Why many Goans have treatment at home
Many Goans abroad find it easier to have dental work done during a trip home: family is nearby to help after treatment, they can see the same dentist on each visit, and it often costs less than private treatment where they live. Dr. Laura will tell you the full cost of your plan before anything starts.
The key to doing it well is planning around your dates, because some treatments are finished in one visit and others need time to heal.
What fits into one trip, and what needs two
| Treatment | Visits | Time to allow in Goa | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-up and cleaning | 1 visit | A day | |
| Fillings | Usually 1 visit | A day or two | |
| Teeth whitening | Usually 1 visit | A day or two | |
| Root canal treatment | 1–2 visits | About a week; two with a cap | |
| Crowns and bridges | 2 visits | 1–2 weeks | |
| Dentures | Several visits | 2–4 weeks | |
| Implants | Two trips | About a week, then 1–2 weeks on a trip 3–6 months later |
Times are typical and vary from person to person. Dr. Laura will confirm your plan at the first visit.
Before you fly
- Message the clinic on WhatsApp at +91 93598 17593 with your dates and what you would like done. If you have recent X-rays or notes from your dentist abroad, send them too.
- Book your first visit early in your stay, so there is time for a second visit or a review before you leave.
- Plan around busy times. Many Goans come home at Christmas, at Easter and in the summer holidays, so book well ahead for those weeks.
- Bring a list of your medicines and any medical conditions, especially diabetes, heart problems or blood thinners.
When you go back
- Ask for copies of your X-rays and a short note of what was done. Your dentist abroad may need them later.
- Keep up check-ups where you live; any dentist can look after crowns, fillings and implants once you know what was placed.
- If something feels wrong after you leave, WhatsApp the clinic with a photo and a description.
Coming for implants?
Implants are the most common reason people plan treatment around a trip, because they heal in the bone for a few months before the final tooth goes on. Read the guide to dental implants in Goa when you live abroad.
Your dentist
Dr. Laura Albuquerque
Dr. Laura Albuquerque (BDS, MDS) is a Prosthodontist and Oral Implantologist in Panjim. Much of what people plan for a trip home, such as implants, crowns, bridges and dentures, is exactly her specialty.
Common questions
Which city is best for dental treatment in India?
Good dentists work in every big city. For Goans, the practical answer is often Goa itself: you can stay with family, you will be back regularly, and you can see the same dentist on each trip for check-ups and follow-up.
How long should I plan to stay for dental treatment?
Check-ups, cleaning and fillings fit into a few days. Allow about a week for a root canal and up to two weeks for crowns or a bridge. Implants usually need two trips a few months apart.
Can I start treatment on one trip and finish it on the next?
Often, yes. Implants are usually done this way. For other treatments, Dr. Laura will tell you what is safe to leave and what should be finished before you fly.
How much will my treatment cost?
It depends on what you need. Dr. Laura will explain the plan and its full cost at your first visit, before treatment starts. You can send recent X-rays on WhatsApp beforehand for a rough idea of what may be involved.
Can I book from abroad?
Yes. WhatsApp +91 93598 17593 with your travel dates and what you need.
This page gives general information, not advice for your own teeth. Dr. Laura will explain what suits you, and what it will cost, after examining you.