Walking into the dentist’s office meant getting one of only a few potential procedures: a check-up and cleaning, a cavity removal and filling, a root canal, or an extraction. The worst-case scenario involved multiple extractions and the creation of a bridge or dentures.
Dentistry has always been an essential field in healthcare, but for centuries, it was limited by the technology and knowledge that practitioners had at the time.
But today’s dentists have a vastly expanded knowledge of our bodies and how dental care fits into our overall health. Thankfully, this has also led to innovations and improved technical and artistic skills. While you may still need a root canal or a bridge, many other options exist.
This series of articles will help you understand the different procedures available in modern dentistry. They will explain when each is used, what is involved, and how much it will cost to have them done in one of the Meza Dental offices (San Jose, Costa Rica, or Cancun, Mexico).
That way, you have everything you need to make an informed decision about your dental health!
A dental implant is one of the most common dental procedures, so that is where we will start.
Procedure 1- Titanium or Zirconium Implant
When A Titanium or Zirconium Implant Is Used
In simple terms, an implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to replace a tooth root that has been extracted. This fools your body into maintaining the bone density in that area of your jaw. Without an implant, your body will slowly reabsorb the bone, weakening your jaw and allowing neighboring teeth to loosen or move.
What is Involved in Getting a Titanium or Zirconium Implant
In the case of a damaged tooth, an extraction must first be performed. The natural tooth is removed, and the oral surgeon cuts the gums to expose the bone and performs a bone graft if necessary (like molars). Holes are then made in the bone where the dental implant will be placed. Because the titanium or zirconium pin will serve as the tooth’s root, it must be implanted deep into the bone.
At this point, you will still have a gap where the tooth used to be. If you wish, a temporary and partial denture can be created and placed for a better appearance while the implant heals. The patient can remove this denture for cleaning and while sleeping.
If the implant is to replace a tooth that has been missing for a while, a bone graft will likely be necessary to ensure that the jaw can support the implant.
Before the implant procedure can take place, you will need a CT scan and a recent X-ray so we can determine the health and density of the underlying bone, determine if a graft is required, and create a treatment plan.
How Long It Takes For a Titanium or Zirconium Implant
The implant procedure relies on osseointegration to provide a solid foundation for your new tooth. This is a process whereby your body’s natural healing process grows new bone that covers the metal pin, incorporating it into your jaw. This can take several months, so this is a two-part procedure. International patients should schedule a week for the first (surgical) visit and 1-2 weeks for the final visit, depending on how many crowns need to be created.
If you require less than four crowns, they can be made in 3-4 days, and the second visit can be completed in a week. A full two weeks will be required if you require more than four.
If only a minor bone graft is required, it may be performed simultaneously with the implant surgery, allowing both to heal simultaneously. However, if a more extensive graft is needed, it must be allowed to fully recover before the implant surgery can be performed, effectively doubling the time frame.
How Much a Titanium or Zirconium Implant Costs
In the United States, the cost of a single dental implant with abutment and standard crown averages $4,500, and in Costa Rica or Mexico, it starts at around $1,300.
Procedure 2- All-on-4/6/8 (also known as All-on-X)
When All-on-X is Used
This procedure allows you to replace an entire arch (of 10-12 teeth per arch) without requiring a separate implant for each tooth. Depending on the available bone structure and density, 4, 6, or 8 implants are placed in the upper and lower jaw; then, a prosthesis is created for each arch that mimics your natural smile. The prosthesis attaches to the implants via tiny screws and does not need to be removed daily as you would traditional dentures.
All-on-X is a cost-effective solution for people who need to replace all of their teeth but may need more bone structure or the budget for multiple implants.
What is Involved in Having the All-on-X Procedure
Before an all-on-X procedure, you must have a CT scan and a recent X-ray. Then, molds must be made of your remaining teeth to be used as a reference. Since the procedure allows us to utilize the most vital areas of the jawbone for the implants, bone grafts are not always required.
As with individual implants, this is a two-part procedure. The surgery is done, and the implants can heal before the final prosthesis is created and attached. Patients are given temporary prostheses to use during the healing process.
Once the implants have healed sufficiently, a secondary set of scans and measurements are taken, and a prosthesis is designed and created using a 3D scanner. This allows our team to try it out, see how it looks, and make any necessary adjustments before the final prosthesis is made because it is made of rigid material and cannot be adjusted once finished. Then, our artists create the perfect smile for you over a few days.
