I am on a very tight budget but want to replace my lost tooth with a dental implant. The cost was pretty high here. I have been told that it is a lot cheaper in places like Mexico. In that case, would I save enough money going to Mexico for my procedure in order to make the trip worth my time? If so, is there anything I need to know?
Luke
Dear Luke,
There is a lot of hype around dental tourism. When it works out, it can save you some money. However, when it doesn’t work out, the results are usually more than just inconvenient. They can be devastating. Here is the rub. Dental care is cheaper in Mexico because dentists are not held to the same standard of care that we are required to in the United States.
One patient I spoke to who had to have her crown completely re-done in the United States said the dentist didn’t even do an x-ray of her tooth. Why? He didn’t have an x-ray machine. Another, who had a dental implant done, ended up with a severe jaw infection that almost cost her life. Did they save money in Mexico? Initially, yes. But definitely not in the long run.
The Dangers of Dental Care in Mexico
- There are no standards or laws regarding the sterilization of equipment. It is up to dentists how often and even if they sterilize their equipment.
- They cut corners on materials to keep their prices low. A precisely made dental implant fixture will cost a United States dentist several hundred dollars or he can purchase one from over seas for just a few dollars. So what if the implant doesn’t fit just perfectly? Well, that can lead to dental implant failure or a serious infection. That’s what.
- You have no rights in a dispute. You will not find the same patient protection laws in Mexico than you would in the U.S., which means if a dentist doesn’t want to own up to his mistakes, he or she does not have to.
My suggestion, especially with such an advanced and invasive of a procedure as a dental implant, is to go somewhere that you know will do it right. It may cost you a little more, but the peace of mind and protections afforded you are worth it.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.
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