With cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental implants enjoying new limelight thanks to TikTok and influencer-led TV like Love Island, so too is the Hollywood smile that comes with it.
Places like Turkey, Poland, and Thailand have enjoyed particular attention when it comes to dental implants. This is because they offer cheap dental implants abroad compared to what you’d find in the UK.
Whilst getting cheap dental implants abroad sounds promising for many, it’s important to understand the risks involved with getting dental work abroad and why it may not be all that it’s been hyped up to be.
But first…
What are dental implants?
Before we can understand why people are getting their dental work done abroad, it’s important to understand what dental implants are.
Dental implants are permanent fixtures that replace the natural design of the tooth, including:
- The crown that shows above the gum
- The root that holds the tooth in place under the gum
A dental implant completely replaces the tooth – including the root – and establishes a solid foundation for a new crown as the surrounding bone under the gum fuses to it over a matter of months.
Unlike many semi-permanent or temporary procedures, dental implants are designed to last you the rest of your life under good care.
However, a major obstacle for people getting dental implants in the UK is the relatively high cost. This is despite cosmetic dentists like YDS offering financially accessible payment plans with many procedures.
As a result, many people have looked for cheap dental implants abroad as a more cost-effective alternative. But there’s more than just cost that makes cosmetic dentistry abroad a promising prospect.
Understanding the truth behind cheap dentistry abroad
As mentioned, cosmetic dental surgery abroad has been a popular choice for many based on cost alone. People see a similar procedure taking place in a different country and believe that the low price is understandable. After all, countries like Turkey and Poland have a favourable exchange rate and a lower cost of living than the UK, so surely it would be cheaper? Whilst this is true, it’s important to understand that the dental implants abroad are quite different to ones you’ll find in the UK.
In the UK, a dental implant will look much like what was described above, a ceramic crown and titanium implant that replaces the entire tooth. Similar dental treatments abroad tend to look very different.
Instead of replacing an existing tooth, dental implants abroad involve shaving an existing tooth down until it can be capped with a crown. Whilst the end result might look great, the procedure can cause permanent damage to any existing teeth including:
- Infected gums
- Exposed nerves
- Sensitive teeth
This isn’t to mention the fact that crowns aren’t as permanent a solution than fixed dental implants, and so are at risk of falling off and exposing the damaged teeth after a matter of months or years.
The veneer of social media
As we’ve said, this recent rise in dental implants abroad has much to do with social media exposure and endorsements from the likes of Love Island influencers and tabloid celebrities.
However, dive a little deeper and you’ll find that many stories actually discuss how they went into getting cheap dental implants abroad without fully knowing the ins and outs of the procedure. A quick Google search of “Turkey teeth” highlights many people’s regrets in opting for going to the cheapest place for dental implants as opposed to the most reliable.
Like with many medical and cosmetic procedures, we advise extensive research and discussions with a professional before opting into getting expensive cosmetic surgery.
A short term alternative to dental implants
People are also attracted by the relatively short time investment that cheap dental implants require compared to UK dental implants done at places like Yorkshire Dental Suite. This is because – as we tell all of our prospective clients – you need up to 12 weeks for a fixed dental implant to fuse with the surrounding bone under your gum.
At Yorkshire Dental Suite, we are proud to offer expert and friendly aftercare after your dental implant to ensure that everything is going well whilst your body adjusts to the procedure.
When opting for cheap dental implants abroad, that level of aftercare is near non-existent once you’ve made your way back home, and you certainly can’t expect face-to-face consultations without flying back out.
Dental implants abroad: cheap not cheerful
As you can see, cheap dental implants abroad have been lauded as a cheap, effective alternative to the ‘outrageously’ priced dental implant work that takes place in the UK and elsewhere. And whilst we’re all for dental cosmetic surgery being accessible to as many people as possible, when it comes to your body and your wellbeing, you get what you pay for.
When you invest in dental implants at Yorkshire Dental Suite, you pay for a high-quality, permanent solution, professional aftercare, and excellent service from a team of exceptional dentists using the latest in dentistry technology.
For a free, no-obligation quote on your dental implants, let us know here and start your journey to a smile makeover today.
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