Dental Work overseas / "Dental Vacations"
#76
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 3,944
I haven't read all the posts, so this might already have been addressed, but do you feel confident that the dental instruments have been autoclaved? That would be my main concern. Granted, it is impossible to be certain in the U.S., but at least there are often dental societies to which one might in theory complain if necessary, and at least the dentist will be around, and if there are significant complaints, these are likely (eventually) to surface.
#77
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I haven't read all the posts, so this might already have been addressed, but do you feel confident that the dental instruments have been autoclaved? That would be my main concern. Granted, it is impossible to be certain in the U.S., but at least there are often dental societies to which one might in theory complain if necessary, and at least the dentist will be around, and if there are significant complaints, these are likely (eventually) to surface.
She's even upgraded equipment, and now has video capabilities, so you can easily see the work that needs to be done.
I'm much more confident in her work than I have been in US dentists. If you're just going on price and advertising, then you may get rooked. I always look for someones recommendation, and not just shill advertising.
#78
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PA, AK, or FL 350
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Posts: 950
I have appointments in San Jose, CR next month for some dental work. The dentist is (supposedly?) a graduate of University of Indiana school of dentistry, and a member of the American Acadamy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I'll certainly post a report here of how it goes.
He had nice reviews on tripadvisor.com and healthbase.com anyway. If nothing else I get a week in Costa Rica, and the total package including airfare will cost less than my out of pocket in the US would be.
Jaimito, have you heard of Hospital Clinico Biblica ? He works out of there, evidently. Any impression you could share ? It's not too late for me to back out !
He had nice reviews on tripadvisor.com and healthbase.com anyway. If nothing else I get a week in Costa Rica, and the total package including airfare will cost less than my out of pocket in the US would be.
Jaimito, have you heard of Hospital Clinico Biblica ? He works out of there, evidently. Any impression you could share ? It's not too late for me to back out !
#79
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
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Dental insurance is fine for the basics, like cleaning, x-rays, basic fillings, etc., and even OK on some stuff like root scaling. But when you get to things like onlays and crowns, most policies I've had any experience with and those I've researched fall flat.
The policies pay 50% for these, with a a trivial annual cap on benefits (mine's around $2k), and they base their 50% on only the most rudimentary procedures--in other words, if your dentist wants to use a better (but pricier) material, adhesive, etc., you eat the entire cost differential yourself, not 50% of the differential.
For example, I have four onlays which need to be replaced (long story). The estimate is around $5-$6k total after insurance. That's at a reasonably-priced, decent dentist, using a step up from the basic materials but not the top of the line, either. And using their negotiated rates as participants in the insurer's plan.
Still, it is important to note that part of what you are paying for in the US is recourse avenues. When things go wrong - and they DO go wrong for X % of people - you have legal avenues to make things right or practical avenues like getting work fixed. What are you going to do after getting work done in Phuket? Even if corrective work is done at no cost, are you going to keep paying $2000 for flight and hotel, not to mention wages/vacation lost to get the work? This is part of the premium you are paying for in the US.
#80
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Clinica Biblica is a hospital in the downtown area of SJO, I think. I believe I've even been there once, seemed okay to me. They have a separate dental clinic, but I don't know anything about it. I'd guess that it's fine.
#81
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Costa Rican dentist
I've had a few folks who wanted the name of my dentist.
Her name is Marjorie Charpentier, and is located in the Rohrmoser/Pavas area of town. (Near the small airport for those that know it)
Her phone number is (506) 2231-5772. Email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]
She is a great general dentist. I have been seeing her for 5 years or so, and she did my daughters braces, and other family members work as well.
She does not do veneers or implants that I'm aware of. She has a small practice, and she does everything, even answering her own phone, unless her mom is helping out in the office.
Her English is quite limited, so keep that in mind if you call or email. I'm sure if she can't handle your problem, she can refer you to someone that can.
