Information is power especially for the consumer of goods and services. The Internet has provided us with instantaneous access to information which can benefit us short or long-term. Product and service providers have used this medium to lure consumer to their products through competitive prices and better quality. Dental Tourism is just one trend which offers patients to shop around.
What is Dental Tourism?
Even medical procedures are not immune to this trend with the recently created industry of Medical Tourism which has come to the fore offering competitive pricing and services for those all over the world. For now, we will focus on the European Medical Tourism industry and specifically target Dental. Dental is a specialty which everyone required on a yearly basis as well as those instances of conditions which need immediate action. As many of us know firsthand dental problems to not go away and in most cases lead to more complications and long-term health issues.
In this article we will focus on the Top 5 destinations in Europe and close to Europe (i.e. Turkey). These destinations and clinics target patients in Western Europe as well as the UK. The UK seems to be the largest supplier of patients as in the past few years as just trying to get an appointment to an NHS clinic is an exercise in futility. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 options and what we consider to be the best destination for those looking for both affordability and quality.
In all situations of Medical Tourism, it is important to do research on the clinic as well as the country and its medical practices. All EU nations have the same standards, rules, and regulations, while countries such as Turkey and Mexico are not the same as Europe and the U.S. respectively. And if God forbid something goes wrong, you want to be in a situation where you can get the medical attention you need.
Mexico, if you have not heard of Europe
Yes, we realize that Mexico is not in Europe or anywhere near the European continent, but how could we leave out the country which is the premier destination to the United States and its 350 million people. Most Americans are unaware of the opportunities in Europe for Dental Tourism and even if they were they might be less inclined to make the leap across the “pond” for a procedure they can get in Mexico.
Cost Savings: Dental treatments in Mexico can be significantly cheaper than in the United States, often costing 50-70% less. This includes procedures like dental implants, crowns, and root canals.
Quality of Care: Many Mexican dental clinics offer high-quality care with well-trained and experienced dentists. Some clinics are even accredited by international organizations and follow stringent hygiene and treatment standards.
Proximity and Convenience: For Americans living in border states, traveling to Mexico is relatively easy and convenient. Many border cities like Tijuana, Los Algodones, and Juarez have numerous dental clinics catering to international patients. Many can drive from the Southern California area, although if you’re flying let’s say from NYC you would most likely fly to San Diego and drive to Tijuana. With this in mind it would be approximately 6.5 hours from NYC to Tijuana (6-hour flight and 30-minute drive).
No Insurance/Underinsurance: Americans who lack dental insurance or whose insurance does not cover certain procedures find it more affordable to seek treatment in Mexico. Even those with dental insurance go to Mexico. Many insurance plans cover just the basics with a high premium.
Comprehensive Packages: Some Mexican dental clinics offer comprehensive packages that include accommodation, transportation, and even tourism activities, making the trip more appealing. Sometimes it’s a great way to have a vacation and treatment in one fell swoop.
Short Wait Times: Dental clinics in Mexico often have shorter wait times for appointments and procedures compared to some practices in the United States. While this may be true there is always some place to go in case of an emergency. In most cases it is the competitive price of procedures in Mexico that prompt those in the US to head to Mexico.
Turkey: cheap dental implants overseas
Turkey has been an extremely popular destination for those looking for medical procedures on the cheap. Many of these patients are from the UK and fly to Turkey for everything from Dental, Hair Transplants, and Plastic Surgery (sometimes extreme). Europeans fly to Turkey as well, but it seems that whenever a tabloid newspaper in the UK mentions surgery gone wrong its usually some B-list celebrity who when to Turkey for a butt lift, her 10th boob job, or 5th nose job.
Below is a list of reasons for many Brits, Europeans, and Americans to head to Turkey for dental procedure:
Cost-Effective Treatments: Dental procedures in Turkey are generally more affordable than in many Western countries, including the United States and Europe. This cost advantage extends to a range of treatments, such as dental implants, veneers, crowns, and orthodontics.
High-Quality Care: Turkey is home to many highly trained and experienced dentists. Many dental clinics in Turkey are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and adhere to international standards of hygiene and patient care.
Comprehensive Packages: Many dental clinics in Turkey offer all-inclusive packages that cover not only the dental treatments but also accommodation, transportation, and sometimes even tourism activities. This makes the process convenient and attractive for international patients.
Short Wait Times: Patients often experience shorter wait times for appointments and procedures in Turkey compared to some Western countries, allowing for quicker access to necessary treatments.
Tourism Opportunities: Turkey is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Dental tourists often combine their treatment with a vacation, exploring historical sites, enjoying beautiful beaches, and experiencing Turkish culture.
