An NHS employee, denied treatment for severe gum disease under the NHS, opted to travel to Croatia for a complete set of dental implants after facing a private cost estimate exceeding £40,000 in the UK. Sarah Wilding, aged 54 and residing in Leicestershire, had diligently maintained regular dental checkups but observed receding gums and loosening teeth in her late 40s.
Upon receiving a diagnosis of advanced gum disease, Sarah claimed her NHS dentist neglected her condition, leading to a denial of referral to a specialist. Expressing her frustration, Sarah, who works in NHS theatre operations, stated that she received no treatment information beyond being informed about bone shrinkage.
Recounting her experience, Sarah highlighted the rapid deterioration of her condition, resulting in tooth loss and a significant impact on her daily life, work comfort, and self-esteem. The inability to eat properly and the discomfort of wearing removable dentures further exacerbated her distress.
Facing substantial private treatment costs ranging from £9,000 to £15,000, excluding a £1,500 consultation fee, Sarah’s plea for a hospital referral was rejected by the NHS, despite citing financial constraints that led to missed hygienist appointments.
After exploring treatment options in various countries, Sarah ultimately chose Dentum, a dental clinic in Zagreb, Croatia, where her cousin had received treatment years prior. Following an assessment in the UK and a £12,000 quote for a complete dental restoration, Sarah’s father covered the expenses from her inheritance, enabling her to proceed without a loan.
Despite a health scare preceding her trip, Sarah underwent the dental procedure in Croatia, involving the removal of all teeth and the placement of implants, known as all-on-six, during a five-hour surgery session under twilight sedation. Unlike other clinics offering removable dentures, Dentum provided temporary screw-in implants for the healing period.
Praising the exceptional service received, Sarah emphasized the professionalism and care exhibited by the clinic’s staff, leading to a positive overall experience. The total cost of the treatment amounted to just under £17,000, inclusive of additional services such as sedation, porcelain finishing, and a lifetime guarantee.
Reflecting on the life-changing impact of the procedure, Sarah expressed newfound confidence, improved self-image, and the ability to enjoy a normal lifestyle without embarrassment or dietary restrictions. Dr. Andrej Bozic, lead oral surgeon at Dentum, noted a growing trend of UK patients seeking treatment abroad due to accessibility issues, delays, and high costs in their home country.