When I visited her in late June, she had a new dental chair, with a imaging system, so you can see what teeth need to be worked on. She's very professional, and I've always gotten a great job done, at a very reasonable price.
You can always tell her that Don Jaime referred you.
Her name is Marjorie Charpentier, and is located in the Rohrmoser/Pavas area of town. (Near the small airport for those that know it)
Her phone number is (506) 2231-5772. Email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]
She is a great general dentist. I have been seeing her for 5 years or so, and she did my daughters braces, and other family members work as well.
She does not do veneers or implants that I'm aware of. She has a small practice, and she does everything, even answering her own phone, unless her mom is helping out in the office.
Her English is quite limited, so keep that in mind if you call or email. I'm sure if she can't handle your problem, she can refer you to someone that can.
When I visited her in late June, she had a new dental chair, with a imaging system, so you can see what teeth need to be worked on. She's very professional, and I've always gotten a great job done, at a very reasonable price.
You can always tell her that Don Jaime referred you.
#82
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 35
I've had a few folks who wanted the name of my dentist.
Her name is Marjorie Charpentier, and is located in the Rohrmoser/Pavas area of town. (Near the small airport for those that know it)
Her phone number is (506) 2231-5772. Email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]
She is a great general dentist. I have been seeing her for 5 years or so, and she did my daughters braces, and other family members work as well.
She does not do veneers or implants that I'm aware of. She has a small practice, and she does everything, even answering her own phone, unless her mom is helping out in the office.
Her English is quite limited, so keep that in mind if you call or email. I'm sure if she can't handle your problem, she can refer you to someone that can.
When I visited her in late June, she had a new dental chair, with a imaging system, so you can see what teeth need to be worked on. She's very professional, and I've always gotten a great job done, at a very reasonable price.
You can always tell her that Don Jaime referred you.
Her name is Marjorie Charpentier, and is located in the Rohrmoser/Pavas area of town. (Near the small airport for those that know it)
Her phone number is (506) 2231-5772. Email addresses are: [email protected] and [email protected]
She is a great general dentist. I have been seeing her for 5 years or so, and she did my daughters braces, and other family members work as well.
She does not do veneers or implants that I'm aware of. She has a small practice, and she does everything, even answering her own phone, unless her mom is helping out in the office.
Her English is quite limited, so keep that in mind if you call or email. I'm sure if she can't handle your problem, she can refer you to someone that can.
When I visited her in late June, she had a new dental chair, with a imaging system, so you can see what teeth need to be worked on. She's very professional, and I've always gotten a great job done, at a very reasonable price.
You can always tell her that Don Jaime referred you.
#83
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,099
I'm looking at getting 4 crowns done in Thailand in a few months, and am looking at the different clinics and looking for suggestions & experiences.
Right now, Asavanant is near the top of the list; of course, there's Bangkok International Dental Center and Thantakit seems well-regarded. (I bumped Silom Dental down after reading a fair number of poor reviews online.)
For getting out of BKK, looks like Phuket Hospital is liked by at least one poster.
I need to contact each of the several possible locations; I'm looking to have ceramic crowns done without having to have the manufacture of said crowns sent out for (e.g. they've got the CAD & milling machines in the hospital). This would make sure that if I'm there only a week or so that I don't somehow run into having the prep work done, and have to fly home before the crowns are ready if there are any delays. (). Plus, the less time with temporary crowns in place, the better, if you ask me.
Any suggestions/experiences to share?
FWIW, looks like I'm expecting around $2k total in dental work (compared to ~$9k at my US dentist, particularly since I've used up my dental insurance for the year); I figure I can spend a decent sum on hotel, flight, food, etc., and still come out ahead--and have the experience of a week in Thailand.
Right now, Asavanant is near the top of the list; of course, there's Bangkok International Dental Center and Thantakit seems well-regarded. (I bumped Silom Dental down after reading a fair number of poor reviews online.)
