Difference in Cost of Dental Implants in England & Abroad

There can be quite a large difference in cost when you travel outside of England to receive dental implants. However there can be various risks associated with traveling abroad to pay less for your cosmetic dentistry procedure, so it is important to do your research before making any decisions.

Costs in England and abroad

• In England as of 2009, you can expect to pay around 2,000 pounds sterling for dental implants, including hospital bills and dentist's fees. However if you travel to Italy or Turkey, you might pay around 550 pounds sterling, almost 75 percent less than the cost you would pay in England. Many central and eastern European countries, like Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary also offer cosmetic dentistry procedures, including dental implants, at similar costs. European countries tend to be more trusted by patients, but other places, like Costa Rica, Vietnam and India also have an increasing number of cosmetic dentistry clinics, offering dental implants and other such services for even lower prices.

Why dental implants cost less abroad

• The incredible discrepancy in price of dental implants between England and other countries is mainly due to the fact that those in the medical field in England are paid a much higher wage than in many other countries. (This does not necessarily mean that the education or skill level of a doctor/dentist outside of England is less. Make sure to find out your cosmetic dentist's experience and education during your research.) In general, where the exchange rate of the local currency is not strong against the pound, the cost of almost everything, including dental implants and other cosmetic procedures, will be lower compared to the cost you would pay in England. This is especially true outside of Western Europe, in countries such as Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, India, Vietnam and Costa Rica.

Less cost, more risk

• A great price should not be the only reason to travel outside of England to receive dental implants. You must also consider the effect of traveling on your procedure. If you are extremely jet lagged or get sick from the local food or water, or don't adjust well to the different climate, you may not be well enough to undergo the procedure. Also, hygiene is critical--can you trust the cleanliness and hygiene protocol used by the cosmetic dentist and staff? After the procedure, will you be able to travel back home safely? If something does occur once you have returned home, will you be able to contact your dentist, will he be able to help you? And of course, does the cost of your round trip ticket and hotel stay (and that of a traveling companion) outweigh the savings of having the procedure done abroad? All of these things must be weighed against the discount in price of dental implants outside of England.

Do your research

• It is extremely important to thoroughly investigate your choices for cosmetic dentists and clinics abroad before you book a ticket to travel there. The better dentists will be listed in the International Dental Directory. Several factors to look into include reputation, dentist's experience, how established the practice is, total costs, post-surgery care, facilities and/or hotel where you will stay during the procedure, if the dentist and staff speak English, and even patient reviews. Contact the dentist and clinic by email or phone with all of your questions. If you do not feel comfortable with how your questions are handled or if you are not completely satisfied with the responses, then start looking for a different clinic.

Talk to your current dentist

• You will most likely need to have a dental/medical examination completed by your current dentist or doctor so you can send this information to your chosen cosmetic dentist abroad in preparation for your dental implant procedure. Be sure to speak to your current dentist or doctor about any questions or doubts you may have about going abroad. However, remember that they would rather have you pay them for this procedure, so don't be surprised if they are completely against your decision to go abroad for dental implants.