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Contributors: Amanda Napitu

Coronavirus notice: Clinics in Europe are beginning to accept new overseas patients, with appropriate precautions in place. Travel restrictions remain in some countries but you are welcome to submit an enquiry to receive a free quotation.

Why are so many Brits getting dental implants abroad? It's no secret that private dental treatment in the UK is expensive. The practice of getting dental treatment abroad, known as “dental tourism”, is a cost-effective way to have more complex dental procedures performed. Patients can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds on teeth implants and other costly dental work.

But for every story you've heard of how someone saved a load of cash by visiting a dentist abroad, you've probably heard a horror story from someone else.

In this article we'll explain the pros and cons of getting your teeth done abroad. You will learn about some of the best places for cheap dental work abroad and understand how the process works. Finally, we'll mention some precautions and considerations for anyone planning to get tooth implants, veneers, or any other dental treatment abroad.

Before you get stuck into the rest of this article, why not request a free quotation for the dental work you need? We only recommend clinics that we have carefully selected ourselves, and they are ready to provide you with a personalised quotation for free. Click below to see more about the country you're interested in, or keep reading here for more general information about dental tourism.

Could you save by getting dental treatment abroad? Select a country to find out more and get a free quotation: Hungary Turkey Spain

How we select clinics to recommend to you.

Why get dental implants abroad?

Even with the cost of flights it can be cheaper to travel abroad for dental work

The main reason why so many people are getting dental treatment such as implants in other countries is the cost. Some of the cheapest dental implants in Europe can be found in countries like Poland and Hungary. Patients can save thousands of pounds on cheap dental implants abroad if they need several teeth done, even once the cost of flights and accommodation is factored in.

Why is it cheaper?

The reason why people can get cheap dental implants and other treatment abroad is not, as many may believe, because of a lower standard of care. If anything, the quality of service and care provided by many dental clinics in Poland, Spain and Hungary exceeds UK standards. It's easy to find clinics kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment operated by fully trained dental professionals.

In actual fact, dental tourism prices hinge more on the cost of living in each country. When property prices and wages are lower, dentists don't have such high overheads and so can offer their services for less.

Some clinics, particularly those located outside of the big cities, offer spa facilities and 4-star hotel accommodation for their patients to enjoy while they recover – and the package cost is still less than you'd pay in the UK for the treatment alone.

Expect clean, comfortable and modern facilities

Quality of care

Many patients say they can actually find better dentists abroad than in the UK; the clinics are more efficiently run, and the overall experience is much more pleasant for the patient.

It's possible to book cosmetic dentistry packages which include airport pickup, hotel accommodation, transport with a private driver, and an executive lounge to relax in while you wait (with free wifi, of course). With hardly anything left to arrange yourself, the process is smooth and hassle-free. This can appeal to people who are slightly nervous about getting dental implants abroad in the first place.

Some people choose to get dental work done in conjunction with a holiday in a more exotic destination like Turkey, Thailand, Mexico or Costa Rica. There's more about this in the section on dental trips further down.

Types of cheap dental treatment abroad

Since the NHS only covers dental work that is medically necessary, people wanting aesthetic dental work must pay for private dental care. The cost of private dentistry in the UK can soon become unaffordable, especially if you need a lot of treatment.

Getting cosmetic dentistry abroad can work out more cost effective for things like:

Dental implants

Veneers

Bridges

Crowns (porcelain, zirconia or gold)

Teeth whitening

Fillings, extractions and root canals

Certain types of braces

It might not make sense to jump on a plane for a root canal alone, but with dentists in some countries offering the procedure for significantly less than the cost of NHS-subsidised treatment, it can be worth it if you have a few teeth that need work.

It's possible to get cheap dental implants abroad

Implants and veneers, being the most expensive types of dental treatment in the UK, can be fitted for 50-70% less if you travel abroad – meaning you save money even taking into account the cost of flights and accommodation. Our cost comparison table further down shows just how much you stand to save by getting treatment such as teeth implants abroad.

