Dental Implants: Stories
Write a ReviewDental Implants in - Costa Rica
- zib
- posted 1 year ago
- Worth It
- Cost: $11,000
- Costa Rica
My teeth have never been in tip-top shape, but...
- 12 May 2012
My teeth have never been in tip-top shape, but when they started getting loose and falling out, it really scared me. I went to my dentist and was informed that I would need to have all my upper teeth removed and replaced with dentures or implants.
My first stop was the free consultation with Clear Choice. I never saw a dentist, but spent considerable time with the financial consultant determining my credit scores and best method of payment and the payment plans abailable. Estimated cost for upper mouth only $20,000.-$25,000. This would include the removal of all upper teeth, 4 implants, temporary and permanent upper bridge.
Next stop was with a specialist that I found in D Magazine, "Best in Dallas." We spent a lot of time going over my images, discussing bone density, placement of implants, types of crowns and removal of teeth. I found it to be very informative and am thankful for the time that I was spent with me, (At least I got to see the dentist!) I was then escorted to a seperate room where I received a detailed list of all costs and suggested payment plans. Estimated cost $23,00.-$28,000. This included removal of teeth, implants, temporary and permanent bridges.
I spent the next week trying to figure out how I could fit a $350. to $600. monthly payment into my budget.
I still continued my internet search for information and came across a dental implant forum (There are tons of them out there) dealing with implants in Costa Rica. After reading all the pages and making notes of the various pros and cons listed on several dentists, I narrowed my search to two. I then contacted, through emails and phones calls, some of the patients of these dentists. This was not a list of patients supplied through the dentist, but contacts through the forum. I've even got my email address on that forum now and continue to answere questions from folks about my experiences in Costa Rica.
After making my choice of dentiist, I had a panoramic X-ray done and sent to Costa Rica. About a week later, I received a detailed list of work to be done for a Full mouth restoration (This was both upper AND lower, not just the upper mouth estimates that I listed earlier) Estimated cost $10,000 with a 3% discount if I paid cash. WHAT a difference of price!!!
Next, I'll write about my experience in Costa Rica!
My Doctor: name not provided
My rating:
To be included in my next installment....
Comments (25)
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MIne was the highest $16,000. Figure I spent about $2,000 for air and hotel and stuff. I only had to go one time. Others have to go twice.
If you only have to get 1 implant then it is not worth it. However, if you are going full mouth you get a better restoration for a lot less. You will save about $20,000
I did a lot of worrying and stuff. I contacted Costa Rican Dental. These guys are good. They answered all my questions and gave me the confidence to go. $20,000 was still a lot of money for me but I feel like I got much better dental and saved $20,000.
One of my questions is about travel arrangements. I don't want to spend so much on travel and lodging that it defeats the purpose traveling there. Can someone tell me which airline and lodging they used and how much it costs so I'll have some idea? Also, is insurance used? Not that it pays much, right?
Carter L, sounds as though you had almost the same done as me. I, and others, that read and follow this forum appreciate the comments. It is so important that folks realize that we are not being paid to promote the dentists that we have chosen to go to in Costa Rica, only that we are satisfied customers that want others that are faced with the high prices in the States to know that there are inexpensive and profession options available.
I continue to follow and reply to comments made here, and do so to let folks know that there are specialists all over the world, and in this case, far less expensive.
Happy smiles to all....
Im in the process of making decision who to use in Costa Rica How many opyions did you choose from Did You have internet chats first or did you call for phone convesations to dicuss treatment Ive alsio looked into Bangkock but its along way but looks more formal hospital setting ypu seen very happy with this firm??
No Dents, I appreciate the back up. I continue to let folks know that I am just a satisfied customer, I am not a schill.
I had a full mouth restoration which included a bone graft, 12 implants, 4 extractions, temporaries and when I returned 7 months later, crowns for my own teeth and crowns for the 12 implants.
All is still great, and yes, I only paid a little over 10,000. I paid in cash and received a discount. Sure beats was I was quoted in the States, and again, the method in the States was to pull ALL teeth (I can understand pulling the bad teeth, but why pull the healthy ones?) As Dr Cavallini told me, your natural teeth are your best (and of course, original) implants.
Bless you, No Dents, and keep smiling all the way to the bank!
