Hungary is a popular destination of dental tourists

What is dental tourism? Dental tourism basically just means travelling off to another country to seek more affordable dental care, surgery and treatment. This is very commonly practiced by Britons, Americans, European and Canadians who would like to find more ways to save on dental treatments which are otherwise very expensive in their home countries.

There are no exact statistics on dental tourism today, but it is estimated that more than a million people from all parts of the world travel to get affordable dental treatment. This applies for dental treatment such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, crowns, root canals, and even less complicated procedures like tooth extraction. Countries like Hungary (which is today’s top location for dental surgery), Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Panama, South Africa and India market affordable, yet high-quality world class dental services to those who seek them.

The popularity of the concept of seeking dental surgery abroad stems from the fact that there are over a hundred million American adults, and about 25 million kids do not have dental insurance, or underinsured to cover dental treatment. These people will need to pay thousands of dollars for the simplest dental treatment procedures. Furthermore, even the insured who have dental coverage will find that the insurance does not cover for dental cosmetic procedures or dental implants, which are needed by many individuals.

The same goes for Britain where there are about 35,000 people who seek more affordable dental treatment in other countries. In Britain, there is a shortage of dental professionals willing to offer reasonable dental services, adding to the frustration of Britons. Who would resist gaining back that beautiful smile without having to spend as much, yet still get the chance to travel to another beautiful country? Dental tourism is indeed an offer that is quite difficult to resist.

With the popularity of dental tourism, more and more dental clinics abroad have concentrated their efforts on getting foreigners to avail of their services. This has resulted to even better deals for the dental tourist. In fact, many dental centers abroad now do not only offer dental treatment, but travel and accommodation assistance as well. It should not be difficult, for example, to look for a dental center in Budapest that would help you get a big discount off your air ticket and accommodation cost. There are even treatment packages which combine the treatment with travel, accommodation and even local tours which are very hard to resist.

Bear in mind that when travelling to another country for dental surgery, you will need to plan ahead of time. Depending on the type of treatment you need, you will have to stay for at least two days to up to a week in your country of choice. Post-treatment care is also very important so if you don’t intend to fly back after your dental surgery abroad, make sure there is some after care arrangement provided in your home country.

A dental surgeon in a Budapest surgery.

So you have finally decided that getting a dental implant abroad is the most practical choice. The next problem would be: how to find a good implant dentist abroad. Finding a good dentist abroad is much more difficult than choosing a local dentist. However, with the help of the Internet and recommendations from friends, there is no reason not to find the perfect dentist that could perform a dental implant on you. Here are the five most important tips in finding a good dental implant dentist abroad:

Only deal with a dentist that speaks your language!

It is absolutely important that everyone involved in the dental treatment should speak good English. A dental implant is a delicate procedure so proper communication between you and the dentist is an absolute must! Communication with the dental surgeon has to be very specific: you need to negotiate closely in terms of the treatment you need and the best course of treatment that best suits your needs. Any miscommunication, especially due to language, can lead to serious problems in the treatment procedure, and in your wallet!

Look for a dental implant center that can provide you with a guarantee.

With the increasing number of dental implant dentists abroad, many dentists now offer guarantees. It is important that you check and fully understand all the terms and conditions involved in the dental treatment. Be very wary about websites that do not clearly state their conditions. (e.g.: Smokers often receive reduced or no guarantee on implants.) Guarantees for dental implants are usually at least 5 years, but for premium dental implant brands you can get 10+ years of guarantee. Make sure that the clinic you choose can provide you with a similar guarantee. Most well-established dental implant centers provide good guarantee conditions.

Make sure to check the facilities and equipment.

As you might think, the bigger the clinic, the better. However this rule does not always apply, most small dental surgeries are highly specialized in offering complex dental implant treatments (including bone grafting, sinus lift, sedation, etc.). Make sure that the clinic is spotless clean and well-equipped. Added facilities such as a wide waiting area and free Internet access is always a plus, as it means that the clinic is willing to invest ito provide better services. Dental implant centers abroad usually post photos of their equipment and facilities; some even provide 3D virtual tours and so on, so make sure you check them out before choosing.

Check that the dental implant surgeon is duly licensed.

Check out the qualifications of the dentist. They should have some form of specialization or post-graduate training in dental implants. Feel free to ask about specializations; reliable dentists should willingly provide these for your reference. If you are located in the UK, you can search the GDC registers. Although it’ll only show you if a dentist is registered in the UK, there are many dentists abroad who found it important to get registered as they are treating so many British patients. Sometimes they are holding consultations in London, in that case a GDC licence is a must. Your best bet is to choose a GDC registered dentist, even if you are planning to go abroad for dental work.

Dr. Halász and Dr. Bátorfi on a conference. Both of them treat UK and Irish patients.

