hugesavingsondentalcosts.com

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 Before I left the country to have my dental treatment I made a list of my personal considerations and then went to work talking to people and searching the internet. The price was the original reason that I started searching abroad. When I was faced with a $25,000 dental bill  I knew that I had to find another solution.

But the more I researched, the more things that I was finding to do more research on. For example I needed dental implants. I knew that I didn’t want dentures so I had to learn about the entire procedure involved in placing implants and even who are the most reputable firms in the world who manufacture  the implants. Once I became educated about these thing I could ask the right questions of my potential dentist. At one point I was ready to make an appointment with a dentist that I had found. Her credentials were in order and I was pleased with the answers to all of my questions until I asked about the manufacturer of the implant itself. It was not even a firm that I had come across in my research. And when I did look into this particular company I was not impressed.

I continued to look until I found a dentist who  fulfilled 100% of MY criteria. I didn’t do this much research to find my present dentist here in Canada. I did find  a dentist in Tijuana Mexico  and have been very pleased with the results.

Here is a list to help you make your own plan.

    1.) Seek advice from your private dentist. He or she  is the place to start. Know what procedures you require specifically and get a quote from them.

   The more information regarding the specific medical treatment you need you have, the safer you will be. The Internet is a good source for information.

       2.) You should ask the following questions before agreeing to undergo a procedure: How many similar does that facility does a year? What is their rate of success?  If an implant is to be used, what kind it is, what’s the implant’s safety record, and is it on par with implants used in the United States and Canada?

       3.) Find out if you need to make arrangements through a health travel agency. Those travel agencies specialize in finding destination facilities that match your needs, but you should remember that some agencies represent specific medical institutions and their recommendations may be biased.

       4.) Make sure you know all the costs involved, and get the bill and contract in writing. Financial arrangements should be clear, and mode of payment should be in writing and clearly understood to minimize the possibility of hidden costs.

       5.) Bring all back all relevant medical documents – including MRI’s, CT scan or X-rays films, test reports and records — for your doctor to review. I did bring these things but my dentist did his own scan and exam.

       6.) Bring a family member or a friend with you to advocate for you in case of need, especially if the procedure you are having done renders you unable to make decisions for yourself.

       7.) Check with your insurance if they will pay either fully or partially for the procedure. Again, have the insurance company’s commitment in writing. This will eliminate misunderstandings when the time comes for reimbursements. I know people who went abroad for dental treatments and sent the reciepts to their insurance provider and were reimbursed for the percentage that the insurance company normally pays.

I hope this post was helpful. In my case I saved almost $20,000 by taking a quick trip to Mexico.

I stressed for years about my teeth. I had no dental plan and dentists are EXPENSIVE so I only did the work that was really necessary. As a result I was missing a few molars in the back because I had teeth pulled as a result of  letting things go too long.  I also had chipped and broken teeth that I couldn’t afford to have fixed. I was chewing all of my food on one side of my mouth and I knew this wasn’t good in the long run.

As a result of an accident and completely loosing one of my front teeth I started researching having all my dental work done in Mexico.

I have travelled a lot and I have been to Mexico at least 15 times so going to a foreign country was not a problem for me. Also since I wanted dental implants I would have to travel there twice. Once to have the implants  put in and then I would have to go back 3 months later, when they have healed, to have the crowns put on the implants.

Tijuana was the logical destination. I live in Vancouver Canada and I can cross the board to the USA and be at the Bellingham airport in one hour. From here I can fly to San Diego in 2  hours 20 minutes for a cost of less than $100 each way. From Downtown San Diego it is only a trolley ride to the border.

So then I started researching dentists in Tijuana and talked to everyone that I knew who had dental work done in Mexico. And to my surprise a lot of people had been to Mexican dentists and everyone had good things to say about their experiences. They showed me their teeth and I was impressed. They all encouraged me to go.

So I searched the internet for many many days learning about implants and emailing dentist about their qualifications and the type of implants they use. I finally chose a dentist and a short time later I was off to Tijuana.

