It’s increasingly common for people to travel to different parts of the world for dental care. They do this because dental fees are typically less costly than getting dental care in their own country. But is it worth the risk?
Despite the low dental crown cost in Thailand, dental tourism can be dangerous, both medically and financially. Dental crowns are one of the most popular procedures that people seek abroad to save money.
Discover the risks associated with dental tourism and why a low price tag may not be worthwhile.
Dental Crown Cost in Thailand: Know the Risks
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for dental tourism. The country offers several advantages, including low costs and a wide range of procedures available, such as getting a dental crown. However, there are many risks associated with getting dental care abroad.
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Poor quality of care
According to the Australian Dental Association, Australian dentists are trained to a very high standard, must be registered, and are required to operate in a strictly regulated environment. Unfortunately, not all countries have the same requirements.
The Thai Dental Council, the governing body in Thailand, was only established in 1994 and is still developing a uniform standard of practice for dentists.
Thai dental clinics may also use substandard materials as a cost-cutting measure, increasing the risk of dental crown failure. The success and longevity of your dental crowns depend primarily on the quality of the impressions they take and the fit.
Poor dental cement quality can cause your dental crowns to become loose or shift out of position, affecting your bite.
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Potential for financial loss
The financial risks of getting a dental crown abroad include over-inflated prices for services due to lack of competition and additional travel costs for patients who must return home for follow-up.
Most insurance plans don’t cover the costs of getting dental crowns abroad. As a result, people have to pay for the treatment out-of-pocket. If you experience complications from your dental crown procedure or are unhappy with the results, you have no legal recourse to pursue financial compensation.
This also means that you’ll need to repair any damage, incurring additional costs.
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High risk of infection
When seeking dental care in Thailand, you may be at a higher risk of developing an infection after the procedure. According to the CIA factbook, as of 2020, the risk of getting a major infectious disease in Thailand is very high.
Some infection causes include unclean instruments, contaminated water supplies, and inadequate sterilisation procedures.
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Unsafe anaesthesia
Unsafe anaesthetics results from several factors, including contaminated syringes, inadequate fluid intake before surgery, and inappropriate dosage levels. While dental crown procedures are typically performed under local anaesthesia, many dental practices offer inhalation or IV sedation for anxious patients.
To prevent complications or allergic reactions to sedatives, it is crucial for your dentist to know your complete medical and dental history. Unfortunately, Thai dentists do not have access to your electronic records like an Australian dentist does.
This can lead to miscommunication between you and your dentist and elevate the risk of adverse reactions to anaesthetic.
Visit an Affordable Dentist in Glenmore Park
When it comes to dental crowns, the cost of treatment can be prohibitive for many people. The low price is why so many people participate in dental tourism. But the possible consequences are a good reason to think twice before seeking treatment abroad.
Your smile isn’t worth the risks involved for a low dental crown cost in Thailand. At Bright Dental Group, we offer affordable payment plans through ZipMoney so you can receive high-quality dental crowns without the risk. Call our practice in Glenmore Park at (02) 4708 9691 today to schedule your appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
The Risky Rise of Dental Holidays
https://www.traveller.com.au/the-risky-rise-of-dental-holidays-blv7
Australia’s dentists issue warning about “dental tourism”
https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Media-Releases/Australia%E2%80%99s-dentists-issue-warning-about-dental-t
Thai Dental Education
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.511.2082&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Overseas Dental Holidays
https://www.teeth.org.au/overseas-dental-holidays
Dental Implant Holidays
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01267.x
Thailand
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand
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