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.