Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare) is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of traveling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers traveling internationally to deliver healthcare.
Dental treatment can be prohibitively expensive and whether your dental plan is for dental health or because you want to enhance your smile, Dental treatment overseas can give you access to world class dentists, modern dental clinics and at a fraction of the cost of dental treatment at home
Dental Bridges
What are Dental bridges?
Bridges are dental replacements for missing teeth that literally ‘bridge’ the gap in the teeth.
Who can benefit from having bridges?
Usually when there are fewer teeth to replace, a bridge is the suitable option. Existing teeth, cosmetic implants or a combination of both support the bridge or bridges. However you will need to have strong teeth and bones to support the bridge.
Procedure
You will need to have at least two appointments with your dentist to create and fit your bridge. Firstly, an anesthetic will be injected into the relevant area and the surrounding teeth will be prepared to accommodate the new overlying crowns – this may involve drilling the teeth to the right size and height. False teeth replace the missing teeth, and the crowns then sit either side of these, on top of existing teeth or implants, creating the ‘bridge’. A mould of the teeth is then taken and sent to the lab that will create the crown and bridge using the mould, as well as matching the colour to your natural shade. In the mean time you will be given a temporary bridge. On your second visit the new bridge is fitted and adjusted if necessary. It is then temporarily cemented for around two weeks to be sure of fit and comfort, before being permanently cemented using a special bonding agent. There are a variety of different types of bridges, and your dentist will discuss what is the most appropriate type is for you.
Recovery period
Your dentist will discuss with you what you can eat in the first few weeks following the bridge or bridges being fit, which may be restricted to start with. Your bridges should last around 10 years, and it is important to retain good oral hygiene to prevent any more decay or infection of the teeth.
Risks
There are not many risks associated with dental bridges, other than the bridge loosening or cracking, in which case it will need to be refitted.
Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial; the implant is essentially a rod that is rooted into the jawbone to support the cosmetic replacements (crowns, dentures or bridges).
Who can benefit from having dental implants?
Individual’s who have lost one or a lot of teeth may wish to consider having dental implants. This may be due to gum disease and decay, injury to the mouth and alternatively to stabilize dentures. Dental implants are fast becoming a popular treatment as they root the artificial tooth to the gum, keeping it secure.
Procedure
Patients are usually placed under a local anesthetic during the dental implant procedure. An incision is made in the gum, which is then lifted and a hole drilled into the jawbone where the implant will sit. The dental implant (made from titanium) is then fitted into the hole, and the gum sewn back up. Sometimes a bone graft from the patient may be required to help the implant bond to the gum, which may take up to a few months depending on which part of the jaw has been implanted. Sutures will be removed around 7-10 days following dental implant surgery.
Recovery period
Once the implant has been fitted and the gum healed, the crown, bridge or dentures can then be fitted to the dental implants. This will probably be between 4-6 weeks after your initial surgery. If you are in any discomfort, you may be given antibiotics or painkillers to alleviate the pain. You will be given instructions on what you can eat and how to keep the area clean.
Risks
There is a small risk that the implant will not bond with the gum and become loose. If this happens the initial implant will be removed and the wound left to heal, after which you can undergo a second dental implant surgery. Other possible complications include bleeding, infection, damage to the sinuses, nerves or naval cavity.
Dentures
What are dentures?
Dentures are artificial devices to replace a partial or complete loss of teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and sometimes both. They are removable, and designed to emulate your own teeth and gums.
Who can benefit from having dentures?
Individual’s who have suffered from severe tooth and gum decay or injury, may be good candidates for dentures. They can be beneficial for several reasons, including boosting self-confidence, structuring the mouth and cheek areas and enabling the ability to bite down and chew food.
Procedure
There are different types of partial and complete dentures. The standard type of denture is created after any decaying teeth have been removed and remaining wounds have healed. Impressions of your mouth will be taken using a mould, and your dentist will choose the appropriate teeth shape, color and size for your mouth. The dentures will then be created and placed into your mouth to ensure a correct fit. Once this has been established, you will be able to wear your new dentures permanently following your next visit (you will normally be issued ‘immediate’ dentures until your permanent ones can be fitted), which are usually held in place by the natural suction of your gums. If you are only having partial dentures fitted, your remaining teeth may need to be shaped to sit flush against the denture. Partial dentures rest on a metal framework with clasps or fixings to hold the denture in place, alongside the artificial teeth and gums.
