Dental Implants
The Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss

You can browse a list of clinics that provide dental implants here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

Dental Implants are a tremendously successful mechanism for replacing missing or badly damaged teeth. They are however costly, and also require a specialist dentist called an implantologist or prosthodontist. Particularly because of the costs involved, implants are one of the most commonly sought treatments by Dental Tourists. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is normally a titanium screw that is implanted into the jaw bone to replace the old root. A natural looking crown is then attached to perfectly replicate the missing tooth. Unlike bridgework, implants do not affect the surrounding teeth. Integrated into the jaw, they avoid gum problems and bone loss that can accompany a bridge or dentures.

You might need dental implants if you are missing one or several teeth. Things to watch out for are:

• Your jaw may not be suited to implants and a bone graft may be required
• The implantation procedure requires unique skills and there are dramatically different levels of training, everything from a weekend to 3 years. Check to see that your dentist has the necessary qualifications
• Implants should not be used if your bone growth is not complete
• If you are smoker or are taking immune-suppressants the success rate for implants decreases

Ask your dentist what there 5 year success rate is – it should be about 95% for the lower jaw and 90% for the upper jaw.

What is the procedure like?

Implants can be placed either at the time of removal of the old tooth or at any time afterwards: the process is quicker if they are placed immediately after removal. Typically this is performed under a local anaesthetic.

The gum and jaw are prepared, creating an opening for the titanium screw. The screw is secured in place and then the gum is stitched over allowing the area to heal. Titanium has unique properties that allow it to integrate naturally with bone.

Over a period of three to six months the titanium and bone merge to form a very strong bed on which a crown or cap can be placed. This period before a final crown is placed can be shortened dramatically if the implant is placed at the time of extraction, to the extent that sometimes a crown can be fitted at the same time as the titanium screw is attached.

What different types exist?

There are about 50 different types of implants and the particular type or brand chosen by your dentist will depend on a variety of factors, including their training, their equipment, their stock, your bone density and the width of your jaw.

There is one other major category of implant, called blade or narrow. These are typically used when the patient’s jaw will not support normal screw-type implants.

There is also an alternative use of the implanted screws that allows dentures to be secured permanently to the jaw, thus preventing any accidental movement and improving their overall function.

The newest technologies also allow for what are called implants in a day or immediate load implants. This technique is very new though, and not very widespread. It is normally recommended to leave between 3 and 6 months between having an implant fitted and placing a crown on it.

What affects the price?

I found the perfect dentist and saved a fortune. Thank you RevaHealth.com

One very important factor in pricing dental implants is that an implant is simply the titanium screw that attaches to the jaw bone. In order for a tooth to be replaced this implant needs a crown. When pricing dental implants, make sure the price includes the price of the required crowns. Things to look out for are:

• The Dentist selected to perform the procedure
• The type of implant being used
• The location of the implant
• The number of implants
• The type of crown required

To find our more about pricing, read our guide to why the cost of implants vary so much.

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. Here is a rough price comparison based on the average prices for implants around the world:

Dental implants offer a strong and lasting solution to damaged or missing teeth, and are often the most aesthetically pleasing option too.

Dentists in Costa Rica
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report rated Costa Rica’s health system above that of the USA*. A high level of professional training and an impressive public healthcare system reflect in the private care available to Medical Tourists. Once known mainly for its acclaimed promotion of ecotourism, dentistry in Costa Rica is now gaining significant international recognition.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

A study at the University of Costa Rica showed that almost 14% of visitors to the country come in search of its medical expertise. The well-educated, tech-savvy population is gaining Costa Rica the reputation of a Central American 'Singapore', with industry analysts putting it in the top three offshore development destinations for American companies along with China and India.

Professional Aftercare

One of the most interesting aspects of the Medical Tourism industry in Costa Rica is in the area of recuperation facilities. While other destinations offer high quality hotels and accommodation, Costa Rica goes a bit further. Once a treatment has been completed, patients are able to check into dedicated recuperation centres. These centres have excellent accommodation and relaxation facilities but also provide qualified nurses and medical workers to help monitor their client’s condition and keep doctors updated on the recovery progress.

