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My Overseas Dental Disaster!

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All On 4 Plus® Treatment

My Overseas Dental Disaster!

A cautionary tale of failed overseas implants—and the complex revision needed to restore Brett’s smile.

Case Details

Dentist: Dr Alex Fibishenko

Location: Burwood East

When Brett, a 38-year-old professional, first travelled overseas for dental treatment, the appeal was clear: a full-arch implant solution at a fraction of the cost. Like many Australians, he was drawn by the promise of savings on an All-on-4 procedure in Thailand. Initially, the treatment appeared to go well—but within a year, complications began to emerge, turning into a nightmare.

Although the procedure had seemed like a good option at the time, Brett noticed persistent pain and signs of implant failure. What was intended to be a permanent solution quickly turned into a painful and distressing situation. “At first, I thought I’d made a smart financial decision,” Brett says. “But over time, I started noticing discomfort that got worse, not better.”

Eventually, the discomfort began affecting other areas of his life, including his ability to work and maintain a consistent routine. “I was taking time off work more often than I ever had before,” he recalls. “Tooth pain isn’t just physical—it starts to affect everything.”

Brett’s case is not unique. According to implant surgeon Dr. Alex Fibishenko, founder of All-On-4 Plus®, issues with overseas dental work are something his team encounters regularly. When Brett sought treatment at Dr. Fibishenko’s clinic, his oral condition had deteriorated significantly.

“The implants done overseas had caused considerable damage,” Dr. Fibishenko explains. “We needed to approach his case as a complex revision, which involves a very different level of planning and surgical execution.”

In Brett’s situation, the original implants had contributed to bone loss and infection. The damage made standard revision procedures more difficult. Due to the extent of bone resorption, Dr. Fibishenko and his team recommended a more advanced solution using zygomatic implants—an approach where longer implants are anchored into the cheekbone (zygoma) instead of the jaw.

This technique can provide a stable foundation for patients with significant upper jaw bone loss, but it is more complex and requires specialised surgical expertise.

Dr. Fibishenko explains, “Zygomatic implants can provide a reliable solution for patients with significant bone loss, where conventional implants may not be suitable.”

Brett’s procedure involved removing the failing implants, addressing infection and bone loss, and placing new implants to support a full upper bridge. The treatment was completed under general anaesthetic, with a tailored aftercare plan to support recovery and long-term stability.

Reflecting on the experience, Brett shares, “It was a huge relief to know I was in capable hands after everything I had been through.”

Following the procedure, Brett experienced improvements in his comfort and daily activities. “I no longer had to worry about pain while eating or sleeping,” he shares. “That made a significant difference for me.”

His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking the right care the first time. “I thought I could save money by going overseas, but it ended up costing me more in the long run,” Brett says. “If I’d known then what I know now, I would have made a different choice.”

His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking the right care the first time. “I thought I could save money by going overseas, but it ended up costing me more in the long run,” Brett says. “If I’d known then what I know now, I would have made a different choice.”

For Brett, the outcome has been transformative. While he acknowledges the road to recovery wasn’t easy. “I’m not constantly thinking about my teeth anymore,” he says. “It’s just nice to feel normal again.”

Brett advises others to thoroughly research their options and consult with qualified professionals. “Not everyone requires the same treatment, but it’s important to understand the available options,” he says. “In hindsight, I wish I had made the right choice from the start.”

Dr. Fibishenko agrees, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions and to do research.

Brett’s story is a cautionary tale and he shares this message to all “Look into it properly, do your own research, because it can make all the difference”.

Patient Story

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