Recovery period
Your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your dentures, what you can and cannot eat, and getting used to wearing and speaking with them. It is important to maintain a good standard of oral hygiene.
Risks
There are very few complications associated with dentures, but they do exist. These include loosening or lack of proper fit of the dentures, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Infection (oral thrush for example) can also develop if the dentures are not properly looked after.
Teeth Whitening
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten the color of discolored or stained teeth.
Who can benefit from having teeth whitening?
Smoking, drinking tea, coffee and wine, decay and aging are all contributing factors to staining and discoloration. Teeth whitening can rectify these problems, and boost an individual’s self-confidence by giving them a brighter smile.
Procedure
Internal and external bleaching are the two main methods of teeth whitening.
- Internal bleaching – Internal bleaching is where the bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth. Firstly, the roots of the teeth are prepared by filling them with rubber, and the bleach inserted into holes that are drilled into the teeth (this may be over two separate treatments). Temporary fillings are then fitted. On your return to the dentist, the fillings are removed and the bleach taken out. The remaining holes are then filled using a natural colored filling to match the new tooth color.
- External bleaching – External bleaching means that the bleaching product is placed on the outside of the tooth. This can be done at home, at the dentist or as a combination of the two. If you choose to use home bleaching, you will need to visit your dentist who will take a mould of your teeth. This is to create two rubber trays that will sit flush around the teeth. Once home, these trays are then filled with the bleaching product and should be left in for a few hours at a time to achieve the desired color. If you choose for your dentist to perform the teeth whitening procedure, a bleaching agent is painted onto the teeth and a bright light shined intensely at them. Sometimes a rubber seal may be placed around the gums to protect them from the light.
Results
The whiteness of your teeth will depend on how discolored they were initially, and whether you continue to smoke, and eat and drink color staining products. Results can also depend on the type of procedure used, and can last anything from a few months to a few years.
Risks
There is a small risk that the light or bleaching agent used can reach the gums and cause a reaction. Teeth may also become more sensitive following the teeth whitening procedure.
Porcelain Crowns
What are porcelain crowns?
Porcelain crowns, otherwise known as ‘caps’, are used to treat damaged teeth. The decay is removed, and the porcelain crown fitted over the missing area of the tooth, which is shaped to receive the crown.
Who can benefit from having porcelain crowns?
Porcelain crowns may be used for several reasons. These include a decayed tooth that is too damaged for a filling, protection following root canal treatment, support to a cracked or broken tooth, aesthetic reasons and covering the effect of acid erosion to the tooth or teeth.
Procedure
Porcelain crowning is performed under a local anesthetic. Firstly, the tooth (or teeth) is cleaned, and any remaining decay will be removed. The tooth is then shaped using a special dental drill or file, and a mould of the tooth taken. The impression on the mould is then used to create the porcelain crown to fit onto the damaged tooth. The porcelain crown is usually fused to metal to make sure it is strong enough when you bite down. This process takes between 2-3 weeks. You may be fitted with a temporary crown while the porcelain crown is being created. When you return to have the permanent crown fitted, your tooth will be ‘roughened’ so that the dental cement used to fix the crown will bond well. The porcelain crown is then fitted and cemented into place.
Recovery period
As with a normal dental treatment, you will be able to leave the dentist following the porcelain crowning procedure. You may be slightly aware of the new crown in your mouth but this should pass after a few days. Your new porcelain crown should last for many years.
Risks
Your porcelain crown may feel slightly more sensitive and can sometimes be painful, and you should contact your dentist if this occurs. There is also a chance that the crown may loosen or fall out, in which case you will need to have it refitted.
Porcelain Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin layers that are created to fit over the front of the teeth to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Who can benefit from having porcelain veneers?
