involves travel outside of the local healthcare system to receive services at a substantially lower cost. The treatment typically takes place at the end of a vacation to make the most of the travel expense. There are various advantages and disadvantages of dental implants abroad. The majority of dental tourism implants in advertisements target Americans for treatment in Mexico or Costa Rica and Australians for treatment in Thailand or India.
Cost of Dental Implants Abroad?
Tooth implant procedures and restorative crowns in the United States range from $3,000-$5,000 per tooth. But in Mexico, the treatment is no more than $3,000 total. Similarly, in Australia, a single tooth implant and crown range from $4,500 to $7,000. Compared to an average of $3,500 in Thailand. Those considering the All-on-4 implants for $20,000-$30,000 in one of the more highly developed countries. They can receive start-to-finish treatment for $12,000 in Thailand, $10,000 in Costa Rica, $8,000 in Mexico, and an astonishing $6,000 in India.
But what do they lack:
Lack of Transparency in Pricing
In the United States and similarly well-developed countries the first step of the treatment is a consultation using CT diagnostics or a clinical examination in a dental chair. The dental implant costs are determined by the doctor based on the case complexity and specific needs of the patient. This quote typically covers more than it appears to because it is backed by the guarantee of follow-through and remediation of any issues that may arise.
All Inclusive Usually Doesn’t Mean ALL Inclusive
An all-inclusive jaw restoration in the United States, for example, is likely to include whichever drugs and drug quantities are necessary to push through the IV to keep the patient comfortable as well as any bone graft material that is necessary to place around the tooth implants to help them heal, though those aspects are not emphasized because patients expect to be comfortably sedated and they expect their doctor to do what is necessary to ensure the implants will work. However, a similarly described “all-inclusive” treatment overseas is likely to include local anaesthesia, four cheap dental implants, and a set of implant-supported dentures.
Low Quality Treatment
The treatment is delivered in the most basic, low-grade form or additional necessary services are added once the patient arrives and the associated fees are tacked on, bringing the price closer to the original estimate received at home.
More about Diet Post Implants Surgery
For the first three months of dental implant healing, you’ll be on a soft diet. During this time your dental implants are integrating, and you’re wearing a temporary prosthesis that is not meant to be used to chew hard or crunchy foods. Not sure what a soft diet entails? No worries! Our care team will provide a list of food after the dental implant and be available to answer any questions you may have.
Questionable Travel Insurance
Travel insurance policies will not cover the cost of medical recourse to a complication. If it is the result of an elective or cosmetic treatment. The treating dentist cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions in response to any sedation drugs or dental materials.
Lack of Follow Up
An issue under an implant bridge would be noticed and addressed before the patient even notices it during a routine post-op appointment, but without follow up care this issue could create ongoing problems that can even affect the patients overall health.
Lack of Ability to Make Changes
Dental tourists can lose the opportunity to make changes to the design of the smile and bite before receiving their permanent teeth which are intended to last a lifetime. Any desired changes must be completed back at home at the patient’s expense.
Regulation and Credibility
It is also important to keep in mind that in the United States, sterilization standards are maintained by OSHA. The materials are regulated by the FDA. Doctors are required to pay for malpractice insurance and ongoing educational programs to maintain status and certification. None of these laws or standards exists in less-developed countries. Making dental implants more affordable but also making it much easier for doctors to ignore moral obligations to take care of their patients.
Dental tourism can be an affordable way to receive treatment that would otherwise be out of budget. But a limited budget is all the more reason not to gamble with your health and savings. All who participate are advised to proceed with caution.
“You feel like family when you come here. They put me at ease, and the day of the surgery was wonderful. I felt confident, and I don’t have to worry about teeth issues. EON Clinics is supreme!”
Carolyn L., 2021 EON Clinics Patient
Are You Ready to Get Started?
Are you ready to find out for yourself if dental implants are right for you? Schedule a free consultation now and receive a free 3D CT scan. You’ll meet with an EON doctor to discuss your treatment choices as well as the cost and payment alternatives available to you.