Dental tourism is becoming increasingly popular with people who are looking to cut the costs of dental implants, and Vietnam is one of the hottest dental tourist destinations. However, there are many risks involved with dental implants in Vietnam, and many hidden costs that you may not have considered.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have several benefits over other tooth replacements such as dentures or bridges. Dental implants are permanent and durable, due to the titanium post anchored into the jawbone. They are also very stable and can withstand the same force as your natural teeth, which means you don’t need to modify your diet and chewing is much more comfortable.
Dental implants can also improve your appearance and self-confidence as the crowns are constructed from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia to give you a more natural-looking smile.
Dental implants can also help to strengthen your jaw and, unlike dentures, which can shift and loosen over time, can help to prevent atrophy of the jawbone and surrounding tissues.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants consist of a titanium post is placed into the jawbone to which is connected an abutment followed by a crown.
The second stage of the dental implant procedure involves reopening the gum to expose the implant and attaching the abutment. Finally, the crown is placed into the abutment and secured with dental cement and a small screw.
The Cost of Dental Implants in Vietnam
Dental implants in Vietnam cost a fraction of the price of dental implant procedures in Australia. The cost of dental implants is around 50% less than in Australia, with prices ranging from $2,000 – $3,000 for the total cost of a single implant. However, there are many additional costs that you may not be aware of that can make dental tourism surprisingly expensive.
As dental implant procedures typically happen in two stages spaced months apart, you may find that you need to make multiple trips to Vietnam, which significantly increase the overall cost of dental implants in Vietnam. You should also factor in the cost of travelling for follow up consultations and additional surgeries such as a bone graft or sinus lift, which may be necessary depending on the condition of your jaws.
The Dangers of Dental Tourism
Though dental tourism has become a popular option for people looking to reduce the cost of dental procedures, there are significant risks involved in travelling abroad for dental treatment.
Dentists in Vietnam, though well-educated and highly trained do not need to adhere to the same strict standards and regulations as set by the Australian Dental Association. The ADA ensures that dental surgeons are qualified and insist on continued professional development and practice accreditation. This often means that the results of your dental implants in Vietnam may not meet your expectations.
Insurance companies typically do not offer coverage for international dental procedures, which means you cannot claim any of the costs from your provider. This also means that you do not have any avenue for compensation or complaint if the procedure is not what you expect or you suffer an injury.
One of the biggest risks faced by international patients overseas is exposure to dangerous pathogens and harmful bacteria that you may not have encountered before, and therefore do not have immunity against. This increases your risk of infection and post-surgical complication significantly.
It is also recommended that you do not fly immediately after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots, so you may need to extend your stay in Vietnam beyond the time necessary for the procedure.
Reduce the Cost of Dental Implants at Home
Dental tourism exposes patients to unnecessary risks and may end up costing you the same, if not more than the cost of getting dental implants in Australia without the benefits of a local dentist, regulated materials and a government body for recourse if the surgery goes wrong.
There are several ways that you can make dental implants affordable. Check your current insurance policy to find out if you are offered coverage for dental implants. Some providers may cover a portion of the cost if it is deemed medically necessary. If not, consider changing plans.
Some people are eligible for subsidised dental care through government-funded dental schemes. Check with your state federal assistance office or Medicare to find out the criteria for eligibility and the types of dental procedures covered.
If you have a good credit rating, a personal loan can be used to cover the cost of dental implants which allows you to pay off the cost of implants in monthly installments at a low interest rate.
Final Thoughts
Don’t take the risk with dental implants in Vietnam. Talk to one of our dentists at Dental Spot on (02) 9158 6115 to find out how dental implants can give you something to smile about.
0 Comments