How to arrange overseas dental work

There are two main ways you can arrange your dental treatment overseas; either directly with your chosen clinic, or via a medical travel agency.

Agencies may offer a wide choice of clinics and be able to identify the most suitable one for your needs; however they will take a cut of your payment which could increase the total cost of your dental treatment.

Both individual clinics and agencies offer dental tourism packages which may include accommodation, airport pickup, and transport to the clinic. Having all of this arranged for you can help make the process run more smoothly. Even though you can probably find cheaper accommodation if you book it yourself, it can be worth paying the extra fee to make your dental holiday hassle-free.

It's nice to have everything arranged for you when you get dental treatment abroad

Before you book dental implants abroad

Whichever way you choose, you should research the company, clinic and dentist responsible for your treatment. If possible, find out what qualifications the dentist has, and verify them with the issuing body.

The country you visit will have its own regulatory bodies for dentistry and it's worth finding out about these so you can check your chosen dentist is operating legitimately.

Internet forums and review sites are great places to get honest opinions from other people who have had the same work done. The clinic may provide its own reviews, but you can't be sure that these are completely impartial. Try to look for reviews from people who are speaking impartially about their experience getting work like dental implants abroad.

Getting a quotation

Usually, dental clinics abroad will begin by asking you for a panoramic dental x-ray so they can assess your oral health condition before you make a trip overseas. Although this doesn't replace a consultation, it gives them enough information to provide a cost estimate for the treatment you need.

Panoramic x-rays are particularly helpful for planning dental implant treatment, since they show the whole mouth and the position of each tooth and its root. You can read more about getting panoramic dental x-rays here.

You should still have a consultation and examination with a qualified dentist before receiving a final treatment plan and a quote for work.

Your consultation may take place once you're at the clinic, or you may be referred to a dentist in the UK. If the latter, check that the dentist is a member of the General Dentistry Council – this is a legal requirement for practising in the UK, even if working on behalf of a dentist in Poland, Hungary, or some other country.

Funding your treatment

Although you might save a lot on dental work overseas, you may still need financial assistance to fund your treatment. When visiting a dentist abroad, your main options are a dental loan or a credit card. These both involve borrowing money and then paying it back over a longer period. Your clinic might offer some kind of payment plan, too.

Our dental financing article has more information about the different options.

What are the best countries for dental implants?

Dental tourism prices are the main factor that people consider when looking at dental treatment abroad. Many are simply searching for the cheapest country for dental implants abroad. With this in mind, we have put together a cost comparison table so you can get an idea of prices for tooth implants and veneers abroad.

City/country Flight time from London Approximate flight price (return) Cost of single tooth implant Cost of porcelain veneer UK N/A N/A £2,000 £600 Budapest, Hungary 2 hours 25 minutes £55 £470 £240 Krakow/Warsaw, Poland 2 hours 25 minutes £50 £560 £200 Istanbul, Turkey 3 hours 55 minutes £150 £600 £150 Various cities, Spain 2 hours 20 minutes £55 £750 £200 Phuket, Thailand 15-16 hours with a connection £470 £780 £120 San Jose, Costa Rica 11 hours 15 minutes £630 £620 £320 Mexico City, Mexico 11 hours 35 minutes £455 £630 £270 All prices are indicative only and will vary from one dental clinic to another. Accommodation and insurance not included.

For a more accurate idea of costs for the dental work you need, why not request your free quotation from one of our recommended dental clinics in Hungary, Turkey or Spain? We have hand-picked these clinics based on their excellent service, high standards and competitive prices. Click below to choose the country you're interested in.

Could you save by getting dental treatment abroad? Select a country to find out more and get a free quotation: Hungary Turkey Spain

Although the prices above make cosmetic dentistry abroad seem quite cheap, there are many other costs involved in the process. These include:

Initial consultations

Flights (for each trip required)

Accommodation

Someone to accompany you, if necessary

Time off work

Insurance

Aftercare in the UK

Clinics often provide an initial consultation for free, and may reimburse your flights if you spend over a certain amount on your treatment. They may also be able to offer preferential rates at nearby hotels.

