Dental Implants Abroad: Honest UK Guide to Risks & Savings

Dental costs in the UK can easily run into thousands of pounds for private treatment, and replacement of multiple teeth can be hugely expensive. Many patients, even with health insurance, find themselves unable to afford essential treatment. This is particularly the case for patients who require replacement of multiple teeth. Thus, dental tourism has become a major concern, with people considering countries such as Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Spain and Pakistan. Some American and Canadian residents consider Mexico. People in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia may think about treatments in Lahore.

Lahore, for people of Pakistani origin and those who already have family living there, is easy to reach for treatment. Additionally, with the growing price of treatments, many international patients have already started thinking about treatment with Lahore-based professionals.

For patients thinking about Pakistan, Dental Aesthetics Lahore offers an opportunity to have an online consultation and individual treatment evaluation before coming to Pakistan for treatment. Making the right decision starts with the information you are given and your expectations, not always with the lowest price.

Why So Many People Choose Dental Implants Abroad

Many patients choose dental tourism for cost and ease of treatment. In the UK and other parts of Europe, the cost of replacing missing teeth can run into thousands, and the NHS usually only offers implant treatment for specific clinical conditions. As a result, many patients look to countries such as Spain, Poland, Hungary and Turkey and, more recently, Pakistan. American patients also consider Mexico, and patients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar compare local treatment to what’s in Lahore.

Dental tourism is not the right choice for everyone. You have to take into account your dental health, the clinic’s standards, the cost and ease of travel and availability of aftercare.

Why Consider Lahore?

Lahore is a particularly good choice for overseas Pakistanis because of the lower cost and the convenience of visiting family. Lahore also has internationally trained dentists that attract patients from all over the world.

Before you decide on a dental clinic in Lahore, review the credentials of the dentist performing the treatment, the system of implants they use and the plans in place to address potential complications that may arise post-treatment and back home.

To better understand treatment processes for international patients, please click the link.

Dental Implants Abroad Cost: What Does the Price Include?

Many clinics quote a low headline price for a dental implant. But beware, that price may not include everything.

During your treatment, you may require other scans/x-rays, tooth extractions and bone grafting. Temporary teeth may be required during your treatment. You may also need sedation. Travel and accommodation costs may be a high cost in your final budget, especially if you need a second trip.

Costs may include:

• Diagnostic Imaging (CBCT Scan, OPG, etc.)

• Additional Oral Procedures (extractions, bone grafting, sinus lifts, etc.)

• Temporary Teeth

• Travel/Accommodation Costs

• Aftercare and remedial treatment

What Should Your Written Quote Include?

Before you book your treatment: Ask for an itemised written quote. Make sure it lists the costs associated with your treatment, what is not included and what may change in your treatment plan.

How Much Can You Save Getting Dental Implants Abroad?

Obtaining treatment abroad is less expensive in some cases, but the amount you can save depends on your particular requirements for treatment.

For a fair comparison, obtain a written UK quotation and a quotation from Dental Aesthetics Lahore. Add the cost of both trips, accommodation and any additional treatments.

This comparison has purposely left out estimated prices. The costs will depend on how many implants are required, the volume of bone, the type of restoration and your clinical condition.

Dental Aesthetics Lahore can provide a personalized quote after considering your case and provide the price in writing before you travel. Savings will usually decrease if something doesn't go according to plan.

What do Dental Implants Abroad Packages Include?

Dental implants abroad packages vary widely and may or may not include accommodation and transfers. Do not expect a package to cover all your treatment needs. Your dentist will evaluate your medical history and your needs and make the final adjustments to the package.

You need to ask the following questions before you accept a package:

• What brand and model of implants will be used?

• Who will perform your surgery?

• What are the surgeon’s qualifications and registrations?

• Will scans and extractions be included? Will temporary teeth be provided?

• What will be the healing period?

• How long will each visit be?

• What will the guarantee cover?

• Will the clinic pay for your travel if a repair is necessary?

• What should be clear to you when comparing clinics?

How Long Is the Process For Dental Implant Treatment?

The length of time you will spend on dental implants abroad will depend on your particular needs and the treatment method. The healing period between the two trips may be as long as 6 months.

What About Full Mouth Dental Implants Abroad?

With full mouth dental implants abroad, usually multiple implants support an arch of full replacement teeth.

Certain patients may be eligible for All-on-4, a technique where a full arch of replacement teeth is supported by four implants that are strategically placed. In some cases, these implants can be loaded with a temporary fixed restoration.

However, immediate loading is not always possible, and the temporary restorations are not always the final restoration. Also, bone grafts, sinus lifts, or other preliminary procedures may be required and add to the length of the treatment, as well as requiring an additional visit.

Consult Dental Aesthetics Lahore about your treatment eligibility, the proposed restoration, and the anticipated number of visits before finalizing your travel plans.

Is Getting Dental Implants Abroad Safe?

