7 Reasons to Stay In the UK To Get Your Dental Implants In Barnet, Rochester & Ashford, Kent

7 Reasons to Stay In the UK To Get Your Dental Implants

05 / 09 / 2023

Dental tourism is on the rise. Every year, growing numbers of people from the UK are heading abroad to receive complex, life-changing dental treatment. Lured by the promise of lower dental bills and the prospect of combining your visit with a holiday, it’s easy to see why many take a flight to improve their smile. 

But these far-flung dental holidays rarely live up to expectations. Dental practices throughout the UK often see the problems patients bring back from their travels after their treatment has gone wrong. And, we can’t always guarantee we undo the damage caused. 

Dental implants are just one of the treatments people travel for. But what potential problems could you encounter when undergoing this procedure abroad? 

Here are seven reasons why you should stay in the UK when getting dental implants or any other procedure. 

1. The Quality of Care

In the United Kingdom, all dental procedures are bound by strict codes of practice. We’re regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC), and every dentist, technician,  hygienist, dental nurse, or dental therapist is registered. 

The GDC ensures that all dental practitioners in the UK keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and that their training is of a high standard. Additionally, the GDC investigates complaints about the quality of care patients receive. 

While other countries may have their own regulatory bodies, standards and expectations differ worldwide, and the country you’re visiting for treatment may be very relaxed when it comes to dentistry. 

At GM Dental, you’re assured the care you receive during your dental implant placement will exceed the regulatory expectations set out by the GDC. 

 2. Quality of Materials

Dental implants are titanium screws used to replace the root of your tooth. Your jaw will fuse with the implant through a process called osseointegration. We use the highest quality implants that are biocompatible and durable. Once placed, we’ll check how your implant is settling in. 

Heading overseas for treatment means you may not receive the same materials. Your body may reject your dental implant, leading to infection. 

3. Your Implant May Not Be Traceable

Every dental implant we place can be traced. This ensures that you’re getting the best quality materials, and it helps if you need follow-up treatment or encounter a problem in the future. 

Implants placed outside of the UK may not face the same regulations surrounding tracking. This often causes issues later. 

4. Your Overseas Implant Placement May Be a False Economy

If the main motivation for receiving treatment overseas is the cost, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. You can indeed receive dental treatment overseas at a lower cost than the UK. Many countries have a lower cost of living that drives down staffing and premises costs. 

But travelling overseas for treatment doesn’t mean the overall costs are lower. 

In addition to paying for your dental implants, you’ll need to pay for flights, accommodation, food, airport parking, airport transfers, and travel insurance. Multiply this by the number of trips you’ll need to take. Dental implants are usually placed over several stages. 

You might end up paying a lot more. 

5. It’s Not a Holiday

Getting dental implants abroad won’t be a relaxing holiday. The procedures involved can be long, and you won’t want to relax by the pool after your appointment either. While a holiday may seem like the perfect time to recover after treatment, it could make the process uncomfortable. 

6. You May Need Repairs Later

It’s becoming more common for dentists in the UK to see failed overseas dental work. Getting dental implants isn’t something you want to take chances with. If we need to repair another dentist’s work, the costs may quickly stack up. 

In some cases, we may not be able to fix your teeth easily. Once you’ve had failed implants, you may need a bone graft. This means more procedures. 

7. It Can Harm Your Confidence

Failed dental work from overseas practices can leave you anxious about receiving treatment in the future. While we work to make any nervous patient feel at ease, overseas dentists may not have the same chairside manner. An unpleasant experience can leave you scared of dentists in the future. 

Dental Implants At GM Dental

At GM Dental, we’ve fixed countless smiles using dental implants. We’re insured, regulated by the GDC, and have a great reputation for the care we provide. Not only this, but you don’t need to travel far to see us. 

Call today to schedule your initial consultation.