Believe in the saying: experience is king

Even if the qualifications say it all and the price is the best ever in the market, these are not enough to assure a safe and cost-effective dental implant. A good dental implant surgeon should have already been in the implant industry for at least 5 years to have an acceptable level of experience. Ask more information about the dental surgeon’s experience. If you are in doubt, you can even ask for some reference contact numbers of people in your area that they have already treated. A good dental implant surgeon abroad will even volunteer these information and more.

More articles on getting dental implants abroad:

• Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Surgery in Budapest
• A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Dental Implants in Budapest

The Szechenyi Bath and Spa in Budapest

Why should I go to Budapest for dental surgery?
The primary reason why people go abroad for dental surgery is to have access to world-class dental care at much lower cost. Hungary is known today as the dental capital of Europe, for the right reasons. Deciding to go to Budapest for dental surgery is a wise decision. Hungarian dentists are known for their high international standards.

How much does dental surgery in Budapest cost?
The cost of dental procedure in Budapest will vary according to the complexity needed in the treatment. However, in general, you can expect to pay at least 40% to up to 70% less than what you would pay if you were in the UK, US or Ireland. On top of these savings, you can enjoy the many wonderful sites of Hungary‘s capital and enjoy a well-deserved break in their thermal hotels.

You can ask the dental clinic you would like to get dental surgery with for an exact estimate of how much the procedure you need will cost. If you need multiple dental implants, the savings will most likely be well over a thousand pounds or dollars.  If you happen to be looking for a full set of dental implants with bone grafting or sinus lift, you’ll save a fortune by traveling to Budapest instead of visiting a private dentist in the UK.

Who can go to Budapest for dental surgery?
Anyone who needs dental procedure can go to Budapest to have dental surgery. Thousands of foreigners yearly visit the capital to seek dental treatment. Make sure you contact several clinics before making such an important decision. Our previous post could help you with that.

Dental Implant Center in Budapest

How can I get to Budapest?
Hungary is part of the European Union, so there are a number of low-budget air lines that you can ride at a much cheaper price. Direct flights to Budapest are available.

Where can I stay in Budapest during the course of the treatment?
Accommodations in Budapest is never a problem. You can easily arrange your own accommodation, and you have a range of options to choose from to fit all preferences and budget. For budget conscious patients, a more practical choice would be to live in apartments or apartment hotels fully equipped with kitchen and refrigerator. Many Budapest dental centers help arrange accommodation, and even offer free airport to hotel or apartment transfers.

How long will you need to stay in Hungary?
The number of days you have to stay in Hungary will depend on the type of dental treatment you need. If you need dental implants for example, this procedure will require at least two different week-long visits about 3-6 months apart. It could last to up to two weeks for more complicated procedures.

Implant Surgery in Hungary

Should I worry about sterilization, hygiene and dental facilities in Budapest?
Dental surgery centers in Hungary use world-class facilities, sterilization technology and dental techniques, with clinics as spotless as can be. If you are worried, you can do your own research beforehand to find the best dental facility in Hungary you can find.

Do they speak English in Budapest?
Hungarians speak their own language, but most dental clinics catering to foreign market can speak fluent English and German. To be sure, check with your prospect dental center before dealing with them.

Can I meet the dentists before going to Hungary?
Some Budapest dental clinics might arrange a consultation in your area to make sure the patient can be examined carefully to determine the proper treatment plan. They either have contact points in your area or the dentists actually travel to meet with their future patients. Those surgeries that are treating dental tourists on a daily basis usually offer consultation in London. If you are from the UK, your best bet is to select such a dental surgery, as aftercare treatments can be done in London.

Still looking for more information?
Here are a few interesting articles about dental tourism:

• Take a bite out of Budapest – telegraph.co.uk
• Dental work too expensive? Go overseas – San Francisco Chronicle
• Heading abroad to see the dentist – thisismoney.co.uk

Dental Treatment

A missing tooth needs to be replaced both for aesthetic and functional reasons. The most common treatments for missing teeth are either a fixed bridge or an implant supported crown. Dental implants are now becoming more popular treatment as they provide a long-term solution, slow down bone loss and preserve nearby healthy tooth tissue.

An implant supported crown looks, feels and functions like your natural teeth, traditional bridges less so.

Adjacent healthy teeth do not need to be ground down for an implant supported crown, as they do for bridges, so healthy teeth needs to be sacrificed for bridge work. If in the future one of the teeth under the bridge becomes damaged or unhealthy, the whole bridgework will be compromised.

Dental implants stimulate the bone tissue and gums, ensuring an aesthetic result.

Implant supported crowns ensure better oral hygiene as they need to be cleaned just like natural teeth, bridges require special technique as they tend to collect more plaque around them.

Implant supported crowns are more a long-term solution than the conventional bridges. Both porcelain fused to metal and zirconium crown can be placed on an implant.

Missing tooth to be replaced by an implant.

