Have you been considering a full-mouth restoration in Costa Rica but not sure about the quality overseas? Head to Costa Rica to get the same treatment at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the U.S. or Canada.
Currently, Costa Rica is one of the leading choices for dental tourists.[1]PROMED Why Medical Tourism In Costa Rica? “While there are many reasons why Costa Rica has become a global leader in Medical Tourism the big three are Quality,Convenience and especially Savings.” View in Article
They provide affordable dental care without compromising the quality of service.
Keep a few days aside to explore this beautiful country, and you will return home with a brand-new smile and savings of around 50-70%.
While cost-savings are definite, we can site some more benefits for a dental tourist in Costa Rica:
1. Geographical Proximity
If you live in the US or Canada, traveling to Costa Rica is relatively quick and straightforward.[3]PROMED Convenience: “The fact that Costa Rica is within a 3-5 hour flight from most places in the United States… With the number of flights coming every day, there is always a sale with a fare at a price that you can afford.” View in Article The average duration of a flight to Costa Rica is 4 to 6 hours.
2. High-Quality Healthcare Standards
According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Costa Rican healthcare system ranks one notch up than that of the USA.[4]WHO Overall efficiency in all WHO member states “36. Costa Rica 37. United States of America” View in Article
Costa Rican dental clinics have accreditations from international organizations and cater to thousands of foreign patients.
3. No Language Barrier
Since Costa Rica is a preferred choice of thousands of dental tourists, the dentists here speak good English.[5]Go Visit Costa Rica Do I need to be able to speak Spanish to get by in Costa Rica? “Speaking Spanish is definitely a plus when you are conversing with Ticos, but it is not required. Many Ticos speak English.” View in Article Besides English, our head dental surgeon is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
4. No Wait Times
We can schedule your dental procedure on a day convenient to you, sans any waiting period.
5. Tropical Paradise
This beautiful Central American country is rich in biodiversity. Tourists can expect to see an abundance of wildlife.[6]Costa Rica Embassy Environment “Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth’s surface (has only 51.100km2). However it contains nearly 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity.” View in Article
You have plenty of things to do as well. You can hike in its rainforests, lounge on its beaches, and enjoy its hot springs.
Costa Rica welcomed some 70,000 medical tourists in 2016.[7]ITIJ High-quality professionals “The Council for International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine (PROMED), has estimated that 70,000 medical travellers visited in 2016” View in Article
You could have to pay $35,000 or more for a restoration in the U.S.A. This makes the discomfort of teeth cause financial discomfort too. However, affordable dentistry in Costa Rica can help you get a smile at savings up to 70% of this cost.
Price in Costa Rica | Price in USA |
---|---|
USD 22,000 – 40,000 | USD 45,000 – 70,000 |
Below is the breakup of approximate individual treatment costs:
Procedure | Price in Costa Rica | Price in USA |
---|---|---|
Dental Implants* | $10,700-20,000 | $24,000-35,000 |
Dental Crowns | $525-850 | $1,100-2,500 |
Dental Bridges | $375-425 | $5,000-15,000 |
Tooth Veneers | $425-500 | $2,000-2,500 |
Removeable Dentures | $500-600 | $1,500-2,000 |
*Cost of implant procedures: All-on-4/6/8 |
Restoring both the jaws through an All-on system may exceed $70,000 in the USA. But, the same restoration could cost you close to $20,000 in Costa Rica. This is less than 30% of the price quoted back in the States.
Even after considering travel and lodging charges, you will find it cheaper than the US. It’s because of the popularity of CR-US travel, you will find many cheap flights & hotels.[8]PROMED Convenience: “The fact that Costa Rica is within a 3-5 hour flight from most places in the United States… With the number of flights coming every day, there is always a sale with a fare at a price that you can afford.” View in Article
Moreover, when it comes to dental packages offered by Costa Rican dentists, you are sure to like it better than the inclusions back at the US:
Our All-on-4 Packages include:
Our All-on-6, 8 Packages (2 stages) include:
Our All-on-6, 8 Packages (3 stages) include:
Let us look at a few of the reasons for this considerable price gap:
Here are a few of the extra costs you may incur when getting full mouth restoration in the USA:
Service | Cost in USA (US$) | Cost in Costa Rica |
---|---|---|
Initial Consultation | $110 | Free |
CT Scan | $380 | Free |
Extraction (per tooth) | $185 | Free |
IV Sedation | $780 | Free |
Full mouth restorations aim to restore the function and aesthetic of your teeth. Your dentist will suggest which restorative technique is best for your condition. These may include restoring your teeth through Implants, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, and Veneers.
