All 43 Clinics that provide Root Canals in Costa Rica

To prevent or reverse infection of badly damaged and decayed teeth, it may be necessary to carry out a root canal treatment. Though possessed of a fearsome reputation, the procedure is now well understood and produces excellent long lasting results with minimal discomfort.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Tiny canals in your tooth become infected and can cause quite severe pain. The purpose of a root canal is to save a badly infected tooth. If not performed extraction of the tooth is commonly required. The infected canals are cleared then filled. It is quite common for the tooth to require a crown or a filling.

You might need a root canal if one or more of your teeth have become infected and there is severe damage to the pulp of your tooth.

Things to look out for include:

• Although simple root canals can be performed by a general dentist, more complex root canals (such as those on your rear teeth) may require a specialised Endodontist.
• Commonly a root canal treatment will require a crown as well. Be aware of this potential additional cost
• Hugh advances in root canals have been made over the last decade,  so make sure your dentist is up to date

What is the procedure like?

The tooth has small canals filled with what is known as pulp: these reach right down into its root. The tooth’s canals may become infected and the pulp within them is first removed in a procedure referred to as a pulpotomy. The canals are then temporarily filled with an alkaline paste and the tooth is left to settle during which time the paste thoroughly disinfects the tooth.

A second appointment about a week afterwards is necessary to complete the procedure. The pulpotomy should remove any discomfort related to infection within the tooth. In the follow up the temporary paste is removed. The canals are filled with an inert material and the tooth should be given a protective crown to protect the work. The procedure is spread over two or more dental visits.

What affects the price?

• The dentist selected
• If a specialized endodontic is required
• The position on of the tooth
• The type of crown required (if any)

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. The follow table gives some indicative costs for root canals across the world:

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.

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.

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 and San Pedro.

You can also consider Mexico for your dental needs, where for similarly low price the same quality treatments are offered.

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.

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

The biggest choice of root canals clinics in Costa Rica with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best root canals for you in Costa Rica.