I found that I had made a good choice. My dentist speaks perfect English and so does all of his staff. The office had state of the art equipment and was impecably clean.  He is the best dentist I have ever been to. I had a wondeful experience and had all the dental work done that I had been neglecting for years. The estimate for the cost of all of my dental work in Canada was $25,000. In Mexico I paid $5,400 US.

I now enjoy helping other people have a really good  dental experience and save lots money.

 The necessity for a sinus lift (A.k.a sinus augmentation) depends on the jaw bone anatomy. Replacing missing bone or adding mass to existing bone is often essential to the success of a dental implant. This procedure is done as part of the dental implant surgery  when the patient does not have enough bone mass in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the upper jaw bone.For successful dental implantation, most dentists would like to have bone that is at least 5 mm in width and 7 mm in height and the sinus lift procedure attempts to provide this critical bone mass. An implant needs a critical mass of bone surrounding it in order to bind (oseointgrate) to it and deliver enough strength and stability.The need for a sinus augmentation is very typical to implants that are being placed in the back upper jaw – molars. The sinus augmentation procedure has proven to be successful and has become popular, allowing patients with insufficient bone to undergo implantation surgery.The procedure takes place at the dentist’s office and begins with a local anesthesia to the relevant area. There are several methods for this procedure that are pretty technical but with all of these, the final outcome is that the dentist gets access to the lower part of the sinus (the membrane), that is located right over the jaw bone.The dentist then lifts the sinus membrane and fills the gap with bone graft material. The space that is filled with the bone graft material will eventually form into bone tissue and increase your total bone mass in that area.In some cases (when there is enough bone mass for initial stability) the dentist may place an implant during this stage (as part of the dental implant surgery) and then place bone graft material around the exposed part of the implant. The new bone tissue will then actually grow and form around the previously exposed part of the implant.

The area is then closed and stitched up. A healing period of at least 6 months is needed for recovery. Once the bone graft material has meshed into the bone and the total bone mass is sufficient, the dental implant process may be resumed.

Our price for a sinus lift in Tijuana is $400

Use this link to watch a very informative short video on how this is done  sinus lift

There have been very few advances in Cosmetic Dentistry that have had as great an impact as Dental Implants. So, what exactly are Dental Implants? Quite simply, an Implant is a titanium screw used to replace the missing or damaged root. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or to anchor multiple teeth together, as with a bridge or a denture. Dentures will be necessary whenever all the teeth are missing in either upper or lower jaw. Following a general period of healing, where the implant fuses with the bone tissue, a single crown, a bridge or denture is placed over the implant(s).

The benefits of Dental Implants can be quite dramatic in patients of all ages with loose, missing, or decayed teeth, which have occurred either naturally or through an accident. Whether the choice for this type of treatment is made for oral health or simply cosmetic reasons, there is absolutely no substitute for the gift of a healthy, attractive smile. Without question, it affects self-esteem, job performance, energy levels and social interaction.

Simply stated, Dental Implants will surely improve the quality of life through the following important benefits:

• Prevent bone loss, by halting and even reversing the bone loss that typically results from losing teeth.
• Eliminate gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures.
• Allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.
• Eliminate the inconvenience of messy denture adhesives that must be re-applied throughout the day.
• Eliminate the need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, worried that your denture will pop out or fall down.
• Restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth, as well as, the natural ability to taste and enjoy your food. This also promotes better nutrition.
• Improve your appearance, since dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth.
• Improve your self-esteem and confidence with a healthy smile.

The complete procedure generally takes about 4-6 months for upper jaw and 3 months for lower jaw. Success rates will range between 85 – 100%, depending first of all, upon where the implants are placed and secondly, whether they’re placed into natural bone or grafted bone tissue. A significant consideration affecting failure rates is whether or not the patient is a smoker. When a patient smokes, it’s been shown that they are statistically two and a half times more likely to have an implant fail than a non-smoker.

