Contemplating an All on 4 or All on 6 in Mexico or Costa Rica. Any Advice or Recommendations? Chose Costa Rica.

Thanks TwoPlusOne.. appreciate your response. I have looked at Las Vegas and the dentist there has a good report, however I still cannot afford it. I actually found some reviews yesterday that confirm a dentist I have had a quote from in Costa Rica and I am leaning towards that right now. I am also looking at some cosmetic surgery so hope to have it all done there and Costa Rica is still where it looks best for me. I will keep posting as I go along to keep all updated on how I go, prices, names etc on my experience. There were good dentists in Mexico also but ,their prices went up more as I went along so I ruled that out. They do have a good review though.

I guess the more popular they get, the more expensive they get.  :)  It does make sense--otherwise there'd be too many people trying to book.

I look forward to hearing about your search--we don't have a whole lot of dental tourism reviews so they are much appreciated when they are done!

I would love to hear your reviews after you get the work done. The estimate I got for having my whole mouth done is around $30k. That includes eight implants. Around $20k to have four bottom implants and partial top. I don't know how to pay for this. I need to have something done. I've heard Mexico and India are other options but how do you find reliable people so far away. I live in Oregon. I don't even know how to compare. I'm glad to find this forum. How do you even know if the quotes you get are reasonable, even if I could afford it. I've never even bought a car for that much. I have no dental insurance to even take some of the cost. I'm getting second opinions and looking at various loan options.

Hi Jozidreamer. I have got many quotes and have actually made a decision to use a dentist in Costa Rica. Their quotes were not only reasonable, but they also have very good reviews. Their prices range from $6200 per arch up to $9600 per arch. You still need to cost in the 2 trips you need to make with it all too. I understand about it being over the average persons affordability, however for me at least being able to eat properly and not having to be afraid that dentures will fall out it is all worth it. I am not sure if Care Credit would help being in another country, your insurance could, or paying of your credit card.

Just had four implants done in San Luis, mexico. Go to dr Sergio Bernal there. Just inside the border. Left side of street look for big tooth on sidewalk. No appointment needed. He may refer to his associate a few block away. His assistant will take you their. I paid $400 per implant. I also had a bridge made for front lower cost was $ 350 for six teeth. Drive to San Luis by going to Yuma, Az. I live in Oregon as well. You would be wise to treat this as a get away from the miserable Oregon winter. Google Sergio Bernal you will find articticals by RVers praising his work. By the way he is very humorous. Had my wife checked he looked at me and said "teeth are bad trade her in on a younger one it will be cheaper." Wish you well.

Hi aussiekellym, I'm glad you chose Dr. Cavallini in San Jose. I did a lot of research myself a few years ago and chose that clinic. I am 100% happy with the results! I had 3 implants and a total of 26 crowns, basically all done in the same day! Try to stay long enough to allow them to do their best quality work, even though they will accommodate your schedule as necessary. I stay at the hotel right next door, the Hotel Cacts. The owners are wonderful people, and their rates are reasonable. I've had a few minor issues with the dental work, and you just know that they guarantee all their work for life. They took care of everything at no charge. At the time, 2011, the total bill for all my work was about $9,500 because I got the nicer crowns on my 12 front teeth. You are welcome to use my name at both the dentist and the hotel next door. Good Luck, Kenneth Lee

Did you go and have the procedure if so can you upload pics & where did you go

Yes I have had the procedure and I have uploaded photos as shown above. I am in the healing process now and waiting until sometime after May when I will go back to have the permanent teeth. I went to Dr Marco Cavallini in Costa Rica.

Thank you oldtechy for your comments. What dentist did you use there and at what cost if I can ask? How are you feeling now after your 1st treatment?

{sorry , a little long winded ... I feel the following is important} After months of research and correspondence with four dental clinics in C.R., we selected Dr. Marco Cavallini(Sr.) (aestheticdentistrycr.com). He is a USA-trained, Certified-Prosthodontist with 33+ years dental-implant experience. There are other respected dental implant specialists in San Jose, C.R., but none offer his level of experience, customer satisfaction, cost-savings and an attached hotel (i.e.CasaMarco Guest House).{imo} Three(3) weeks following our initial treatments, wife and I are very healthy and are adjusting to our new teeth and smiles. We have even been complimented on the appearance of our acrylic "temporary teeth" (crowns/bridges). We will return in ~5+ months for final treatments and the permanent PFM crowns/bridges. As for costs for full-mouth restoration, the prices-quoted by his clinic were (by far) the most economical, inclusive and candid. btw: Our actual costs for this 1st trip are ~25% less than originally proposed/quoted, as the doctor was able to "save" some of our natural teeth, reducing the need to some proposed implants (or crowns); Yay! Their website is very informative and offers full-disclosure on pricing {click the Red-Btn on right-column "Full Mouth Dental Implant Restorations"} When "comparing" treatment plans & price-quotes provided by various clinics, watch for differences or non-disclosures : - temps : "conventional-denture" .vs. "fixed-bridge" ( incl'd or Xtra-cost?) - surgeries (extractions, grafts, lifts, sedation, etc.) - lower-cost "hybrid-dentures"(aka acrylic teeth) .vs. Porcelain. - 4, 6 or 8 implants (minis?) - 12 .vs. 14 crowns - Price quoted for "CASH-Payments" or a Discount Extended for a "Cash Payment" Finally, I suggest to correspond ONLY with the doctor or an actual clinic-employee ; NEVER discus your case with any of the many associated 3rd-parties : "patient coordinators, concierge, facilitators, servicers, etc."

