If you need to replace lost or missing teeth, having dental implants gives you the closest possible replacement to natural teeth. But each year more Australians are considering dental implants overseas, in the hope that this will make the treatment more affordable. In the majority of cases, however, the risks and complications that arise far outweigh any kind of saving that patients may hope to make.

At DDII, we recognise that digital dental implants offer the lowest risk and – what’s even better: you can have them done right here in Sydney. Start with a free consultation near you, our team is ready to discuss any concerns you might have.

 

The Case For Getting Dental Implant Overseas

We understand that patients don’t want to be overcharged for services, and one of the greatest perks of living in today’s global village is that we can price-shop and compare to ensure we have access to the best products and services that we can afford.

A dental implant procedure is not one of those services that can be handpicked from a price list. Firstly, this is due to the fact that each patient is completely different and that no two dental implant procedures are ever the same.

Secondly, it is because a dental implant procedure is not a quick “in and out” kind of treatment, it is a long term treatment that requires you to have very close and frequent contact with your dental practitioner, in order to ensure a successful outcome.

Just from these two reasons, it should become clear that planning to have your dental implants overseas will be a logistical challenge.

Some patients are prepared to travel to an exotic location like Thailand, Vietnam or Malaysia for dental treatment – a phenomenon that has become known colloquially as dental tourism – in order to save themselves some money.

But with dental implant treatments allegedly 50 to 70% less than those in Australia, most of these patients would max out in two overseas trips for dental implants.

And for the majority of patients that just is not enough guidance for a successful outcome.

The Risks Associated With An Overseas Dental Implant

We realise that budgets are a very real part of everyone’s lives and patients resort to overseas dental implants purely because of affordability issues. That doesn’t mean that dental tourism comes without its risks, and that risk management portion of the budget is missing as soon as you leave local borders and head out of the country for dental treatment.

 

Infection control is a concern

Australia has very high standards for infection control – as well as recourse you can take in the event that you do develop an infection.

 

Language can be a barrier

While there may be dental practitioners who can speak English, you can expect some communication difficulties because you aren’t just asking for directions to a beach or a market, you need to have conversations about dental health – and those don’t always translate very well into layman’s terms. Having a free consultation at your local dental clinic can make communication easier.

 

Time is of the essence with overseas dental implants

When should you book your return flights for? If you know that the average implant procedure takes 12 to 18 months it makes planning your trip really difficult.

 

What about post-operative care?

Once your overseas dental implant has been placed, who will you visit for follow ups and check ups? Who would you call if you develop a problem, and what would your treatment options be?

There are a number of warning stories doing the rounds, about patients who travelled to exotic locations with a view to combining a beach-side getaway with a dental treatment. Some reported that

  • their crowns were not natural or didn’t match their other teeth
  • their implants were uncomfortable
  • they were unable to source replacement parts for their implant when they returned home

When you work with a reputable dental practice in Sydney you can expect world-class service and post-operative care. With proper care, your implant could last for the rest of your lifetime whereas a dental implant overseas may need replacing very soon.

 

To find out more about dental implants overseas and why you should avoid them, please get in touch with us for a free consultation near you: (02) 4058 2836.

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