Back story: I was in a car accident when I was 15, and, long story short- which normally means it's going to be long- some of my teeth were messed up. I ended up getting 5 root canals, teeth 9, 23, 24, 25, 26, which, in all honesty I probably didn't need, by an endodontist that should have never been licensed. (You don't tell a 15 year old that if you have more "injuries" in a car crash- you get more money from the at fault driver. *smacking forehead*) The "doctor" I went to eventually had his medical license revoked- but that is another story. I ended up having the root canals retreated, which was another nightmare. This endodontist put filaments in my teeth which were too big for the roots, and my roots split. My NORMAL GREAT dentist finally looked at me and told me, and said, literally- it's time you get these b****s out! (I had started having very minor heart issues due to the amount of infection.) Well this was Jan 2020, and I was scheduled to have them yanked in March. Well- then COVID hit. Which meant I had to wait. I went to a few oral surgeons in my area, OK- after my experiences QUITE A FEW TBH, and they all agreed the four front bottom teeth needed to be surgically removed and I would need bone grafts in the area due to the massive bone loss from the infection. Finally in July, I was able to get them removed- which was a grueling 7 hour surgery as the roots had embedded into my jaw bone- or something like that. IT WAS PAAAAIIINNFFFULLL!!! (After the surgery, I had no bottom teeth, so, for the first time, I was thankful for the masks! LOL) I had gone to Costa Rica previously for several surgeries and have always been more than happy with the facilities, the doctors, procedures, etc. I had never been for dental work, so I started researching- again extensively. I did the online research reviews, contacted friends who live in CR and even the doctors I had worked with previously. Unanimously, Dr. Urzola came out on top, 80% of the time. Literally. I traveled to see him, and had the procedures done. I could not have asked for a better experience. Definitely the best of all procedures I have had there, and I have had great experiences with them all. He was patient, kind, understanding, honest, and, come to find out, a damn perfectionist. (It took three tries before he was finally satisfied with his technicians work, and the do look amazing! (He is determined to do something with my gum when I go back because the crown looks a liiittlleee bit bigger than my other tooth. Um sure. OK. whatever you say doc....see ya in May) I had implants for the bottom four front teeth and a crown on my top right "big tooth" (#9) In the US, my cost would have ben $11000 for the procedures.... and, I must say, I wasn't as comfortable with any of the surgeons even half as much as I was with Urzola. I've only been back to the states for 3 days, and have already referred a few friends. Don't be hesitant, or scared, or think you will be getting a "subpar" job/experience. That couldn't be farther from the truth. The quality of the implants are the same as you will get here or in Canada or wherever you are. Save yourself some dough, and go have a vacation at the same time- I fully recommend visiting Manuel Antonio and Arenal. I can also provide recommendations for where to stay, rental cars, etc. (No, I am not a paid sponsor... I just know how I felt the first time I did medical tourism. LOL) Besides- you still have to wear a mask there, too, so your teeth will still be hidden. ;) Recovery time: First two days after the initial placement, I felt like I had been in the ring with Ronda Rousey. :) Face and jaw swollen and felt like something was "in my jaw/gum"- because, obviously there was. HA! Now it has been a week since the implants and crown were inserted, and, it throbs a bit, but I think I am grinding my teeth at night maybe? Who knows. Nothing a couple Advil cant handle! If you have any questions, I will be happy to chat with you. Other procedures in San Jose, CR: Breast implants removed, breast tissue removed, replaces implants and lifted the boobs Microscopic knee surgery Removal of ovary I will NEVER have another operation in the US unless it is a major emergency! The care I receive in CR is always above and beyond!!!!! medical tourism #FTW