Full Mouth Restoration in Costa Rica
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%.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Full Mouth Restoration in Costa Rica
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
What is the Cost of Full Mouth Restoration Costa Rica?
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 | ||
These are approximate values
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:
- All-on-4 Packages
- All-on-6, 8 (2 stages) Packages
- All-on-6, 8 (3 stages) Packages
Our All-on-4 Packages include:
- Evaluation, medication, and 3D dental tomography
- IV sedation
- Any necessary tooth extraction
- Eight dental implants (upper and lower arch)
- Two-hybrid acrylic dentures with a titanium bar (upper and lower arch)
Our All-on-6, 8 Packages (2 stages) include:
- Evaluation, medication, 3D dental tomography, and an occlusal guard
- 12 to 16 dental implants for the upper and lower arches
- Upper and lower fixed bridge of 12 to 14 units
- Any necessary tooth extraction
Our All-on-6, 8 Packages (3 stages) include:
- Evaluation, medication, 3D dental tomography, and an occlusal guard
- 12 to 16 dental implants for the upper and lower arches
- Upper and lower fixed bridge of 12 to 14 units
- Bilateral Sinus Lift Augmentation
- Any necessary tooth extraction
Costa Rica Vs. USA: Explaining the Cost Difference
Let us look at a few of the reasons for this considerable price gap:
- The lower cost of dental work in Costa Rica is a reflection of the lower cost of living.[9]Expatistan Cost of living in Costa Rica compared to United States “Cost of living in Costa Rica is 38% cheaper than in United States” View in Article Dentists have reduced costs in terms of building rental, wages, taxes and other overheads.
- American doctors pay big chunks of money for malpractice insurance to save themselves from negligence lawsuits.[10]NCBI An Introduction to Medical Malpractice in the United States “Medical malpractice lawsuits are a relatively common occurrence in the United States. The legal system is designed to encourage extensive discovery and negotiations between adversarial parties with the goal of resolving the dispute without going to jury trial.” View in Article
- Costa Rica is price-competitive, and most dental clinics offer attractive package deals which include many services for free.
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 in Costa Rica
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:
Dental Implants in Costa Rica
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.
- Dental Implant Technique
Video Courtesy: ToothIQ Archives
- Patient Testimonial
Implant Patient in CR
Dental Crowns in Costa Rica
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.
- Tooth Crown Technique
Video Courtesy: ToothIQ Archives
- Patient Testimonial
Tooth Crown Patient in CR
Dental Bridges in Costa Rica
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.
- Dental Bridge Technique
Video Courtesy: ToothIQ Archives
- Patient Testimonial
Dental Bridge Patient in CR
Dental Veneers in Costa Rica
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.
- Dental Veneers Technique
Video Courtesy: ICE Health Systems
- Patient Testimonial
Veneers Patient in CR
Dentures in Costa Rica
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.
- Dentures Technique
Video Courtesy: Science Insider
- Patient Testimonial
Dentures Patient in CR
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:
- Improve functionality and aesthetics.
- Correct any defects in the gum or the underlying bone.
- Create a better jaw alignment.
- Restore missing teeth with single or full mouth implants.
- Correct any anomalies of the teeth.
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.
Choosing the Right Clinic in Costa Rica: Top 10 Considerations
So, how do you go about finding the right dental clinic in Costa Rica? Here are a few key questions you should be asking:
- Is the dentist or clinic internationally accredited?
- What training and experience do the dentists have?
- What prosthesis brands or materials will you use?
- Does the clinic have an In-House Lab?
- What technology do you use?
- Is the sterilization process on par with international standards?
- Does the clinic offer a guarantee?
- What happens if I face a tooth problem after coming home?
- What do former patients have to say in their reviews?
- How will I pay for dental work when in Costa Rica?
Recommended Clinics in Costa Rica
New Smile Dental Group, Costa Rica
- Internationally accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF)
- The dental group is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Brands used: Zimmer Dental, OCO Biomedical, and S.I.N. Implant, Nobel Biocare.
- Crown materials: Full porcelain crowns (pressed ceramics), porcelain fused to metal or zirconia restorations
- An on-site dental lab which gives it complete control over the design, fabrication, and quick delivery of dental restorations
- State-of-the-art technology such as CAD/CAM
- Lifetime guarantee on implants and a 7-year guarantee on crowns and veneers
Dr. Mario Bonilla D.D.S., Head Clinician
- 12+ years of total experience
- 5+ years of expertise in placing dental implants
- Implantology Course at OCO Biomedical in Albuquerque
- VALPLAST course in New York
Video: NSDG Dentist
Charessa Lyle, Patient from Texas, United States
The clinic was on time. It was worth every bit of it. The staff was cordial. I knew I was in the right place.
Video: Patient Testimonial
Payment method: NSDG accepts cash, wire transfers, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and PayPal.
Goodness Dental Clinic, Escazú, San José
- American-owned & operated dental clinic.
- Memberships include the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Brands: Zimmer, OCO Biomedical, and S.I.N. Implant, Nobel Biocare.
- Crown materials: Full porcelain crowns (pressed ceramics), porcelain fused to metal (PFM), Ceramic, E-max, and zirconia restorations
- An on-site dental lab which gives it complete control over the design, fabrication, and quick delivery of dental restorations
- State-of-the-art American, German, and Scandinavian dental technology
- Lifetime guarantee on implants (even for smokers; no questions asked) and a 1-year guarantee on crowns and bridges
Dr. Andrés Brenes, Chief Prosthodontist
- DDS, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2003-2010
- Specialization in Prosthodontics
- Member of The American Prosthodontic Society
- License: Costa Rica – 424210
Dr. Andrés BrenesDawn Wagenschutz, Patient from Wisconsin, USA
I feel so much better. The care that we had at clinic was excellent. Everyone was very Calming and reassuring.
Video: Patient Testimonial
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.
Planning a Dental Trip to Costa Rica
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.
- Scheduling Duration
- Visa and Flights
- Tourism
- Travel Tips
Full Mouth Restoration Trip Schedule
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 |
The healing period flanks each visit; duration varies for each patient
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.
How to Get to Costa Rica?
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
Visa is not required for the Americans and Canadians traveling here, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days.
Travel Documents Required
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
Vacation Opportunities:
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.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
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.
Language Tips
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).
Video Courtesy: Marcello Arrambide
Currency
Most business establishments accept American dollars.
Local Travel
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.
Safety Tips
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
Why Medical Tourism Corporation (MTC)?
- We are ranked A+ by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- We offer pre-trip consultation with our dentists.
- We also help you in making other trip-related arrangements.
- We work with certified dentists who have an excellent reputation. One of the top-rated dental clinics in Costa Rica is a part of our network.
- We provide all-inclusive low-cost dental packages along with pick-up and lodging arrangements. No hidden costs, no surprises.
- We provide each patient with a bilingual case manager who takes care of all of their requirements.
- We offer convenient payment options. Our clinic accepts cash, wire transfers, credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal.
FAQs Full Mouth Restoration in Costa Rica
- Does a full mouth reconstruction hurt?
- How long will the results of my full mouth reconstruction from Costa Rica last?
- Why do I need a CT scan before getting dental implants in Costa Rica?
- Is age a factor for getting full mouth dental implants at Costa Rican dentist?
- Am I a good candidate for full mouth restoration?
- What type of dentists offer full mouth reconstruction in Costa Rica?
- Difference b/w full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover?
- Will full mouth implants from Costa Rica affect my speech?
- When can I rejoin work after getting a full mouth restoration from Costa Rica?
- Any post-surgery dental care tips?
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.
References:
- PROMED: Why Medical Tourism In Costa Rica?
- WHO: Overall efficiency in all WHO member states
- Costa Rica Embassy
- ITIJ: Destination spotlight: Costa Rica
- Expatistan: Cost of Living
- NCBI: Introduction to Medical Malpractice in the United States
- US Travel State Gov.: Entry, Exit and Visa Requirement
- Global Peace Index: Costa Rica Safety
- US Travel State Gov.: Tourist Police in Costa Rica
- Happy Planet Index
Contact Us Now
Medical Tourism Corporation is an international medical travel company based in the US. Our goal is to have satisfied and happy medical tourists.
CONTACT NUMBERS
USA/CAN: +1-800-661-2126
Global: +1-214-571-4553
MAILING ADDRESS
3824 Cedar Springs Rd, #801-4762,
Dallas, TX 75219, USA
*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.
