Thinking of going abroad for dental implants?

A quick Google search for dental implants will quickly show you a lot of “dental tourism” companies that boast dental implant procedures in other countries for a fraction of what they cost in the United States. The idea is that even with travel costs, the total money spent is still relatively low, and you get a vacation as a bonus. It may sound good on the surface, but if you’re considering going abroad for dental implants, there are some issues you should keep in mind.

1. Language barriers can be a problem. Unless you just happen to speak the language of the country you’re going to, it’s not a safe assumption that the staff at dental practices there will be able to communicate with you. Needless to say, you should not accept treatment from someone unless you can fully understand each other, so this can quickly lead to a stalemate situation.

2. Standards may be different. Not all countries have the same standard of medical and dental training. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar place, it can be difficult to know for sure what training the dentist has had. Dental implant procedures are complex to carry out, and you want to be absolutely sure you are under fully qualified care.

3. Complications can be worrying. Although most dental practices around the world will ensure that every effort is made to complete a procedure safely, as with any medical procedure, sometimes unexpected things can and do happen. If that were to happen to you, would you feel comfortable being abroad, or would you rather be in your home country?

4. Corrective issues can be impossible to pursue. If you get dental implants abroad and something goes wrong with them after you get back to the United States, getting any useful help from the dental practice can be very difficult, unless you’re willing to travel back there again for follow-ups.

There are many benefits to having dental implant procedures done in your local area, and the cost may be lower than you think. Your peace of mind is worth it, and so are your teeth. If you’re going to go through the trouble to get the smile you deserve, then you also deserve to have treatment you can trust, in an environment where you will be completely comfortable, and where you can relax knowing that you’re in good hands.