Some of the best dentists abroad are in Eastern Europe

But price is not the only thing you should factor into the equation. Later in this article we cover some of the main risks involved with going abroad for dental work, and other things you should consider before going ahead.

There are many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia and South America, that offer low-cost dental treatment. British patients often prefer to visit European countries as the travel time is shorter and there is no need to worry about visas.

Best places for dental implants in Europe

Hungary, Poland, Spain and Turkey are all well-known dental tourism destinations, offering some of cheapest dental treatment in Europe without compromising on quality.

With low-cost airlines offering direct flights to many major cities in these countries, they are a convenient choice for Brits wanting to visit a dentist abroad. Whether you visit historic Budapest or sunny Costa del Sol, you'll find plenty to do in your free time between dentist visits, too.

We've written separate articles packed with advice and information about visiting each of these countries for dental work. Just click on the images below to read more about the place(s) you're interested in.

Dental trips – get your teeth done on holiday

For some people, travelling to a foreign country for dental work is a great excuse for a holiday. Known as “dental trips” or “dental holidays”, these visits usually take place in exotic countries and allow the patient to come home with a tan as well as nicer teeth.

Not a bad way to recover from dental surgery

Patients can use the cost savings from getting dental implants abroad to also enjoy a holiday lasting several weeks, and still save money compared to having the work done in their home country.

Popular destinations for dental trips include Costa Rica, Thailand, Bali, India, Mexico and the Philippines.

If you're considering a dental holiday, do take into account your recovery time. Be realistic about how much time you'll want to spend by the pool if your mouth is swollen and tender. And will the local cuisine taste so good if it has to be pureed?

One solution is to plan a few days of ‘proper' holiday time before your treatment, but be sure to allow more than enough time for your recovery before you fly home. If you're having veneers fitted, the time it takes to have them made can present a good opportunity for sightseeing or relaxing.

Getting cheaper dental implants abroad

With implants costing upwards of £2,000 per tooth in the UK, it's no wonder that people are searching for cheap dental implants abroad.

The cost of your dental implants, wherever you go, will vary depending on a number of factors. This includes the brand of implant and materials used, the type of anaesthesia used, and your overall oral health. You may also need preparatory surgery such as a sinus lift or bone graft.

The different parts of an implant

Be sure to research the brand your dentist is proposing to use, and check that it meets the same quality standards as those in the UK (if it's one available in the UK – even better).

Implantology involves drilling into the jaw bone, inserting the implant, and then attaching a crown (replacement tooth) via an abutment.

With traditional implants, an initial surgery is done to install the implant roots, then the gum is allowed to heal over these while they settle. 4-6 months later, the gum is re-opened and abutments and crowns are fitted to complete the procedure. We have a separate article which covers the dental implant process in much more detail.

If you have teeth implants abroad using this method, you'll need to allow 2-4 days for your first visit including your consultation and initial assessment. The second trip will also take several days, and you may need a third visit to have the permanent crown(s) fitted.

‘Teeth in a day' with All-on-4 implants

A popular option for patients wanting full mouth dental implants abroad is All-on-4 implants. This solution suits people who have lost all their teeth or whose dentures are failing.

The name comes from the idea that all the new teeth are supported on just four implants in the lower jaw, and six in the upper. This makes the process quicker and cheaper than traditional treatments which require 8-10 implants in each jaw.

All-on-4 implants are cheaper abroad

But the main benefit of this treatment is it offers ‘teeth in a day'. Whereas some types of implant have to be fitted during surgery and then left for 4-6 months to fuse with the bone before abutments and crowns are fitted, immediate implant treatment allows patients to walk away the same day with teeth fitted to their implants.

A temporary fixed bridge or denture is attached to each arch as part of the initial treatment, and after 6-9 months this is replaced with a permanent prosthesis. This means that patients needn't suffer the embarrassment and inconvenience of living with no teeth for several months.

