It looks like Greece is the new travel dentistry hotspot, including All on 4 implants. That’s what I read online. I know South America and Mexico are suspect but is Greece different? If the cost of implants will drop 70% by going to Greece, I think even with the plane ticket and lodging I will still come out ahead. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece anyway. This sounds like a no brainer. Has your office received any reports, good or bad for dental implants there? Thanks. Mildred
Mildred,
Although we haven’t received any reports for or against dental implants from Greece, the country is known for sub-standard medical care. Although the British frequent Greece for fast and low-cost dental care, it’s not risk free. Several years ago, British women over 41 were alerted that Greece was the most dangerous place in the world for them to visit. Personal safety is a serious concern.
There are some critical factors that make All-on-4 dental implants successful:
- Diligent implant planning, surgery, and several follow-up visits are required.
- A highly skilled dentist who is experienced in the procedure is needed.
- High-quality implant fixtures must be used.
The plummeting economy in Greece has caused many of its residents to be conservative with medical and dental care. This is likely the reason that medical and dental professionals are promoting tourism and cheaper fees than other countries. It also means that dental professionals are performing fewer implant surgeries, which can increase the risk of implant failure.
Before you decide to receive dental implants abroad, there are a few things you should consider:
- If you experience complications, where will you go for follow-up visits? It’s unlikely that you will return to Greece for treatment, because it no longer makes your All-on-4 implants more affordable.
- How will you verify that the oral surgeon and his or her location are properly certified to provide implants?
- Can you hold the implant dentist accountable if something goes wrong?
Traveling outside of the U.S. for All-on-4 dental implants, or any other type of implants, comes with great risk. We recommend that you compare options and costs with several implant dentists in the U.S. and choose high-quality implants that will last.
This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca
