Dental tourism in Thailand

[NextG]

7 minutes ago, gargamon said:

So you haven't caught on then. Good for you. I guess ignorance is bliss. 

I haven’t hitched a wagon on to unpleasant negativity if that’s what you mean by ‘caught on’. I’d rather have bliss than the abject misery in which so many here choose to live, no matter how much they have. 
My dentist is GREAT. Honest and kind, at least with me. 

Edited October 14, 2023 by NextG

[thaibeachlovers]

On 10/12/2023 at 6:06 PM, 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.

Don't need to worry if going to reputable dentist.

I had almost all my dental work done in Thailand.

 

If he wasn't thinking when he agreed to have the tooth pulled that is on him.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 10/12/2023 at 7:41 PM, grain said:

There are excellent dentists in Thailand but you need to ask around.

Correct.

[The Fugitive]

 

On 10/12/2023 at 4:27 PM, The Fugitive said:

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?   

Next visit; Saw the junior specialist who had previously filled same tooth. He gave a thorough examination and determined that there wasn't enough of my broken tooth remaining to make a post and crown doable. Had it extracted for 700 baht. Must say, very rapid, zero discomfort and no pain when local anaesthetic wore off. Recommended to return in 2 to 3 months for implant; Korean for 37,000 or German for 40,000 baht. I will manage without! 

Edited October 15, 2023 by The Fugitive
Duplicated input.

[lopburi3]

22 minutes ago, The Fugitive said:

 

Next visit; Saw the junior specialist who had previously filled same tooth. He gave a thorough examination and determined that there wasn't enough of my broken tooth remaining to make a post and crown doable. Had it extracted for 700 baht. Must say, very rapid, zero discomfort and no pain when local anaesthetic wore off. Recommended to return in 2 to 3 months for implant; Korean for 37,000 or German for 40,000 baht. I will manage without! 

Did you tell them no on the implant?  If so they might recommend a bridge at less cost.

[Bunny Silverhand]

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..

Sorry to hear that. I went to a dentist when I was in Udon Thani. They did a tremendous job and saved my tooth. Guess professionalism has nothing to do with nationality.

 

Pretty <deleted> up what happened to you. I'm sorry to hear it...

[The Fugitive]

48 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Did you tell them no on the implant?  If so they might recommend a bridge at less cost.

Thanks for the tip! The specialist had suggested a denture or implant. The general dentist who did the extraction only mentioned implant. However, the tooth was the rearmost top and I don't think I'll miss it too much.

[drgoon]

On 10/13/2023 at 8:14 PM, topt said:

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.

Can you let me know who he is please. I'm in need of a possible root canal.

[topt]

7 hours ago, drgoon said:

Can you let me know who he is please. I'm in need of a possible root canal.

Dr Warin Leekpai - 038 720 079 

Dental Care Centre - on Pattaya Klang between Third and Soi Boukhauw but there are at least 3 fairly close to each other with similar names

[Gknrd]

 I had bought a ticket to Colombia, and my dentist suggested a dentist here.

 

 I went and had a full mouth x-ray. About 20 shots and then a full rotation, 37.5 dollars.  Got a consultation from the surgeon ,  37.5 dollars. The surgeon had already brought the x-rays into a software program and we talked for about 30 minutes, said I needed a bone graph. Showed me why, and every detail.

 

 They had a 3D printing machine there, they make a casting of your upper and lower teeth. Then print them for the surgery. That way they can just insert the molds in your mouth and drill and insert the screws. 

 

 Working up a price now for the total.. I am afraid to see it.. My guess the implants will be out of my range?  But, will post it when I get it.

 Also I will talk to the dentist about a bridge. I have a friend with a bridge, and they said it was much cheaper and it was ok.  

 

This is not the cheapest place for dental work for sure. 

 

While living in Thailand I had my teeth cleaned and cavities filled. No problem. But, never at this level. Not even close. Doctor said , it they would have done a deep cleaning and stopped the gum decease I would not have these problems. Never once was there talk of anything.  not sure if lack of knowledge or just didn't care.

 

Edited October 18, 2023 by Gknrd

[The Fugitive]

19 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

 I had bought a ticket to Colombia, and my dentist suggested a dentist here.

 

 I went and had a full mouth x-ray. About 20 shots and then a full rotation, 37.5 dollars.  Got a consultation from the surgeon ,  37.5 dollars. The surgeon had already brought the x-rays into a software program and we talked for about 30 minutes, said I needed a bone graph. Showed me why, and every detail.

