Dental implants in Costa Rica is affordable option for many patients in US and Canada. As dental technology evolves, there are better alternatives to restore a fully edentulous (i.e. toothless) arch. All on 4 dental implants treatment involves placing four implants, strategically, to support a fixed partial denture. This technique has got several limitations, which include lengthy procedure, need for surgical intervention, and several appointments (visits) with the dentist.  In this post we will discuss about alternative and cost effective options to All on 4 dental implants in Thailand.

On the other hand “All on 8” dental implant technique, provided by OCO biomedical (the dental implant manufactures), involves the placement of eight dental implants. The technique offers several advantages which include fast track solution for toothless patients, no surgical intervention required, shorter procedure duration and fewer visits to the dentist for installation. In addition to the clinical and outcome advantages, the technique allows cost savings of over 70% over the All on 4 implant procedure.

Advantages of “All on 8” dental implants over “All on 4” dental implants

The underlying advantage of this technique is that it provides better support to the implant (i.e. at eight sites/locations). This distributes the pressure of the implant across the eight implant locations, which enhances longitivity and improves the overall outcome.

• “All on 8” dental implant technology allows immediate loading and is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Unlike the “All on 4” technique which uses acrylic dentures, “All on 8 technique” uses dental bridges with crowns, which gives a more natural look to the teeth.
• “All on 8 implant” procedure requires fewer appointments with the dentist, doesn’t require any surgical intervention for the removal of bone tissue and hence is completely painless
• Further, temporary dentures are to be worn for only eight to ten days, unlike the “All on 4” technique which requires temporary dentures to be worn for as long as six months
• The technique offers additional advantages like greater acceptability among smokers and allows the consumption of all types of foods almost immediately.

Why Costa Rica for dental implant surgery?

Costa Rica is one of the most preferred destinations, when it comes to dental and cosmetic surgeries. Costa Rica has highly trained dental surgeons who are supported by the latest high-tech equipments and medical technology, which measures up to international quality standards.  Getting a dental implant done in Costa Rica can save costs of dental procedures by as much as 50% to 70%. The expense of “All on 8” dental implant in Costa Rica includes the round trip airfare, hotel stay for over a week, and a short tour visit around the country.

Related links:

Dental Tourism Costa Rica
All on 4 Vs All on 8 Dental Implants
All on four fixed dental Implants Abroad
Dentists in Costa Rica

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.

Same Day or Immediate Load Dental Implants are all the rage in Costa Rica, and for very strong reasons. Medical and dental tourism in Costa Rica is long established and affordable. Hence, even if it’s a single dental implant that you need, Costa Rica is the ideal destination for many reasons.

But before we come to that, let’s see where and how same day dental implants score over their traditional counterparts:

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants Vs. Traditional Implants

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants are:

• Quick and convenient: A titanium post is inserted, on which a temporary tooth/crown is placed. Usually the process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Osseo integration is quick and in 30 days you have your permanent crown in place.

• The Immediate Load Dental implant can be set at an angle, if need be, and removes the need for bone grafting.

Traditional implants are:

• Time-consuming and inconvenient: Traditional implants consists of the following steps:

1. First surgery: the jaw bone is exposed and a 4mm titanium post inserted. Waiting time of about 2 to 6 months until the bone grows around the post.
2. Second surgery: the tip of the post is exposed and crown attached. If a bone graft is needed, another surgery is done to insert the titanium post adding another 4 to 8 months of healing time. This is very common as traditional implants can only be inserted vertically.

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants Vs. Dentures

Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implants look and feel genuine: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures.
Dentures look and feel artificial: Even if you can sometimes fool people with dentures (though not always), they definitely don’t feel like your own teeth.

Same Day/Immediate Load Implants Vs. Bridging

Same Day/Immediate Load Implants preserve teeth: Dental implants do not require that the adjacent teeth be altered in any way. Hence, your healthy teeth are left untouched, which is a significant long-term benefit.

Bridging affects adjacent teeth: In bridgework, some cutting of the adjacent teeth may be required.

Although dental implants are a better option than dental bridges, they may not suit everyone. In such circumstances, in place of the same day dental implant in Costa Rica, you can consider dental bridges that cost an affordable $400 for a full set.

How much do Same Day Dental Implants cost in Costa Rica?
The cost can vary a lot depending on if you want just one implant or many and also depending on where you get it done. In the US and Canada, it could cost anywhere between $2,000 – $4,000. But the same cost can drop drastically to a starting price of $675, if the procedure is done in Costa Rica.

Why get Immediate Load implants done in Costa Rica?

• Huge savings of about 50-60%;
• Proximity to US and Canada. Hence, you spend minimum time and money on travel;
• The established reputation of Costa Rica’s hospitals. The low cost of treatment doesn’t mean a compromise of any sort in the quality of medical care. Costa Rica’s increasing popularity with medical tourists is proof of its high standards;
• Costa Rica is so beautiful, it would be a shame to come away without getting a taste of the ‘Pura Vida’ or ‘pure life’. As your dental procedure doesn’t take more than a day, you can easily combine this medical trip with some pleasure. On the whole, it’ll be a wallet-friendly experience worth remembering.

How to get to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is easily accessible by air. All major US and Canadian airlines fly to Costa Rica. Prices of tickets can vary between $400-800, but can drop in low season. US and Canadian citizens need valid passports to go to Costa Rica.

Getting your Same Day/Immediate Load Dental Implant done in Costa Rica is the most affordable way to bring the confidence back in your smile. Go for it!

(Same Day Implant system traces its history to Dr. Per Ingvar Branemark’s pioneering work on dental implants. The implants are now manufactured by a number of companies like Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Biohorizons, etc.)
Dental Care Resources:

Dental implant surgeon in Costa Rica

Dental implant surgeon in India

Dental Tourism Costa Rica