Daily brushing and flossing are absolutely necessary for long-term success. The good news here is that there are lots of supplemental products that will allow you to clean and maintain the implants properly. With that being said, undoubtedly, the best steps to take in avoiding ailing or failing dental implants are to implement a program of recommended oral hygiene, and regularly scheduled diagnostic visits with your dentist.

As to how to answer the questions relating to exactly how long Dental Implants will last, it’s important to note that the first implant recipient, dating back to 1965 still has his original implants, healthy and function to this day. So, with proper care there’s every reason to believe that your implants can be in good health and with you for the rest of your life.

 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth.You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a periodontist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.

What Dental Implants Can Do?

 

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

 

Types of Implants in Use Today

 

• Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures. 
• Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.

 

Before dental implant   After dental implant

Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge

Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.

 

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease.

Dental implants are intimately connected with the gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth. Since periodontists are the dental experts who specialize in precisely these areas, they are ideal members of your dental implant team. Not only do periodontists have experience working with other dental professionals, they also have the special knowledge, training and facilities that you need to have teeth that look and feel just like your own. Your dentist and periodontist will work together to make your dreams come true.

What Is Treatment Like?

This procedure is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Your periodontist and dentist will consult with you to determine where and how your implant should be placed. Depending on your specific condition and the type of implant chosen, your periodontist will create a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs. Click for more information about the treatment options described below.

 
• Replacing a Single Tooth   If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root. 
• Replacing Several Teeth   If you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots. 
• Replacing All of Your Teeth   If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots. 
• Sinus Augmentation   A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. 
• Ridge Modification   Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with inadequate bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve appearance and increase your chances for successful implants that can last for years to come.

Many patients could benefit from dental implants, yet a shockingly large number choose to put it off. Many are concerned about the skill of local dentists. Many are concerned about the procedure. But most are concerned about money. For many patients, the answer to their needs is to travel to Mexico where the services available have become as good as what is found domestically, yet the prices remain a fraction of what local dentist would charge. With the increased quality and the lower cost, many patients are now seeking more than just dental implants south of the border.

Cost Effective Dental Implants

One of the biggest concerns that patients have that stops them from getting the dental care they need is the cost of treatment. In the U.S., many oral procedures are not covered by insurance, and out of pocket cost can skyrocket easily. This is particularly a concern for procedures like implants, which many insurance companies consider ‘cosmetic’, which in their view can justify lowering the amount covered, or removing coverage altogether.

Yet traveling to Mexico can very often cut thousands of dollars off the cost of medical procedures like implants. There, the typical dental implant surgery costs about $1,400 and $2,000 when a patient chooses to have implants with crowns. These costs include medical expenses and logistics after arrival in Mexico. In the United States, implants can cost as much as $4,000 or more, even for simple procedures. The cost for anything more complex or custom is even higher than that. Particularly for men and women who live in the southern states that border Mexico, this is a significant savings; even if airfare enters into the equation, patients still see thousands of dollars in savings.

Mexico Dental Travel Means Quality

In the past, it was easy to find bad dentists who didn’t perform as well as their American counterparts. But in today’s world, that just doesn’t happen, provided that the patient chooses to work with a reputable company. If searching alone, patients should be wary of being lured to a subpar dental office by a shockingly low price. If a patient is lured in that way, then he or she might find a dentist that won’t be up to top standards. But with the number of medical tourism companies available today, patients shouldn’t have a problem finding one that will be able to offer guidance in the right direction. In addition, these companies specialize in logistical assistance, helping schedule flights and hotels if needed. Some companies can also help combine the procedures with a full vacation.

Once a patient ensures that he or she is not getting one of the few remaining subpar doctors, he or she is virtually guaranteed a standard of service that meets or surpasses what you’d get in the United States. Mexican dentists receive the same training and develop the same skills found in their American counterparts. They have access to the same kinds of conferences and other resources that any local dentist uses to maintain his or her level of expertise, meaning that oral surgery performed in Juarez or Tijuana will be virtually indistinguishable from one performed in Los Angeles or Houston.