In some of these countries, such as Turkey, the standards are not always up to the those we expect in our own country. Hair Transplants are very popular for UK tourists with many low-cost flights filed with patients who have their heads wrapped in post-surgery gauze. Many of these treatments are not done by a qualified surgeon but an assistant who in many cases is not supervised.
One doesn’t have to look far for stories of these procedures gone wrong. This happens everywhere but a large part of the problem is recourse for the patient. Medically, legally, and financially patients are left out in the cold while expecting EU standards and practices to be implemented. Language and cultural gaps can also cause issues for all aspects of the surgery. Due diligence is important for taking any step when flying to another country for medical procedures.
Spain, you dental holiday destination
Like the other countries on this list, Spain offers the usual list of advantages for those looking for affordable and quality care for dental treatment. Packages, shorter wait times, and a chance to see a new city are all parts of what sells dental tourism. As most people opt for the big-ticket items and not a quick checkup or X-ray, we will provide a list of the most popular treatments. These are approximate prices and are not the set prices.
All countries mentioned in this article have similar prices on average although they can range between 10% pricier or 10% cheaper. On the whole these prices are on average 60-70% less expensive than the country where you are located.
Implants:
Single dental implant: €800 to €1,500
Full arch (All-on-4 or All-on-6): €4,000 to €12,000
Dental Crowns:
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown: €300 to €600
Zirconia crown: €400 to €800
Veneers:
Porcelain veneer: €300 to €800 per tooth
Composite veneer: €150 to €300 per tooth
Teeth Whitening:
In-office whitening: €150 to €500
At-home whitening kits: €100 to €300
Orthodontics:
Traditional metal braces: €2,000 to €4,000
Invisalign: €3,000 to €5,500
Root Canal Treatment:
Front tooth: €200 to €400
Molar: €300 to €600
Extractions:
Simple extraction: €50 to €150
Surgical extraction: €150 to €300
For UK citizens, it is crucial to consider the current travel restrictions post-Brexit. Entry requirements for British citizens can be stringent, and additional documentation relating to the nature of your visit may be required. To avoid any issues, it is advisable to check with the British embassy in Spain before booking your dental treatment. This ensures you are fully prepared and can enjoy a smooth experience.
Bulgaria, cheap with European standards
Bulgaria is a leading destination for dental tourism and basal implantation. For many years, Bulgaria has been a top destination for dental tourism in Europe, particularly known for its expertise in basal implantation.
Expertise in Basal Implants
Bulgaria attracts numerous Europeans seeking critical dental treatments, such as complete jaw reconstructions using basal implants. These procedures often involve complex cases where significant bone loss has occurred, necessitating the skills of highly experienced surgeons. One of the key advantages of basal implants is that they do not require bone grafting and allow for immediate loading. Patients choosing dental care in Bulgaria prioritize competence and seek the best price-performance ratio for this specialized technique.
Comprehensive Dental Services
In addition to basal implants, Bulgarian clinics offer a wide range of dental treatments, including dental surgery, implants, prostheses, and crowns. Social security reimbursements further enhance the appeal, making these high-quality treatments more affordable.
Sofia: Bulgaria’s Dental Capital
Most patients receive their dental treatments in Sofia, the modern and well-regarded capital of Bulgarian dentistry. Sofia’s dental clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, ensuring patients receive top-notch care.
In summary, Bulgaria stands out as a premier destination for dental tourism in Europe, offering exceptional expertise in basal implants, a broad spectrum of dental services, and a modern, reputable dental hub in Sofia.
Hungary: high quality implants at affordable costs
At the top of the list is the undisputed king of Dental Tourism, Hungary. This Central European country is not new to the medical tourism scene and has been working to be the best for the past 25 years. An unlikely contender Hungary has many advantages which the other countries do not provide and has the enviable position of being smack dab in the center of Europe.
Hungary ticks all the boxes for those looking for affordable and quality dental care. For those in Europe and the UK there are dozens of cheap flights to and from Budapest as well as Wizz Air having their headquarters at the Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If you look at the top European destinations, Budapest is always at the top of the list. It’s easy to get to, affordable, safe and has some of the best sites on the European Continent. This makes it a great destination to for both treatment and a holiday for the family.
Let’s take a look at the prices for a variety of treatments in Hungary:
Neodent Standard Category Titanium Implant – €785
An excellent all-round implant with a stellar reputation.
Straumann Premium Category Titanium Implant – €1020
Arguably the finest implant available, crafted by a leader in the field. It boasts a 99.7% worldwide first-time success rate and is especially suitable for clients with bone loss issues.
Implant Abutment
Neodent: €199
Straumann: €210
Abutments are small but precisely crafted components that connect the implant to the final crown or bridge. One abutment is required per implant.
