A Painful Dental Tourism Experience in Belgrade: What Went Wrong with Lavin Dental Clinic

Dental tourism is popular for affordable care, but not every experience meets expectations. This post shares a serious cautionary story about Lavin Dental Clinic in Belgrade and Dr. Lazar Jovanovi?, owner and treating dentist.
Why She Chose Lavin Dental Clinic
In early 2025, a patient traveled to Belgrade to correct misplaced dental implants and receive a full set of crowns. Patient chose Lavin Dental Clinic, where Dr. Lazar Jovanovi? promised to realign the front implants and deliver natural-looking crowns, at a significantly lower cost than local options.
What Went Wrong During Treatment
- The original problem with the front implants was not corrected as promised.
- The patient was convinced to undergo full-mouth crown work, despite initial plans to treat only part of the mouth.
- She experienced severe pain in two lower molars throughout the treatment.
- After requesting an X-ray to diagnose possible root canal issues, she was told the “head doctor” would review it the next morning — but no follow-up occurred.
- Staff dismissed her concerns and referred to her as “the sensitive lady,” which felt belittling.
- The doctor promised to correct an uneven bite caused by the crowns, but the clinic said the bite would “adjust itself after chewing,” which has not happened.
- These concerns were formally expressed in a written message to the clinic, but no adequate response or solution was provided.
After Returning Home
Back in the U.S. in April 2025, the patient continues to suffer:
- Two crowns have already fallen off.
- She cannot chew properly due to ongoing pain and instability.
- She is now under care with a root canal specialist to address complications.
- She is also seeking a specialist for the alignment and thickness of the bottom crowns, as they feel excessively heavy in her mouth.
- The exact material used for the crowns remains unclear, as the clinic did not provide documentation.
What You Should Know Before Choosing Dental Care Abroad
While many clinics provide excellent service, this case highlights risks that potential dental tourists should consider:
- Always request written treatment plans and material documentation.
- Get copies of all X-rays and medical records.
- Research clinic reputations using independent reviews.
- Be cautious if pressured into extensive treatments.
- Make sure your concerns are taken seriously and followed up promptly.
Check the following websites before you chose a dental care abroad
Your Health Abroad
Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care
Medical Tourism: CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
Final Note
This post is shared to inform and protect others considering dental tourism in Serbia or elsewhere. We have sent this post link to Lavin Dental Clinic directly to give them an opportunity to respond.
Disclaimer: This post reflects one patient’s experience and is for informational purposes only. It does not make general claims about all providers in Serbia or Lavin Dental Clinic.







