Examining the Pros and Cons of Dental Tourism for All-on-4 Procedures
Dental implants can be a costly investment, leading some individuals to consider reducing expenses by undergoing All-on-4 dental implant procedures abroad. While the notion of combining dental work with a holiday may seem enticing, it is essential to weigh the advantages and drawbacks of receiving dental treatments overseas. Unless you go to an EU regulated country like Hungary which is the dental treatment capital of Europe.
Is All-on-4 Dental Tourism More Affordable?
Clinics overseas may advertise All-on-4 for considerably lower prices than in UK. However, once travel expenses, accommodation, meals, and other incidental costs are factored in, the total expenditure is likely to be equivalent to, if not more than, the amount spent in UK.
Including these expenses in the treatment fee will probably result in minimal savings, and these travel expenses are recurring costs. Patients will incur them again if they return to the same clinic for a six-month follow-up appointment or to address any post-implant issues that may arise.
Choosing a dental clinic abroad for All-on-4 implants involves more than just considering the treatment fee.
Why Do People Opt for All-on-4 Abroad?
Individuals choose to receive All-on-4 implants overseas to lower the treatment fees and make the experience more appealing by combining dental work with a holiday. Spending a week or two in an exotic destination and returning home with a brand new smile is undoubtedly tempting.
Several countries are renowned for dental tourism, including Thailand, Dubai, Hungary. However, travelling these days comes with inherent risks, such as health hazards and political uncertainties.
The Risks of Receiving All-on-4 Abroad
Before booking All-on-4 implants abroad, here are some factors worth considering beyond the treatment fees:
Staying Abroad for a Month
Although All-on-4 implants are a faster procedure than traditional implants, it is best to stay close to the clinic for at least four weeks after the procedure. This is because:
- If modifications to the implant are required, the dentist who performed the All-on-4 implants can adjust them to fit perfectly.
- It is safer to have the option of rapid response to any post-surgical infections.
- Additional fees may apply to prepare the patient's mouth for All-on-4 or to remove teeth, which the clinic or medical tourism company may not have factored in.
No Initial Consultation for Assessment
Patients cannot attend an initial consultation for assessment before booking flights and accommodation. Consequently, it can be challenging for the dentist to determine the procedure's success and the extent of any required modifications.
Limited Time for Procedure Planning
The All-on-4 procedure is complex, and the final prosthesis should be customized to fit the patient's unique mouth shape. The dentist needs adequate time to plan the procedure and tailor it to the patient's specific profile for the best possible outcome.
A Six-Month Follow-up Is Essential
The initial treatment fee may not include a follow-up appointment, which is crucial to ensure that the teeth are correctly aligned. Precise alignment of the prosthesis can improve patient comfort, and it helps to keep the implants healthy and clean, allowing them to last for an extended period.
Complications May Require Treatment by a Foreign Dentist
Unforeseen issues, including those related to All-on-4 implants, may arise. Before booking the treatment, patients should find out whether the dentist uses Nobel Biocare implants or a cheaper alternative. If issues arise after returning home, the local dentist may not be able to guarantee a specific resolution.
Budapest Dental Implants
If you still decide over going abroad to get private dental treatment, consider Budapest, Hungary as it offers lots of options for UK medical holiday makers. Besides dental implants Budapest, Hair Palace offers hight quality hair transplants at lower costs than the same treatment in the UK.