Dental tourism has become a common way to find affordable dental treatments outside the UK. Dental implants are the top solution for replacing missing teeth. This is when you might have searched for budget-friendly dental implant restorations and faced the term “Turkey teeth.” “Turkey teeth” is a popular phrase used to describe the restoration of missing teeth in Turkey, which has become one of the most favoured destinations for dental travelers from the UK.
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Understanding the Dental implant process
Let’s first understand dental implant surgery to become familiar with the process and the healing timeline.
Before considering dental implants, a thorough examination of the patient’s medical condition and the quantity of existing bone is essential. The existing bone is meticulously assessed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine whether there is sufficient bone to support a dental implant or if additional bone graft surgery is necessary.
During the surgery, dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, and the surgical flap is sutured to facilitate healing, which typically takes around 3 to 4 months.
Once the bone has fully healed around the dental implants, the implants are exposed to allow for the fabrication of the final restoration. Another treatment option includes placing a temporary restoration on the same day as the implant insertion, with the final restoration being fabricated after complete healing.
The dental implant procedure follows a specific timeline; skipping steps can lead to implant failure. Getting your dental implants abroad does not allow for adherence to this timeline. It is not feasible to take a vacation for approximately six months to strictly follow the steps involved in dental implant insertion. Typically, dental implants placed abroad involve inserting the final restoration at the time of implant placement, which may elevate the risk of implant failure.
Dental implants abroad: A cost-effective way to restore your missing teeth
Some neighbouring countries to the UK offer a cost-effective solution for restoring missing teeth through dental implants. These countries include Turkey, Hungary, and Thailand, which provide dental implants at significantly lower prices than those in the UK.
It is important to know what is included in the price of dental implants abroad during your research. Specifically, find out if the quoted cost covers only the dental implant or if it also includes the restoration. Additionally, consider the extra expenses for hotel stays, flights, living costs, and transportation within the country.
Some dental clinics in these countries offer comprehensive packages that include these fees, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
It is worth noting that these countries offer sightseeing opportunities, allowing you to enjoy a few days of relaxation while receiving the dental treatment for which you traveled.
Comparing dental implant prices in the UK and abroad
There is a significant disparity in dental implant prices in the UK compared to other dental tourism destinations, such as Turkey. While a dental implant with the final restoration may cost approximately £2,200 in the UK, it can be as low as £400 to £1,000 in Turkey.
If your cases require multiple implants, such as full arch restorations using All-On-6 and All-On-4 dental implants, the costs are higher, and the difference is more pronounced.
Wondering why the gap?
Dental implants in the UK tend to be more expensive due to the high cost of living, stringent quality regulations, and the use of superior materials. In contrast, countries that promote dental tourism often benefit from lower labor costs, government support aimed at boosting tourism revenue, favorable currency exchange rates, and, in some cases, local manufacturing of dental implants rather than relying on imports.
Here are the top 5 disadvantages of getting your dental implants abroad
- Condensed treatment timeline
The dental implant requires 3-4 months to heal. If dental implants are loaded with the final restoration before complete osseointegration, there is a higher chance of dental implant failure. You cannot stay that long on vacation in the country where you have chosen to get your dental implants, so the process is rushed.
Did you know that 86% of patients treated abroad had failing treatment, 76% experienced pain when they came back, and 72% of the treatments were poorly executed?
- No aftercare and follow-up
Most dental clinics in the UK are reluctant to provide follow-up care for dental work performed abroad due to insufficient information about the treatment processes and materials used. Dental implants include thousands of different brands.
If you received a dental implant abroad from an unknown brand or one that is not commonly used in the UK, it may be challenging for dental professionals to offer assistance.
A survey conducted by the British Dental Association revealed that 85% of dental implants placed abroad required additional follow-up care.
Having a dental implant emergency ? We offer quick appointment scheduling during and after office hours, including weekends and holidays.
- No protection
All dental work in the UK is regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC), which imposes complex quality standards on dentists and dental clinics to ensure patient safety. However, this oversight does not extend beyond the UK, leaving you vulnerable to malpractice if you seek dental care abroad. Each country has its regulations, which often stipulate that you must be a citizen to initiate an investigation into any malpractice claims.
- Hidden costs
Most commonly, the advertised cost of dental implants does not include hidden expenses such as airfare, hotel accommodations, living expenses, and sometimes even the final restoration. It is important to calculate all these costs in advance to determine whether obtaining your dental implants abroad is worthwhile.
- Language barrier
If you are traveling to a country where your language is not spoken, you may encounter communication challenges. This issue becomes more critical if you are required to sign a consent form in a language you do not understand, which may necessitate hiring a translator to assist you.
Thinking again, find out the alternatives to getting dental implants abroad.
After calculating the costs, you may be uncertain about whether getting dental implants abroad is a wise decision. The only alternative is to seek a dental clinic that provides affordable dental implants in London.
Dulwich Dental Office is a leading dental clinic in London, boasting over 30 years of combined experience and having successfully placed more than 5,000 dental implants.
Our dental experts are highly skilled in dental implant placement, whether for simple single implants or complex full-arch restorations. We offer affordable dental implant prices in London, along with a comfortable payment plan to help our patients access the dental treatment they need without being burdened by exorbitant fees. Contact us on 020 8693 3339 or book online 24/7 here.
