Is Dental Tourism Safe?

Do you like going to the dentist? Not many people do. In fact, lots of people have an irrational fear of seeing their dentists due to the sounds of the machinery and pain associated with certain treatments. However, everyone knows that taking care of your teeth should be a top concern. And that legitimate concern is what spurs dental tourism.

One of the main issues with dental care is the price. Many people don’t have dental insurance and treatments can become very expensive very quickly. Add to that the fact that most dental treatments require multiple visits to the dentist over a period of time. This all equals a lot of time and money.

For these reasons, more and more people are turning to dental tourism.  The significantly lower price can be a major attraction for anyone needing to have dental work done. While the financial benefits can be very appealing, there are, unfortunately, many issues to consider regarding dental tourism. Let’s discuss some of the risks and dangers that you should consider when going to a dental clinic outside your country.

Is Dental Care Really Cheaper Abroad?

The quick answer to this question is yes. The price that you will pay for the treatment itself will most likely be substantially lower than in your own country. This is due to lower salaries and taxes, as well as the comparable costs of insurance, rent, schooling, and even equipment.

Don’t get too excited yet. There are many more costs to take into account when deciding to undergo treatment abroad. Don’t forget that you will have to travel (most likely by air) and stay in a hotel or other accommodation. Additionally, it’s very likely that you will have to return to the clinic multiple times in order to complete your treatment. This will, of course, cause the final price to rise substantially.

Some clinics will try to complete your treatment in one round. This can be risky for certain types of procedures and may be unprofessional as well.

Depending on the country you travel to, rules and regulations regarding treatment standards may be lacking or poorly enforced. Make sure to research the clinic you are interested in thoroughly. Check what safety regulations they have in place, what medications they use and who their dentists are and where they received their training.

Can Something Really Go Wrong?

Yes! One of the scariest parts of dental treatments is that issues can arise days, months or even years after the treatment itself. Therefore, you may have no idea if you underwent a successful treatment for a long time.

Patients can develop infections due to inadequate procedures. If you have an implant done, the area can become inflamed and, over time, the new tooth can fall out. Other procedures can cause nerve problems and prolonged swelling if carried out improperly.

The materials used in your mouth are also of critical importance. For example, when you have a crown done, it’s important that it be made of porcelain to prevent infection. Some clinics will use plastic to bring down the cost, putting the patient at great risk.

Is Dental Tourism Safe? Proceed With Caution.

The bottom line is that dental tourism can be safe and it can be dangerous, even if it saves you some money. If you did undergo dental treatment abroad and the results were substandard, MyChargeBack may be able to help you get your money back. Contact us for a free initial consultation to determine if your case meets the criteria.