You might have heard of dental tourism, as more people are talking about and considering that unique way of obtaining dental treatment. But what exactly is dental tourism? It is the practice of traveling outside of someone’s home country to obtain dental care. The exact dental care and treatment varies, but dental tourism often involves procedures that are complex and expensive.
The Rise of Traveling Abroad for Dental Implants and Veneers
For example, there has been an increase in patients traveling abroad for dental implants and veneers. There are some distinct reasons why dental implants abroad and veneers obtained far away can seem like a lucrative idea.
Why Patients Are Tempted by Lower Prices
Many people are interested in going overseas for these complex dental treatments due to cost, as they believe what they pay for dental care will be lower in another country. This is one of the biggest reasons why people are interested in dental tourism.
Popular Dental Tourism Destinations and Their Allure
Certain destinations are especially popular as places patients travel to and then obtain dental care. There are reasons why patients are attracted to these places and what they offer.
Common Countries: Mexico, India, and Beyond
Countries where people commonly travel for dental care include Mexico, India, Costa Rica, and others. Some people think getting their veneers in Mexico or dental implants in India is a great option. But is it? It is important to thoroughly consider all aspects before making the big commitment of traveling far away for dental care.
Marketing Tactics and “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Many patients are sold on going to those overseas destinations and obtaining dental care based on the marketing tactics and the “too good to be true” deals of overseas dentists. But it is important to remember that if something seems too good to be true, it often is.
Hidden Risks of Dental Tourism
Dental tourism often appears cheaper but comes with serious hidden risks, including lower-quality materials, insufficient safety regulations, and lack of post-treatment care. Seriously consider these relevant issues before you commit to having cheap dental implants overseas or any other dental work abroad.
Quality Concerns: Substandard Materials and Techniques
Although it might seem attractive to save some money by pursuing dental tourism, the risks of getting dental care overseas can often outweigh any benefit. For one thing, there are quality concerns.
That is, an overseas dentist might use substandard materials and techniques. That can result in short- and long-term problems to the patient after undergoing the dental work. This is only one of the dental tourism risks.
Unregulated Practices and Limited Patient Rights
In addition, there are unregulated practices and limited patient rights for dental work that occurs in another country. This is a serious drawback of dental tourism and one of the top dental tourism risks.
Lack of Continuity of Care: What Happens if Something Goes Wrong Later?
There is also a lack of continuity of care. Many patients need additional care after they have completed treatment. If something goes wrong after the dental work and after the patient has returned to the home country, it is not usually possible to travel all the way overseas again for follow-up care. Many people do not consider this and other dental tourism risks when looking into and committing to dental tourism.
Communication Barriers and Cultural Differences in Care Standards
Another important aspect of dental tourism is that there can be communication barriers and cultural differences in care standards. It is challenging enough to communicate in one’s native language about technical and medical topics. That is even more of a challenge when trying to converse in a foreign language.
Infection Risks, Safety Protocols, and Hygiene Standards
Finally, there are infection risks, as well as a difference in safety protocols and hygiene standards between countries. Carefully consider all of these dental tourism risks before making a commitment to dental tourism and to the place where you will receive dental care.
Long-Term Costs of Cheap Dental Work Abroad
Even if someone finds a great price on dental care abroad, that lower price could come with a host of hidden costs. In the end, dental tourism and dental care abroad that at first seems to be a better price could actually be far more expensive than the dental work that initially seems to be more expensive. Here is why.
Repairs, Redos, and Additional Procedures
Dental care that a dental office does in another country can lead to additional costs down the road. There can be repairs required if that dental office does not complete the initial work correctly. It is not practical to keep going back to a dentist who is far away.
In addition, dental work might need to be redone at some later time. There can also be additional procedures required, which could be procedures that the patient never anticipated in the first place. Pay attention to all of these factors and dental tourism risks as you research dental tourism.
Unexpected Travel, Accommodation, and Follow-Up Costs
Another curve ball that you might not anticipate is unexpected travel, if something comes up and you need to go back to the overseas dentist who did the dental work originally. That means you would have to arrange and pay for a hotel or other accommodation while staying in the country again. Plus there are all the other travel-related costs. Those costs can add up quickly, and you should factor them in when comparing dental costs.
You could find yourself paying a whole host of follow-up costs that you never anticipated when you started your journey toward improving your dental health through dental tourism.
Emotional Stress and Time Investment in Corrective Treatments
As if all of those challenges were not enough, there is also the emotional stress and time investment involved in needing corrective treatments. These are all reasons to consider your dental options extremely carefully as you research dental tourism. You might very well conclude that you are much better off obtaining your dental treatment closer to home.
