52,000 Aussies Seek Dental Implants Monthly!

The trend of affordable dental treatments abroad continues to grow, dental implant experts are sounding the alarm about the risks involved with these so called “dental holidays” especially when it comes to major procedures like dental implants.

Dental tourism is the practice of traveling to another country to get dental care, often at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at home. This has become popular because of the promise of big savings and the idea of combining treatment with a holiday. Popular destinations for cheap dental treatments are Thailand, Hungary, Mexico and Turkey among others.

Award-winning dentist Dr. Alex Foo of Aria Dental is one of the experts sounding the alarm. He says while the cost savings may be attractive, the quality and safety of procedures done abroad can be all over the place. “Patients need to be aware that the standards and regulations in these destinations may not be the same as in Australia” Dr. Foo warns.

The risks of getting cheap dental treatments abroad are many. These include infections, use of substandard or counterfeit materials and inadequate follow up care. Dr. Alex Foo shares cases of patients who came back home with severe complications that required extensive treatment. One such case was a patient who developed a serious infection due to poorly done implant surgery in a foreign clinic and had to pay extra for the treatment and health risks.

The regulatory standards and oversight in popular dental tourism destinations are not the same as in Australia. In Australia, dental practitioners have to follow strict hygiene and procedural standards set by the regulatory bodies to ensure patient safety and quality of care. In contrast, some overseas clinics may not have the same level of oversight and therefore the risk of complications is higher.

While the initial treatment cost abroad may be cheaper, the hidden costs can add up quickly. Patients may find themselves needing corrective treatment when they get back home which can be costly and emotionally draining. Dr. Alex Foo says “The financial and emotional burden on patients who face complications after getting treatment abroad can be huge.”

Dr. Alex Foo from Aria Dental says to those who are considering treatment to do their research and choose accredited dentists. “Prioritise your health and safety over cost savings. Make sure your dentist is properly qualified and follows the highest standards of care” he stresses.

As dental tourism continues to attract people looking for affordable treatments, we need to weigh the risks against the benefits. Dental experts like Dr. Alex Foo advise patients to think long term and choose reputable and certified dental care providers for their health and wellbeing.