Do you wish to get dental treatment abroad? Whether it’s replacing missing teeth or fixing damaged teeth, or even considering a smile makeover, it’s not just about the price. That’s why we feel that it’s equally important for you to know clearly about your dentist, treatment, travelling time and aftercare.
We are City Clinic, a Marbella, Spain dental clinic. If you’re planning a trip from the UK, call us to discuss your concerns and find out about arranging an assessment. First, we suggest to begin with a clinical conversation (not a flight booking) to ensure your plans align with your health needs.
We understand that making the decision to have dental care abroad is a huge one. We want you to have transparent and honest information throughout the entire process from the initial enquiry to aftercare back home, to make the decision that is right for you.
Schedule an appointment with City Clinic.
Explore: Treatment options · Costs · Safety · Aftercare
Dental Treatment Abroad – Is it right for you?
When you go to another country to get dental treatment, it’s called dental treatment abroad. It might be appropriate for patients who are able to arrange appointments, have enough time to recover, and come back for check-ups as needed. However, it may not be appropriate for you based on the procedure you are interested in, your medical history and follow-up care options.
Consider your current oral health and the treatment requirements before making a decision. Active gum disease, uncontrolled medical conditions or difficulty with follow-up visits may complicate the care. This means that, sometimes, treatment booked abroad may be appealing, but won’t have the same continuity as treatment booked nearer to home.
We want you to consider the following questions before you book:
- What is my problem?
- Have I talked about less invasive options?
- Are there additional visits and additional costs that I can do?
- Who will be there to help me if I get into trouble?
- Would it be useful for me to get a second opinion to understand my options?
So, why consider dental care in Spain?
Spain may be a convenient country for UK patients to visit as they may have accommodation or visit regularly. But choosing a country for dental treatment doesn’t determine the quality of a particular clinic. That is why we suggest that you compare credentials, treatment plans, communication and aftercare directly with us prior to making your decision.
The airport for Marbella is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Please consult the current direct flight, ground transportation and accommodation prior to booking but confirm clinical schedule first. Treatment appointments and recovery should determine your itinerary — not the availability of a discounted holiday.
Does treatment fit in with a holiday?
Sometimes, but still a health care visit. Activities may be limited and additional support may be required due to surgery, temporary restorations or sedation. So, don’t schedule a busy sightseeing itinerary or intense workout right after treatment.
Before Booking: What to Ask Us
During your initial consultation with us, we will talk to you about who will evaluate you, the services we provide and how we can assist patients from overseas. We’re also happy to provide information in writing, so you can read it at your own pace.
| Area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Dentist | Name, qualifications, registration and relevant experience |
| Communication | Whether the dental team speak English and provide English documents |
| Assessment | Consultation format, fees, required records |
| Treatment | Procedures available, alternatives and likely stages |
| Costs | Detail of cost, exclusions and terms of payment |
| Aftercare | Review appointments/Urgent contact/Return-visit arrangements |
What Dental Treatment Options are There?
Discuss your objectives with us and we’ll ensure we provide the treatment you need. We always start with diagnosis, not a standard package, taking care of your gums and keeping your natural teeth.
Dental implants abroad
Dental implants can be used to hold some dentures, dental bridges or individual dental crowns. However, suitability will be based on bone support, gum condition, medical considerations and the patient’s ability to maintain good oral hygiene. Preparatory treatment, or a bridge or removable denture may be needed for some patients.
A quote for an implant should cover the surgical implant, the connecting piece and the end restoration. Inquire about imaging, temporary teeth, grafting and reviews as well — the price for implants advertised may not cover the full price of the replacement tooth.
Crowns and bridges, and restorative dentistry.
Crowns can be used to repair damaged teeth, while bridges can be used to fill gaps in the teeth with supporting teeth and/or dental implants. Some designs will require preparation, meaning that your natural teeth will not be the same, and ask us if there is a filling, onlay or other treatment that would save more of your healthy tooth structure.
