Dental Tourism – Do You Need Dental Implants?

Traveling to a foreign country for dental implants can lead to irreversible consequences. This is known as (dental implant) dental tourism.  My focus here is on those who travel for dental implants (especially full mouth dental implants), not for more simple procedures like crowns, fillings, or gum treatments.

Dental tourism, especially for dental implants, is nothing new. People from the United States often journey abroad for their dental procedures, mainly to save money—or at least, that’s what they believe.

I’m nationally recognized by my peers and colleagues as someone who steps in to “rescue” botched cases or incredibly challenging ones. Over the past two decades, I’ve encountered countless patients with dental implants from abroad, and most results were underwhelming, with very few exceptions.

The problem is, the average person cannot accurately evaluate the dental implant work that was done in another country.

A look in the mirror shows a white implant crown or a row of teeth and no pain, leading them to believe it’s successful. But you can’t assess the work done inside the bone, the extent of the surgery, or the quality of the components.

The real test of dental implants typically occurs between years three and five. This is when many dental implants begin to experience bone loss and gum issues.

In the short term? Most things seem to work.

Dental implants are a significant procedure and they’re oftentimes irreversible. Implants are not a simple filling that can be adjusted or replaced. When complications arise, they can be severe and often, irreparable.

There’s a risk of being left worse off than when you started!  YIKES!!

I recently treated a patient who sought full mouth implants abroad. They removed his teeth but couldn’t install the implants. He remained toothless for four months until I could intervene.

A sleek website and shiny floors don’t guarantee quality.

Advertisements paint a picture of a vacation, but reality paints another. The clinics might lack standards or regulations. Instead of a relaxing vacation, you might find yourself being shuttled around and recuperating in a nondescript motel.

What if complications like bone infections occur? These issues can’t always be solved with a simple course of antibiotics. Who is going to help?

Many dental tourism clinics appear state-of-the-art when you view them online. But beyond aesthetics, you need a dentist with skill, judgment, experience, and proper training.

Remember…a sleek website and shiny floors don’t guarantee quality.

Potential complications include recovery issues and the need for multiple overseas trips, which could strain your finances and time. Furthermore, you might find no local dentist willing to rectify work done abroad. They might just advise, “Go back to where you had it done.”

I’ve dealt with cases where foreign proprietary implants were used (many of those implants are shown in this article), making it challenging to find replacement parts.

Just this month, I’ve removed 19 implants done outside of the United States.

Most of those dental implants were poorly positioned or planned, especially for full mouth implants, including zygomatic and pterygoid implants.

Language barriers can further complicate matters. Clear communication is vital.

And there are other concerns, too:

• Will the dental lab craft your teeth in-house (in his/her dental office)?
• What if they’re ill-fitting (if the implants don’t fit well and comfortably)?
• How will you obtain IV sedation/general anesthesia or necessary medical prescriptions? 
• Will you wake up after the general anesthesia?

Is the cost savings of dental tourism worth it? What’s the real price?

While I emphasize caution about overseas dental procedures, it’s essential to note that I’ve witnessed subpar work..even within the US.

Due diligence is crucial. Find an experienced dental implant provider who upholds high standards and integrity.

Many patients travel within the US to consult me—even from places like Alaska and Hawaii. A network of trusted colleagues around the country supports my practice.

I urge caution against having major dental surgeries abroad, particularly in rushed circumstances.

I’ve had patients recount long, grueling procedures with minimal comfort or anesthesia, resulting in immense pain and regret.

Choose wisely.