 

 They had a 3D printing machine there, they make a casting of your upper and lower teeth. Then print them for the surgery. That way they can just insert the molds in your mouth and drill and insert the screws. 

 

 Working up a price now for the total.. I am afraid to see it.. My guess the implants will be out of my range?  But, will post it when I get it.

 Also I will talk to the dentist about a bridge. I have a friend with a bridge, and they said it was much cheaper and it was ok.  

 

This is not the cheapest place for dental work for sure. 

 

While living in Thailand I had my teeth cleaned and cavities filled. No problem. But, never at this level. Not even close. Doctor said , it they would have done a deep cleaning and stopped the gum decease I would not have these problems. Never once was there talk of anything.  not sure if lack of knowledge or just didn't care.

Thank you for your report. Colombia obviously is the place to go! When you were in Thailand, did you go to a general dentist or ever see a specialist? Did you receive treatment in the dental dept. of your local Community Hospital or in a High Street clinic or elsewhere?

[Gknrd]

Ok, here is the latest. 

I opted for the treatment, I have my first surgery in two weeks.. It is pretty extensive. I will have two bone graft's. 4 extractions and two implants on the first surgery. And remember I already had 3 extractions in Thailand. But without support my teeth drifted and they need to be pulled to line everything up. I also opted for 3 more extractions because they were  teeth that had been worked on in the past and I don't want to have to worry about them later. In the very back of my mouth. I am getting old and this will hopefully be my last big expense on my teeth. 

They will give me a full set of dentures while the graft's heal. Then in 6 months I return for the remaining implants.

Three months later my new teeth...

I really do not know if this is to expensive, but I do know the profesionalism is off the charts here.  

Also I realize everyone has their own opinion. After this and Thailand, I would never recommend Thailand. 

Total:   12K. US dollars.

 

Forgot, the grafts are because of the  big teeth in the back, after they pull them I will not have enough bone to hold the implants in two locations.  And they are close to a major nerve and he does not want to risk any problems..

 

Also after this I will go in every 6 months to my periodontist , have my gums checked and try and stop anything bad from happening before it gets started.

 

I will post again after the surgery if interested with pics.

Edited October 20, 2023 by Gknrd

[Gknrd]

On 10/18/2023 at 3:12 AM, The Fugitive said:

Thank you for your report. Colombia obviously is the place to go! When you were in Thailand, did you go to a general dentist or ever see a specialist? Did you receive treatment in the dental dept. of your local Community Hospital or in a High Street clinic or elsewhere?

I went to a dentist that was on the board of Dentistry in BKK. An older man about 60. Spoke English well and I had gone to him in the past. But, he pulled my teeth without x-rays or anything. If getting implants you need a full set of x-rays then a periodontist to do a full work up. And you don't need your teeth pulled just because they are loose I found out later. 

I would not set foot in a place in Thailand again. And if you do, make sure you do your homework and know exactly what needs to be done before you commit to anything. Don't go in blind like I did. 

[Sheryl]

A post in violation of community standards has been removed. 

[Gknrd]

Doesn't matter because most people that live in Thailand don't have options. But, in Colombia it is about 30% cheaper than in Thailand.  With much much better quality IMO. Just a heads up. 

Edited January 12 by Gknrd

[BigStar]

On 10/20/2023 at 8:50 AM, Gknrd said:

I would not set foot in a place in Thailand again.

 

Some folks just aren't compatible with Thailand and should leave as quickly as possible, definitely. And then leave the forum behind as well rather than hang around bashing from afar.

[BigStar]

 

I do, and he's got a lot of recommendations here over the years. Now if you need beauty, sweetness, fawning, talking, and modern plasticity, he's not your man.

[The Fugitive]

16 hours ago, Gknrd said:

Doesn't matter because most people that live in Thailand don't have options. But, in Colombia it is about 30% cheaper than in Thailand.  With much much better quality IMO. Just a heads up. 

Thanks for the info. Vietnam and India always seem to get mentioned too. Personally, I wouldn't travel for dentistry. It's something you need when you need it. 

[mania]

Sorry to say I have had the same experience at a few well known dental clinics in Thailand.

 

Best to just realize that in Thailand $$$ is king & there are many in every profession that do not blink at the chance to remove $$ from you

Whether that be dental or medical it is something to know & realize that you need to be careful.

 

When I was told by the biggest hospital chain in Thailand I needed a 450k operation ASAP I flew back to the USA to be laughed at for believing that. Now 7 years later here I sit never having been bothered by not having that so called needed operation.

