The Hidden Risks Of Dental Tourism
Let’s take a closer look to see what you may not have realised!
Dental tourism is where a person goes on holiday to a different country and has dental work completed as part of that holiday.
For example, a person will book themselves in for veneers treatment in Thailand, and then go to Thailand for a holiday to enjoy the beach, the tourist spots and all the usual fun of a holiday. But during that trip they will get veneers fitted at a facility of their choosing, and return home with a new smile.
You might think that sounds great, a wonderful holiday and a new smile, what could possibly go wrong?
Here at Abbey Road Dental, we want you to know that dental tourism can go wrong, very wrong, and it is so important to understand the hidden dangers. For a healthy, happy smile, it is important to be mindful of where and how you get any procedures done to your teeth and gums.
Here are just a few reasons to think twice about booking a dental tourism holiday:
Are The Short Term Savings Worth It?
There is no doubt, one of the biggest draws of dental tourism is the lower cost of the procedures abroad. In some instances, the cost of the treatment and the holiday combined are less than the treatment would cost in the UK. However, long term, it may not be that simple. The treatment could well be a much lower quality because your dentist may not be properly qualified or experienced. The products they use like veneers could be of a lower quality and could need replacing soon. Worst of all, if anything goes wrong, corrections could end up costing a lot of money long term. This is without even considering the cost of time lost and a lowered quality of life in the most shocking outcomes where the work done causes chronic pain and physical damage.
Will You Get Aftercare?
At our clinic in St Johns’ Wood, we offer dental treatment along with exceptional aftercare. We want our patients to know they can call us or come in and see us if there are any problems or worries. We also provide checkups to ensure the work is as it should be, and to do any routine maintenance. Getting dental treatment abroad means that you may not even get the work checked a few days after it has been done, as you could have the work completed and be sent on your way. This is not only concerning for your oral health, but also for the dentistry itself. Effective oral treatment covers correct preparation, treatment and aftercare, it isn’t just having the treatment done!
Are You Suitable For The Treatment?
Sadly, there are many companies looking to make money from tourists looking to get a cheap deal on dentistry. When you get any treatment at Abbey Road Dental you will first have an extensive consultation so you know what to expect, so that we can check you are suitable, and so we can answer all of your questions. Getting treatment abroad means you may be accepted based only on a phone call, and you could end up having a treatment that will not work for you and will need to be reversed or corrected when you get home.
Are You Getting The Full Treatment?
Some treatments need to be spaced out over a period of time. Because you are only visiting the overseas clinic once you may well get a rushed, compacted version of the treatment that you want. For example, you might get veneers fitted immediately when you should be having a consultation, tooth preparation and temporary veneers. Then a check to make sure you are happy with the new design, then new veneer placement and a checkup a few weeks later to ensure you are entirely happy. Instead you could end up going and getting the veneers placed all in one session, giving you no time for a proper consultation, or to have adjustments you need.
Please Call Abbey Road Dental About High Quality Dental Treatment In The UK
We hope that all our patients will think twice about going abroad for dental treatment this year. If you are looking for a high quality professional dental treatment in the UK with guaranteed aftercare and professionalism, please give our NW8 clinic a call. You can reach us on 02076241603 and we will be pleased to give you information, or book you in for a consultation at a time to suit you.