Dental Tourism: Cheap Can be Expensive
In an age where affordable dental treatments can be just a flight away, many are tempted by promises of saving money through "dental tourism", however, it’s important to remember the saying: 'cheap can be expensive'. In an interview with The Mirror, Alana Boone, a 26-year-old HR professional from Belgium, shared her experience to warn others after a botched dental procedure in Turkey left her toothless and struggling with the emotional and financial aftermath.
Alana’s ordeal began when she sought an affordable alternative to the high costs of dental treatment in Belgium. She needed crowns, a dental cap meant to restore damaged teeth. In Belgium, this procedure would cost her a pretty penny, so when her mother’s friend recommended a clinic in Turkey, where the total price was quoted at £5,600, Alana saw an opportunity.
However, her dreams of saving money quickly unraveled into a nightmare. After factoring in flights and accommodation, the price jumped to £8,400. Still, she hoped the trip would be worth it. Her initial excitement soon turned to regret when complications began just a day after her surgery. After having her real teeth ground down and devitalized (a process that removes the dental pulp), she experienced excruciating pain, and her problems only worsened when she returned home.
Alana noticed grooves forming in her mouth and a foul taste that wouldn’t go away. Despite her attempts to reach the Turkish clinic for help, she received little support. Seeking a second opinion in Belgium, she was devastated to learn that the procedure was a complete failure. Local dentists offered three solutions with estimates ranging from £22,800 to £37,800. Worse yet, all of her teeth had to be removed, and she began the slow process of implant surgery.
Since April 2024, Alana has been living without teeth, with only 8 out of the 12 necessary implants placed. Though she is slowly recovering, the experience has taken a toll on her quality of life. “I miss being able to eat well and smile broadly,” she shared, noting the profound emotional impact of the ordeal.
Alana’s story is more than just a personal tragedy; it’s a cautionary tale for those considering cheap dental treatments abroad. "Think twice before choosing dentistry abroad," she warns. "If it goes wrong, you’ll end up paying three times as much in your own country."
Her advice is clear: while the initial cost may seem tempting, the long-term consequences of a botched procedure can be financially crippling and emotionally draining. She hopes her story will serve as a stark warning to others, encouraging people to thoroughly research and carefully consider their options before embarking on such a journey.
For Alana, the road to recovery continues. Though she feels some relief that the worst is behind her, she is still waiting for the final completion of her dental implants, which she hopes will be finished by July 2025. Until then, she remains focused on sharing her story and preventing others from suffering a similar fate.
It's important to note that not only dental tourism or overseas treatments carry risks. Even in your own country, you may encounter varying treatment costs offered by different types of dental professionals. In Canada, as well as in Ontario, dental professional colleges enforce Fee Guides to ensure that dental professionals adhere to industry standards in both technical quality and pricing.
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