The advent of dental implants has revolutionized dentistry, allowing patients with tooth loss a viable option for a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. But the one major downside is that the cost tends to be prohibitive, especially in the case of All on 4 dental implants.
If the high price of dental implants is preventing you from having the smile of your dreams, you may want to consider going abroad for treatment. In many countries, implants are much more affordable than they are in the US.
What Are All on 4 Dental Implants?
Before we discuss which is the cheapest country for All on 4 dental implants, let’s first talk about what they are.
Patients that are candidates for this type of implant are individuals that are edentulous (no teeth) or near-edentulous. All on 4 implants provide a permanent full-arch restoration using just four implant sites in the lower jaw. A full set of teeth is then placed on these four implants.
The procedure is popular for people who prefer not to wear dentures, or whose dentures are no longer viable. It has many advantages over traditional implants, namely that the process is quicker and more cost-effective. Additionally, patients leave the surgery with teeth fitted to their implants, which is not the case with many other implant types.
Why Go Abroad for Dental Implants?
Though the price is the primary motivation for those who choose to go abroad for this procedure, there are other reasons to go, too.
You can take advantage of the knowledge of highly qualified dentists who may not be available at home. Another reason is being able to access state-of-the-art technology. But most importantly, lots of individuals choose to go abroad because they know they will receive top-notch care comparable to—or better—than the attention they can get locally.
All of these reasons have made medical tourism a flourishing industry that numerous Americans regularly take part in. Of course, many people take advantage of their treatment to take a vacation.
Why Is It Cheaper?
If you’re dubious about lower prices abroad, it’s essential to keep in mind a few of the reasons that dental implants in some foreign countries are cheaper.
One primary reason has to do with student debt. Unlike in the US, dentists in most other countries don’t have to contend with repaying massive loans. This fact alone allows for significantly reduced operating costs.
And other price-driving factors like taxes, operating costs, and labor costs are lower in other countries.
What Are the Cheapest Countries for All on 4 Implants?
While it’s difficult to name the single cheapest country for All on 4 dental implants, there are several options for anyone considering dental tourism.
Hungary, Poland, and Turkey are some of the most popular choices if you are looking to have All on 4 implants done in a European country. Many people go to Spain, too. Though the prices in Spain are a bit higher than in Hungary, Poland, or Turkey, some prefer this slightly more familiar destination.
Outside of Europe, Thailand and Mexico also have a strong dental tourism industry.
How to Arrange Overseas Dental Work
Discovering the cheapest country for All on 4 dental implants is just one part of the equation. Arranging overseas dental work requires plenty of research before committing.
Many people enlist the help of medical tourism agencies, which act as intermediaries and arrange things like accommodation, flights, and advice on centers. But if you plan to locate a dentist on your own, you should make sure to:
- Verify the qualifications of the dentist/center you’re considering
- Read reviews online, preferably from independent reviewers
- Understand the particulars of the procedure, such as recovery time, logistics, and how much time you should stay for any follow-up visits
- Speak to the dentist directly, if you can
- Confirm that both the dentist and the center staff speak the same language as you
Taking time to ensure the quality of the overseas center is vital. Remember that even though it may be tempting to go with the lowest offer you can find, your oral health depends on finding a reputable dentist.