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I’m going to Costa Rica for a dental implant and have nothing to lose. Why pay more after seeing two implant dentists in the U.S. and experiencing dental implant failure twice? I decided to try this out with one implant, and if it works, I return for another. I’m tired of running from implant dentist to periodontist without any success. This drama has been going on for three years. Many American dentists are against dental tourism, but I want to try. I’ve compiled a list of questions for my video consultation. I hope to write again to let you know about my surgery and recovery. I live nowhere near your office, so you can’t convince me to visit your specialist. Thanks. Midge from CO
Midge – Dental implants can be more affordable in Costa Rica and other countries than in the U.S. However, you must consider if the savings are worth the commitment and risks. We understand your frustration from dental implant experiences in the U.S., but we encourage caution regardless of your provider’s location.
What to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants Outside of the U.S
List questions and schedule consultations before choosing a dental implant provider
Whether you decide to receive dental implants in the U.S. or outside of it, consider the following factors:
- The education, credentials, and qualifications of the implant surgeon and their team
- Is your new dental implant team qualified to identify the causes of your previous dental implant failures and resolve them?
- Will you need bone grafting before getting dental implants? Is the new team skilled in bone graft procedures?
- The quality of the dental implant fixtures
- What does the dental practice do to ensure successful implant placement and avoid mistakes?
- Does the country have strict regulations on dentistry?
- What is the cost of travel and accommodations?
- How many follow-up visits require you to return to the country where you received the implants?
- What would you do if there was a problem with the implants?
- What would you do if your circumstances changed during treatment and you could not return to Costa Rica for follow-up care?
- Who will restore your dental implant with a crown?
- What are your total out-of-pocket expenses?
- Have you reviewed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s medical tourism guide?
Before choosing a dental implant provider out of the country—or in the U.S.—we recommend thoroughly investigating the provider and its services.
Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post.
