Dental tourism in Thailand

[Gknrd]

Just a heads up. I came to Thailand as a tourist and decided to get my teeth cleaned and one of my teeth was hurting. I went in and the 3 teeth were loose and he said there was nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

He pulled it and then started the implant talk. I got suspicious.. Long story short I quit going and left the country. I went to my dentist and he said the extractions were completely unnecessary .  I had several loose teeth and he did a deep cleaning and went into the root system and stopped the disease. All my teeth tightened up and now I am 100% except now I need an implant where the idiot in Thailand pulled the tooth.

Do not go to Thailand for Dental work.. period is my advice.

Just a heads up..

Edited October 12, 2023 by Gknrd

[The Fugitive]

5 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

Just a heads up. I came to Thailand as a tourist and decided to get my teeth cleaned and one of my teeth was hurting. I went in and the 3 teeth were loose and he said there was nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

He pulled it and then started the implant talk. I got suspicious.. Long story short I quit going and left the country. I went to my dentist and he said the extractions were completely unnecessary .  I had several loose teeth and he did a deep cleaning and went into the root system and stopped the disease. All my teeth tightened up and now I am 100% except now I need an implant where the idiot in Thailand pulled the tooth.

Do not go to Thailand for Dental work.. period is my advice.

Just a heads up..

Got me worried now. Off to dentist in 90 minutes for first session of root canal, post and crown, quoted 20,000 baht for repair of broken upper back tooth, root infection showed on XRay.

[bignok]

Had nothing but good experiences. One bad dentist really means zip. I went in Phuket, Sukhumvit and Pratunam. Good service, good prices, no mistakes.

 

 

[bignok]

5 minutes ago, The Fugitive said:

Got me worried now. Off to dentist in 90 minutes for first session of root canal, post and crown, quoted 20,000 baht for repair of broken upper back tooth, root infection showed on XRay.

Did you read google reviews before booking?

[The Fugitive]

2 minutes ago, bignok said:

Did you read google reviews before booking?

I was (sort of) joking! Not something I look forward to though.  I've already been to this general/specialist High Street practice for a filling and two crowns and all was satisfactory. My Mrs goes there too. Always busy, especially with children. My specialist has a Master's degree for which he had to be proficient in English language (so he told me). 

[howerde]

42 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

Just a heads up. I came to Thailand as a tourist and decided to get my teeth cleaned and one of my teeth was hurting. I went in and the 3 teeth were loose and he said there was nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

He pulled it and then started the implant talk. I got suspicious.. Long story short I quit going and left the country. I went to my dentist and he said the extractions were completely unnecessary .  I had several loose teeth and he did a deep cleaning and went into the root system and stopped the disease. All my teeth tightened up and now I am 100% except now I need an implant where the idiot in Thailand pulled the tooth.

Do not go to Thailand for Dental work.. period is my advice.

Just a heads up..

I can totally believe this, my experience was not as bad as yours, but unnecessary work carried out. it seems money beats ethics

[grain]

1 hour ago, Gknrd said:

Just a heads up. I came to Thailand as a tourist and decided to get my teeth cleaned and one of my teeth was hurting. I went in and the 3 teeth were loose and he said there was nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

He pulled it and then started the implant talk. I got suspicious.. Long story short I quit going and left the country. I went to my dentist and he said the extractions were completely unnecessary .  I had several loose teeth and he did a deep cleaning and went into the root system and stopped the disease. All my teeth tightened up and now I am 100% except now I need an implant where the idiot in Thailand pulled the tooth.

Do not go to Thailand for Dental work.. period is my advice.

Just a heads up..

One I went to at a hospital in Sri Racha gave me a price to do a big filling & crown, the price seemed ok so I said lets go ahead and do it, but when I went to pay the bill it was so much more, because the price she gave me was for her work only, the hospital added on use of the dental surgery, and the service of the dental assistant, and other charges. To make matters worse she didn't do a good job. The crown was jammed so tight between the teeth on either side that food would get stuck in there but I couldn't get a toothpick or even floss in between the teeth to remove the trapped food, which no doubt caused bad odors. Then a year later the tooth started aching again, so I paid another dentist 500Bt to pull the damn thing out and throw it in the bin. There are excellent dentists in Thailand but you need to ask around.

[1FinickyOne]

My experience is the exact opposite... love my dentist here. 

[The Fugitive]

3 hours ago, The Fugitive said:

I was (sort of) joking! Not something I look forward to though.  I've already been to this general/specialist High Street practice for a filling and two crowns and all was satisfactory. My Mrs goes there too. Always busy, especially with children. My specialist has a Master's degree for which he had to be proficient in English language (so he told me). 

