Using A Local Epsom Dentist vs Going Abroad For Treatment
The benefits of local dentistry rather than travelling overseas for treatment.
Despite some quite horrific stories in the media over the last few years, of dental treatments that have gone badly wrong abroad, many people continue to travel to do this. The main reason appears to be that the cost is often cheaper, but there are many reasons for this and not all good!
With the rise in popularity of cosmetic dental treatments coming at a time when people are feeling the pinch financially, it should perhaps not come as a surprise that some people seek the cheapest options. Some of it might be out of naivety and perhaps with a hope that “things like that only happen to other people” and not to them.
It should be noted, of course, that we aren’t criticising the dental profession in most countries. There are many excellent dentists practising abroad. Finding them is not always easy though and even if you do, some of the risks still exist.
Let us take a look then at some of the things that can go wrong if you choose cheaper dentistry abroad and why the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre would be your recommended choice instead.
Regulations
Patients should be aware that not all countries adhere to the same high standards as the British dental industry which is regulated by the General Dental Council. This ensures that all dentists are highly trained and ensures continual training throughout their career so that they are up to date with the latest techniques and general dental knowledge. Some Epsom dentists, such as those wishing to place teeth implants in the UK, will undergo additional years of training before they can do this. This may not be the case in some countries and if you absolutely insist on going abroad for treatment, you should do some serious research before committing yourself.
Communication issues
While we are fortunate in this country that English is a widely spoken language, this doesn’t always happen at the level needed to communicate potentially complicated oral care issues. It is one thing ordering a beer abroad but another when you need to explain in detail how you want your new smile to look. Some treatments are almost irreversible so a mistake made at this point may be something that you have to live with for the rest of your life.
Cheaper restorations
Although the cost of living in some countries can be a factor in things like cheaper dental implants, the risk is that the other reason is that inferior products may be used. This can affect all restorations but implants are a particular case in point. If the materials used is of inferior quality, there is a good chance that the osseointegration process (bonding between implant and bone that is essential to this treatment) will not be as successful. This is likely to mean that the dental implant will become loose and may also fall out. By staying local and using our Epsom based implant team, you can be sure that only trusted quality dental implants are used; a factor that makes the chances of a successful treatment very much higher.
Aftercare
There is never a 100% guarantee that a procedure will go exactly as it should. Complications can occur and especially if the procedure has not been carried out to the high standard that patients of the Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre have come to expect. When this does happen, it can usually be rectified by contacting the dentist for an appointment where any additional treatment can be carried out to resolve the problem. While inconvenient to have to do this, it is far easier to ‘pop down the road’ to our local dental clinic than it is to arrange a flight plus accommodation abroad to see the dentist to have it rectified. There is also the risk that it may have been the treatment itself which was at fault and you may be putting the aftercare in the hands of someone not as highly qualified or experienced as you might expect.
Legal recourse
While it is extremely rare, there is legal recourse in the UK if something goes seriously wrong. This may not be the case if you have your treatment abroad, and, even if the opportunity is there to do so, anyone who has tried to navigate a foreign legal system will tell you how difficult that can be.
The above are all good reasons to avoid travelling abroad for treatment and for staying local. We do understand that cost is a factor for some people and can provide a range of payment plans to enable you to spread the cost of your treatment over a period of time.
If you are considering having cosmetic or other dental treatment abroad, please do talk to us first to discuss alternative options. You can contact our popular Surrey practice by calling us on 01372 720136.