Alleppey - Dental Tourism - Testimonial (India)

Given the extreme difficulty of getting a dentist appointment in my area (Lot/Aveyron—even traveling 2 hours each way by train to Toulouse, even with the dentist I’ve been a client of for years in my small town of Capdenac)—and considering the cost of dental implants in France, I decided to get a full dental overhaul during my annual stay of several months in Kerala (I’ve been spending time in Alleppey from late October to late March for several years now).

My Indian friends in Alleppey recommended a private dental clinic (I was pleasantly surprised that this clinic was qualified to place implants, as I thought I’d have to make multiple trips to Ernakulam/Cochin—60 km each way on a road that’s pretty rough right now due to massive construction stretching for dozens of kilometers). Results of the check-up on November 5, 2024: - 1 canine and an adjacent premolar slightly chipped at the top → need root canal treatment before covering them with a crown - 1 molar next to those two teeth already had a root canal → also needs a crown - 1 other canine broken deep down → needs to be extracted and replaced with an implant - 4 molars completely extracted years ago → 4 dental implants.

Here are the procedures I’ve already had (from November 5 to 22, 2024): - First session: initial assessment by the lead dentist (multiple X-rays displayed on a large screen, which he used to explain what he could do and what he recommended. For each implant, he showed me the required bone depth, and since I have very strong jaws, he remarked that I was an ideal candidate for implants). A dental assistant then outlined the proposed treatment timeline and the cost of each major procedure on a piece of paper (I took a photo of the notes so I wouldn’t lose track of the details). - Second session: placement of dental implants on the 4 molars in about an hour and a half (under local anesthesia—long but not painful at all during the procedure, though I had a bad headache all day afterward and a dull but manageable ache for a few days. Medication to take for 5 days, including an antibiotic. Obviously, no chewing hard foods for a while—soup, mashed potatoes, rice, yogurt for two days, then gradually more varied meals). Stitches for the gums around the 4 molars. - Third session: root canal treatment for a canine and a premolar (very long but absolutely painless under local anesthesia) + extraction of the deeply broken canine (a bit painful despite the anesthesia, but bearable—the lead dentist had to apply force and try three times. An assistant held my head from behind, but it was more unsettling than painful). - Fourth session: preparation of the canine, premolar, and adjacent molar for two crowns and a bridge. Removal of stitches around the 4 implants already placed. - Fifth session: impressions for the 2 crowns and bridge - Sixth session: placement of the 2 crowns and bridge - Seventh session scheduled for December 6: placement of a 5th implant where the canine was extracted - Late February: placement of the 5 crowns on the 5 implants

Meanwhile, my 85-year-old mother had a loose tooth extracted that had been bothering her since mid-September 2024 (her French dentist wouldn’t give her an appointment before January 2025, and she even traveled to a dentist in Toulouse who ultimately refused to extract it, even though the tooth was barely holding on and I’d sent the list of medications she takes in advance. My mother was furious about the wasted trip, and so was I, though I tried to stay calm!). At the Alleppey dental clinic, the assistants reviewed her medication list, looked them up online to identify them, and weren’t concerned. Another dentist extracted her tooth (under local anesthesia, of course) in barely 30 seconds. My mother immediately trusted them and decided on the spot to get a full lower denture. It was delivered to her definitively on Friday, November 22 (I think it took 4 or 5 sessions total). After two days of use, she’s happy with it and has a follow-up appointment next week for a check-up and adjustments if needed (though major modifications aren’t possible after the teeth are fixed to the denture). The session where the young dentist shaped the denture in real time was impressively precise and professional (the base had already been made from an impression, and the dentist added at least ten layers of softened paste with a flame, testing each addition in her mouth. Each time, he asked her to move her tongue from cheek to cheek, stick out her tongue, talk for 15 seconds, and swallow to ensure the denture wasn’t uncomfortable—about 45 minutes total).

Ballpark costs of the procedures: - Tooth extraction: around 2000 ₹ - Root canal treatment: around 5000 ₹ - Ceramic crown placement: around 15,000 ₹ - Titanium implant placement (made by Nobel Biocare): around 35,000 ₹ (Total for implant + tooth: around 50,000 ₹) - Lower denture fabrication: just under 20,000 ₹. Three material options—my mother chose the best for a rigid denture. She didn’t want to get 2 implants to secure it better (she didn’t feel the need with her old, very worn denture).

General impressions: This dental clinic is very well-regarded in Alleppey (according to all my Indian friends). There are two operating chairs on the ground floor and at least four on the first floor. The lead dentist (quite young) owns the clinic and handles the most delicate procedures (like implants) while occasionally overseeing work done by colleagues (after another dentist performed the root canal on my two teeth, he not only visually inspected it but also gave it a final touch with the drill). How many dentists handle more routine procedures? I’m not sure, but they’re all fairly young—men and a few young women. There are also many assistants: some prepare tools or operate the saliva suction, while others, more qualified, process images (X-rays or scans) on screen and explain things to me using those images. Others spent ten minutes briefing my mother in the waiting room on how to use and care for her new denture. During more delicate procedures, the operating dentist is assisted by two others. Two receptionists handle payments and appointments at the front desk. The welcome is always efficient and attentive, thanks to the dental assistants who guide us and provide explanations (the two receptionists don’t speak English). Appointments are always quick, even though the clinic seems busy (the waiting room is often full of Indian clients, though patients rarely come alone—they’re usually accompanied by a family member who stays close during the procedure). All the dentists speak English (since my mother doesn’t, I sat near the operating chair during each session to translate). So far, no complaints—I’m looking forward to March 2025 for the final result after the 5 teeth are placed on my 5 implants (the two crowns and bridge already fitted are perfect for me). 🙂