Anyone who has lost a tooth is a candidate for getting a dental implant – an artificial root that is placed into the jaw to anchor a replacement tooth or bridge to make it look, feel, fit and function like a natural tooth.
It is true that the most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic but it has a more serious consequence, especially for older people who are surely missing more teeth than the younger generation, which is bone loss.
Not everyone is aware of it, but bone needs stimulation to sustain its form and density. For bones that support the teeth, the stimulation comes from the teeth themselves by making contact with each other all throughout the day causing the bone to remodel and rebuild constantly. When a tooth is lost, the deficiency in stimulation causes the loss of bone that result to the decrease of gum tissue that leads to difficulty in chewing and speaking. However it does not just end in there; when the bone that holds the teeth is completely gone, the bone beneath it also begins to undergo resorption (melt way) until the lower third of the face collapses.
Bone and gum resorption can be prevented with dental implants. Since implants are fused to the bone, they provide the necessary stimulation to prevent further bone loss and preserve it.
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On the other hand, even if we know the advantages of having dental implants we are still a little hesitant to get them because of the costs involved. In the US a single tooth implant including surgery and restoration is around $4000 but could go higher depending on where you live. Major cities like New York and California tend to have higher fees. Other factors that contribute to the cost of implants are the materials used for the implant, type of implant and restoration, number of teeth, x-ray changes, anesthetics, dental fees and possible bone grafting.
Because the cost of getting dental implants appears to be overly expensive you may be considering getting dental bridges instead. But come to think of it, a dental restoration lasts a lifetime and costs around $4000, while a dental bridge will cost you $1000 but may need to be replaced 5 or 6 times during your lifetime which would cost you more overtime. If you are thinking about getting dentures, remember that they need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years plus it does not solve bone and gum resorption.
If cost is the only reason why you are unsure about getting dental implants, you can always consider getting it on a different city that offers it at a lower cost or travel abroad where you can get it at half the price compared to the US pricing. With plenty or research you can definitely find a dental clinic that offer special discounts on dental implants.
Costa Rica offers a wonderful option for people to have a dental vacation. You are able to take advantage of the world class dental care and facilities in a country known for beautiful flora and fauna. You normally have between 35 and 50% by taking advantage of dental tourism. With the money you save you can take a relaxing vacation as well as have some money left over for a rainy day.
A word of advice though, before rushing in to get a too good to be true offer for dental implant abroad, first ask your local dentist if he can offer you a plan that is flexible and affordable that would spread the cost of the implant for a couple months period. Also, remember that it is important to ask the dentist who will perform the procedure about what are included in the initial cost quoted to avoid getting bill shocked as there are times when the overall cost becomes 60 per cent higher than the initial price quoted.
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There is a lot of information to digest when it comes to preparing for your dental vacation to Costa Rica. Entry requirements to Costa Rica, how to find a dentist or dental clinic, what to expect for your specific procedure ( dental implants, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, full mouth restorations and much more) and so much more.
The Medical Tourism & Travel Guide Offers a Free E-Book to answer all your questions.