He may have to perform additional procedures before the restorative surgery. Like Sinus Lift, Bone graft, or teeth Extractions. If you’re curious to know what these fancy dental terms mean, dig in:
Prosthesis restoration for the tooth root. Crowns are placed over the implants. They restore both your teeth’s functionality and aesthetics. Dental implants are the most permanent tooth replacement solution.
Tooth crowns are a part of restorative dentistry for structural flaws. These are tooth-shaped “caps” which are placed over teeth and cemented into place. They restore your teeth’s shape and size, strength, and improve the appearance.
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They are a series of 3 or more connecting crowns. The end crowns are placed on your existing teeth, while the middle crowns will fill the gaps.
Veneers are man-made “shells” which are used to cover chipped or discolored teeth. The color can be matched to your natural teeth. Lumineers are a popular model discussed while considering Veneers. These are more translucent.
Removable dentures are a traditional way to restore lost teeth. However, it is worthy to note that these acrylic dentures slip off easily. With other drawbacks such as weak strength, slurred speech, implants serve as a better alternative instead.
Thus, a modified model of dentures, one which can only be removed or placed by dentists are now used. These go by names such as snap-on dentures, implant dentures.
Teeth affect your speech, chewing, and facial appearance. These full-mouth restorations greatly enhance the quality of life of a person who has extensive tooth damage and gum disease.
A full mouth rehabilitation is also known as a full mouth reconstruction. It is advised for patients with several broken, missing, damaged, and worn teeth.
The aim of the treatment is generally any one or more of the following:
No two full mouth reconstruction procedures are the same. It is a highly customized treatment and the specific procedures and treatments needed vary from patient to patient.
So, how do you go about finding the right dental clinic in Costa Rica? Here are a few key questions you should be asking:
The clinic was on time. It was worth every bit of it. The staff was cordial. I knew I was in the right place.
Payment method: NSDG accepts cash, wire transfers, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and PayPal.
I feel so much better. The care that we had at clinic was excellent. Everyone was very Calming and reassuring.
Payment options: Goodness Dental accepts cash, debit/credit cards, and wire transfer.
We at MTC keep in touch with you after the treatment. In case you find anything troubling about your teeth, feel free to contact us. We will get you a free follow-up consultation with your dentist.
Wondering for how long to stay in Costa Rica for dental treatment? Or perhaps how to reach there? or how to get around in this foreign land? Find a handy guide below. This will help you plan better for your Costa Rican dental vacation.
Since a full mouth reconstruction can include a variety of dental treatments, it can be a lengthy procedure. Typically, the treatment is done in stages and can require 2-3 visits to the dentist.
Treatment | Trips Required |
---|---|
All on 4 Dental Implants (Healing Period: 4-6 months) | 1st Visit: 1 week 2nd Visit: 11 days |
All on 6/8 Dental Implants (Without bone grafting & sinus lift) | 1st Visit: 4 days 2nd Visit: 11 days |
All on 6/8 Dental Implants (With bone grafting & sinus lift) | 1st Visit: 1 week 2nd Visit: 4 days 3rd Visit: 11 days |
Although full mouth dental implants is a lengthy procedure, the result can be advantageous. With the improved appearance, speech, and chewing functions, you will feel a massive change in your quality of life.
The dental clinic is in San Jose, the country’s capital. You can take a flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA Code: SJO) in the city of Alajuela, which is only 11 miles from our dental clinic.
Flying time between Juan Santamaría International Airport and major American cities (non-stop):
Philadelphia: 7h 40m | Los Angeles, California: 5h 40m |
Miami, Florida: 2h 55m | Houston, Texas: 3h 45m |
Flying time between Juan Santamaría International Airport and major Canadian cities:
Toronto, Ontario: 6h | Halifax, Nova Scotia: 6h |
Saint John, New Brunswick: 6h | Vancouver, British Columbia: 8h |
Visa is not required for the Americans and Canadians traveling here, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days.
According to the U.S Department of State, a current passport valid for the entire length of the trip is mandatory. A return ticket to exit the country is also required.[11]US Travel State Gov. Entry, Exit and Visa Requirement “Passport valid for duration of stay. Immigration may deny entry if passport is damaged.” View in Article
San Jose: The city is your likely point of arrival. You’ll find yourself with lots to do here, including visiting museums, restaurants and national parks.
