The Hidden Risks of Cheap Dental Work Abroad: What Patients Need to Know Before Travelling: Dental Tourism Risks
- tim37858
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Every week in the UK, more and more patients return from overseas dental trips feeling disappointed, worried, or even in severe pain. Social media makes cosmetic dentistry abroad look effortless. It talks about perfect veneers, quick smile makeovers, all at a fraction of UK prices. But the reality behind many of these “Turkey teeth” transformations is often far more complicated. So today we want to discuss the Dental Tourism Risks.
At M Dental, every treatment is carried out carefully and ethically, with full consideration of your dental history, long-term health, and individual goals. Because we follow strict clinical regulations our results are predictable, safe, and designed to last, not just look good for a holiday photo.
Why Cheap Dental Work Abroad Goes Wrong: Dental Tourism Risks
The appeal is understandable: fast treatment, attractive pricing, beautiful marketing, and the promise of a “holiday with a new smile”. But the factors that lead to complications are rarely explained to patients before they travel. There include:
Aggressive tooth preparation: Many overseas clinics heavily file teeth down your teeth to small pegs to fit crowns, even when patients think they are receiving “veneers”. This is irreversible, increases sensitivity, and can lead to long-term structural failure.
Rushed treatment timelines: Complex dentistry performed in two or three days does not allow time for proper assessment, adequate healing, infection checks and ensuring that the bite is tested and refined. All of these factors which are rushed have a long term effect on your oral health and the longevity of the treatment.
Limited aftercare: When complications occur, such as infections, fractures, gum issues, nerve problems the clinic is often too far for corrective treatment and there have even been cases where the clinic simply became uncontactable for communication. This means that patients are left with no access to follow-up support or emergency care.
No full dental records or X-rays: To ensure a patient receives the care they need it is important to understand their history. Without this information treatment can be impossible without proper imaging. Due to this many patients arrive back in the UK with no documentation at all, making corrective work more challenging, risky and costly.
Materials and techniques vary: Here at M Dental we only use quality materials which have been tested and meet high UK dental standards. This is often not the case with the typical countries typically known for “cheap dentistry”. Whilst some can look good initially they can come with problems such as irritation and are susceptible to damage and deterioration.
Unlike rushed overseas packages, we take time to fully understand your dental history, medical background, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Who Is Most Affected By Dental Treatment Abroad?
The allure of cheap dental work often plays into marketing. People targeted for cheap dental work can include those:
looking for rapid results before a life event such as a wedding;
who are financially struggling and the offer seems more attractive;
looking to influencers and celebrity accounts.
More often than not the people that chose these treatment options aren’t careless. They are misled into believing that what is being offered is a good option.
Consequences Patients Commonly Experience
At M Dental, we have helped many patients who returned from dental tourism trips. Examples include:
Persistent pain or sensitivity
Loose or poorly fitted crowns and veneers
Infection under newly placed work
Bite misalignment causing headaches or TMJ symptoms
Teeth filed down more than expected
Root canals left incomplete
Often, patients feel embarrassed to seek help and they shouldn’t be. Here at M Dental we do not judge your history or treatment options you have taken elsewhere.
How M Dental Greenwich Greenwich Fixes and Restores Failed Dental Tourism Work
We follow a structured, careful, and health-first approach to ensure stability, comfort, and long-lasting results.
Our Step-by-Step Process Being:
1. Full clinical assessment: We undertake a gentle and thorough examination to understand what has happened. We will take high-quality x-rays, photographs, digital scans, bite analysis as well as ensure a good understanding of your existing dental health.
2. Pain or infection management: If you are experiencing pain we will look at this and stabilise the area immediately.
3. Treatment planning: We create a personalised treatment plan that outlines:
What needs to be corrected
A safe timeline for repair
Material options
Costs and finance options
Expected results
We’ll always ensure that nothing is rushed and you stay in control throughout, taking the time to answer any questions you may have.
4. Restorative treatment: Depending on your needs, this may include:
Correcting poorly fitted crowns or veneers
Completing unfinished root canal treatments
Rebuilding teeth conservatively
Rebalancing the bite
Creating durable, natural-looking restorations
5. Maintenance and long-term care: You will have access to ongoing reviews, hygiene support, and regular monitoring. All of which is something rarely available with overseas clinics.