People who suffer from broken, chipped or crooked teeth may benefit from having porcelain veneers. Teeth that have been discolored, decayed or have gaps may also be suit porcelain veneers.
Procedure
You will have an initial consultation with your dentist to come to an agreement about what you want to achieve through your new porcelain veneers. Your dentist will then shape the front of the teeth using a dental drill or file, before taking an impression of the front surface to create a mould. Over the next 2-3 weeks, this mould is then used to create your porcelain veneers, which are based on the agreed shape, size and color discussed at your initial consultation. You may be offered temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent porcelain veneers to be fitted. During your next appointment, your teeth are cleaned and the front surface roughened so that your new porcelain veneers will adhere to the original teeth. Special dental cement is then used to hold the new porcelain veneers in place.
Recovery period
Porcelain veneers should last you between 5-10 years, and many dentists will guarantee their work for the first couple of years. Your dentist will discuss any necessary issues about what you should eat or drink following the fitting of your porcelain veneers.
Risks
There is a small risk that the porcelain veneers may come apart from the original teeth, which can lead to infection if they no longer sit flush against the tooth. There is also a small risk of cracking.
White Fillings
What are white fillings?
White fillings (otherwise known as composite fillings) are used to ‘fill in’ decayed parts of a tooth. They are made of a composition of glass particles and synthetic resin.
Who can benefit from having white fillings?
Silver amalgam fillings are the generally used to fill in the tooth because they are inexpensive, strong and can withstand biting pressure. Alternatively you can have white fillings fitted to create a more natural look. They are strong but do cost more than regular amalgam fillings.
Procedure
Your tooth with be anesthetised with an injection and any decay removed using a special dental drill. The white filling (composite) is then placed into the tooth, where it can then bond to the original surface. The white filling is then hardened using a light, and the process repeated several times to build up several layers. If you are having white fillings inserted into the back teeth, these are referred to as inlays. A mould of the tooth will be taken, and then you will need to come back to the dentist after the filling or ‘inlay’ has been created using the template mould. The inlay is then fitted into the tooth and bonded into place. For each process, the dentist will polish the tooth to prevent wearing and staining effects.
Recovery Period
You will be able to leave the dentist following your appointment. The anesthetic may take slightly longer to wear off however, so it is advised that you have someone else drive you home if necessary. Your tooth may be slightly sensitive for a while, but this will subside after a week or so.
Risks
White fillings should usually last for around 7-10 years, but sometimes they can wear out before this, and crack or leak, in which case you will need to have them replaced.
Root Canal Treatment
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (otherwise known as endodontic treatment) is a procedure to remove damaged or decayed ‘pulp’. Pulp is the name used to describe the blood and nerve supply that stretches into the root of the tooth through the root canal. The canal is removed of decay and filled in during the root canal treatment.
Who can benefit from having root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is usually the best option for someone whose pulp has become infected or damaged. This may be because of an untreated cavity in the tooth where the infection has eventually filtered down into the pulp. Other reasons include damage to the pulp via injury or repeated dental procedures within the tooth. Gum disease may also lead to the need for root canal treatment.
Procedure
Root canal treatment usually takes place under a local anesthetic. A hole is drilled through the tooth and any decayed pulp removed. The root is then cleaned, measured and enlarged to receive the filler. Once filled, either a temporary filling (if you need to go back for a second visit), or a permanent filling is placed into the tooth. The permanent filling is used to seal the tooth shut – a crown may also be fitted onto the surface of the tooth to help protect it, depending on the extent of decay to the tooth structure. You may need to have treatment over several visits depending on which tooth, and how many are affected.
Recovery period
Following your root canal treatment you should not encounter any more pain, although your tooth may be sensitive for a few days and you may experience some swelling (you can take painkillers for this). It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, and to avoid chewing or biting down hard on the tooth for a short while after your root canal treatment. Your tooth will be monitored by your dentist to make sure that it is healing successfully.
Risks
Complications following root canal treatment include bleeding, swelling, pain, infection and incomplete treatment of the root canal resulting in the need for a second treatment.
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