Choosing the Right Clinic in Costa Rica: Top 6 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, and we also give you six reasons to choose the New Smile Dental Group in San Jose for your dental treatments.

1. Is the dentist or clinic internationally accredited?

Our dental clinic was the first in Costa Rica to be 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).

2. What training and experience do the dentists have?

Dr. Mario Bonilla D.D.S., the head clinician, has over 12 years of total experience with five years of expertise in placing dental implants. He has done an Implantology Course at OCO Biomedical in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2009.

He has also done a VALPLAST course in New York.

Allan Vargas González D.D.S. is our maxillofacial specialist. He did his postdoctoral degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in 2003-2007

3. What materials will you use?

Implants: We work with Zimmer Dental, Oco Biomedical, and S.I.N. Implant.

Crowns and Veneers: Full porcelain crowns (pressed ceramics), porcelain fused to metal or zirconia restorations.

4. Does the clinic have an In-House Lab? What technology do you use?

Our clinic has an on-site dental lab which gives it complete control over the design, fabrication, and quick delivery of dental restorations.

At our modern clinic and laboratory, we have the finest equipment and tools available, as well as state-of-the-art technology such as CAD/CAM, providing our patients with world-class service.

5. Does the clinic offer a guarantee?

We offer a lifetime guarantee on implants and a 7-year guarantee on crowns and veneers.

6. What do former patients have to say in their reviews?

We have numerous patients who recommend dental work in Costa Rica in their reviews.

Charessa shares details about her cosmetic and implant dentistry mouth restoration trip. She got single stage dental implants, crowns, and bridges.

Ellis Berg from California, speaks about his experience of getting dental implants in Costa Rica. He also got dental bridges and dental crowns.

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.

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.

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.

What is a Full Mouth Restoration?

A full mouth rehabilitation, also known as a full mouth reconstruction, is recommended for patients with several broken, missing, damaged, and worn teeth.

It is the process of rebuilding/restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

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.

A full mouth dental reconstruction can include a variety of dental procedures, including:

• Dental implants (titanium “roots”) to replace missing teeth. Crowns are placed over the implants. They restore both your teeth’s functionality and aesthetics. Dental implants are the most permanent tooth replacement solution.

Dr. Charles A Babbush, DDS, MScD, is one of the top dental implantologists in the world. In his book Dental Implants: The Art and Science, Dr. Babbush writes, “Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry.”

Studies have shown a 5-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants.

• Dental crowns are a part of restorative dentistry and are used to restore structural flaws. These are tooth-shaped “caps” which are placed over teeth and cemented into place.

Crowns restore your teeth’s shape and size, strength, and improve the appearance.

• Dental 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.

• Porcelain veneers are man-made “shells” which are used to cover chipped or discolored teeth. The color can be matched to your natural teeth.

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.

FAQ

1. Does a full mouth reconstruction hurt?

With modern dental anesthetics and sedation, no dental procedure should hurt. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate level of medication for your comfort.

2. How long will the results of my full mouth reconstruction last?

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.

3. Why do I need to get a CT scan before getting my full mouth dental implants?

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.

4. Is age a factor for getting full mouth dental implants?

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.

There is no upper limit on the age at which implants can be given. Even 85-90-year-old patients have shown good prognosis with implants.

5. How do patients know if they are a good candidate for full mouth restoration?

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 with a full mouth reconstruction.

6. What type of dentists offer full mouth reconstruction?

General, restorative, and cosmetic dentists can offer full mouth reconstruction.

7. What is the difference between full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover?

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.

8. Do full mouth implants affect my speech?

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.

9. When can I rejoin work?

After every significant dental procedure, a rest of 3-7 days is recommended.

10. Any post-surgery dental care tips?

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.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Full Mouth Restoration in Costa Rica

1. Geographical Location

If you live in the US or Canada, traveling to Costa Rica is relatively quick and straightforward. The average duration of a flight to Costa Rica is 4 to 6 hours.

Your tickets should cost you less than $500 if book them 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

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.

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. 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.

You have plenty of things to do as well. You can hike in its rainforests, lounge on its beaches, and enjoy in its hot springs.

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.

Useful Travel Information

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):

Flying time between Juan Santamaría International Airport and major Canadian cities:

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Dry Season (Mid-December to April) is the best time to visit the country. 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.

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.

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).

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, 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.

According to the U.S. Department of State, exercise increased caution in Liberia, Limon, Desamparados neighborhood in San Rafael and Pavas and hospital neighborhoods in San Jose.

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.