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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

What about Costa Rica for dental implants?

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I have 5 missing teeth and I really want dental implants. I’ve spend a lot of time reading about partial dentures or a dental bridge, but if at all possible I want dental implants. If I get dental implants in the U.S. it will probably take years to pay for them. The thought of that makes me nervous. So I have been searching for places outside of the States to get implants. I mentioned Mexico to my dentist and he almost went berserk. So I started looking for other places. One of them is Costa Rica. I saw 2 or 3 websites with U.S.-trained dentists who graduated as dental implant specialists. I can’t ask my dentist about it anymore because I think I will get the same response I did the last time. He was highly insulted that I would consider going out of the country for implant surgery when he knows several outstanding surgeons locally. I’ve always wanted to go to Costa Rica so spending some extra time there for implants, as long as they are good quality, sounds like a win-win to me. Does your office have any reliable information on implants from Costa Rica? Thanks. Belford N.

Belford – There have been reports of patients from the U.S. who returned disappointed after receiving dental implants or cosmetic dentistry. Although the reports have not been verified, some of the patients claimed to be injured during dental treatment.

If a dentist claims to be trained in the U.S., find a way to verify that. Also note that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, none of which is a dental implant specialist. Find out what training the dentist received, where it was received, and when. Then verify it.

Have you considered what you will do if something goes wrong during the implant placement. Will you extend your stay in Costa Rica? Will you return to Costa Rica for follow-up visits if you have complications with your dental implants? If the dentist doesn’t accept responsibility for any implant complications, what are your legal rights in another country, and how will you ensure they are protected?

The cost of dental implants is associated with quality implant fixtures, advanced diagnostic studies, and implant surgeons who meet strict U.S. guidelines. Will you find the same stringent requirements in Costa Rica? Are you willing to take the risk to save money?

Your research on dental implants from the U.S. shows that you are probably aware of financing or payment plants. Those options may not be a bad idea to help increase the chance of receiving successful dental implants and the support of local dental providers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Thinking about leaving the country for dental implants

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I never considered going out of the country for affordable dental work but now that I need dental implants, it’s hard for me not to consider it.

If a travel and accommodations plus the dental care are cheaper in another country, I think it would be unwise not to investigate. I know there are risks for everything, but if something goes wrong with the treatment there, how agreeable would a dentist here be to doing the follow-up work? Thanks. Drew

Drew – If you choose to receive dental work out of the country and you need the assistance of another dentist in the U.S., you will be able to find a dentist who will assist you. But we often ask our patients, why take the chance?

It is recommended that you do a lot of research before choosing to leave the country for dental work. Some of the information you need to gather includes the dentist’s credentials and how you will verify them; the facility in which the care will be administered; governmental regulations for dental implants in that country; the quality of implants used; follow-up care; and how you will handle emergencies or implant failure.

We understand patients’ concerns about the cost of implants in the U.S., but we are concerned about your on-going oral health. You will find many implant dentists in your area who will work with your budget and provide payment options to help make treatment affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My dental implant failed again

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I couldn’t be more frustrated that I am now. Last March (2014) I got 3 dental implants. In September of last year I had problems with one of them. The oral surgeon tried to save it but could not so it was extracted. We gave it 6 months and replaced it, but the same implant had to be removed 3 months ago. Now we are playing watch and wait but I am not sure why. Can I just go ahead and ask that the missing tooth be replaced with a dental bridge or should I continue to wait and see if I can get another implant? How long would I normally have to wait before the surgeon can tell if another implant will work? Mark H.

Mark – Your question can only be answered by getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. Do you know why the implant failed? Was the failure due to the implant fixture, improper surgical placement, or some other reason?

An experienced implant dentist will examine your dental records, implant site, diagnostic studies, and medical history to determine the cause of the implant failure and whether or not it can be prevented in the future.

If you have healthy teeth on either side of the missing one, they can be prepared to accommodate a dental bridge. Keep in mind that the teeth that hold the dental bridge will need to be shaved down so that dental crowns can fit over them.

First, find out if there is good probability for you to receive a new, successful dental implant. Weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision on which treatment option you prefer.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My dentist told me to back off of booze so I won’t need dental implants

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My dentist told me to back off of booze. I have some perio issues with loose teeth and she said that my drinking habits can be a contributing factor. Yes she told, not asked me to cut back on booze. I was almost going to be insulted but I figured if she is right, she is saving me money on dentures or dental implants. Then the thought occurred to me that she might have just been getting to try me to stop drinking so much because a few times she asked me if she smelled alcohol on my breath. Does alcohol have anything to do with gum disease? Thanks. Ron

 

Ron – Your dentist is looking out for your best interests. A recent (September 2015) article in the Journal of Periodontology Online, Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines, reports the findings in a study that included non-drinkers, occasional drinkers, and regular drinkers.

Among regular drinkers, there were more instances of sensitive gums that bleed easily, and the need for periodontal (gum) disease care. Another symptom of periodontal disease is that gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets between the gums and teeth. Even regular drinkers without periodontal disease exhibited deeper pockets than occasional drinkers and non-drinkers.

Why the difference between regular drinkers and occasional or non-drinkers? Alcohol consumption dries the mouth. A dry mouth contributes to plaque buildup, which inflames the gum tissue. Sensitive, inflamed gums bleed, and if left untreated, can separate from the teeth and in time result in full-blown gum disease.

If gums don’t properly adhere to your teeth, the teeth lack support and can loosen. Left untreated, loose teeth will eventually fall out, and yes, some form of tooth replacement, perhaps dental implants, will be recommended.

If you are a regular alcohol drinker, your dentist’s recommendation is correct. Consuming less alcohol can improve the situation.

It’s important for all patients to speak openly about their drinking habits with their dentist. This will help your dentist correctly advise you and assist you with preventive dental care and help you avoid the need for tooth replacement.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can I get a mini implant for a missing molar that never grew in?

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I have a top left molar that never grew in. If I smile wide enough you can see that it’s gone. What I am really concerned about though is that my teeth are starting to move because of the empty space. I read online about implants and cheaper mini implants. Can I get a mini implant for a molar? Esteban

Esteban – There is significant force on molar teeth from biting and chewing. These teeth are noticeable wider, longer, and stronger than other teeth because of the daily force they are under. A mini implant is smaller and weaker than a standard implant. Using a small implant for a large tooth is not a wise move.

You should first see an orthodontist to determine how much your teeth have shifted and what needs to be done to correct them. The sooner you seek orthodontic treatment, the shorter your treatment period will be.

After your teeth are aligned, a standard implant can be used to replace the molar. After your jawbone fuses with the implant, a dental crown will be secured to the implant.  The steps we’ve described are the healthiest and safest way to protect your oral health.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.