Sophisticated Technology

Medical travel also provides patients with access to dentist’s offices with the most current technology. Again, this wasn’t always true, but as medical travel has continued to boom, it is now virtually impossible to find an underequipped dental office. In fact, many are better equipped for procedures like implants than a clinic in the U.S. would be, simply because they are able to obtain more equipment at a lower cost. When a patient gets implants at an office in Mexico, they will now use the identical technology that would be found anywhere in the United States. Again, patients doing independent research should be wary of planning without the aid of a Mexico dental travel agency; when searching alone, it can be more difficult to get in contact with the best dentists in the country.

A Big Confidence Boost

Beyond the financial and logistical reasons to choose dental implants, patients also consider the personal reasons. Implants have a huge confidence factor, improving your self-esteem and helping boost performance at work. In the recession, good performance is absolutely essential, and a good smile is critical. Especially if the patient works with clients often, he or she can’t afford to have anything but the best smile, and implants can help. Combine this potential work benefit with some of the advantages of Mexico dental travel, and it’s easy to see why patients flock south of the border for implants.

A Mexico dentist, believe it or not, can cost up to 75% less than a dentist in the United States. Not only will you save a small fortune – but your dental care should be every bit as good.

It’s not surprising that many Americans see Mexico as a bit low-tech – until relatively recently, they would have been right, especially along the border. A qualified Mexican dentist often preferred to establish a practice in a major urban center like Mexico City, Veracruz or Monterey, relegating border practices to less qualified dentists and technicians so they could build their experience.

Things have changed in a big way.

These days, Mexico is considered one of the dental capitals of the world, with its high standards of care and cleanliness, low prices and accessibility.

Dentists south of the border are every bit as qualified as their American colleagues. They have to pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) for admission to postgraduate dental studies, and are obliged to attend continuing education courses and conferences to keep their credentials fresh.

A Mexico dentist will spend five years studying dentistry – the same as his or her American counterpart, and dental schools in Mexico can be as good as those in the US. They then specialize, for example in veneers – Mexico is hugely popular for this procedure.

In Mexico, dentists are easily accessible from the US. For example, you’ll find a Tijuana dentist  almost on every street corner just over the border from San Diego, California.  If you’d rather not drive, flights to Mexico are cheap and frequent. Public transportation to Mexico from US border towns is often available, and dental clinics often have airport pick-ups for patients without their own transportation.

Proximity isn’t the only advantage of a Mexico dentist.

Lodging is cheap, and the food is excellent, especially if you’re partial to spicy fare. Plenty of potential patients opt for a Mexican dental vacation – and it’s free because by getting your dental work done in Mexico, you would save enough to pay for the trip.

And your Mexico dentist will be vastly cheaper! Here are just a few examples of costs in Mexico dentistry, bearing in mind that they are averages (you may find treatments that are both above and below these price ranges).

Choosing a dentist in Mexico is very similar to choosing one at home.

• Get a recommendation from a former patient (not from a representative or sales agent!) You can also look through the many dental forums online, post questions and get in touch with former patients privately to chat about their experiences.
• Check your dentist’s credentials and make sure he or she is board certified. Dentists will want to show off their qualifications so this information should be clear from their website – or hanging visibly on their wall. Getting dental implants in Mexico doesn’t require the same skills as getting your teeth cleaned.
• Make sure your dentist is board certified by the ‘Asociacion Dental Mexicana’, the federation of Mexico’s dental bodies. It’s the equivalent of the American Dental Association, or ADA. Ongoing membership means the dentist keeps up with continuing education and is conversant with the most recent technologies.
• If you’re getting some serious work done, a Mexican dentist should also be a ‘diplomado’ – in other words, additionally certified in a dental specialty.
• Check their language ability – a website is often not enough, because a dentist can use an English-speaking consultant to develop a website. Either phone or email to make sure you are understood.
• Make sure the dentist is approachable. Good bedside manner is essential at home, but even more important overseas when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and watch the answers closely for professionalism, but also for friendliness, compassion and warmth.

