Dental Implants in Mexico

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?

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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 Mexico
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Mexico

Mexican Dentistry

Dentists in Mexico can equal the best available across the world. The Asociación Dental Mexicana has over 50 years experience regulating its members and encourages continuing education and high ethical standards. Many Mexican dentists will also belong to the American Dental Association, benefiting from its training programs and keeping up to date with the latest in dental technologies.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Benefits of Travelling to Mexico

Perhaps the most obvious benefits of Mexico as a dental destination for Americans is its proximity and its low costs. A short car journey can put Califorians in the middle of one of the highest densities of dental clinics in the world.

Too much choice can be confusing, and with irregular federal oversight you need to know what to look for. Good dentists regularly attend courses to update their skills. Joining dental associations, whether Mexican or American is a good indication that a dentist is dedicated to their continuing professional development. Check the staff sections of clinics to see the academic work and practical training the dentists have completed.

Lower labour costs and cheaper office space allow Mexico's dentists to offer comparable treatments to their U.S neighbours at a very competitive cost. Our most popular destination in Mexico is currently Tijuana

Dentists in Mexico - Price Guide

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

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

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Dentists in Mexico - Qualifications

Dental training and certification in Mexico is very similar to the United States. Study takes five years: four years of dental school followed by a one year internship and the passing of a professional exam.

Though there is no mandatory continuing education, many Mexican dentists avail of training courses run locally, in the U.S or Europe. There are 50 dental schools, regulated by the federal government.

There are 9 recognized dental specialties in Mexico including Endodontics, Periodontics and Orthodontics.

Dentists in Mexico - Additional Information

Organizations

All dentists must posses a certificate of graduation from a licenced educational institution.The title of dentist is confered at a federal level allowing free movement of dentists through the country.

The Asociación Dental Mexicana was established in 1942. The Consejo de Certificación de la Asociación Dental Mexicana registers Mexican dentists and the Asociación is more broadly responsible for the ethical and educational development of dentistry in Mexico. Certification with the ADM is not manditory.

Dental Ethics

Members of the ADM are bound by its code of ethics that stipulates the duties of dental surgeons. In common with the U.S and E.U these clarify the duty of a dentist to do no harm, look after the ongoing health of the patient, guard the confidentiality of client information and pass that information on to another dentist at the request of the patient.

Complaints

Ethical and procedural complaints can be passed to the ADM if the performing dentist is a member. Recourse through the courts is difficult and time consuming.

Continuing education

The ADM believes in the principle of continuous education for dentists. There is a process of recertification every 5 years which involves an examination of dental skills: all ADM members should have a copy of their certification valid for the current period.

Data Protection

There is data protection legislation in place in Mexico with specific categories for medical records. The ethical responsibilities of dental surgeons for the management of records include additional duties (see the dental ethics section above).

Resources

The Asociación Dental Mexicana
http://www.adm.org.mx
Ethical Code (Spanish)
etica.html