Why Are US Patients Choosing Dental Care Abroad?
Dental care is expensive in the United States.
One of the reasons many Americans lose one or more of their teeth is because they can’t afford dental care where they live. For more than 30 years North Americans have been coming to Costa Rica for affordable dental care. In Costa Rica, patients can get the care they need at prices that are often 50% to 80% lower than prices in the US and Canada. In addition, the quality of care and the type of equipment is the same as they would get at home.
The Greater Your Need…the More You Save
As you can see, the more complex the procedure you need and the more procedures you need, the greater the cost-savings when you choose to receive your dental care in Costa Rica. Many international patients take advantage of the trip to receive additional procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening or even cosmetic surgery, which is very affordable in Costa Rica.
Top Brands Cost Less in Costa Rica
Most Americans are surprised to discover that the price for medications, surgery and many other products and services is lower in Latin America. It costs us less to purchase name brand dental implants and materials, allowing us to charge our patients less.
What is the cost savings for dental services in Costa Rica?
| DENTAL SERVICE | US | COSTA RICA | SAVINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-on-Four (Full Mouth Reconstruction) | $45,000-$60,000 | $15,000-$24,000 | 65%+ |
| Dental Implant | $5,000 | $750-$1,000 | 80%+ |
| Crowns | $1,100 | $260-$400 | 60%+ |
| Fillings | $200 | $50-$75 | 60%+ |
| Root Canal | $1,100 | $300-$450 | 60%+ |
| Porcelain Veneers | $1,000 | $350-$400 | 60%+ |
| Teeth Whitening | $650 | $330 | 50%+ |
| Dentures | $3,000 | $600-$1000 | 65%+ |
The prices shown are approximate. The actual price will depend on many factors, including the dentist, the scope of the procedure, materials used, personal dental health and travel preferences. Other costs may apply, such as medications. Contact a dentist or a clinic in Costa Rica in order to get a more accurate price.
Travel
The cost of the flight is based on a one-week round trip New York City to San Jose, Costa Rica. It may vary depending on your departure city and the time of year. The price of the hotel is based on a week’s stay at an American chain hotel. Other hotels may charge different rates, and the length and timing of your stay may also affect the price.
Note: Flight from US or Canada: $650-$850 Hotel: (7-10 days) $800-$1000
Tips for Traveling for Dental Procedures Abroad
Now that you've booked your appointment with Goodness Dental, here are some ideas to help you prepare for your dental vacation in Costa Rica.
PACK FOR ALL KINDS OF WEATHER.
Costa Rica is a warm weather destination – with some surprises. We suggest packing shorts, a sweater or sweatshirt, comfortable clothes, sandals, tennis shoes, swimming suits and plenty of sunscreen. Layers are key for getting along here. If you forget anything…don’t worry. Shopping in Costa Rica is like shopping in the US or Canada. We have it all. Make sure to bring your camera to record your incredible experience in Costa Rica! A travel guide book is also helpful to help you get acquainted with the charms of our amazing country.
VALID PASSPORT
Your passport should be valid for at least another 6 months from your date of travel. If it is about to expire…get it renewed before you travel. If you are coming from the US or Canada, there is no need for a visa to visit Costa Rica.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Consider purchasing travel insurance - it protects you against unseen events, like hurricanes, cancelled flights, delayed flights, lost baggage, theft, etc. The cost for good travel insurance is generally worth the sense of security it provides.
MEDICAL TOURISM INSURANCE
Some patients prefer to insure their travel for complete safety and peace of mind. Many affordable medical tourism insurance options are available.
DENTAL DOCUMENTS & XRAYS
Bring important dental documents with you, such as x-rays, dental reports, and any important information that your doctors and dental team should know. A medical summary is very helpful to pack in case of any emergency during your travels. (A medical summary is actually a good thing to carry with you whenever you travel…not just on dental vacations!)
Dental Treatment Abroad
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Fill out the form outlining your dental needs and situation. A representative from Goodness Dental will create a plan to fit your budget and dental needs.
Call or Email:
(866) 367-6835
karen.yurell@goodnessdental.com
DENTAL TREATMENTS
Dental Implants
They are popular among patients and dentists alike because they look and feel like natural teeth and also offer great stability and strength. Once dental implants are in the patient’s mouth, they can be maintained and cleaned as normal teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are a safe and long-lasting option for replacing missing teeth. They are popular among patients and dentists alike because they look and feel like natural teeth and also offer great stability and strength. Once dental implants are in the patient’s mouth, they can be maintained and cleaned as normal teeth.
