In recent years, travelling abroad for dental and medical treatment has become increasingly popular. Lower prices, short waiting times and heavily marketed clinics can make overseas periodontal treatment appear tempting.
However, recent research reported in the Daily Mail and published in BMJ Open has highlighted a serious issue. Patients returning to the UK after treatment abroad are experiencing significant complications that require costly and complex care. In some cases, corrective treatment provided by the NHS can cost up to £20,000 per patient.
While much of the media coverage focuses on cosmetic and bariatric surgery, the same risks apply to periodontal treatment and advanced dental procedures carried out overseas.
At Pure Periodontics in London, we regularly see patients who are dealing with the long-term consequences of poorly planned or inadequately monitored treatment carried out abroad.
Periodontal Treatment Requires Ongoing Specialist Care
Gum disease is a chronic condition. Successful periodontal treatment relies on accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment planning, staged therapy and long-term maintenance.
This is not something that can be safely completed in a single visit or within a short overseas trip.
Patients who travel abroad for periodontal treatment often return to the UK before healing has taken place. Without follow-up appointments or ongoing monitoring, early complications are missed and disease progression can accelerate.
At Pure Periodontics, treatment is delivered by specialist periodontists with structured follow-up and maintenance plans designed to protect your oral health long term.
Overseas Clinics Do Not Follow the Same Regulations as the UK
The UK has some of the strictest dental regulations in the world. Specialist periodontists must meet rigorous standards for training, infection control, consent procedures and clinical governance.
Dental clinics abroad may not be held to these same standards. While some clinics operate responsibly, others do not provide the same level of safety, accountability or transparency.
Patients are often unaware that if something goes wrong, there may be limited options for complaint, correction or compensation once they are back in the UK.
Complications Often Develop After You Return Home
One of the most concerning findings from recent research is that complications frequently appear days or weeks after patients return to the UK.
In periodontal and complex dental treatment, this can include infections, failed gum grafts, bone loss, worsening gum disease, tooth mobility and tooth loss. These issues can be distressing, painful and costly to correct.
Many patients assume the NHS will manage follow-up care. In reality, routine corrective treatment following elective dental procedures carried out abroad is not always available.
The True Cost of Cheap Periodontal Treatment Abroad
While overseas treatment may appear cheaper initially, the long-term financial impact is often far greater.
Corrective periodontal care can involve repeat procedures, extended treatment time, advanced surgical intervention and in some cases permanent tooth loss requiring replacement.
What initially seems like a saving can quickly become more expensive than having specialist periodontal treatment carried out correctly in the UK from the start.
Gum Disease Is a Medical Condition Not a Cosmetic Treatment
Periodontal disease is linked to systemic health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Treating it safely requires clinical expertise, precision and long-term care.
Choosing treatment based on price alone can compromise both your oral health and your general health.
Why Choose Pure Periodontics in London
At Pure Periodontics, we provide specialist-led periodontal care in a fully regulated UK clinical environment. Our patients benefit from evidence-based treatment, advanced diagnostic techniques, clear treatment planning and ongoing support.
Most importantly, you are cared for by a specialist team that knows your case and is available to manage your treatment at every stage.
If you are considering periodontal treatment or have concerns about previous dental work carried out abroad, we strongly recommend seeking specialist advice before making further decisions.
To book a consultation or speak to our team, visit our Contact page:
https://www.pureperio.com/contact-us/
Your gums, teeth and long-term health are not areas where shortcuts are worth taking. Investing in safe, regulated periodontal treatment in the UK can protect you from unnecessary risk, discomfort and long-term damage.
If something sounds too good to be true, it often is.