The price tag associated with dental implants can be a barrier to treatment for some patients. With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that the possibility of undergoing dental implant surgery in another country at a significantly lower price point is enticing.
Given that the market size for dental tourism was 7.7 billion USD in 2023 and is projected to register a 14.2% CAGR from 2024-2032, it’s clear that many Americans are opting to undergo cheaper dental procedures outside of the U.S. But are the very real risks associated with dental tourism really worth the perceived cost savings?
Let’s take a closer look at four of the major reasons why our team strongly recommends against leaving the U.S. for dental implants:
What Is Dental Tourism?
Dental tourism is the practice of traveling abroad to receive dental care at a more affordable price point. In addition to dental care, many dental tourism packages also offer amenities and services such as transportation, accommodation, food, and even sightseeing opportunities. Some of the most popular dental tourism destinations for Americans include Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe.
Why Should You Avoid Traveling Abroad For Dental Implant Surgery?
While getting cheap dental implants in an exotic destination may sound alluring, the reality is that there are also many potential downsides to the dental tourism industry. The lower initial out-of-pocket cost of treatment rarely tells the whole story, and it’s critical for would-be dental tourism patients to be aware of the following:
Liability Issues
In the U.S., dentists and oral surgeons must undergo rigorous licensing procedures and are accountable at both state and federal levels to regulating bodies such as dental boards and the American Dental Association. If you experience an issue, such as an infection or dental implant failure post-treatment, avenues are readily available to seek legal recourse.
Outside of the U.S., this is not necessarily the case. Many dental tourism patients are blindsided to discover that dentists often operate with little regulatory oversight in foreign countries and that no framework may exist when seeking legal recourse for malpractice or other liability issues.
Regulatory Issues
From underqualified dental care providers to inferior sterilization standards and hazardous implant materials, the lack of dental regulation in foreign countries can pose numerous risks to dental tourism patients. Some issues associated with a lack of regulatory standards may not surface until years after treatment, by which point significant and irreparable damage may have occurred.
Safety Concerns
Travel can be inherently risky at the best of times, and receiving dental care abroad often amplifies the potential for something to go wrong. Language barriers, ethical concerns, and a lack of access to follow-up care from the same provider who performed your implant surgery are just a few of the potential safety concerns associated with getting dental implants outside of the U.S.
Rushed Treatment
While timely, efficient treatments are a trademark of high-quality dental implant care, procedures that must be completed within a limited timeframe due to inflexible travel itineraries can lead to treatment being rushed and corners being cut—ultimately putting patients’ oral health and well-being in jeopardy.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Doctors Implants For Your Dental Implant Treatment
Stop traveling for dental implants! At Doctors Implants, our world-class team of doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is dedicated to the highest standard of implant care and believes that a healthy, stunning smile should be within reach for all without having to seek dental treatment abroad. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and learn more about our customized financial planning options!