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Not just hair: going to the dentist in Turkey can be a serious mistake

 

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Although it may seem like an enticing way to save money, receiving treatment abroad carries serious risks that could lead to long-term dental problems.

An increasing number of patients from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other European countries are travelling to Turkey for affordable aesthetic dental procedures. This growing trend of dental medical tourism is known as 'Turkish teeth'. Although it may seem like an enticing way to save money, it carries serious risks that could lead to long-term dental issues. Alex Foo is a doctor at Aria Dental and wants travellers to be more aware of the dangers.

How 'Turkish teeth' became a popular travel trend
Many Turkish dental clinics offer what appear to be attractive packages, combining cheap flights, hotel stays, and dental treatments for a fraction of the cost compared to the UK and other European countries. However, Foo advises caution and warns that what may seem like a good deal initially could end up costing much more in the long run.

"Not all Turkish dentists are bad, but those targeting specifically British and Irish patients tend to use aggressive treatment techniques," says Foo. "In many cases, they perform procedures such as excessive drilling, which can cause significant damage to the teeth." Excessive drilling to prepare teeth for crowns or veneers can damage nerves, leaving patients in pain or requiring follow-up treatments such as root canals.

 

 

The medical treatment ends with the return flight home
Patients who undergo dental treatments in Turkey often return home with problems requiring urgent attention. "We've seen patients with crowns or bridges that have loosened or fallen off shortly after returning. In some cases, the adhesives or cements used are of poor quality, increasing the likelihood of failure," explains Foo.

The problem with receiving treatment abroad is the difficulty in obtaining follow-up care once back home. Dentists in the UK or Ireland are often reluctant to carry out repairs due to the legal risks involved, leaving patients stranded with poorly done dental work.

That's why, although the initial costs in Turkey may seem cheaper, Foo emphasises that patients often face higher costs in the long term due to the need for repairs and replacements. In the worst cases, some patients have returned with severe infections that can destroy the underlying bone and make dental implants impossible. "In some cases, patients may even end up needing dentures due to the damage caused," Foo adds.

Is the risk worth it?
Foo encourages anyone considering dental treatment abroad to carefully weigh the risks and consider the quality of care they may be receiving. "The savings may seem attractive at first, but the risks of poorly done work, complications, and lack of follow-up far outweigh any short-term financial benefit," he says. "It is always worth consulting a trusted local dentist to explore safer and more reliable options."

Link Euronews https://es.euronews.com/viajes/2024/10/29/no-solo-pelo-los-expertos-advierten-por-que-irse-al-dentista-en-turquia-puede-ser-un-grave