Regional benefits

Most doctors in Costa Rica spend much of their time maintaining the country’s excellent public healthcare system. Revenue from the treatment of foreign patients enables local medical specialists to continue devoting their resources to the local healthcare. Benefits are mutual, with skills passing between the two sectors. In addition to dental and cosmetic practice the Medical Tourism boom is enabling corrective eye surgery clinics to open and encourage hospitals — such as CIMA Hospital San Jose — to seek Joint Commission International certification.

Dentists in Costa Rica have the advantage of being able to offer patients dedicated recuperation centres in sun-filled tropical surroundings. As the regions leading healthcare destination it attracts patients from the U.S as well as neighbouring countries to take advantage of the low-cost, high-quality dental care available.

I found the perfect dentist and saved a fortune. Thank you RevaHealth.com

The Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas overseas all Costa Rica's dental practices. It's practices conform to the very highest standards represented in world dentistry. A lengthy college career of 6 years is followed by a commitment to continuing education over the entire course of a dentist's career. To benefit from research and developments in US dentistry many Costa Rican dentists maintain not only local affiliations but membership of the American Dental Association (ADA) and of those US dental associations connected to the specialties they practice.

A combination of lower local wages and costs allow Costa Rican dentists to operate with the same materials and equipment as their North American counterparts at far lower prices. The same implant that might cost $2000 or more in the US can cost under $1000 in Costa Rica. Our most popular destination in Costa Rica is San Jose.

Dentists in Costa Rica - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Costa Rica. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

Dentists in Costa Rica - Qualifications

Costa Rica’s Board of Dental Surgeons, Public and Private Dental Universities, Professional Associations and Specialist Boards, all work together to oversee and maintain the high quality of dentistry in Costa Rica. The Board of Dental Surgeons governs all practising dentists in the country with continuing education required for all members. Regular inspections of clinics are carried out by the National Health Department to ensure strict standards of sterilisation and health are maintained.

Formal training for all Costa Rican dentists begins in university where students undergo six years of education from the University of Costa Rica or similar courses from various private universities. Many graduates then travel abroad to further their dental knowledge in a specific area of dentistry.

Practicing dentists in Costa Rica receive the same education, have access to the same hi-tech medical equipment and follow the same Board Certification Requirements as a dentist in the United States, Canada or Europe. A reputable dental practice in Costa Rica will be a member of the American Dental Association, the international authority providing continuing education and teaching in the advancement of Dental Science.

For those interested in cosmetic dental treatment, look for clinics who belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an organisation which sets standards of excellence in cosmetic dentistry. This is the largest association of its kind in the world with over 7000 practitioners in 60 countries.

Dentists in Costa Rica - Additional Information

Organizations

The Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas (CCD) De Costa Rica is the dental regulatory body created by the legislative assembly of Costa Rica. All dentists operating in Costa Rica must be members of the CCD.

Dental Ethics

Members of the Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas are required to abide by its ethics and requlations as stipulated in the legislative act that created the Colegio. The Colegio publishes its own code of ethics that places the Dentist's reponsibility to the health of the patient at the core of the profession.

Complaints

Complaints directed to the Colegio are dealt with by the Tribunal de Honor. It has powers to issue warnings, suspend members, expel members. In addition the Tribunal will refer complaints addressed to it that relate to non-members, suspended or expelled members to the civil courts.

Acts commited during professional practice that might be judged illegal will become the responsibility of the civil courts.

Continuing education

The code of ethics of the CCD states that the surgeon dentist should update his technical and scientific knowledge in a process of continual learning. This process is covered by the dental legislative act and is an enforced element of the CCD's membership requirements.

Data Protection

Dentists in Costa Rica have an obligation to protect and preserve the dental records of their patients, past and present, under the code of ethics of the CCD.

Resources

El Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas
Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas

Provisions of the Legislative Act (Spanish)
Directive 5784

Code of ethics (Spanish)
CCD code of ethics