Dental implants are the ideal option for people in perfect health who have lost teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or other reasons. There are a number of restorative choices for tooth loss such as the ever popular dentures, but no other procedure matches the durability and permanence of dental implants. They also look and feel natural; you don’t even notice that they are artificial. In some cases, dental implants are the only possible choice to restore the functionality of the teeth as well as its supporting structures.

Implant placed into the bone. The gum heals over the implant.

Of course, tooth restoration may cost some amount of money, and you have options for making the load easier on the pocket: because of the sky-high dental treatment prices in the UK and US, tens of thousands of people are looking for dental treatment abroad to reduce the costs of their dental work. India, Hungary, Thailand and Poland are popular destinations among dental tourists. However, no matter how expensive, the advantages of having implants far exceed the cost, making it money well-spent. What are some of the advantages of having a dental implant proceudre?

Aesthetic Advantages
As mentioned earlier, dental implants look and feel like the real thing. The teeth implanted become integrated into the structure of your bones so they are as real as your own teeth. With dental implants, you can smile again and be confident. If you need to replace a front tooth, a zirconium crown is suggested to be placed on the implant as it is not only more durable than porcelain fused to metal crowns, but also more beautiful.

The abutment and the crown are placed onto the implant.

Saving Your Tooth

Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants don’t affect the adjacent teeth. Neighboring teeth do not have to be altered in order to support the implant. This means that more of your teeth are unharmed, a benefit you and your oral health would surely appreciate.

Restoring Confidence
With dental implants, you can speak freely and eat with confidence and comfort. They provide freedom from those wobbles and discomfort you get from dentures. With implants, there will be more denture slips that might cause you to slur or mumble your words, so you can speak as clearly as possible.

The end result- a beautiful smile!

Durability

Dental implants can last many, many years. They are tried and tested to be durable enough that if taken cared of and maintained well, they can actually last you a lifetime.

Convenience
Dental implants provide you the ultimate benefit that no other tooth replacement options can provide: permanence. Dentures are removable, so they simple are removable. With implants, you don’t have to go throught the inconvenience of removing dentures, and those messy glues and adhesives you have to use to keep them in place.

Reliability
Dental implants are considered to be an excellent option for replacing lost tooth. Success rates for implant procedures are 95%-98%, making it safe and very reliable. (However there is a higher risk of implant failure if you are a smoker.)

Dental implants can provide you with all these aforementioned benefits. Note though that dental implants are ideal to those in good health, with good oral hygiene, and those healthy enough to be cleared for routine dental extraction. Your gums should be healthy enough to hold the implant in place. Heavy smokers and those with chronic disorders, or those who have radiation therapy in the head area may need to be evaluated first. It is best to consult with your dentist so they can give you the best option.

Step 1: Do your research on dental implant centers in Budapest

The Internet is the most convenient channel through which you can look for information on dental clinics in Budapest. Most dental clinics in Budapest offering dental implants to foreigners have comprehensive websites where you can look for more information. You can even check out pricing and more details on the type of services they offer.

Step 2: Pick out a dental clinic of your choice

After careful research, narrow down your choices. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a dental implant center in Budapest: experience, reliability, credentials, post-treatment services, complementary services, and so on. Choose a dental clinic that will provide the exact services that you need.

Step 3: Contact the dental implant center

Once you have chosen a dental implant center or two, contact them. If you are unsure of the type of treatment you need, contact them so they can provide you assistance. You should send a brief description of your major concerns. If you have digital photos or x-rays of your teeth, send them as well. There are usually a number of options provided in the website for contacting the dental center in Budapest.

You can find a list of frequently asked questions on dental implant surgeries in Budapest here.

Step 4: Plan your trip for getting a dental implant in Budapest

Many Britons travel to Hungary for dental work

If everything goes well with the dental clinic of your choice, and once you determine the exact treatment you need, you can already plan your trip. The dental center should also be able to provide you a tentative schedule as to the number of days your treatment would be. You can book through a travel agent or through the Internet. It is a good idea to ask the dental center if they could recommend you budget accommodations or help book the accommodations. If they have had experience in performing dental implants to foreigners, they should be able to provide you more information.

Step 5: Book your dental appointment in Budapest

Once you have confirmed your ticket and your accommodations, you can now contact the dental center for your final appointment booking. It is important that you coordinate closely with the dental implant center in Budapest so that there are no schedule conflicts whatsoever. A good dental clinic would be willing to help you fix your schedule and make an appointment that best fits your itinerary.

Step 6: Confirm the details of your trip and your dental appointment

Once everything is in place, you can purchase your air tickets and pay for your accommodations, and confirm the important details with the dental clinic of your choice in Budapest.

There are many dental implant centers in Budapest that accept walk-in patients for checkup and consultation. However, to make sure that your trip and your dental implant surgery goes as smoothly as possible, it is important to plan ahead. Besides, planning ahead can help you get better deals in air tickets and accommodations, even in the dental implant procedure itself.