Investing in Quality Dental Care at Home
Here are some reasons why it is best for many people who need dental work to invest in quality care closer to home, rather than traveling a long distance away or even to another country in an effort to save some money.
Importance of Certified and Experienced Dentists
There is the importance of working with a certified and experienced dentist. That type of professional has the credentials, including the education, certifications, and continuing education, to be able to complete high-quality dental work that stands the test of time.
Access to High-Grade Materials and Modern Techniques
That type of dentist has access to high-grade materials and modern techniques. When you seek out dental tourism options, you might or might not be getting the most up-to-the-minute techniques and materials.
Personalized Treatment Plans and Ongoing Maintenance Checks
Qualified local dentists with a certain level of expertise also offer personalized treatment plans and ongoing maintenance checks.
Why Choose Southland Dental Care in Los Angeles, CA
At Southland Dental Care, we would be honored to help you improve your oral health. We offer quality dental implants in Los Angeles, and we also provide a range of dental work to our valued patients.
Our Commitment to Quality and Patient Safety
We offer each patient our commitment to quality and safety while providing individualized attention and treatment plans.
Experienced Specialists in Dental Implants and Veneers
We are experienced specialists in dental implants and veneers. We have spent many years in this field and share that level of expertise with each and every patient who comes to our office for care.
State-of-the-Art Equipment and Technology
At Southland Dental Care, we also have state-of-the-art equipment and technology. An office like ours can provide leading-edge options like this that are often not as readily available to patients who pursue dental tourism.
Financing Options and Low Monthly Payments for Affordable Care
When it comes to cost, we work hard to provide options that fit within your budget while never cutting corners. We partner with each patient to provide financing options and low monthly payments so people can obtain affordable care. We can discuss with you options such as dental implant financing and low monthly dental payment plans.
As you consider your financing options, you will quite possibly find that local care is actually more appealing than dental tourism from a money standpoint. We can explain to you how affordable dental implants USA are actually more within reach than you realize. The same hold true for veneers and any other dental work you may need.
Potential Transportation Assistance for Out-of-Town Patients
One of our unique and patient-friendly services that we are working to develop is potential transportation assistance for out-of-town patients. This dental implant transport assistance service is pending approval, so if you need something like this, ask about it when you contact us for details on the dental care we provide.
Peace of Mind: Local Accountability and Readily Available Follow-Up
Our innovative and patient-oriented approach adds up to peace of mind for each of our patients. We pride ourselves on offering local accountability and readily available follow-up services. That is much more difficult to find for patients who pursue dental tourism.
Comparing Costs: The True Value of Quality Dental Care
As you research your dental care options, it is wise to weigh the pros and cons of the various options you discover. Definitely consider the value of quality dental care.
Understanding the Difference Between Price and Value
Make sure you think about the difference between price and value. That is, the least expensive option is not necessarily the best value. You will quite possibly find that dental tourism is not your best value. Dental implant success rates are often higher for people who obtain their dental care within the U.S.
Ensuring Long-Term Success and Satisfaction
The best value is the care you receive that is both the highest quality possible at the most economical price. Quality dental care is an investment in your overall well-being. Cheap is not always better, especially when it concerns long-term health and aesthetics. At Southland Dental Care, we have worked with patients who come to us after considering their options and deciding they are interested in avoiding dental tourism.
As the age-old saying goes, you get what you pay for. You do not want to cut corners when it comes to your oral health. Remember that oral health is intricately connected to the well-being and vitality of your entire body. Rather than opting to pursue dental tourism, seriously consider staying closer to home and finding a reputable nearby dentist. Southland Dental Care would be honored to partner with you to help improve your oral health.
Your Health and Smile Are Worth the Investment
You can better ensure long-term success and satisfaction by looking for the dental office that offers you high-quality care. It is that type of care you can trust to complete dental work that stands the test of time. The long-term value of dental implants, veneers, and other restorative dental work cannot be overemphasized.
As you seek out patient-centered dental care in the USA, remember that Southland Dental Care is the safer and smarter choice for achieving the beautiful, lasting smile you deserve. We are pleased to say we offer safe dental implants in Los Angeles. We also help many patients with their high-quality veneers in Los Angeles. Your health and smile are worth the investment.
Schedule a Consultation with Southland Dental Care Today
We invite you to schedule a consultation with Southland Dental Care today. Delaram Hanookai DDS. Periodontist and Michael Abaian DDS. Cosmetic Dentist are eager to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Along with offering the best dental implants in Los Angeles, we aim to be the best dental implant dentist in California. Whether you need dental implants in Sherman Oaks, veneers, or any other dental treatment, contact us for more details.