 

I have to admit though it was a kick in the gut for my wife & I . Although we lived in Thailand many years & knew corruption was pretty common everywhere for some reason we thought at least at a big medical facility you could trust. But no & hard lesson to swallow.

 

[lopburi3]

1 hour ago, mania said:

Although we lived in Thailand many years & knew corruption was pretty common everywhere for some reason we thought at least at a big medical facility you could trust.

Hospitals are staffed by independent doctors who make the decisions - not all doctors think the same (which is likely a good thing) - so with any major medical decision it is best to consult several unless you have real experience/knowledge of his ability - and try to select an experienced doctor if you do not have such.  Remember if a walk in you most likely will be sent to the doctor nobody else is seeing.  The hospital is where primary medicine is provided for most people - so will have various doctor/abilities.

[peter zwart]

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..

Do not go to Thailand for anything except pulling out some bath out of your pocket for a beer or a girl. 

[BigStar]

1 hour ago, lopburi3 said:

so with any major medical decision it is best to consult several unless you have real experience/knowledge of his ability - and try to select an experienced doctor if you do not have such. 

 

Exactly this. I'd do the same back home, too.

[BigStar]

1 hour ago, peter zwart said:

Do not go to Thailand for anything except pulling out some bath out of your pocket for a beer or a girl. 

 

Living here happily for 28 years now. Just another great day in Pattaya. Cheers!

[puck2]

If you have to pay the dental service in Thailand by yourself, you are staying in BANGKOK and you have to pay a high price for your dental treatment, think about going/flying to Chiang Mai. There are a lot of excellent dentists and invoices are cheaper than those for the same treatment in BKK. Maybe both together, treatment and return ticket to BKK, are cheaper than the service in BKK.

 

Especially the (private) Sripat (University) dental clinic has excellent dentists at reasonalble prices for the treatment.

Edited January 14 by puck2

[Sluglord]

On 10/13/2023 at 9:33 PM, NORDO said:

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.

I went to DH before it moved many years. Despite price, it was quality. Root canal went bad after 5.5 years with wty 5 yrs. On the move I went back once. Loads of tourists and a really pushy, older female dentist doing the checkup so I was completely done.

 

I really need a reasonably priced implant. Please message me and not interested in horribly expensive BIDH and the other with similar BDH?? whatever. Central Bangkok. High levels of trust.

[Sluglord]

On 10/15/2023 at 2:04 AM, NextG said:

Nonsense… 

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

 

C'mon

 

The more I jump around to dentists the more dodgy shi+ I come across to be sure.

[NextG]

6 hours ago, mania said:

Sorry to say I have had the same experience at a few well known dental clinics in Thailand.

 

Best to just realize that in Thailand $$$ is king & there are many in every profession that do not blink at the chance to remove $$ from you

Whether that be dental or medical it is something to know & realize that you need to be careful.

 

When I was told by the biggest hospital chain in Thailand I needed a 450k operation ASAP I flew back to the USA to be laughed at for believing that. Now 7 years later here I sit never having been bothered by not having that so called needed operation.

 

I have to admit though it was a kick in the gut for my wife & I . Although we lived in Thailand many years & knew corruption was pretty common everywhere for some reason we thought at least at a big medical facility you could trust. But no & hard lesson to swallow.

 

Partly, your issue is with going to ‘well known’ dental clinics and ‘flagship’ hospital brands. 
They are designed to get the most money out of you. 
I found my Dental Surgeon in a ‘secondary’ hospital from likely the same group. A TOTALLY different experience. Suggested against certain cosmetic treatments, allowed me to walk out without paying my bill on the promise of returning the next day to do so. No ‘nickle and diming’ and half the price of the ‘flagship’ brand. 
The care was exemplary. 

[NextG]

2 hours ago, Sluglord said:

 

C'mon

 

The more I jump around to dentists the more dodgy shi+ I come across to be sure.

I didn’t ‘jump around’. I did my research and settled on one. More than ten years later and I still won’t go to anyone else if I can help it. 

[peter zwart]

3 hours ago, BigStar said:

 

Living here happily for 28 years now. Just another great day in Pattaya. Cheers!

enjoy mate

 

[BigStar]

7 hours ago, mania said:

Best to just realize that in Thailand $$$ is king & there are many in every profession that do not blink at the chance to remove $$ from you

 

Yah, we're always claiming something's Thai or Thailand. A little perspective for you, not that it'll do any good:

 

28% of Swiss dentists recommend unnecessary fillings