It’s no secret that dental procedures in the UK and other Northern European countries can be costly. While the NHS offers free healthcare to every UK citizen, with other Northern European countries maintaining a similar system, most dental treatments are subject to various fees, with cosmetic dentistry usually only available at private clinics.
Due to the expense of private healthcare, many people these days are undergoing dental treatment abroad, opting to travel to a lower-cost country to save thousands of pounds on implants, bridges, and other treatments.
In this article, we’ll be addressing some of the most frequently asked questions from people considering going abroad for dental treatment. Let’s take a look at the most popular queries:
What are the advantages of dental treatment abroad versus a local clinic?
Going abroad for dental treatment offers plenty of advantages for UK and Northern European citizens, but the overriding reason many people choose to travel overseas to undergo a procedure is the greatly reduced cost. Depending on the type of surgery required or your destination of choice, you could save anything from a couple of hundred pounds to several thousand.
What are the most popular dental procedures carried out abroad?
Although it’s possible to have fillings and other minor treatments, having dental implants abroad is probably the most popular reason for travel. It’s also becoming common to go abroad to have dental prosthetics fitted, as well as root canal cleaning and even laser dentistry.
While very safe, these kinds of cosmetic dentistry procedures require a lot of work, especially if a patient requires several implants simultaneously. That means treatment can be prohibitively expensive at a UK clinic, so many people choose to travel abroad instead.
Is dental treatment abroad a good idea in 2023?
Yes. Travelling to a dental clinic abroad is still worthwhile in 2023 and beyond. Clinics in popular medical tourism destinations are safe, with the latest technologies and highly competent medical staff. Moreover, there are still plenty of savings to be made compared to visiting a clinic at home.
Does dental tourism leave patients in a vulnerable position?
Absolutely not. Whether you’re considering dental implants abroad or a more basic type of treatment, so long as you visit a reputable clinic with plenty of experience, you’ll probably enjoy better care than at home!
What happens if you return home with compromised results?
Cosmetic dentistry abroad should offer a level of service comparable, or better, to what you would expect at home. That means compromised results are rare. However, if a procedure doesn’t go according to plan, a reputable clinic would address the issue at a follow-up consultation.
Are the host countries’ healthcare systems at risk?
Cosmetic surgery abroad is carried out at private clinics. That means your procedure isn’t putting a strain on local healthcare facilities or denying healthcare to locals.
How many trips abroad will I need?
A typical procedure such as root canal work or a simple filling may only require a single visit. More complex cosmetic procedures will usually require two or three follow-up consultations at the same clinic. If your treatment requires frequent check-ins and minor consultations, most clinics will also be happy to meet via Zoom or Skype.
Is traveling abroad for dentistry really cheaper?
Absolutely. Compared to a typical UK clinic, savings of up to 70% on certain procedures are possible. That means even after travel costs are factored in, cosmetic dentistry abroad is still a great value option in most cases, potentially saving thousands of pounds compared to having the work done at home. In Latvia for example, a typical implant installation costs between 658-823 EUR, with crown procedures ranging from 510-790 EUR
Is Latvia a good destination for medical tourism?
Latvia has been growing in popularity as a medical tourism hotspot, especially for dental procedures. Today, the Baltic country offers excellent value cosmetic surgery (including dental work) with modern, safe facilities, highly trained medical professionals, and the peace of mind of an EU legislated healthcare system.
Another great reason to choose Latvia for cosmetic surgery is the location: The capital, Riga, is a short 2 hour 30 minute flight from London, and served by plenty of cheap flights every single day.
Make an informed decision with a free consultation
Travelling to a dental clinic abroad to undergo surgery can seem daunting. However, these days, countries like Latvia offer an extremely professional and excellent value service. Most clinics are more than happy to conduct free consultations online with a doctor, where you’ll receive friendly and in-depth advice about every aspect of your planned procedure.
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