There is no doubt that dental tourism is a lucrative industry. Since dental work is expensive in Australia, many opt to have dental crowns and other dental work performed overseas in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. As a result, global dental tourism is expected to reach over $6,54 billion USD by 2026. 

This may seem like a cost-cutting way to save money on a dental crown procedure. However, Australians are also exposing themselves to various health risks they would not encounter if the same procedure were performed in Australia. Before embarking on an overseas trip, consider the many risks associated with getting dental crowns in Thailand. 

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns provide a cosmetic or restorative cover for your teeth to improve the appearance or strengthen a weak or damaged tooth. People turn to dental crowns in Thailand because they want an inexpensive alternative to getting the dental crown procedure done at home.

Travelling abroad may not be feasible given the different dental standards, potential high costs, and increased time for dental crown fabrication. At Dental Spot, we utilise an on-site dental laboratory to fabricate your dental crown faster, saving you time and money instead of waiting for delivery of your dental crown from an off-site lab.

How are Dental Crowns Placed?

The process of having dental crowns placed begins with your dentist preparing the natural tooth for the crown. Depending on the reason for your dental crown, this might include filing the tooth down or filling an existing crack or cavity to prevent further decay beneath the crown.  

Next, your dentist will either take a physical impression of the prepared tooth to send to a lab where the dental crown is fashioned or for same-day crown placement; they may take a digital impression that goes directly to a computer. 

At Dental Spot in Croydon, we have a state-of-the-art on-site laboratory where we fabricate our crowns. Our 3-D printers ensure your dental crown fits securely for a natural-looking smile.  

Once the crown is ready, your dentist places it over the existing tooth to check the fit. If it’s comfortable and you can bite down normally, your dentist cements the crown in place. 

If your dental crown is part of a dental implant, you will undergo the dental implant procedure first and wait three to six months for the implant site to heal before returning to the dentist to have your crown placed. 

Getting Dental Crowns in Thailand: The Dangers 

A dental procedure performed abroad presents several challenges, such as different dental regulations, hygiene standards, and pricing. 

Different Dental Regulations and Training

Australian dental professionals are highly qualified and experienced in fitting dental crowns. They receive years of dental education, and many go on to specialised dental studies. Australia’s strict dental standards make dentists accountable for maintaining high standards of sanitation and infection control.

However, dentists in developing countries like Thailand face inherent healthcare challenges, such as inadequate dental regulation and varying standards of dental education. Those who travel overseas for dental crowns in Thailand take significant health and safety risks. 

Multiple Dental Visits While on Holiday

A large number of Australians book dental tourism packages, with some packages even including sun and surf. While you might see dental tourism as an opportunity to get a fun vacation while dealing with your dental work, dental crowns take time for fabrication and placement.

A dental professional requires several appointments during your holiday to do the first consultation, take impressions, and fabricate the dental crowns. Attempting to complete the entire process in a single holiday can result in high costs on accommodation and an extended stay abroad, which could mean taking more time off work. 

Language Barrier 

A significant risk associated with partaking in dental tourism is the potential for miscommunication due to a language barrier. Unlike in Australia, when seeking dental crowns in Thailand, you may not understand everything that is being said to you if you aren’t fluent in Thai and your dentist is not fluent in English. As a result, there could be aspects of the procedure you’re unaware of or unexpected costs that you didn’t realise you agreed to on your bill. 

High Prices

The costs of getting dental crowns in Thailand may seem initially lower, but you may end up paying more if you come across any resulting dental issues. Most dental insurance policies don’t cover procedures outside of the country, so you can’t get reimbursed if you suffer from further complications from a dental crown procedure such as a chipped or loosened crown while on holiday. You may need to pay extra for more dental restorative and cosmetic dental work when you return home. 

In Australia, your rights as a patient are protected, and you are entitled to certain recourse under the Australian Open Disclosure Framework.

Get Quality Dental Crowns in Australia With Dental Spot

If getting dental crowns in Thailand is too much of a risk, the dental professionals at Dental Spot can provide you with reliable and safe dental crown placement. Our technicians consider the colour, shape, and size of your teeth to create natural-looking dental crowns, ensuring each one is fabricated to the highest standards. 

Call us on (02) 9158 6115 to schedule your appointment. We can help you restore your smile with dental crowns. 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.