Must do: San Jose Museum Tours to the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and The Children’s Museum.
Cartago: It is pretty close to San José. The Orosi valley presents fantastic views, rivers, lakes, and great gourmet restaurants.
Must do: Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park. The volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica.
Heredia: Most tourists enjoy the coffee plantations and the stunning waterfalls.
Must do: Visit the breathtaking La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It is only a half day trip.
Alajuela: The Poás volcano is another leisurely day trip. You can see one of the largest craters in the world. You can then visit the nearby town of Poasito, for fresh strawberries and cheese tortillas.
Puntarenas: If you are traveling between August and October, you could consider going on a whale watching excursion.
Must do: Don’t miss the opportunity to surf in Playa Hermosa. The beach is clean and the waves here are world-renowned.
Limon: It is paradise on the Caribbean coast, complete with white sand beaches. It features everything from wetlands to mountains.
Dry Season (Mid-December to April) is the best time to visit the country. The average temperature during this season in San Jose ranges between 73-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is the ideal time for exploring rainforests and beaches. So, room rates can become expensive. It is advisable to book in advance.
Rainy Season (May to November) is known as the “green season.” The average temperature in San Jose during this season ranges from 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though the prices are lower, a drawback of coming in this season is that roads are badly affected by rains, making it difficult to head outside.
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Keep a list of handy Spanish phrases on you.
Here are a few to get you started: Buenos días (Good Morning), Hola (Hello), Por Favor (Please), Mucho gusto (Pleasure), Socorro (Help).
Most business establishments accept American dollars.
Only use licensed taxis, which are identified by numbered yellow triangles painted on the side.
If you travel by local bus, keep your personal belongings with you, rather than in overhead storage compartments.
Costa Rica is a safe country[12]Global Peace Index 2020 THE STATE OF PEACE “Analysis: Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries when it comes to overall peace. In Central America and The Carribean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number 1 most peaceful country in the region out of 12.” View in Article, but there are cases of theft in several parts of the country, especially in tourist areas, so it is advisable to be alert at all times.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board, along with the police, have created a subdivision of tourist police with more than 250 officers, whose primary purpose is to maintain order and security in tourist areas. If you have any questions or concerns, you can seek them.[13]US Travel State Gov. Costa Rica Travel Advisory “The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.” View in Article
With modern dental anesthetics and sedation, no dental procedure should hurt. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate level of medication for your comfort.
The results last depending on how closely you follow the doctor’s post-op instructions. If you brush and floss daily and see him every few months for check-ups, you should expect your results to last for a long time.
A CT scan is a must to figure out how much bone is left in your jaw and whether you are the right candidate for the implant surgery.
Yes. A young patient needs to be at least 18-20 years of age. This is because, during a growth spurt, a child’s jawbone is enlarged. This guideline is followed by most dentist regardless of their geographical location.
There is no upper limit on the age at which implants can be given. Even 85-90-year-old patients have shown a good prognosis with implants.
Good candidates are those who have clenching habits, grind their teeth, or who have worn down teeth.
Those who have severely damaged teeth or are suffering from jaw pain, headaches, have missing teeth, gum disease, or a bite that is off-balance, can greatly benefit from a full mouth reconstruction.
General, restorative, and cosmetic dentists can offer full mouth reconstruction.
The primary difference is that a smile makeover is designed to rejuvenate the teeth and gums using cosmetic techniques, while full mouth reconstruction is intended to address the functional or health concerns.
A full mouth reconstruction can also include aesthetic treatments if needed.
Yes. The front teeth, the tongue, and the lips are all involved in the sounds we produce.
If a tooth has been damaged by disease or by grinding, it will no longer contact the tongue or the lips the way it should to produce a particular sound. Restoring these teeth would mean improved speech.
After every significant dental procedure, a rest of 3-7 days is recommended.
Do warm salt water rinses multiple times in a day. Consume only liquids or soft foods for the first day or two after your oral surgery. Do not smoke as it hinders the recovery process.
Want to plan your dental vacation to Costa Rica for your new smile? Contact us for a free pricing quote. We will answer all your queries and guide you through the entire process.
*Please review our full disclaimers, Terms & Conditions and, Health Privacy & Confidentiality Statement. Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA or any medical professional.