It also reduces the number of trips needed for full mouth dental implants abroad from three to two. Read more about the pros and cons of All-on-4 teeth implants in our full guide.

Immediate implants are also available in cases where one or several teeth are missing, however this option is usually more expensive than the traditional method.

It's normal to experience some pain and swelling after having teeth implants. Your clinic should provide you with medication to manage this, but you may not feel like travelling for 2-3 days after the surgery.

It can be a good idea to stay in your chosen city for a few days anyway (even if your dentist doesn't recommend this), as this will allow time to check for any complications.

What do All-on-4 implants cost abroad?

It's difficult to give an exact price because the cost of this treatment can vary so much depending on the current condition of your mouth and jaw bone. Knowing that a new set of teeth can easily cost £10,000 per jaw with a dentist in the UK, it's safe to say you can save thousands of pounds by getting All-on-4 implants abroad.

Hungary, Poland and Turkey are some of the cheapest countries for dental implants, including implant dentures. Places like Spain may cost a little more but perhaps offer a more familiar setting.

Getting veneers abroad

Another popular treatment for overseas dental patients is veneers. These thin coverings are made to measure and are applied to each tooth individually to improve the aesthetic appearance. After your initial consultation, your dentist will take measurements of your teeth and create a plan for your veneers.

Have you considered getting porcelain veneers abroad?

If you're getting traditional porcelain veneers abroad you'll probably have to stay for around a week while they're made – but it may take up to two weeks if you're having a large number of veneers fitted. However, newer technologies make it possible for veneers and crowns to be created while you wait. This convenience comes at an extra cost, though.

Composite veneers are moulded by the dentist as they are applied and can be done in a day, but the downside is that this material doesn't last as long.

So, which type of veneer is best for you? If you need them to last more than 5-10 years it might be worth paying the extra fee (and taking the extra time) for porcelain. Read more about the options in our full guide to teeth veneers.

Potential risks and things to consider before visiting a dentist abroad

Getting dental work abroad is a big decision, and there are many things to consider when deciding if it's right for you. Below you can read about some potential risks and other things to check before you commit. Rest assured that if you select one of our recommended clinics, we have already conducted extensive checks to ensure they meet our strict criteria for quality and service (read more about our selection criteria here).

Communication problems

The language barrier is an obvious factor to consider. Although many foreign dentists speak great English, others do not. Should you experience any complications during your treatment, the last thing you want is to have trouble understanding what's going on.

But communication problems can run deeper than just the language. When you have a complex procedure like implants or veneers abroad, you will probably want your dentist to:

Prepare you for the treatment

Tell you what to expect during treatment

Explain common side-effects or discomfort you'll likely experience afterwards

Show you how to care for your new teeth

Unfortunately, some dental tourists have experienced issues with dentists who didn't communicate enough about these things. The ‘in-and-out' approach does little to put you at ease, especially if you're already nervous about receiving dental work abroad.

Immediate aftercare

Thoroughly research the procedure you're having so you know what kind of aftercare will be required. Questions to ask the company organising your treatment include:

Will I need to stay overnight in a clinic or hospital?

If I stay in a hotel after that, will any special measures need to be taken?

What pain or discomfort will I experience after the procedure, and how long does it usually last?

Will I be able to care for myself during my recovery?

How long after the procedure will I be fit to travel home?

What if I'm unhappy with the results?

Dealing with complications

Find a dentist you can communicate easily with

Consider taking somebody with you on your trip – not only to help look after you immediately after your treatment, but to step in and help if there are any complications.

Although relatively rare, possible complications with treatments like implants and veneers include:

Infection in the area treated

Damage to other teeth

Nerve damage, causing tingling or numbness in your mouth

Sinus problems (from implants in the upper jaw)

Increased sensitivity in teeth (from the enamel removed to fit veneers)

Speak to your clinic or agency to find out what support they would offer in such a situation.

Also check what would happen if you experience problems after returning home. How long is your treatment guaranteed for? Would you have to travel back to the dental clinic abroad to receive further treatment, or does the company have a clinic in the UK that you could use? Would the cost of this be covered by your package or would you have to foot the bill?