An implant is a special screw that is inserted into the jawbone, and will eventually hold an abutment and dental crown. Once the implant has successfully bonded to the bone (this process is called osseointegration), it is ready for a crown. If several implants are placed, they work as abutments so a partial or complete fixed denture can be anchored to it.
DENTAL TREATMENTS ABROAD
ALL-ON-4, 5, 6, 8
If you have multiple missing teeth, discolored or damaged teeth and may be considering dentures, we encourage you to consider a full mouth restoration using a fixed denture using an all on 4/all on 6/all on 8 procedure.
Dental Implant Solutions:
Goodness Dental offers three recommended dental implant solutions: All-on-8 and its derivative solutions: All-on-6, and All-on-4. They look similar, but there are some differences between them. At Goodness Dental, only a qualified, licensed maxillofacial surgeon places dental implants for our patients. This is why we are the only dental clinic in Costa Rica to offer a Lifetime Guarantee on Dental Implants. We’ll even put this guarantee in writing!
All-on-4
This solution is used on patients who may have less available jawbone. Four implants still provide enough stability and strength to support a fixed dental bridge for a lifetime. While the fixed denture or bridge might be slightly shorter, it does not reduce quality or reliability. Today, the all on 4 is the most recommended dental implant solution for international patients coming to Costa Rica.
All-on-6
This solution uses six dental implants. It is used on patients that don’t have perfect jawbones, but with sufficient bone to support six implants. It also shares a characteristic with the All-on-8 solution: a bridge in the form of an arch that is used to support the artificial teeth.
All-on-8
This solution uses eight dental implants and it’s by far the most stable option. Because it involves the greatest number of dental implants, it has the strongest grip on the jaw. This solution requires that the jaw has enough bone to sustain eight implants. Many patients that suffer from trauma may not have enough bone for eight implants.
An implant is a special screw that is inserted into the jawbone, and will eventually hold an abutment and dental crown. Once the implant has successfully bonded to the bone (this process is called osseointegration), it is ready for a crown. If several implants are placed, they work as abutments so a partial or complete fixed denture can be anchored to it.
DENTAL PROCEDURES
Dental Crowns
When teeth have been damaged or lost, a crown provides the patient with the tooth’s original form, strength, and functionality.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a piece that restores or replaces the visible part of a tooth. When a tooth is missing, the tooth is often attached to a bridge that connects it to other teeth. New techniques also allow it to be attached to a dental implant. Sometimes, the damage to the tooth is severe but not enough to lose the tooth, for example, when a root canal is performed. In those cases, a crown is created in the shape of the part of the tooth that is missing in order to restore it.
Dental crowns are created out of many materials. Most frequently, they are made from Zirconia which offers superior strength; or Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM) which is a hybrid composition that gives the crown a durable underlying structure with a tooth-colored exterior.
DENTAL TREATMENTS ABROAD
Root Canals
A root canal procedure is performed to treat a damaged or diseased tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
During a root canal, the endodontist removes damaged or decayed tissue, alleviating pain and discomfort and restoring the tooth to health. Today’s root canals are almost pain-free and are no cause for concern or worry. The main goal of a root canal is to relieve pain and make your teeth healthy again.
At Goodness Dental, our cutting edge endodontic equipment and specialists can complete your root canal in one or two appointments, depending on the tooth condition. The procedure is often as quick as receiving a couple of fillings. Following treatment, you’ll return to smiling, biting and chewing with ease in 1-3 days. Some sensitivity may last for 5-7 days following treatment.
DENTAL PROCEDURES
Porcelain Dental Veneers
A veneer is a “cover” for a tooth. It can be used when the tooth needs reconstruction or for cosmetic dentistry purposes. Today’s modern porcelain veneers are replacing the traditional composite veneers.
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are like fake nails for teeth because they are a thin, whitish layer of enamel that changes the appearance. However, veneers are carefully customized for you and they are generally made out of highly durable porcelain or ceramic.
Getting porcelain veneers is one of the most popular dental treatments for improving the beauty of your teeth. It is a relatively simple procedure that results in an amazing, beautiful smile. Veneers allow dentists to modify the shape and appearance of the front teeth and allow patients to whiten their teeth permanently.
COSTA RICA
- 3rd Floor – Habitat Empresarial Escazú, San Jose