This section explains the dental treatments international patients ask about most, in plain language: what each one is, who it may suit, what the alternatives are, how long it takes, what can go wrong and what to ask. It does not rank treatments, recommend clinics or give prices.
The most useful single idea across all of them: the less invasive option should be considered first, and what cannot be undone should be agreed in writing.
What patients are quoted
We are building an independent price index from quotes that patients send us anonymously. Each treatment page shows the figures once at least ten quotes are in for it. Share the price you were quoted: multiple choice only, no personal details.
Treatment guides
| Treatment | What it does | Can it be undone? | Time and visits | The key question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental implants | Replaces a tooth root with a post in the jaw to hold a crown, bridge or denture. | Surgery. An implant can be removed but the bone changes. | Months; healing of 2–6 months before the tooth is fitted. | Who maintains it for the next ten years? |
| Full-arch implants (“All-on-4”) | A fixed bridge replacing a whole jaw of teeth, held by a few implants. | Removing your remaining teeth cannot be undone. | Temporary teeth quickly; final bridge after healing. | Who repairs the bridge, and where? |
| Veneers | Thin shells bonded to the front of teeth to change their look. | No. Enamel is removed. | Two or more visits for porcelain; often one for composite. | Veneer or crown, and how much tooth, for each tooth? |
| Crowns and bridges | A crown caps a reshaped tooth. A bridge fills a gap using neighbouring teeth. | No. Teeth are cut down. | Usually two visits about two weeks apart. | Why this tooth, and is there a less invasive option? |
| Root canal treatment | Removes infected tissue inside a tooth so it can be kept. | Not reversible, but it can save a tooth. | Often 2 or more visits; a crown afterwards. | Who places the final crown, and when? |
| Braces and aligners | Moves teeth slowly into a new position. | Teeth move; a retainer is needed to hold them. | Often 1–2 years with regular check-ups. | Who examines me in person and who follows me up? |
| Fillings | Replace tooth lost to decay or damage and seal the hole. | The decayed part is removed; the filling can be replaced. | Usually one visit. | Which teeth need one, and which material? |
| Tooth removal and wisdom teeth | Removes a tooth that cannot be saved or a wisdom tooth that causes problems. | No. A removed tooth does not grow back. | Often under an hour; recovery up to 2 weeks. | Could it be saved or watched instead? |
| Dentures | Removable replacement teeth. | Yes, they are removable. Removing remaining teeth is not reversible. | Six stages, usually about 2 weeks apart. | Who adjusts it after I go home? |
| Teeth whitening | Lightens tooth colour with hydrogen peroxide products. | Not covered by the sources reviewed. | Not covered. | Who is the registered dental professional? |
| Gum treatment | Treats gum disease, with surgery when deep cleaning is not enough. | Lost gum and bone do not return. | Usually same-day surgery; stitches out in 7 to 10 days. | Who maintains my gums at home? |
| Sinus lift and bone grafting | Adds bone under the sinus so implants can be placed. | No. | 6 to 12 months or longer overall. | Do I need it, and who treats complications? |
| Sedation and anaesthesia | Local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic for treatment. | Not applicable. | No driving for 24 to 48 hours afterwards. | Who gives it and who monitors me? |
Five principles that apply to every treatment
- Start with the problem, not the product.Which tooth or symptom, and what happens if you do nothing? A plan that starts with a package name rather than a diagnosis deserves a second look.
- Ask for the less invasive option.Whitening, bonding, fillings or orthodontics may achieve the aim with less tooth removed. Ask why each was or was not chosen.
- Separate what is reversible from what is not.Cutting enamel, cutting teeth for crowns and removing teeth cannot be undone. Take time and a second opinion before these steps.
- Count the whole timeline.Many treatments need healing, a laboratory and review visits. A short trip may fit only a part, so ask what comes next and who does it.
- Plan maintenance and repairs before you start.Every restoration wears. Know who will check it, repair it and replace it, and at what cost.
What is not covered yet
These guides cover 13 treatments. Others that patients ask about, such as children’s dentistry, treatment of jaw and bite problems and cosmetic gum reshaping, are not yet described here. Bone grafting is covered only for the sinus lift. We add treatments only after checking them against hospital, regulator and dental-association patient information, so that every statement can be traced to a source. For unfamiliar words, see the glossary.
If a treatment you are considering is missing, the same approach works: the questions to ask, informed consent, dental records and guarantees apply to any treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Which treatment is best for me?
This site cannot say. It depends on your teeth, gums, bone, health and priorities, and needs an examination. These guides help you ask better questions of the dentist who examines you.
Do these guides give prices?
No. Prices vary and are easily used to sell. The guides explain what a quote should include (see the before you travel page).
Are these guides medical advice?
No. They are general information, still awaiting review by a dentist. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own case.
Sources
Each treatment guide lists its own sources.