Ongoing care

Treatments like implants will require regular follow-up care for the rest of your life. Because there are so many different systems used for implants (more than 50), it can be difficult for a UK dentist to provide this care without having all of the documentation related to your treatment.

When choosing an overseas dentist, ask what systems they use for treatment and what documentation they provide. If they use a brand available in the UK, that should make your follow-up care more straightforward. Also ask whether they can provide your medical notes in English so your dentist back home has a full record of your procedure.

If there is certain scheduled work required after your treatment, find out where in the UK you can have this done and whether it is included in the cost of your package.

Insurance

Most travel insurance policies only cover you for emergency dental care – not procedures you choose to have (known as “elective treatment”). This means that if something goes wrong during a planned visit to a dental clinic abroad and you require additional care or have to postpone your flights, you could end up heavily out of pocket.

Check with your chosen clinic to see if they offer any kind of insurance for cases like this, and also speak to your travel insurance company to see how your policy will be affected.

If you have a dental insurance policy in the UK, find out whether that will cover you for any follow-up treatment from work carried out overseas (routine or emergency).

Ask your dentist to explain your treatment before going ahead

Finding a reputable dental clinic abroad

To minimise the risk of any of the above problems, you'll need to do plenty of research before visiting a dentist abroad. This should include:

Verifying the qualifications and certification of the dentist(s) you're considering

Checking online forums to find dental tourism reviews and feedback from other patients who have used the same clinic and dentist

Understanding the procedure you're having and what your recovery will involve

If possible, arrange to speak directly to your chosen dentist before you commit to getting dental implants abroad, or any other dental work. This will let you gauge their level of English and will also give you a chance to ask any questions you have.

You might want to ask how many times they have carried out this particular procedure, what their success rates are, and what risks are associated with the work. Don't be afraid to ask to see samples of their work; they may even be able to put you in touch with a past patient who has undergone the same work that you're planning.

Remember, we have taken some of the stress out of choosing where to go by selecting clinics in Spain, Turkey and Hungary according to our own strict criteria. Click below to find out more and enquire about a quotation for the work you need.

Could you save by getting dental treatment abroad? Select a country to find out more and get a free quotation: Hungary Turkey Spain

When you arrive at the clinic, you can check for certain things that indicate the clinic follows basic hygiene best practice. Dental clinicians should wear masks and sterile gloves, and all equipment should come from sterile packaging. You may even ask to see how they sterilise their equipment. If the clinic is ISO 9001 certified, this shows they operate to a certain level of quality management standards.

You should also have a consultation with your own dentist at home. He or she knows your dental history and can advise you on the work you're planning to have done abroad. In addition, make sure you understand how much he or she will be involved in your aftercare.

Conclusion

If you're facing a hefty dental bill and you're looking at ways to reduce your costs, dental tourism is certainly worth considering. Join the growing number of Brits travelling for work like dental implants abroad and you could save hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Consider your options before travelling abroad

There are plenty of countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas which offer high-quality dental care at prices much lower than private dentists in the UK. You'll find some of the cheapest dental implants in Europe in places like Hungary, Spain and Poland, for example.

However, there are certain drawbacks to getting dental care overseas which mean it isn't right for everyone.

Doing your research and getting as much advice as possible beforehand means you can minimise the risk of complications while feeling more confident about your dental treatment abroad and the prices you pay.

Cheaper Dental Implants Abroad and Other Treatment: Dental Tourism Guide 4.1 (81.9%) 42 vote[s] (81.9%)vote[s]

Contributors: Amanda Napitu Amanda specialises in writing informative content about dentistry. She has been a regular contributor to Dentaly.org since 2017.

Sources Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/dental-treatment/ Consulted 24th April NHS Direct Wales https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/travelhealth/DentalTreatment/ Consulted 24th April NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/ Consulted 24th April The General Dental Council https://www.gdc-uk.org/ Consulted 24th April