A final fitting is done, and the prosthesis is attached to the implants.
How Long It Takes For an All-on-X Procedure
After the initial surgery, the implants must be allowed to heal into the jawbone. This can take 6-8 months. Once the implant is fully healed and there is no swelling or movement, we can take precise measurements to create your new smile.
International patients should schedule a week for the initial visit and a week (6-8 months later) for the final visit.
How Much It Costs for All-on-X
The cost of All-on-X depends on how many implants you need, but it averages around $25,000 per arch. In Costa Rica or Mexico, that cost drops to around $10,700.
Procedure 3- Mouthguards and Occlusal Guards/Splints
When Mouthguards and Occlusal Guards/Splints are Used
There are two common types of mouthguards. One is used to protect your teeth while playing sports, and the other is worn at night to prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth (known as bruxism), which can damage your teeth and lead to headaches or jaw and neck pain.
What is Involved in Getting Mouthguards and Occlusal Guards/Splints
In both cases, a mold is made of your teeth, and a plastic guard is created to fit snugly over them. While sports mouthguards can be purchased over the counter, the best protection is provided by a custom-made guard to fit over your teeth. This is especially true if you wear braces or have fixed dental appliances like a bridge or prosthesis.
An occlusal mouth guard is made of thinner, smoother plastic to make it comfortable at night. It comes in three types: soft, dual laminate, and hard. The type you need will depend on the severity of your bruxism.
Sometimes, the best solution is an occlusal splint, another term for a custom-designed mouthguard for people who grind their teeth. While the splint will not stop you from grinding your teeth, it will guide your jaw into a more natural/neutral position, alleviating some of the pressure that grinding puts on your jaw joints.
How Long It Takes for Mouthguards and Occlusal Guards/Splints
Mouthguards custom-made to protect restorations usually take one day to produce, whereas occlusal guards or splints typically take three days.
How Much Do Mouthguards and Occlusal Guards/Splints Cost?
In the US, a custom night guard costs around $150, comparable to Costa Rican prices. A custom sports mouthguard will cost between $75 and $100, also comparable to Costa Rican prices.
A top and bottom Occlusal night guard or splint is $400 in Costa Rica, compared to the US, where it can go as high as $1000.
Procedure 4-Whitening
When Whitening is Used
Professional tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to remove stubborn stains and discoloration that brushing won’t touch.
What is Involved in Whitening
At Meza Dental, we prefer to use the chairside whitening method. In this method, your teeth are coated with a whitening solution and then subjected to an LED light that helps the solution break down the stains.
How Long Whitening Takes
This quick and painless process involves a 1-hour trip to the office.
How Much Does Whitening Cost?
This procedure averages $1,500 in the USA; it costs $350 in Costa Rica or Mexico.
Procedure 5- Veneers
When Veneers are Used
Veneers are a standard solution for people whose teeth are generally healthy but have cosmetic issues like cracks, chips, discolored enamel, or a displeasing shape. While some of these problems can be solved through bonding, veneers are a practical and functional solution that many prefer.
What is Involved In Getting Veneers
Veneers are created using composite resin or porcelain to fit in front of your existing teeth with minimal modifications. We will grind your existing teeth slightly to allow the restorative material to shape correctly. Composite veneers are made by adding the material directly to the existing teeth.
For porcelain veneers, a mold is made of your teeth. If cosmetic adjustments are to be made, scans may also be taken so that our lab technician can use digital technology to design the perfect smile. They will then build a porcelain veneer that fits precisely onto the front of your teeth. Once complete, dental adhesive will attach the veneer to your teeth.
How Long Veneers Take
This process requires several visits to the office, a consultation, a visit for scans and molds, another to fit the diagnostic cast, and 3-4 days to create up to four veneers. If you need more, then the procedure will take two weeks from beginning to end. Once they are made, you will return to the office for a fitting and bite adjustment, which can take another two days.
The process is usually completed for international patients over a 10-14 day trip.
How Much Do Veneers Cost
This procedure averages $2,500 in the USA, and in Costa Rica, $600.
There are plenty of reasons to travel for dental care!
The difference in price compared to the US is the main draw for many people who start the dental tourism journey, but it’s certainly not the only reason to visit a tropical paradise.
After all, it’s a no-brainer when you can get the same procedure with the same world-class quality and enjoy the beauty of one of the world’s premier destinations!
For more information about how to start your journey to the perfect smile, call us toll-free from the US and Canada at 1-(877)-337-6392.