I am not sure what zib got. $10,000 for top and bottom is low even for Costa Rica. It is more like $16,000 for All on 8 with fixed metal bridges and porcelain crowns. He must have gotten some sort of hybrid acrylic bridge with less than 8 implants to the arch.
If all your teeth are already out you can usually do your dental in 10 days If there are lots of extractions first it takes 2 trips and costs a little more.
Many people are worried about Costa Rica. They speak English, have the latest equipment, use quality implants, and have lots of experience doing what they are doing.
The big question lots of people have is what happens if something goes wrong? Most people think if something goes wrong in The States they can sue the dentist or something. You can try to sue a dentist in The US but unless you die or something it is very hard to do. Dentists in the US will not testify against other dentists. And then you have to get a lawyer who knows something about dental. There are not a lot of those. I have heard of lots and lots of botched dental implant work in the US where the patient was just out of luck.
In Costa Rica you usually get life warranty. Life time is a long time so who knows how that really works. But usually the work will be redone if necessary at no charge but you do have to pay travel to go back to Costa Rica.
When I did my dental in Costa Rica I used Costa Rican Dental. They are some stateside people who know all about dental in Costa Rica. They really helped me understand what I needed to have done and then answered about a million questions I had. I must have emailed them 20 times. I always got a good answer, usually within hours. They were great. They claim their services are free and I believe them. I talked to others getting dental where I did and we were paying the same price.
You can get good dental in Costa Rica for much less than in the US. For peace of mine and to get most of your questions answered I also give Costa Rican Dental a lot of credit.
My life has changed since I got all my dental finished in Costa Rica. I am not embarrassed to smile. Actually I like to show off. I also feel better. Had some infection or something. And I just feel good about knowing I did something that I needed to do.
Like zib I did do Clear Choice first. Then I did some checking and came up with Costa Rica. Then I contacted Costa Rican Dental. They gave me the confidence to do it. I am glad I did.
I follow and post in this forum, because I still remember the feeling of helplessnes and the worrying of where in the world could I afford the price of implants here in the states. I did find a far less expensive option and only want others to know. As for proof that I am not a shill, please contact me at my email address. I would be more than happy to call and answer any questions. I am just like anyone else that found a good "product" and just wants to tell their friends about it.
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I had two appointments of 2 weeks each time, 6 months apart. The implants were put in on the first visit and my permanent teeth were put in the second visit. I never experienced any pain, did not even feel the first shot! Excellent care. I did sometimes have a long wait time , but got to meet and talk with other patients that were from the States, Canada and Europe.
Lastely, Americans are not the only folks that are professional and experts at what they do. My dentist has been doing implants for 26 years, knew exactly what he was doing and was great doing it. I saved a ton of money, got to keep most of my teeth. He told me that it was always beneficial to keep as many of your own healthy teeth as possible. I would like to know why the other dentists pull all teeth, can someone answer that?
I would highly reccommend going to Costa Rica for dental work. Don't saddle yourself with outrageous payments when you can get just as good work (I think even better) done in Costa Rica.
From what I understand the vast majority of dentists in the US agree with what your dentist in Costa Rica said as far as keeping your natural teeth. I think what you may be referring to is the Clear Choice treatment plan.
Here is a Q&A that somewhat addresses that:
Clear Choice Dental Implants, Marketing Hype or Quality Care?
Any advice on best way to travel, which airline, where to stay, how much for the 11 days? I am starting by getting my passport and then will use the dentist you liked. Makes sense to use someone that you can get a thumbs up from someone who's used them. I love the low cost of the dental but don't know the best way to go with travel/lodging. What's around that area to do each day? Or do you have free time? Thanks!
I finished my second trip and completed my work the day before you wrote this question. I stayed at the Dental Recovery Center. It is attached right to the dental office and is very clean and comfortable. They provide free WiFi and phone calls to the US. They will also call you in your room when the Dr. is ready to see you, so you don't have to wait in the waiting rooms (that can be a long wait) They have a continental breakfast. I also walked to town ( a couple blocks) and purchased some microwave foods and things like that. You have 24 hour use of the microwave, dishes and so on.
I'm glad to hear you are researching all of your options. I'm a bit confused though, have you already had a procedure done or is it scheduled for the future?