added: Their website is very informative and offers full-disclosure on pricing : - click the Red-Btn on right-column "Full Mouth Dental Implant Restorations" >>> hint: never use bracket/braces here ... does not post ... lol - and forget line-breaks, they get stripped-out...

Thanks for the reply. I am pleased to hear you selected Dr Marco Cavallini as I have made the decision to go with him also recently. Based on his experience, feedback and pricing. There is nothing hidden price wise with him. Please keep in touch and let me know how your progress goes as am very interested. I probably will not be able to see Dr Cavallini until end of the year as I am waiting to sell my house before I can get there.

Just a follow up to see how you went on your 2nd and final visit? Hope it all went well and a happy outcome?
I am booked to go next month for my 1st visit so am anxious. Would love to hear back. Thanks.

Thank you sunshine56 for your advice. I do agree with having the all on six and Dr Marco Cavallini does not like the all on 4 either. I am sorry that yours did not work out as the percentage of implants failing is quite low. Appreciate your advice.

I have never seen a more UNBIASED website ... .. bazinga !

Okay.. thanks.. appreciated

Thank you Latina100.. Much appreciated

I checked that site and it only brought up 2 dentists in San Jose and neither did implants?? It seems like a referral site and not one from patients with reviews. Thanks anyway.

Thanks for getting rid of the spam.. No, I am not using all the proceeds from the house to pay for my implants as will be buying another house. I had already planned on selling the house so it was not because of the implants. Yes, implants are expensive but I plan on going to Costa Rica for them which are so much cheaper than here in the States. Thanks again for your input..

I am sorry to hear that you had problems and it sounds expensive. Can you tell me where you went to have it done? I have pretty much made a decision as to who I prefer to use when the time comes. I am still waiting for my house to sell before I can move ahead and have it done which I hope is soon..

Yes i used dent.vac ..i really think the biggest problem was intimidation and neefing more time to complete work..for the most part. I was pleased with temporay very pretty.,just wanted a few changes but wound up not liking what was done on permanent and me crying because i was so unhappy.plus the all on 4 is not fitting right..i was mislead about some charges the dentist were qualified and very nice, i think i must have made the estecic guy mad cause he copped an attitude they are willing to fix whats wrong just getting time to go back..i think my crowns are done well. Just not as striking as temporays..i had extensive work..about 30,000..i went in with a quote of 23.000. Make. sure you know exactly what you want and what you are getting are the same thing...do not be smoozed by anyone especially their directors or whatever they call themselves keep your eyes and ears open,,make sure when they discuss your teeth with each other they speak english in front of you, If you are doing all on 4 beaware you will need to have them removed and cleaned atleast every 4 to 6 months..something i was not told by them or american dentist. Plus the all on 4 in the states should have a lifetime warranty. Theres do not..be blessed

Thank you for your comments. I will make sure I am aware of all the things you have mentioned. All the best in getting yours fixed to your liking.

Id like to know who you use and your experience..im trying to devide we eather to go back or have the bottom. Redone here.

I am going to use Dr Marco Cavallini at dentalcostarica. I did a lot of research and found good reviews for him and he is well priced. I suggest you look online and look at reviews of various doctors. I am waiting to sell my house before I can go and have it done. When I do move ahead I will be posting my experience. I am hoping to have upper and lower full implants done if I can afford it when the time comes.

I thought he was good too..my final decision was based on dentavacs representative..he was from the states. He smoozed very well but lets just say..slick willie is now what i refer to him as. And i j ust did not take the stand i should have..yes my teeth are so much better but I payed for perfection and what i have is much less attractive than the tempory and about 5,000 over budget...im sure you will love them..if you wnt pics ill be happy to send

Again, I am sorry that you had so much trouble. I hope I will be happy with mine when I get them done. Thanks for offering to show me photos but I do not need them as they are not from the dentist that i will be using.

Thank you, however I have made my decision on who I am using based on the research I have done. I will be using a dentist in Costa Rica.

TRUE, with a good Perio I brt they can save a lot of her teeth and bone