Out-of-Country Dental Procedures

Understanding the Risk

In recent years, dental tourism has become a growing trend, with many people travelling to countries like Mexico, Thailand, and Turkey, for procedures such as implants and veneers. The allure of lower costs and the promise of an added vacation can be tempting. However, it’s crucial to weigh the risks involved before you book. In this article, we want to inform people of the potential dangers of seeking dental care abroad, including possible complications, the quality of care, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Popular Dental Tourism Destinations

Mexico

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for dental tourism for those living in Canada or the United States. Cities like Tijuana, Cancun, and Los Algodones (nicknamed Molar City) are known for their abundance of dental clinics offering procedures at a fraction of the cost compared to dentists in Canada and the United States. While many cities in Mexico advertise high-quality services, the reality can be quite different.

Thailand

Thailand is another hotspot for dental tourism, more so among those living in Australia or Europe. However, some Canadians will still make the trek and stay a little longer, turning it into a holiday. Bangkok and Phuket are home to numerous dental clinics that offer attractive packages combining dental care with luxurious holiday experiences. The lower cost and high-quality marketing campaigns often obscure the potential risks associated with dental procedures performed in these clinics.

Turkey

Turkey has also become a very popular travel destination for all things medical, including dental work. It is much more accessible to those living in Europe and the Middle East, but many Canadians take the trip every year to save on costly medical procedures. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir boast numerous dental clinics that attract patients with their low prices and promise of high-quality services. However, while some clinics maintain high standards, many do not. This leads to significant risk. Patients have reported severe complications, such as infections, ill-fitting implants, and the need for extensive corrective procedures upon returning home. The lack of stringent regulation and the presence of illegal operators further exacerbate the risks associated with dental procedures in Turkey.

The Risks of Out-of-Country Dental Procedures

Quality of Care

One of the most significant concerns with dental tourism is the variability in the quality of care. While some clinics abroad may meet high standards, others may lack proper accreditation and hygiene standards. Many countries do not maintain the same rules and regulations around dentistry that Canada does. In countries like Mexico and Thailand, the regulation of dental practices is not kept to the same standard, which can lead to subpar treatment, infections, and poorly placed implants.

While the initial treatment may be much cheaper in a foreign country, if there are issues with infection or placement, fixing these issues will likely end up costing you far more than the initial treatment in Canada would.

Communication Barriers

Effective communication between the patient and the dentist is crucial for successful dental treatment. In non-English speaking countries, language barriers can lead to misunderstandings about the procedure, aftercare, and potential risks. Miscommunication can also result in improper treatment plans and inadequate patient education. As we always like to say at Georgian Dental, an educated patient is an empowered patient.

Understanding the different options for your issue is crucial in ensuring the right treatment plan is designed for your individual needs. Many of these clinics abroad will skip easy fixes like braces or teeth whitening and go straight to recommending implants and veneers. Getting implants or veneers is a lifetime commitment and not a decision that should be made lightly.

Lack of Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is essential for dental procedures like implants and veneers to ensure proper healing and long-term success. When you receive treatment abroad, follow-up appointments can be challenging to schedule and costly to attend. This is especially true if complications arise after you return home, or if those complications prevent you from being able to return home on time.

Complications and Emergency Care

Complications such as infections, implant failure, and nerve damage can occur with any dental procedure. When complications arise after treatment abroad, finding immediate and competent care can be very difficult and expensive.

Should you face severe complications and not be able to return home as scheduled, the additional cost of extra hotel stays and the lack of being able to return to work can quickly make what was once a cheap procedure very expensive.

How to Ensure Competency When Choosing a Dentist Abroad

Research and Verification

If you do decide to go the route of dental tourism, you must thoroughly research the dental clinic and dentist you will be visiting. Look for clinics with international accreditations and positive reviews from previous patients. Verify the dentist’s credentials, training, and experience in the specific procedure you require.

Consultations and Second Opinions

Before committing to a procedure, consider having a consultation with a local dentist to discuss your plans and get a second opinion. They can provide insights into the procedure and help you understand the potential risks and benefits.

Additionally, getting a local consultation done beforehand will help you understand the options available for your issue. You may need something as simple as one root canal or braces. However, once you go overseas, they may try to convince you that you require an entire mouth full of implants. It’s important that you know ahead of time what you need and what you want, so you do not end up getting upsold into a permanent procedure that will require a lifetime of maintenance and follow-up appointments.

This is not to say that implants are a bad thing. There are many cases where implants or veneers are the best option for you. However, these procedures are not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and it’s important you understand what is required.

Learn more about implants here.

Checking Hygiene Standards

Ensure that the clinic adheres to high hygiene standards. Don’t just go by pictures online, but make sure when you arrive the clinic actually looks like their pictures and is clean, sterilized, and safe. You should be ensuring that the clinic adheres to infection control protocols, properly sterilizes their instruments, and keeps the facility clean and tidy. Request a tour of the clinic and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about their hygiene practices.

Understanding the Full Cost

While the initial cost of dental procedures abroad may be lower, consider the potential additional costs of complications, follow-up care, and corrective procedures. Make sure that you factor in travel expenses, accommodation, and the time needed for recovery when calculating the total cost.

Also, make sure that you have enough money available should you have to stay in the country longer to deal with complications. If you have pets or children back home, make sure there is a plan in place for them to be taken care of should you be required to stay longer.

Learn more about the risks of dental tourism here.

What to Do If Implants Fail or Complications Arise

Seek Immediate Care

If you experience complications after returning home, seek immediate care from a local dentist or healthcare provider. Prompt attention can prevent further damage and mitigate the risk of serious health issues.

Documentation and Communication

Keep detailed records of your treatments abroad. This includes the dentist’s contact information, procedure details, and any post-operative instructions. This information will be extremely valuable for your local dentist to understand your situation and provide appropriate care.

Legal Recourse

In cases of severe malpractice or negligence, legal recourse may be an option. However, pursuing legal action in a foreign country can be very complex and expensive. It’s essential to understand the legal framework and your rights as a patient in the country where you received treatment. Not all countries follow the same laws around medical malpractice, or even your right to sue, so it’s very important that you understand the laws of the country you are visiting.

Financial Considerations

Be prepared for the financial implications of addressing complications or failed procedures. Dental insurance may not cover treatment received abroad or corrective procedures required afterward. Consider setting aside a contingency fund to cover possible unexpected expenses.

As the video below shows, these expenses can very quickly add up!

Is Dental Tourism Worth the Risk?

While the cost savings of dental tourism can be appealing to many, the potential risks and complications often outweigh the benefits. These risks or complications are not small, and once you commit to implants or veneers, there is no going back to your original teeth.

The lack of stringent regulations, follow-up care, and potential communication barriers can lead to subpar treatment and serious health issues and side effects. It is crucial that you prioritize your health and savings over potential cost savings.

Dental tourism may seem like a cost-effective solution for expensive procedures, but the risks involved can lead to significant complications and higher costs in the long run. It is essential to thoroughly research and verify the credentials of the dental clinic and dentist, understand potential risks, and have a plan in place for follow-up care and emergency situations.

What Canadians need to know about dental tourism.

At Georgian Dental, we prioritize your health and well-being. If there is a cost barrier involved that is stopping you from getting the dental care you need, have a conversation with us about it. There are many options out there for treatment, and you deserve a strong healthy smile that you feel good about.

Our team of highly qualified professionals is committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, ensuring your dental procedures are safe, effective, and long-lasting. Before considering dental tourism, consult with our experts to explore all of your options and make an informed decision that prioritizes your health and safety.

Book an appointment with us to learn more today!