Just got back from my dentist. I saw the young general dentist who had previously determined that I needed a root canal, post and crown. He told me that the senior of their two specialist dentists had viewed my X-Ray and determined my tooth was beyond repair. He told me he could pull it now. I told him not to. I have asked for a second opinion from the other specialist dentist in two days time. The fact this was 'sprung' on me (could have advised via a 'phone call prior to my appointment) made me suspect recommending an implant might be next on the agenda?   

[proton]

2 hours ago, grain said:

One I went to at a hospital in Sri Racha gave me a price to do a big filling & crown, the price seemed ok so I said lets go ahead and do it, but when I went to pay the bill it was so much more, because the price she gave me was for her work only, the hospital added on use of the dental surgery, and the service of the dental assistant, and other charges. To make matters worse she didn't do a good job. The crown was jammed so tight between the teeth on either side that food would get stuck in there but I couldn't get a toothpick or even floss in between the teeth to remove the trapped food, which no doubt caused bad odors. Then a year later the tooth started aching again, so I paid another dentist 500Bt to pull the damn thing out and throw it in the bin. There are excellent dentists in Thailand but you need to ask around.

Stay away from Hospitals and the larger places, one off Sukhumvit stung me for 6k filling a few year ago. My present small clinic dentist does a crown for not much more than that

[lopburi3]

4 hours ago, Gknrd said:

nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

 

4 hours ago, Gknrd said:

He pulled it

They pulled one or three teeth?  It seems to be only one and you fled?

 

4 hours ago, Gknrd said:

Long story short I quit going and left the country

Treatment and RCT both take time so pulling may have been indicated if hurting you and time in Thailand was short.

[sammieuk1]

They are very good at pulling teeth out quoting crazy root canal price nonsense xray very dirty teeth mister need clean and absolutely nothing you ask for is my now very gummy experience ???? 

[Gknrd]

4 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

 

They pulled one or three teeth?  It seems to be only one and you fled?

 

Treatment and RCT both take time so pulling may have been indicated if hurting you and time in Thailand was short.

Pulled three teeth , I picked him because of his credentials. On the board of dentistry in BKK. Just a joke really.  

Again just after the money.. After the extractions I was presented with pics of foreigners with implants and how great he was.. 

I am in Colombia now having implants done.. Just over the top professionalism. And I told them the story. About the teeth being pulled.. After X-ray's the specialist again said it was totally unnecessary. 

Doctor in the US was floored.  He saved my teeth and then referred me to Colombia to an implant specialist in Cali.

Thailand is a joke... 

Edited October 12, 2023 by Gknrd

[Retdent]

Every country, regardless of the profession has good and bad/ moral and immoral members. My advise, if you reside long time in Thailand is to seek out a competent professional in Thailand. Medical/Dental tourism is OK when things go right but will cost more to remedy, (physically, mentally and financially) when they do not. If you work, receive income in a particular country support them; you can also go back/report if necessary when things appear to not work out.

[topt]

16 hours ago, Gknrd said:

Thailand is a joke... 

Sorry you had such a bad experience but does not mirror mine with some dentists in Pattaya. 

 

The one I use now, after pulling a tooth and after I said what about the gap, he just said you can leave it no problem. He does implants and the like but never known him to do unnecessary work. He is so busy I guess he does not need to.

 

Many posters on here recommended him which is why I ended up there after a previous dentist moved.

[Denim]

On 10/12/2023 at 1:55 PM, 1FinickyOne said:

My experience is the exact opposite... love my dentist here. 

Same here. My dentist ( Dr. Hemawan ) at the Paolo Kasetsart hospital is the best dentist I have ever had. My wife also will only use her. Took my mother there for a crown and she was also well satisfied.  Does not do deep root canal work though.

 

It is unfortunate  the OP had a bad experience,  but as he himself admits , he was not thinking. If in doubt about anything here , always get a second or even third opinion before making a decision.

 

To extrapolate , from a single experience with a single Thai dentist , that all Thai dentists are the same and to be avoided is a bit of a stretch.

[Tropposurfer]

On 10/12/2023 at 3:57 PM, Gknrd said:

Just a heads up. I came to Thailand as a tourist and decided to get my teeth cleaned and one of my teeth was hurting. I went in and the 3 teeth were loose and he said there was nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

He pulled it and then started the implant talk. I got suspicious.. Long story short I quit going and left the country. I went to my dentist and he said the extractions were completely unnecessary .  I had several loose teeth and he did a deep cleaning and went into the root system and stopped the disease. All my teeth tightened up and now I am 100% except now I need an implant where the idiot in Thailand pulled the tooth.

Do not go to Thailand for Dental work.. period is my advice.

Just a heads up..

Sorry you had such a nasty experience here with dental work ... or should I say scam and abuse!

 

I can transparently say I had (since 2009), and have now a far different experience of the dental system here (private both cash and now with medical insurance).