Porcelain veneers and smile makeovers
Porcelain veneers can change the look of suitable teeth, but they’re not an alternative to crowns. Sometimes bonding, whitening or orthodontics will be better alternatives. Prior to any smile makeover, we will discuss with you the process of enamel removal, the bite forces, maintenance and future replacement.
General care and complete mouth treatment.
Periodontal treatment, fillings, root canal treatment and exams can solve the problems prior to cosmetic treatments. Full mouth rehabilitation is not one treatment, but can be multiple treatments over multiple stages. We think that complex plans need to be explained carefully, and we’re willing to help with an independent second opinion if needed.
How much does it cost to get dental care overseas?
There is no set price for dental treatment in Spain as the price depends on the diagnosis, materials, complexity of the treatment, lab work, and the number of appointments. That’s why we always say, “don’t just look at the headline pricing, look at the full written plan for equivalent care”.
A clinic’s price isn’t the only thing to take into consideration when determining your total cost. Your finances can be impacted by flights, accommodation, time off work, exchange rates and return visits. There are also additional expenses of corrective treatment, or a longer stay, that might not have been originally planned.
| Cost category | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Are tests and necessary scans conducted? |
| Preparatory care | Are gum treatments, extractions or grafting necessary? |
| Restorations | Will it work on both temporary and permanent teeth? |
| Travel | What number of journeys and nights’ lodging will probably be required? |
| Follow-up | Which reviews and/or changes are required? |
| Complications | Who is going to pay the additional expenses of care, flights and accommodation? |
Ask us about deposit requirements, cancellation policies, quote validity and payment currency. If a free consultation is offered, ask whether it’s an introductory phone call or a clinical exam — an online estimate or a discussion based on a photo shouldn’t replace a proper assessment.
Request an itemised estimate for your treatment from us.
Can you receive dental care overseas and is it safe?
When you choose to seek treatment abroad there are risks associated with the treatment, but there are also risks associated with the distance and follow-up. Depending on the treatment, possible complications include infection, bleeding, sensitivity, nerve injury, bite problems, and restoration damage and implant failure. A responsible consultation will inform you of the risk of your situation – which is not none at all.
How to check a dentist abroad?
Inquire with the dentist about the professional body or authority that regulates the dentist, and then look it up. Check the clinic’s authorisation, as well as who is in charge of treatment. The Consejo General de Dentistas de España provides information of interest for professionals.
In the UK, refer to the General Dental Council, and their guidance for patients — but do not presume a UK regulator regulates treatment provided in Spain.
When you’re looking for any clinic abroad, be wary of the following:
- Rushing to reserve or pay up right away.
- Guaranteed results with minimal or no qualifications.
- Treatment that is provided without taking into account other options.
- Confused identity or registration of clinician.
- No written plans for complications or after care.
What is a Consultation and Treatment Plan?
At your first visit with us, we’ll discuss your concerns, expectations, prior dental treatment and health history. Photographs are not a good reflection of all problems beneath a tooth or restoration, but can be useful if available. Recommendations and costs may vary after an in-person examination.
Planning will involve:
- Initial enquiry – discuss concerns and preferred dates.
- Health review: Discuss medication, allergies and other health issues in a safe way.
- Clinical assessment: Take part in an examination and any warranted diagnostic testing.
- Written planning: Options, risks, cost, stages of appointment.
- Informed decision: Ask questions and take time before consenting.
Please inform us if you smoke, have diabetes, are taking blood thinning medication or have any healing issues. Do not stop prescribed medication without the advice of the relevant clinician.
How Many Trips Will Dental Work Abroad Take?
Laboratory made restorations may need to be assessed, prepared, fitted and reviewed, whereas simpler treatments may require fewer appointments. Implants can require two stages of surgery and restoration. Do not think that all can be accomplished in a brief visit.
Illustrative implant pathway — not a promised schedule:
Assessment → preparatory care, if necessary → implant placement → healing → final restoration → maintenance
Selected patients may be able to have immediate temporary teeth, but this doesn’t necessarily mean treatment is complete. There may be a longer schedule as a result of healing, grafting, infection or laboratory changes. Please consult us if it takes longer or you need to come back early.
How to Plan a Trip to Marbella?
Make sure to verify appointments before making any non-refundable travel plans. Select lodging that is easily accessible, has proper meals and allows for recovery. Inquire about the need for a companion, particularly if sedation and/or extensive surgery is required.
Please check the most recent travel guidance from the UK government on travelling to Spain, including entry requirements. Take a list of all medications, dental records, treatment plan and contact details for the dental clinic.
In case an offer includes accommodation or transfers, request a breakdown of:
- Number of hotel night per capita.
- Transfers to and from the airport and local transportation.
- Who is responsible for bookings.
- Extra night charges.
- Conditions of cancellation and refund.
Is it covered by Insurance or by the NHS?
A GHIC/EHIC does not cover private dental care that has been arranged in another country, and is not a replacement for adequate insurance. Always verify what the NHS guidance is on healthcare abroad before assuming entitlement.
Normal travel insurance policies usually exclude planned treatment and complications, so request your travel insurance company to provide written confirmation that it will cover the treatment, emergency treatment, extra accommodation and return travel.
Don’t expect the NHS to cover work carried out privately abroad, or to provide follow-up work when you return. Ensure that eligibility to any funding route is checked in advance and pre-approval obtained as necessary.
How is recovery?
Healing time depends on the type of surgery and your general health. Sensitivity following restorative work is not the same as sensitivity following implant surgery or extraction. We will provide you with written guidelines for cleaning, eating, medication, activity and review appointments.
When can you resume flying, exercising, drinking, and return to work? — this will vary depending on the sedation, grafting or sinus surgery you have had, and generic travel-time advice should not be used as a substitute for advice from your treating clinician.
How Does Follow-Up Care Work in the UK?
Follow-up arrangements will be discussed with you prior to travelling. Some questions we can answer remotely, but not all examinations or adjustments can be done this way, we will inform you which reviews can be done remotely and who to contact for post-treatment guidance.
Discuss maintenance and the transfer of records with your dentist in the UK, but don’t expect another practice to take responsibility for work they are not familiar with, or to do repairs for free.
Take home:
- Brief overview of treatment and imaging.
- Information about the implant system and the components (if applicable).
- Restoration information.
- Written aftercare instructions.
- Check dates and numbers.
- Invoices and warranties.
If we give you a guarantee, please read the fine print with us – a commercial guaranty only covers repair and not travel or accommodation and will not guarantee the healing of your body.
What If It Goes Wrong?
Prior to treatment, request our complaints and complications procedure. It should include information on how to ask for an assessment, when to seek help from local urgent care services, and what to do if additional help is required, and should explain the Spanish escalation procedures if a concern is not addressed.
Maintain records, letters and payment records. The treatment is in another country and a different regulatory and legal system may be in place – a disputed claim may require independent insurance or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel alone?
This will depend on the treatment you receive, mobility and sedation arrangements. There are some procedures that require an accompanying adult – please check this with us prior to booking.
Can smokers or patients with diabetes have implants?
Some may be eligible, depending on assessment, but smoking and poorly controlled diabetes can increase healing risks and impact planning.
Is it possible to have work corrected by another dentist that was done abroad?
Sometimes – materials, implant parts, records and clinical findings all influence the options. A physical exam is typically required.
What is the lifespan of implants, crowns or veneers?
There are no lifetime guarantees. There are factors involved including maintenance, gum health, bite forces, materials and individual risk.
Are before-and-after photos to be trusted?
Do not rely on them for an indication of your chances. Search for actual patients, uniform pictures and information on treatment and follow-up.
Let’s Talk About Dental Treatment in Spain
The initial decision towards dental treatment abroad should begin with clear answers to the questions of suitability, the overall price and long-term support. That is exactly the clarity we want to provide you from our initial meeting with you, as a lower advertised price would be of little value if a plan doesn’t take into account your health, or makes it difficult to follow up.
Contact City Clinic Marbella to discuss assessment appointments and any queries you may have regarding dental care in Spain. We’re glad to get everything in writing so you can compare and make an educated decision.