www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have been asked by a few veterans to write about my dental experiences in Costa Rica.

A little history first, I was diagnosed in June of 1997 with a hereditary bone loss issue in my jaw. (thanks Mom..lol). After having thorough discussions with my long time dentist in the states, as this was two front upper teeth I was seriously concerned as to the long term aspects of this surgery, After quite a bit of research on the subject (links are at the end) I proceeded to go ahead with my first round of implants.

Procedures like this require an initial stage of opening the gum line and drilling into existing bone for a titanium rod (implant) to be attached, the surgeon will make a partial bridge for you to fill in the open space as these are front teeth. After approximately 4 months, which allows for the remaining bone to adhere to the titanium the gums are then opened and a crown is fitted to fit on top of the implants. Cost of this in the USA ten years ago was approximately $5000. I was extremely pleased with the results.


Fast forward to January, 2007…. Now I knew this was coming and have been procrastinating but the time has come to address two more front teeth (this will make the front four in a row). After consulting with my dentist in the US, I was quoted costs of close to $9000 from beginning to end for this same procedure. I began researching cosmetic dental surgery in Costa Rica. I had been traveling there for over a year at this point and have had minor procedures performed by Dr Chen thanks to several recommendations from the board but this was a little different as this is a fairly major procedure.

After EXTENSIVE research, In April of 2007, I began meeting with dental surgeons in San Jose and the surrounding areas, After meeting with Dr Mario Garita, Prisma Dental and Dr Arnold Anglada and his partner Dr Eduardo Castro, I chose to work with the latter, I had surgery that day, and other than some minor discomfort, (I am sure many of you remember me walking through SL that night with an ice bag on my face). I finished my procedure over my Labor Day trip and was and still am extremely pleased.

Cost, including my airfare and hotel costs (not including entertainment of course) came to approximately half or roughly $4500.

I would highly recommend Dr’s Anglada and Castro for any serious needs, they have offices in both Sabana Sur and Santa Ana.

Thanks again to Irish Drifter for finding them for me.

If any would like further information, please feel free to PM me.


Here are some links from my research

http://www.costaricaimplants.com/resumen.php My Surgeon

http://healthnewsdigest.com/news/Dental ... nter.shtml 2007 study

http://www.nobelbiocare.com/global/en/D ... nction.htm new technology




I spoke at length with the gentlemen who wrote this article, he used Prisma, they were a little to agressive for me.
http://www.tftb.com/beautyfromafar/newsmile3.html

I don't know what part of the US you are from, but the prices you got quoted seem very high to me, even the CR ones. I practice in the Houston area and my fee per implant is $1500.00 with another $1000.00 for the crown, which would have come out to $5000.00 total for two teeth, and we offer a discount for cash up front. You should have been able to get a much better price in CR. I suspect that the guys who cater to Americans in Costa Rica have a "gringo" menu and a Tico menu. Still not a bad price since you got the vacation too.

Goetz
a

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In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here!

Forgot to mention I also had the 2 original crowns replaced as well as a couple other minor issues, I still feel I got a very good price and I know I saved a lot vs the US

These prices also included 3 flights RT from Chicago and 20 days stay in hotels. I do know my dentist is expensive vs what I could have had done in the US with others.

So in summary, 3 round trips, 20 nights in hotels and 2 new implants and 4 new crowns for a little over $4500, PLUS 20 nights in San Jose...not too bad IMHO.

My dentist in the US has also told me the work is outstanding, I believe I made the right choice.

That sounds much better and more in line with what should be the norm for CR. I also have been impressed with the quality of work performed in CR and have recommended it for "medical tourism". Glad you had a good experience.

Goetz

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In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here!

All this - plus he got laid 3 times !!! Ya can't beat that!

El Silencioso, you are definitely the "Master Of Oral Info" !!!

MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Only 3 ?!?!?!

I've just been quoted $1400 per tooth by Prisma Dental, implant, post and crown included. Can't seem to get a quote from an American dentist yet - they're too busy trying to "sell" me first. (I'll play along)

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Reviews with Name, Where we can find her, Description (Height, weight, measurements (best guesses will do just fine)), and a rundown on services provided (and yes, YMMV is understood) would be GREATLY appreciated.

Lots more than 3.... Maybe add a Zero I really did not count...

Might want to confirm this includes everything, they like to forget about the panoramic x-rays and other additional costs when they quote you prices. My implant surgery was $800 per tooth and crown was $550, plus the cleanings, temporaries, x-rays, etc.

Spock,
Ya gotta realize, that El Silencioso is kinda "shy" with the chica's. And since he's never been accused of being well hung, his self confidence is not that great. Hence.... only 3 times! I know, I know. I feel kinda bad for him also. But what can ya do ?!?!?! He tries, but I'm sure it gets real old, when the chica's are always asking "Is it in yet" ?!?! Just don't make fun of him when you see him. He's kinda sensitive about this.

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

MG

SHY ???, now there is a word that definitely does NOT describe me.....

I would be careful how much bashing you do.... ..Don't forget I got the inside info.......

I may only have 6" but I use them well, only 1 complaint from the many chicas..TOO BIG !!!

I remember several trips of yours confined to una chica..... She still waiting for you ??, it been a LONG TIME since Labor day....

I lost count over the last 3 trips now that I am novia free again while you are stuck in S Florida rubbing one out...

Phucker !!!!!!!!!!!

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

oops...Did I hit a nerve

EL S


Good to hear everything went well with the dental work. Gonna have to hook up after football season for some spring fun down there.


Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

Cujo

Always up for another trip, let me know when your dates come up....Always a blast partying with you and Pac

I'm considering some fairly major restoration after a lifetime of neglect.

Contacted a dentist up north (Long Island) and he wants $24K for a fairly extensive re-construction.

Saw recs on Prisma and Dr Chen and contacted both.

Up here they want $4,200 for an implant. Prisma wants $1,300.

In any case, implants will be waiting for 2008 (insurance purposes) so this trip I'll be having 4-7 (upper) crowns done, some fillings and a whitening. Prisma wants $250 per crown (porcelain on base metal which I understnd are the strongest ones) but i have to come back in a couple of weeks to get the permanent crowns installed.

Dr Chen wants $150 per crown and claims to be able to have them ready in a few days (priority given to visiotrs with short stays) and the whitening and fillings are relatively strightforward.

I am actually considering having Dr Chen do this first visit and perhaps have Prisma do the impants next year.

Plan ? Or would I be better off having the same office/dentist doing all the work ?

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Reviews with Name, Where we can find her, Description (Height, weight, measurements (best guesses will do just fine)), and a rundown on services provided (and yes, YMMV is understood) would be GREATLY appreciated.

To the best of my knowledge Dr. Chen does not do implants. He has a complete dental lab on the second floor of his clinic and offers very fast turn around times. I have recommended him to many guys who had major work done in the short time they were here. He has come through on time on every occasion.



You might want to check with him why he chose them over Dr. Garita and Prisma. I got some quotes for a friend and while Prisma gave the same price for the implant and crown they loaded their estimate with additional items. Kind of like a car dealer gives you a fair price and the when you get the final price is has been loaded with odd ball charges.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine