All-on-4 Dental Implants: Complete Guide to “Teeth in a Day” Medical Tourism

Question 1

How much can I realistically save on dental work in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Procedure costs are 50-70% lower than US prices. After adding travel expenses ($1,500-$2,500), single implants save about $1,400 (31%), while full mouth reconstructions save $34,000 (59%). Procedures under $2,000 in the US usually provide minimal savings after travel costs.

Question 2

How far in advance should I plan my dental trip?

Accepted Answer

Schedule consultations 60-90 days before travel for standard procedures. Complex cases needing bone grafting or medical clearances require 3-4 months of planning. Virtual consultations usually provide treatment plans within 24-48 hours.

Question 3

Can all procedures be completed in one trip?

Accepted Answer

Veneers, crowns, and whitening take 6-11 days. Dental implants require two trips: 5-7 days for placement, then 7-10 days after 3-6 months for final crowns. All-on-4 usually needs 7-12 days initially, then 12-14 days for the final prosthetics.

Question 4

What dental implant brands are used in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Premium clinics use FDA-approved brands like Nobel Biocare ($1,300-$1,800 per implant), Straumann ($800 fixture only), and Zimmer Biomet. These are identical to US materials. Avoid clinics using unspecified generic brands.

Question 5

Will my US dental insurance cover treatment in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

PPO plans usually reimburse 50-80% of reasonable and customary US rates for out-of-network providers. Patients pay upfront and submit claims with ADA-coded bills. HMO plans and Medicare do not cover international dental care.

Question 6

Are Costa Rican dentists properly qualified?

Accepted Answer

Top clinics employ US-trained specialists from universities such as Loma Linda, LSU, Baylor, and Tufts. The CCDCR requires degree validation, clinical exams, and Spanish proficiency for licensing. Many dentists also hold American College of Prosthodontists membership.

Question 7

What happens if complications occur after I return home?

Accepted Answer

Clinics offer WhatsApp video consultations for assessment. Minor issues are coordinated with your local dentist. Major complications may require a return trip at your expense ($1,500-$2,500). Warranties cover procedure costs but not travel expenses.

Question 8

Do I need to speak Spanish for dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Premium clinics in Escazú operate entirely in English, with 85% staff proficiency. Patient coordinators provide translation if needed. All treatment plans, consent forms, and post-operative instructions are available in English.

Question 9

How do success rates compare to the United States?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica's top clinics report 95-98% implant success rates at 5 years, matching US standards. All-on-4 shows 94.8% survival at 10 years. Goodness Dental reports 98% success over 15,000 implants placed.

Question 10

What hidden costs should I budget for?

Accepted Answer

Expect 15-20% above quoted prices for consultation and imaging ($100-$250), IV sedation ($550-$1,100), medications ($50-$100), possible bone grafting ($250-$750), and emergencies. Also budget for flights ($300-$800) and accommodations ($60-$200 per night).

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