Avoiding Potential Pitfalls?
The fear that something can go wrong crosses the mind of nearly every dental patient that considers travelling to Hungary for dental treatment.
Price is often the driving force when a patient considers treatment in Hungary. Many patients who choose not to afford treatment in their own country take the risk to go overseas for treatment in order to fulfil their dream of a perfect smile.
Trusting the healthcare system of another country can be quite daunting especially if you know little about Hungary’s healthcare and legal system.
International Standards
The good news is that the dental tourism infrastructure is strong! Hungary is in the EU which means that Hungarian dentists and the authorities must abide by EU standards and laws. Hungarian dentists and dental clinics have always far exceeded the required standard even before they became an EU country. Dental tourism is such a big industry that the country’s economy gets a real boost from dental health travellers.
Research
If you research well and choose a dental clinic with a good online reputation then you will be fine. Often the dentist will display various professional memberships and demonstrate proven experience in the treatment that you require on a website. Hungarian dentists generally do a great job and they are not in the business of ripping off their patients or doing a bad job because they want to keep attracting patients and they know that bad news travels fast.
It must be realised that dentistry is a medical profession and sometimes the body can react to treatments in an unfavourable way even if the dentist has done everything right.
There are some practical things you can do to prevent or reduce your risks.
Choose your dentist carefully! Research the dentist or ask around family and friends to see if anybody has used a dentist in Hungary and if so then how satisfied were they? Travelling abroad for medical care is now a widely accepted concept so don’t be shy. The best is to choose a dentist or clinic that comes from personal recommendation, but if you do your research right you should be safe.
Costs
Make sure you have a good idea of the costs (not just dental but the cost of your trip) before you commit. Ask the dentist or his representatives for a treatment and price plan in writing. Make sure this includes all extras (stitches, anaesthetic etc) and request a copy of the guarantee policy. If possible set 10% aside for contingency.
Ongoing Medical Problems
Inform the dentist if you have an on-going medical problem (especially heart diseases, blood pressure problem, stroke, diabetes etc) and what medication you are taking. Some types of dental treatment need preparation, close monitoring and management if you are suffering from certain conditions.
Smoking
Smoking has really bad affects on oral hygiene and in some cases treatments like dental implants are not always an option for heavy smokers. Let the dentist know in advance if you are a smoker and ask what the possible complications are.
Immune System
It is advisable to boost the immune system before any kind of medical treatment. Get your oral hygiene in a better condition by healthy eating and drinking as well as cutting alcohol consumption before and during your treatment.
Surgery Risks
Before you start your treatment ask your dentists what the operative and post operative risks are and how to avoid them.
Expectations
Make sure you inform your dentist about your expectations. If you wish for a bright Hollywood-style smile or specific crown shape then let the dentist know in advance. You also need to make sure that your request is medically possible and that the dentist has the skill set needed to create your new smile just the way you want.
Communication
Do ask your dentist if something is not clear or you do not fully understand something. It is advisable not to go overboard with your questions but make sure everything is clear before proceeding. Do not hesitate if something is bugging you. It is best to ask then be sorry later.
Hygiene
Make sure you look after your teeth and oral hygiene after the treatment, as well. Do brush two times a day, every day and monitor your recovery. Some patients’ recovery can be a little uncomfortable so it is better to ask your dentist what to expect.
Don’t forget the importance of check-ups, regular oral hygienic treatment, also full scale a polish. Once you completed your dental treatment, try to prevent further dental problems.
Problems
Hungary treats hundreds of thousands of patients who have travelled from other nations to have low cost high quality dental treatment in Hungary. Problems are extremely rare and in most cases the dentist is willing to help the patient. Malpractice is relatively unheard of and the overall concept of travelling overseas for your dental treatment has little risks.
