Dental tourism is on the rise. This term refers to people who travel internationally to have dental procedures, usually for a substantially lower cost. Some companies even offer all-inclusive tourism packages, tempting you with dental work plus a holiday. Dental tourism might seem cheaper – and a great reason for a vacation – but beware. Traveling an extra mile for your smile can cost you a lot more in the long run. Here’s why dental tourism should be approached with extreme caution.
Poor Quality Work
Don’t assume that your dental destination will provide you with high-quality results. In fact, the opposite might be true. The United States requires dentists to have degrees and rigorous training methods. There are laws that must be followed so patients get the very best care. Unfortunately, not all countries abide by the same terms. Training, education, and ethical policies are different in every country.
Dishonest Diagnosis
Speaking of ethics, not all dental tourism leads to an accurate diagnosis. There are language barriers to consider, and you’ll be working with an unknown dentist. There is nothing scarier than distrusting your dentist! A dental diagnosis and treatment require careful planning. For example, planning for a root canal or dental implant typically requires two or three visits to the dentist, ensuring the health and success of the procedure. Don’t trust a quick diagnosis and treatment because it’s likely to lead to a costly failure.
No Follow-up
Many things can go wrong after a dental procedure, or ordinary things happen like needing an adjustment. After a dental tourism procedure, you might find sharp edges, poor-fitting crowns, or loose fillings. Once you return home from your dental tourism vacation, you won’t be able to return to a foreign dental surgeon if something goes wrong. You could develop an infection or experience pain and excessive bleeding. If you need to see your dentist again, how easy will it be to hop a flight or get your passport renewed so you can visit them once more?
Dental Tourism Mishaps are Hard to Fix
There are laws in place in the US for dentists and other healthcare providers that keep patients safe by not using outdated medical equipment or devices like titanium implants. The FDA does not regulate dental implants or other medical devices in other countries. If you return to the US with implants that are beyond their expiration date, a dentist could lose their license if they attempt to fix a poor dental job. Remember, you get what you pay for, and you could be paying for expired medical implants.
At Danville Family Dentistry, we work hard to keep treatment plans affordable for everyone. Before planning a dental tourism vacation, give us a call at 317-745-4400. We can make you comfortable right here at home.
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Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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