My dentist is superb, a Master at her profession, and ethically scrupulous.

 

Many, many excellent medical technicians practice their professions here. If you need a reputable, safe, referral try:

Dr Lily Poncheron

www.bangkokdentalspa.com

 

 

[malt25]

I've had major dental work in both Chiang Mai and Sakon Nakhon. Both female dentists. I am fobic when it comes to dentists. And I mean a professional woos. I can't recommed these ladies highly enough. I "almost" look forward to regular check ups. Do your homework. Ask for recommendations. Way more professional & empathetic than back home. And at a fraction of the cost.

[mushroomdave]

Late last November in Canada I was told my sore front crown was infected and found other problems with a quote including a 4-piece bridge of over $4,300.00 Cdn. Went home and looked up the website/fees at PIDC / Pattaya International Dental Center in Pattaya as I was leaving in 10 days.  Went 10 more days with a little pain and then told the very same by a PIDC dentist (schooled in the USA) and walked out after a couple more return visits with a bill after conversion of $2,050.00 Cdn.  Excellent work, professionally done.....I'm not complaing!! 

Edited October 13, 2023 by mushroomdave

[Prubangboy]

Second recco for Dr Lilly. Without local knowledge, pay more in a tourist location. A place say, by the Soi Asoke BTS will be quality.

[safarimike11]

On 10/12/2023 at 11:57 AM, Gknrd said:

Just a heads up. I came to Thailand as a tourist and decided to get my teeth cleaned and one of my teeth was hurting. I went in and the 3 teeth were loose and he said there was nothing to be done but pull them. I was not thinking and said ok.. 

He pulled it and then started the implant talk. I got suspicious.. Long story short I quit going and left the country. I went to my dentist and he said the extractions were completely unnecessary .  I had several loose teeth and he did a deep cleaning and went into the root system and stopped the disease. All my teeth tightened up and now I am 100% except now I need an implant where the idiot in Thailand pulled the tooth.

Do not go to Thailand for Dental work.. period is my advice.

Just a heads up..

Where did you have this done: a clinic or in a hospital dental department?

[Petethefeet]

I have been to 4 dentists in Thailand. They have all been very good. 

[Celsius]

Op probably went to some crapola hole on Thonglor recommended to him by someone on expats Facebook. Probably by the same creeps who peddle their bargirls health insurance.

 

Only go to demtists that service Japanese. Anything that starts sith smile this or happy that.....AVOID

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Dentists are known crooks (many, not all obviously). Be it in Thailand, in Hungary or in France.

 

Use your instinct and feeling with the physician.

 

One can sense if he or she is just out to make a fast buck by cheating the patsy farang.

[ChaiyaTH]

I need quite a bit done too but haven't started due to the insane high costs in Thailand, a proper implant here cost 2-2.5X more (no wonder he offered me installments on the other 50% even I am a farang). I personally have no experience in Vietnam but I already notices the prices here being much much better, could be a good option nearby. 

Otherwise I would opt for Bulgaria or Istanbul.

Edited October 13, 2023 by ChaiyaTH

[NORDO]

I’ve gone to six dentists in Thailand.  Ran into several scams.  But the ten years I've been going to BKK dental hospital, Ive been very pleased.

 

However, granted, there are several scams that seem to key in on how much they can scam from you for the least amount of dental work.

[gargamon]

Why are people so slow to catch on? EVERYONE you have a financial transaction with is trying to maximize their profits. Doctors, dentists, auto mechanics, rental agents, etc. will potentially tell whatever story they can come up with to make you part with as much money as they can.

 

Next time:

Get multiple dentists to look at it.

Check ratings on Google.

Post a thread here looking for references. 

[Captor]

Thai dentists like to pull tooths! 90% of the times it is wrong. Say no and try another dentist. It is very rae that you must pull a teeth. Most of the time you can repair it. Also if it loosens from the bone.

[NextG]

On 10/13/2023 at 10:55 PM, gargamon said:

Why are people so slow to catch on? EVERYONE you have a financial transaction with is trying to maximize their profits. Doctors, dentists, auto mechanics, rental agents, etc. will potentially tell whatever story they can come up with to make you part with as much money as they can.

 

Next time:

Get multiple dentists to look at it.

Check ratings on Google.

Post a thread here looking for references. 

Nonsense… 

You just try to spread your unpleasant negativity whilst presenting it as a fait accompli. 
Experience with my dentist says otherwise. 
 

[NextG]

On 10/12/2023 at 4:32 PM, proton said:

Stay away from Hospitals and the larger places, one off Sukhumvit stung me for 6k filling a few year ago. My present small clinic dentist does a crown for not much more than that

My dentist was in a hospital. Excellent.