Bone Augmentation/Sinus Lift – €130 – €850
For patients with bone loss issues, bone augmentation or a sinus lift might be necessary to ensure the implants bond well with the jawbone. These procedures are recommended only when absolutely necessary.
CT scan – €80
A CT scan provides detailed imagery of every tooth and the density of the jawbone. This is recommended only when absolutely necessary.
3D Surgical Guide – €240
This guide ensures precise placement of multiple implants in complex cases. It is recommended only when necessary.
All-On-4/All-On-6 Treatment
Price: Please enquire.
This treatment involves a full set of upper or lower teeth supported by 4 or 6 implants. The total cost depends on various factors. Contact us for a free personalized treatment plan and quotation.
Crowns & Bridges
We use only the finest Swiss and German materials for all our crowns and bridgework, fully guaranteed.
Standard Crown – €240 (€270 on Implant)
A white, nickel-free metal, ceramic bonded crown suitable for all teeth.
Zirconia Crown – €390 (€450 on Implant)
A metal-free, pure zirconia crown. Ideal for front teeth due to its superior aesthetic quality.
Bridge
Priced per Crown
Our bridgework is priced per crown. Choose from Standard or Zirconia options.
Temporary Crowns & Bridges
FREE
These protect treated teeth before the final crown or bridge fitting and cover any gaps temporarily.
Long-Term Temporary Crowns & Bridges
€45 per tooth
Ideal for tooth protection or gap coverage longer than one month. They are high-quality and durable.
Pin Restoration – €99
A pin restoration may be necessary if a tooth is broken or needs extra strength to support a crown. You will be advised if this is required before treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
Our advanced equipment and skilled surgeons ensure pain-free treatment. Pricing is based on the number of tooth roots. A crown, inlay, or composite filling will be needed to complete the treatment.
Single Root Tooth RCT: €99
2 Root Tooth RCT: €125
3 or 4 Root Tooth RCT: €160
Old Root Canal Filling Removal: €30
Inlays
An excellent alternative to large fillings, inlays increase tooth strength and longevity.
Press-Ceramic Inlay – €390
A temporary filling is provided free of charge while your inlay is being created.
Veneers
We use the latest and finest quality press-ceramic veneers for a beautiful smile. Veneers are recommended only if they suit your tooth shape and size.
Press-Ceramic Veneer (Switzerland) – €390 per veneer
These veneers offer strength, durability, and outstanding aesthetics.
Temporary Veneers – FREE
These protect your teeth after preparation and before the final veneers are fitted.
Tooth Extraction
We prioritize saving teeth and will recommend extraction only when absolutely necessary.
Regular Tooth Extraction: €60
Surgical Tooth Extraction: €145 (for particularly complex cases)
Removable & Semi-Removable Solutions
We use the finest materials for prostheses and dentures. Contact us for a personalized quotation and timescale.
– Traditional Dentures: €490
Made from high-grade dental acrylic for excellent aesthetics and comfort.
– Partial Prostheses: €490 + €55 per tooth
These can be a cost-effective solution for missing teeth.
Periodontal & Gum Disease Treatment
Our periodontal gum specialist can resolve any gum issues you may have.
Curettage – €195 per jaw
This specialist treatment removes infected tissue and bacteria from the gums, allowing them to reattach to the teeth and protect the roots.
Other Gum Treatments
We offer a comprehensive range of gum treatments. Please contact us for a personal quotation.
Tooth Whitening
Professional Home Whitening Kit – €198
Includes eight syringes of professional whitening gel, made-to-measure gum trays, and a carry case. This kit offers controlled, effective whitening without the sensitivity associated with laser treatments.
Whitening Gels (+ FREE Carry Case) – €135
This includes the gel only, without the gum trays.
Replacement Gum Trays – €79
Custom-made trays for whitening.
Night Guard – €79
Prevent tooth wear from grinding (bruxism) with a custom-made night guard. It takes 48 hours to create and can be posted to any address worldwide for free.
All prices are subject to change. Please contact the clinic for a free consultation and quote.
Summary – Places worth a visit to get back your smile
Each country provides an opportunity for affordable dental treatment. Quality is of the utmost important as well as the honest care you receive from the clinic. There are many “scams” that will lure you to that country/clinic and treat you not as a patient but as a revenue stream. This is true for all Medical Tourism procedures throughout the world.
With access to information through the Internet it is incumbent upon the patient to complete a thorough due diligence of the clinic as well as the laws and regulations concerning medical procedures. If you are in Europe or a bit further, we can confidently recommend Hungary as the best option. Take your time and speak with the clinic for a consult and find out what’s best for you.