Safety and success of dental implants abroad are largely dependent on the clinic, the dentist, and the level of aftercare. The British Dental Association reported that 86% of 1,000 UK dentists surveyed had treated patients who experienced problems following dental treatment abroad. Among respondents who identified treatments that required follow-up work, 85% identified implants. The report describes the dentists’ observations of patients who required follow-up work, and does not reflect the percentage of all patients who received treatment abroad and experienced problems.

The 2019 Systematic Review conducted by Howe, Keys and Richards, using conventional analysis, reported a 10-year implant survival rate of 96.4%. Using a sensitivity analysis to account for the gap in follow-up data, the survival rate was estimated to be 93.2%. These are study-level estimates and do not reflect the expected outcome of an individual patient.

What Are the Main Risks of Dental Implants?

Some of the complications can include Infection, failure of the implant to integrate, peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant), Nerve damage (injury to nerves around the implant area) and Sinus problems.

There are also practical risks. Your treatment plan can change once you arrive; the dentist may not be the one you were expecting, or additional trips may be required due to a complication.

Prior to choosing a clinic, check if the clinic is professionally registered and review the clinic's standards for sterilization, imaging and aftercare.

The UK General Dental Council suggests that you consult with your dentist before you undertake treatment abroad and check the professional registration of the dentist and the facility.

How to Choose the Best Country for Dental Implants

Decide what's important to you. It may be the clinic, the dentist, or aftercare.

There are regulatory differences in countries; therefore, verify the appropriate authority before relying on a clinic’s claims.

How to Check For a Dentist in Pakistan

If you are planning to go to Dental Aesthetics Lahore (or any other clinic in Pakistan), verify the treating dentist using the official resources of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

• Note down the full name and registration details of the dentist.

• Visit the official website of PMDC and use the practitioner registration/verification facility.

• Check if the registration details of the dentist match those of the one who will be treating you.

• Find out details regarding postgraduate education and implant experience.

Also find out which brand of implant will be placed and request the implant ID card/passport. This information is useful if the implant needs to be replaced or if another dentist needs to integrate the implant with other restorative materials.

Ensure that information is provided regarding implant passport/ID card to allow another dentist to identify the implant if repairs are required.

Brand is important when dealing with clinics. Don’t make assumptions that clinics carry a specific brand. What brand of implant is available at the clinic you are planning to use?

Travelling After Having Dental Implant Surgery?

Each case is assessed individually, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to how long you should wait to fly after dental implant surgery. What’s appropriate to fly after a simple implant placement may not be the same after a bone graft or sinus lift.

You should check with your operating surgeon about:

• What should delay my travel?

• When can I fly after my surgery?

• Am I required to come back for a follow-up appointment?

• What do I do if I develop pain or swelling during my travel?

Aftercare: What Happens if an Implant Fails Abroad?

Consider aftercare as part of your planning for overseas treatment. You should speak to your local dentist about your travel plans to determine if they would assist you in an aftercare capacity or if they would see you to assess complications after you’ve returned.

You should retain the following:

• OPG and CBCT X-rays

• Type of implant placed (make, model and size)

• Treatment plan and operative notes

• Medication and follow-up instructions

• Warranty and clinic contact information

If you have pain, swelling or other issues with your implant while outside the UK, contact the clinic for an assessment and arrange for an urgent dental assessment locally if necessary.

Do not expect the overseas clinic to pay for your return travel, replace the treatment or cover your accommodation. Find out about the complaint process and the terms of the guarantee before treatment.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Dental Treatment Abroad?

Standard travel insurance usually does not cover planned dental treatment. Cover under the UK’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) does not include travel for planned dental treatment.

The NHS Business Services Authority explains on its webpage that GHIC and EHIC cover generally does not extend to planned treatment abroad. See the NHS webpage.

If you are a Bupa dental plan holder or have Denplan, etc. and have a medical travel insurance plan, ask the insurance company in writing if they would cover relevant treatment. Also ask if they would cover any complications, and don’t assume they would cover emergency dental treatment, let alone implants.

Why Should I Consider Dental Aesthetics Lahore for My Implant Consultation?

An assessment should always occur before an offer for a package. Dental Aesthetics Lahore is an option for implant treatment for people outside the UK, and possibly the Gulf, etc. If you are outside of these regions and considering travel to Pakistan, ask the clinic if they have an online assessment process and if they can review your available dental records.

Sharing your recent medical and dental history, as well as recent imaging, is a good starting point. The clinical team can help determine if any further assessment is necessary and describe potential treatment options.

Prior to confirmation of treatment, request a written treatment plan to include the implant system, procedures, estimated number of visits, the healing period, and the total cost. Request the name of the surgeon and how post-operative care and follow-up will be provided.

If you will be undergoing additional treatment, including bone grafting and/or treatment of gum disease, and what this would mean for your overall treatment timeline, the clinic should be able to answer these.

A consult should answer your questions about options, costs, and complications. This should happen prior to your committing to flights and treatment.