Dental Work Abroad Gone Wrong? Here's What to Do Next

You flew abroad for dental treatment. The clinic was modern, the staff were friendly, and the results looked great — at first. But now something feels off. Maybe a crown doesn't fit right. Maybe you're in pain that isn't going away. Maybe your bite feels different, or your gums are swollen around an implant that was placed a few months ago.

You're not alone. Studies show that 86% of UK dentists have treated patients for complications arising from overseas dental work. And the patients in these situations face a frustrating problem: the clinic that did the work is in another country, and the dentist at home may be reluctant to intervene.

Step 1: Don't panic — but don't ignore it either

Some discomfort after dental procedures is normal. Sensitivity after crowns, mild soreness around implants, and slight bite adjustments are common and usually resolve within a few weeks.

If you're experiencing any of these, you need professional evaluation — even if the overseas clinic tells you it's normal.

Step 2: Get your records from the overseas clinic

Before doing anything else, request your complete treatment records from the clinic that performed the work. You are entitled to these. They should include:

A detailed treatment summary listing every procedure performed, on which teeth, and which materials were used. All diagnostic images — the panoramic X-ray and CBCT scan taken before treatment, as well as any images taken during or after. The brand and model numbers of any implants placed, including the lot numbers. This is critical — without it, no dentist at home can properly assess or work on your implants. Any post-operative instructions that were given.

Step 3: See a dentist at home — but manage expectations

Many local dentists are cautious about working on treatment done overseas. This isn't because they don't care. It's because intervening in someone else's work — especially when the materials and techniques are unknown — carries real clinical and legal risk for them.

When you book an appointment with your home dentist, be upfront about the situation. Bring your overseas records and imaging. Explain what was done, when, and what symptoms you're experiencing.

Your dentist may be able to help directly, or they may refer you to a specialist — particularly for implant complications, which often require a periodontist or oral surgeon.

Be prepared for the possibility that corrective work will cost more than the original treatment. This is unfortunately common. The original work has already altered your teeth, and fixing problems often requires more complex solutions than starting from scratch would have.

Step 4: Contact the overseas clinic

Most reputable overseas clinics have some form of warranty or aftercare policy. Contact them with a clear, factual description of your problem, supported by photos and — if possible — a written assessment from your home dentist.

Some clinics will offer to redo the work at no additional cost if you return. Consider carefully whether this is the right choice. If the complication arose from poor clinical technique, having the same clinic redo the work may not solve the underlying problem.

Others may offer a partial refund or contribution toward corrective treatment at home. This is often a more practical solution, though the amounts offered are usually modest.

Step 5: Understand your legal options (and their limits)

Pursuing legal action against an overseas clinic is technically possible, but practically very difficult. Different legal systems, language barriers, and the cost of international litigation mean that most patients do not recover meaningful compensation through legal channels.

Some specialist lawyers handle cross-border dental claims, particularly for UK patients who sought treatment in Turkey. Success rates vary, and the process typically takes one to two years.

For most patients, the pragmatic approach is to focus on fixing the problem rather than pursuing the clinic — unless the damages are substantial and well-documented.

Step 6: Get an independent assessment

Whether you're negotiating with the overseas clinic, considering corrective treatment at home, or just trying to understand what went wrong, an independent clinical assessment is invaluable.

You can upload your treatment records, current X-rays, and photos of the problem area. A licensed EU dentist will review everything and provide a written assessment covering: what appears to have gone wrong — and whether it's a complication (which can happen even with good treatment) or a clinical error. What corrective options exist and their approximate complexity. Whether the overseas clinic's warranty or aftercare offer is reasonable. What information your home dentist needs to take over your care.

Prevention is still the best medicine

If you're reading this article before travelling for dental work, you're in the best possible position. A €64 treatment plan review before you commit is far less expensive — financially and physically — than dealing with complications after the fact.

If you're reading this because something has already gone wrong, know that most problems are fixable. The path forward may not be simple or cheap, but with the right information and the right professionals, you can get to a good outcome.