Realistic Before-and-After Expectations
Here at M Dental Greenwich we always prioritise preserving your natural teeth wherever possible. This is often something that overseas practices don’t do.
Here at M Dental Greenwich we are on hand to ensure:
you receive relief from pain;
you can put into place care to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy after treatment;
you mouth has stronger and better supported teeth;
you receive natural looking results that aren’t overly white, bulky or overdone.
As we have said previously in this blog, treatment cannot be rushed. This means that every treatment we provide has considered the level of damage and the best treatment for you. This means that sometimes treatments can take place over a matter of weeks while other, more complex cases, such as full-mouth repairs will be undertaken over a period of months. Regardless of your treatment plan we will always discuss with you clear timelines and expectations.
Pricing and Finance at M Dental Greenwich Greenwich
Corrective treatment really does vary depending on the severity of the problems. However this is something that can be discussed and explained within an initial consultation. Below we have detailed some examples for you of typical prices. But you can view our costing guide on our website:
Treatments can be paid for privately or alternatively we can discuss finance with you to make treatment more manageable. More information on the same can be found on our website.
Why Patients Trust M Dental Greenwich for Safe, High-Quality Cosmetic and Restorative Care
Patients come to us because they want results that look good and feel good for the long term. Our approach is built on:
A full understanding of your dental history and medical needs
UK-regulated standards for safety, hygiene, and materials
Treatment timelines based on biology, not speed
Detailed planning for predictable outcomes
Natural results tailored to your face, bite, and smile
Honest advice and zero pressure
Continuity of care, including routine reviews and aftercare
Here at M Dental Greenwich you are never rushed and always treated as an individual with unique needs, not a “smile package”.
A Patient Story
We understand that patients want to hear about how we have treated others who have been through similar experiences. So today we wanted to talk to you about Anna, a recent patient of ours, who is happy for us to share her story so that others do not fall into the same trap when receiving dental treatment abroad.
Anna booked an initial consultation with us after returning home from treatment abroad. She was experiencing severe pain which had been ongoing for a number of weeks. Anna reported finding it hard to eat properly and was very anxious that something had gone badly wrong with her treatment abroad. At our initial consultation we took images and found that Anna was experiencing an underlying infection as well as her crowns not being sealed correctly.
Thankfully we were able to reduce Anna’s pain, stabilise her infection and put into place a corrective action. We ensured that the treatment wasn’t rushed and that Anna understood the plan for action. After treatment Anna reported feeling more confident in both her smile and us as dentists. Anna has continued to receive general day to day treatment here at M Dental and has recommended a number of patients to us.
If you are worried about dental work done abroad or need a safe, reliable solution, our expert team will guide you through your options with honesty and care. Appointments can be made via our website or by giving us a call on 0204 541 8517.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is dental treatment abroad cheaper?
Lower labour costs, shorter appointments, inadequate regulation and faster turnaround times reduce pricing. However, this often means less planning, fewer safety checks, and limited aftercare. While this makes treatment cheaper initially, complications frequently lead to higher overall costs once you return home.
2. Are overseas veneers really veneers?
Often they are not. Many patients are told they are receiving veneers but actually receive crowns, which require much more tooth removal. This can weaken the teeth permanently, increase the risk of sensitivity and future breakages.
3. Is it safe to repair work done abroad?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. Here at M Dental Greenwich we assess the quality of the underlying teeth and gums first, then create the safest pathway to restore function and aesthetics.
4. What if I have no dental records from abroad?
This is very common. We will take new X-rays, photographs, and scans to properly diagnose the situation. Lack of records does not prevent us from helping you.
5. Can infections develop under new crowns or veneers?
Yes. If teeth were not properly cleaned, root canal treatment was rushed, or margins were poorly sealed, bacteria can become trapped beneath the restoration, leading to pain and swelling.
6. Will I lose my teeth if the work is bad?
Not necessarily. Sometimes teeth can be saved with timely treatment. The sooner we assess the issue, the better the chance of preserving natural tooth structure.
7. How long does corrective work take?
Simple repairs can be completed in a few appointments. Larger rehabilitations may take several months. Here at M Dental Greenwich we prioritise health, comfort, and long-term stability over quick fixes.
8. Can you fix my bite if it feels wrong after treatment abroad?
Yes. A misaligned bite is one of the most common complications of rushed cosmetic dentistry. We can adjust or rebuild the bite to relieve pressure, reduce headaches, and protect your teeth.
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