Dental Implants Surgery abroad is a safe, affordable option for people who are either uninsured or under-insured. Also, patients who want to avoid long waiting lists or feel that dental facilities in their own country are not up-to-the-mark, can opt for dental implants overseas. Countries like India, Costa Rica and Mexico offer dental implants surgery at low rates, medical facilities are advanced and international standards are followed both in terms of treatment and care. When it comes to dental tourism Costa Rica is one of the most sought after destinations, Mexico comes in a close second. Also, dental implants in India are offered at affordable rates and administered at accredited hospitals, by qualified and well trained dentists.

Dental Implants can be categorized based on many different things – by size, by material used, by type of connection on top of the head of the implant and by the stages of the treatment, the last one being the most common. Based on the stages of the treatment, Dental Implants are divided into:

• Two Stage Dental Implants, and
• One Stage Dental Implants

Two Stage Dental Implants

The Two Stage Dental Implants Surgery uses the traditional implant process. Placement in the lower jaw can take up-to three months to heal while those in the upper jaw need about six months. The procedure is traditionally performed in two steps, the first step being a surgery in which the dentist installs the implants which are left for three to six months so that they can heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient is given a temporary prosthesis until it is time to put in the permanent crown.

Placement of the permanent crown is another small surgical procedure and is the second stage of this Dental Implant Surgery. The Two Stage Dental Implants procedure requires the patients to invest much time and is also comparatively expensive.

One Stage Dental Implants

In the 1 Stage Dental Implants Surgery, the second stage is altogether avoided and during a single surgery, the implant is placed in the jaw bone is such a way that the top of the implant is higher than the surface of the bone, at the height of the soft tissue. When the soft tissue is stitched at the end of the surgery, the dental implant’s head is exposed. There is, therefore, no need for a second surgery as the implant is already exposed and takes its place naturally.

Features of the One Stage Dental Implants are:

• Osseo integration begins immediately.
• No long, wait for the bone to heal before placing the implant.
• There are no missing teeth in the mouth.
• The tooth looks natural while the implant is healing.

One Stage Dental Implants or Two Stage Dental Implants?

Both One Stage and Two Stage Dental Implants can be equally successful if the placements are proper.

However, one additional surgical intervention is required if the 2 stage procedure is picked, which makes the 1 stage procedure less time consuming and cost effective. A review by The Cochrane Collaboration was recently able to confirm that a 1 stage implant procedure is as effective as the 2 stage procedure, and also offers the following advantages:

• One minor surgical intervention can be avoided
• The treatment time can be shortened

Five studies conducted with 239 patients were able to prove that both procedures are equally effective and successful, but the one stage dental implants procedure is advantageous as there is one less surgery and the treatment and recovery time are significantly shorter.

Cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica is a feasible alternative for people intimidated by the high cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental implants and dental bridges in the USA. More than 100 million people in the USA lack dental insurance, and hence dental treatment abroad becomes an attractive, cost-effective option to such persons.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry in Costa Rica

• Cosmetic dentistry procedures like immediate load dental implants in Costa Rica cost only a fraction of the USA price and it does not involve any lowering of quality. You will save a neat 30-50% even if all related expenses like travel, stay, and a bit of a holiday are added up.
• Quality of dental care in Costa Rica is at par with what you expect in the USA.
• Board-certified cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica are established, reputed professionals with years of experience. They speak good English, so there are no communication problems.
• Cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica, like their counterparts in USA, use the latest computer-aided design and modeling software like 3D imaging.
• Costa Rica is also a beautiful place to visit with its tropical forests, mountains, and pristine beaches. It is also a safe country with a stable democracy, high level of education, and friendly people.
• US and Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stay of up to three months.
• All major US airlines have regular nonstop Costa Rica flights from many US cities. It is easy for Canadians, too, to fly to Costa Rica because of good number of flights.

Disadvantages of Cosmetic Dentistry in Costa Rica

• You need to have more time in hand since you are traveling to another country and will need to stay as long as required to complete the dental procedure.
• Spanish is the most common language, though English is quite common. Not all cosmetic dentists and staff at dental clinics in Costa Rica may speak English. You will have to check this beforehand. However, staff at Medical Tourism Corporation’s network hospitals in Costa Rica speak fluent English and there are interpreters available, when required.

Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures in Costa Rica

Let us now look at some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures, and their costs in the USA. You can expect to save a substantial amount – 30-50% – if you get these procedures done in Costa Rica.

• Immediate load dental implants in Costa Rica are not only hugely affordable but also of the highest quality. Costa Rica orthodontists in tourist hospitals regularly work with medical tourists from the US, Canada, and other parts of the world.

• Porcelain Veneers in Costa Rica can be easily accommodated in a vacation, as they take about 1-2 visits only. Teeth veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells used on the front surface of front teeth to cover discoloration, chipping or minor misalignments. In the US, it generally takes $300 to $2,000 per tooth.

• Dental Bridges in Costa Rica will be a fraction of the cost in the US. Dental bridges are false teeth, used when there are one or more missing teeth. In the US, they are priced between $500 and $900.

• Dental Crowns in Costa Rica, along with a rejuvenating vacation, will truly add to your total makeover. In the US, the cost of a single dental crown can be between $800-$1,200.

Quality, dependable cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica is very affordable by US standards. When superb quality accompanies such huge savings, it becomes an option hard to look away from.

People who need to replace missing teeth have several options today, like dentures and dental implants. In this article we will compare dental implants and dentures: situations where one is preferable over the other and why dentures or dental implants abroad could be a good idea.

Comparison of Dental Implants and Dentures

Material:

Dentures are made of acrylic, cast metal, flexible plastic for base and plastic or porcelain for the teeth part.

Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal compatible with the human body.

Procedure:

Dentures take several appointments over three to six weeks. In the first appointment, impressions of the jaw and tooth structure are taken. Wax or plastic moulds are created and tried on. Final cast is made and fitted and adjustments made.

The tooth implant is placed in the bone socket. (Local anesthesia needed). It takes five to eight months to fix the prosthetic tooth onto the implant.

Comfort:

The denture can move and make clicking sounds when you eat or speak, so it may make you uncomfortable. Dentures in the upper jaw have better grip than lower dentures due to suction from roof of the mouth. Ability to chew is greatly reduced, compared to natural teeth.

Dental implants or implant-retained dental prostheses are very stable, as they have a root-like portion that fits into the bone socket, like natural teeth. People who have implant-supported artificial teeth can chew efficiently.

Where they are used:

Dentures can be used when you have lost many or all your teeth because of periodontal disease, tooth decay, damage, or aging. Dental implants can be used here too, but only if you have healthy jaw bone to support them.

Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth, either one or more. But may not be advisable for diabetics and smokers as osseo-integration might take longer.

What to expect once you have them:

Dentures will need to be re-aligned, re-based or re-made as your gums and jaw structure change with aging. Dentures are also subject to normal wear and proper oral hygiene is necessary.

With proper care, dental implants last a lifetime.

Why Dental Implants are considered Better than Dentures

• Dental implants enable firm placing of the prosthetic teeth. The tiny titanium screws act like the root of a natural tooth, so you don’t have to worry about the crown falling off.
• You can chew better with implant-supported artificial teeth.
•  Dental implants are made of titanium, which the body accepts. This has two advantages: one, it promotes healthy bone growth and second, this natural bone holds the implant firmly in place. The opposite happens with dentures, as pressure from the dentures causes disintegration of bone material.
• Some people may be allergic to some of the material like acrylic used in dentures whereas titanium used in dental implants is bio-compatible.
• Dental implants offer more options. It is possible to get your dentures fixed with mini dental implants.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants are more expensive than dentures.
• Dental implants are more time-consuming. After the implants are placed, it may take anywhere from 3-6 months for osseo-integration to happen.
• People with a tendency to grind teeth may not be suitable for dental implants.
• If the bones have shrunk and are not in a condition to support the implant, the dental surgeon may advise bone graft for dental implants. This involves further cost, time, and surgery.
• Dental implants are an invasive procedure, and involves incisions and stitches. Though done under anesthesia, people with dental surgery phobia may not want to go for it.

Cost of Dentures and Dental Implants

There are different types of dentures including complete dentures, removable partial dentures and implant-retained dentures. The cost varies according to which of these you need, the different material used and the dentist’s fee. The cost could be anything between $300 and $2,500 in the US. Traditional dental implants cost in the range of $2,000 and $4,500 in the US. Low cost dental implants in Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, or India can save you about 60% or more of the US cost, with no compromise in quality. Plus, it offers you the chance to combine a tropical vacation with your dental treatment package.