Why I Decided to Have Oral Surgery in Thailand

“Oral surgery in Thailand? Scary!” one of my coworkers said to me a week before I was going to have my wisdom teeth removed. Yes, any kind of surgery in general is scary and can be even scarier if you’re having it done in a foreign country.

Honestly, at first I was a bit scared, but after doing hours of research and having plenty of conversations with friends who have had surgery in Thailand it didn’t seem so daunting. It actually seemed like a good idea for a few reasons: I had the time off from work to recover, Thailand’s reputable dental industry, and the cheaper prices.

Dental care is cheap in Thailand ­–­ about $30 or $40 for a teeth cleaning at an upscale English-speaking clinic. Cheap prices are great and all, but that’s not my selling point into having surgery anywhere.

When I researched clinics to have my surgery done, I had three key decision factors: proficient English, clean and sterile facilities, and internationally recognized credentials. If I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I would most definitely not have gone under the knife.

Australians and Kiwis often make a vacation out of having their dental work done in Thailand–primarily for the cheaper prices coupled with a package vacation.

And lucky for me, Thailand is well known for its excellent and reputable dental clinics. Australians and Kiwis often make a vacation out of having their dental work done in Thailand–primarily for the cheaper prices coupled with a package vacation. Many Thai dental clinics offer dental tourism, which organizes your travel, accommodation, and dental treatments. Anything can be made into a vacation in Thailand.

So the research and decision-making were easy for me. I found a clinic nearby, which had everything I was looking for. My dentist spoke flawless English and thoroughly explained everything to me. I felt confident with my decision.

Even though I had meticulously planned and researched my surgery, I was still nervous and a bit shaky. Mostly because it was surgery and anything that involves needles, scalpels, and knives puts me into a cold sweat. Also, I was worried about the recovery and risks of surgery. But, I would’ve felt this way anywhere, even if I was at home in the U.S.

I had my two bottom wisdom teeth removed under local anesthetic, so I thankfully don’t have any incriminating videos of me on YouTube waking up after surgery upset that I’m not Nicki Minaj. Everything went smoothly, although I did feel a little pressure as they were removed.

I thankfully don’t have any incriminating videos of me on YouTube waking up after surgery upset that I’m not Nicki Minaj.

As I’m writing this, it’s about four days after surgery and I’m still in pain, but it’s manageable. I’m happy I had this done now for roughly $300 and I don’t have to worry about it when I’m older and it could be much more expensive.

There are some procedures that are fine to have abroad and there are some that are not. Dental work is fine to have done in Thailand. Anything else? I’m not sure. If you need to have medical work done while abroad, you have to do your research and find a place or a doctor that meets you specific requirements.

Nothing is more important than your health and taking care of yourself while you’re young is vital. Do your research, do your best to find a facility and a doctor you are comfortable with, and, I think, it’s okay to be a bit scared.

 

Photo for Why I Decided to Have Oral Surgery in Thailand by Pixabay.