For many in the United States, the cost of dental implants makes them an unobtainable luxury. However, are they really that expensive compared to other countries in the world?
Your dental surgeon spent many years in college and now has a significant student loan to pay back. The costs of the technology used to perform highly delicate oral procedures, the fees to join governing bodies and general operating costs, all contribute to the price of the dental implant. It’s an expensive process and it differs from country to country.
There are so many variables and every patient is different. Prices in this article are in USD and are for the basic cost of dental implants, not including extras for bone grafts or other procedures that might be required.
Costs of dental implants in America
In the USA, the average price for a single tooth replacement is between US$3000 and $4500. A full set of teeth can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $45,000. Even with insurance, often policies don’t cover the full cost of getting dental implants.
The cost of dental implants in Mexico
Heading across the border for dental care might seem like a good option, with many medical tourists reporting they save up to 70% on their dental bills. The average cost for a single implant and crown in Mexico is US$1,400. However, the downsides to this is that you don’t get long-term aftercare, and there are less protections against medical misadventure than here in the USA.
The cost of dental implants in Canada
Across the northern border, does a trip to Canada result in cost savings? The average cost for a single tooth dental implant is somewhere in the range of US$1150 to $4,500, with the average cost being around US$2,300.
Cost of dental implants in New Zealand
According to NSOMS, a leading oral surgery in Auckland, New Zealand, the cost of dental implants in NZ for a single tooth is between US$1700 and $2050. If full IV sedation, general anesthetic, bone grafting and tooth removal prior is required, a single tooth could cost up to US$4,100. Many people in New Zealand think that dentistry is expensive, but the price is reflective of the high standards of education dentists receive and the impeccable care provided to their patients.
Costs for a dental implant in Thailand
Another common medical tourist destination is Thailand. With white beaches, great diving and swimming and a fantastic tourism sector, it seems a good choice. Prices for a single tooth implant range from US$2030 to $2,800 depending on the brand, treatment option, and exchange rate. But add to that the cost of flights and accommodation, suddenly the cost benefits may not be there.
Costs for a dental implant in India
In India, single implants cost between US$500 and $650 each. However, there are no guarantees with overseas dental surgery, and you have no security if anything goes wrong.
Costs for dental implants in the UK
In the United Kingdom, you can get a brand new dental implant for an average cost of US$3200. This depends where you get it done, with London being 50% more expensive than smaller towns.
If you’re wanting cheap dental implants, medical tourism can seem like a good deal. However, understand that places like the USA, New Zealand, Canada and the UK have governing bodies and high standards of care which also contributes to the overall cost. If you’re considering dental implants, the long-term outcome could be better if you stay at home.
However, if you decide that medical tourism is something you want to try, we should add that it is really important to do the math properly. Remember that you will need to arrange for transportation, and you also have to stay in the country for at least one night, so you have to pay for accommodations.
Basically, the best thing that you can do in the event that you want to use medical tourism is to first consider the local options. Get a full estimate in regards to costs. Then, see how much the dental implant will cost you in another country and add in the extra costs you have to pay because you go to another country to see the dentist.