Should I Get Cosmetic Dental Treatments Overseas? The Downsides to Dental Tourism Explained

18/04/2024

Should I Get Cosmetic Dental Treatments Overseas? The Downsides to Dental Tourism Explained

Dental tourism has taken off in recent years. A rise in low-cost airlines and the growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry has created the perfect storm. Overseas dentists have clambered to capitalise on this by targeting UK patients online with the promise of cheap dentistry. 

Dental implants and veneers are among the most popular treatments offered to dental tourists. Both procedures require in-depth pre-procedure assessments and follow-up care, so the decision to receive treatment like this should not be taken lightly. 

So, is it a good idea to get dental treatment overseas? 

In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the things you need to consider before booking anything. 

There Are Always Additional Costs To Consider

Cost is probably a motivating factor if you’re considering overseas dental treatment. Dentistry can be cheaper in countries with a lower cost of living. Practices will have lower staffing costs and operating overheads. 

But getting to your overseas dentist will cost much more than hopping on a bus or driving. You’ll need to factor in plane tickets, accommodation, transfers, travel insurance, and food and drink while away. This can quickly mount up. 

Dental Treatments Overseas Are Not Holidays

Combining dental treatment overseas with a holiday might seem like a good idea, but it’s not often possible. 

Chances are you’ll need to spend at least a day in a dental chair. Some procedures involve more than one visit to the dental practice. Depending on the procedure, you may need to avoid certain activities and allow time for recovery. 

This might not leave much time for lounging by the pool or seeing the sights. Even if you did have the time, you’re not guaranteed to feel up to it. 

You May Face Language Barriers

Communication is important. If you’re visiting a new country and don’t speak the language, you may have difficulties communicating with your dentist. Although your dentist may market their services to people in the UK, there’s no guarantee that they speak English. 

You need to understand what to expect during your treatment, and your dentist is the best person to provide this information. Additionally, your dentist needs to understand you. They need to answer your questions and listen to your needs. 

Dental Regulations May Differ Overseas

In the UK, the General Dental Council (GDC) regulates all dental practices and the teams that deliver dental services. This organisation ensures the highest level of dental care and takes action when practices or dental professionals fail to deliver these standards. 

Not every country has the same robust level of dental regulation as we do. This means your dentist may work to lower professional standards than a UK dentist. And, if anything goes wrong, the local regulator may not provide the same support as you’d get from the GDC. 

Treatments May Not Be As Expected

You might expect that dental treatments are the same the world over, but we’re increasingly finding that this isn’t true. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing number of cases where UK patients have travelled overseas for dental veneer treatment, and the procedure has differed vastly from the approach taken at home. 

Dental veneers are fine porcelain shells that cover the fronts and sides of your teeth. They are very thin but dramatically enhance the appearance of your teeth. When we place a veneer, we need to remove a very small amount of enamel to maintain the natural proportions of your teeth. 

In many overseas practices, healthy teeth have been shaved into tiny points. Then, instead of veneers, the dentists place crowns. In many cases, this is not what the patient expected. The tooth can never grow back, and the loss of so much healthy tissue increases sensitivity and makes you more susceptible to infection. 

Veneers are a cosmetic procedure to enhance your teeth. Crowns are usually used to repair badly damaged teeth, support a dental bridge, or complete a dental implant. 

You May Need Further Treatment

Many patients return from their overseas dental work and need further care. It’s possible to pick up infections, and your implants or veneers may fail. Visiting a UK dentist once you’re back home adds further expense and inconvenience. 

It’s Often Impossible to Undo Their Work

Damage caused by improper dental care will last a lifetime. We’ll do anything to restore your smile to the best possible health by treating infections and repairing restorations. But there’s a limit to what is physically possible. 

Visiting Your UK Dentist First

The bottom line is that if you’re considering travelling overseas for dental care, visit us first. We’ll help you make an informed decision about your care and can give you an in-person consultation. 

Call us today to book an appointment.

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