Have you been putting off   dental work for some time now? Probably due to the cost. That was definitely my reason. I wanted dental implants and needed several crowns and I knew the bill would be many thousands of dollars since I did not have a dental insurance plan.. So years went by and I found myself chewing all of my food on one side of my mouth, which I knew wasn’t good. Then one day I had my front tooth knocked out in an accident so now I had to do something.

My research took me to Tijuana Mexico, only a short trip from San Diego. I found a fantastic dentist who was very affordable. He had all of the right credentials and a very up to date dental clinic. The dentist as well as all of the dental assistants spoke perfect English.  The trip to San Diego was a very reasonable price and only a 2 hour and 20 minute flight from where I live in Vancouver Canada. The dentist will pick you up at the airport or at the border and has a chauffeur to bring you to his office.

So why is now a good time? Well the Canadian dollar hasn’t been this strong in a long time so the price of flights is very reasonable. From Bellingham Washington you can fly to San Diego, L.A., or Long Beach California  for under $100 each way. Taxes on these flights are far less than in Canada. My last flight to San Diego cost me $88 with $33.68 in taxes. And since our dollar is worth more the price in Canadian dollars is even less.

 It is spring so the prices of hotels are much less right now. We never paid more than $100 for our rooms and we stayed in very good quality hotels right in downtown San Diego. We booked online on sites that give you huge discounts for last minute bookings.

The price of the dental work is in US dollars so the strength of the Canadian dollar makes it a good time to have your dental work done.

I had 4 dental implants, 7 crowns, one root canal and teeth whitening for $5,400, which is slightly more than the cost of one implant with a crown here in Canada.

So why is it a good time to get your dental work done? Because everyone deserved to have a beautiful smile.

“Although some think it is a good idea to simply go to the country as a tourist and find a dentist there, rather than to find dentists on the Internet, you take a great risk just walking into a clinic having done no research. Pricing can be researched on the internet by comparing sites that provide lists, but one thing that is even more important is that researching online, one can also get a better idea as to the qualifications of the dentists. Through e-mail contact, you can ask for references, ask about payment options, and even get information about accommodations. When you just walk in off the street, you don’t know what they will charge, or if they are reputable. Price is not the only consideration. For example, in Mexico, many dentists, who are just general practitioners, have taken a course for a couple of months and start placing dental implants. You cannot expect them to do as good a job as someone who has had 2 years of intense training on implants and who is now board certified as a specialist. On the internet, one at least can initiate contact, ask for credentials, references, prices beforehand, and schedule with the clinic to be able to get the work done in the quickest manner, without delays. In this way you can make an informed decision, and choose wisely.

One other important consideration is location. If you go all the way to India or Singapore or Argentina for a dental procedure, and something goes wrong, it is a long ways to go to have to return and get them to fix it. That is why so many people are now choosing to go somewhere easily accessible from the US, such as Tijuana, Mexico. Since procedures often require multiple steps, or subsequent checkups, the patient may have to return to the same doctor for those reasons. Or, in the case of dental implants, if the implant is placed in another country but is restored by another doctor locally, the information about the implant can be difficult to retrieve from the original doctor.”

from Dental Tourism Wikipedia

I spent a lot of time learning about the procedure used to place implants. I also researched implant manufacturers. I talked to one woman who’s husband had the implants put in when they were in Israel but when they moved to the USA no one could fine the crowns that were comparable. So it is important to know what implants are being used and where they are manufactured.

A VERY important thing to know is where your dentist was trained. I know someone who speaks fluent Spanish, has spent lots of time in Mexico and she and her husband have had extensive dental work done in Mexico. She advised me to make sure that the dentist has graduated from the University of Guadalajara. The dentist that I chose to do my work did graduate from the University of Guadalajara with a DDS. He later graduated from the University of Mexico with a specialty in Orthodontics. He has various certifications in implantology and is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry as well as the International Congress of Oral Implantology.  He also has a dental lab on site. I felt very confident with my choice. After all I have a dentist here in Canada and I never did any research on his credentials I just chose him on one persons recommendation.