For getting out of BKK, looks like Phuket Hospital is liked by at least one poster.
I need to contact each of the several possible locations; I'm looking to have ceramic crowns done without having to have the manufacture of said crowns sent out for (e.g. they've got the CAD & milling machines in the hospital). This would make sure that if I'm there only a week or so that I don't somehow run into having the prep work done, and have to fly home before the crowns are ready if there are any delays. (). Plus, the less time with temporary crowns in place, the better, if you ask me.
Any suggestions/experiences to share?
FWIW, looks like I'm expecting around $2k total in dental work (compared to ~$9k at my US dentist, particularly since I've used up my dental insurance for the year); I figure I can spend a decent sum on hotel, flight, food, etc., and still come out ahead--and have the experience of a week in Thailand.
Last edited by exerda; Sep 28, 2010 at 10:31 am
#84
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: VLO
Posts: 233
Medical Tourism for major Dental Work
Hello flyertalkers:
My father has terrible teeth. He is 67 and has decided that the best course of action is multiple tooth implants. He does not have a lot of money.
I have heard that Thailand offers high quality, complex dental work at low cost when compared to the US.
Do any of you have any information regarding getting tooth implants in Thailand or anywhere else in the world? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Ryan
My father has terrible teeth. He is 67 and has decided that the best course of action is multiple tooth implants. He does not have a lot of money.
I have heard that Thailand offers high quality, complex dental work at low cost when compared to the US.
Do any of you have any information regarding getting tooth implants in Thailand or anywhere else in the world? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Ryan
#85
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Join Date: Nov 1999
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My b-i-l who is in private practice in the U.K. is astounded by what is charged in Canada. And Hungary is said to be 1/4 the cost of the U.K. so Budapest should be in consideration too.
#86
Ambassador: LATAM
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PNA
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 4,638
Add Prague to the list too, also Vilnius
Closer to home there are a lot of US trained dentists plying their trade down her in Bogotá. I broke a tooth here and a root canal plus porcelain crown came to COP$900,000. I don't know how much they go for in OAK but 900K is about US$450
Closer to home there are a lot of US trained dentists plying their trade down her in Bogotá. I broke a tooth here and a root canal plus porcelain crown came to COP$900,000. I don't know how much they go for in OAK but 900K is about US$450
#87
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: VLO
Posts: 233
@yvr - I guess anywhere can be in consideration. I am looking for a very high level of service for a comparatively low price, with travel costs factored in as well.
@johnnycolumbia - wow, I hope banknotes are in high denominations there...
I am looking for any information about highly proficient dentists that have an excellent track record in dental implants in particular. I would love to hear from FTers who have personal experience with tooth implants abroad. Feel free to PM me if this isn't the kind of thing you want to share with everyone.
And again, thank you very, very much for any help you can provide. Trying to help my non-tech savvy, not rich, dad out here.
Thank you!
@johnnycolumbia - wow, I hope banknotes are in high denominations there...
I am looking for any information about highly proficient dentists that have an excellent track record in dental implants in particular. I would love to hear from FTers who have personal experience with tooth implants abroad. Feel free to PM me if this isn't the kind of thing you want to share with everyone.
And again, thank you very, very much for any help you can provide. Trying to help my non-tech savvy, not rich, dad out here.
Thank you!
#88
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Bangkok has very high quality dental services available at reasonable costs, even at the best specialty dental hospitals. However, due to the sequential nature of how implants need to be done, I would recommend that he plan on going and staying for a long period of time--perhaps 4-8 weeks--so that the entire process can be done without rushing, and followed up for any complications. He would need to figure in the cost of air tickets and living costs in Bangkok. The latter need not be high, but it does add to more than just the raw dental services price. I have looked into (not for implants but for other services) and visited Bangkok Dental Hospital and Asavanant. I don't have the price lists they gave me handy, but Google for their websites and see if you can benchmark their fees compared to home prices. You should also be able to email them with more specifics about the extent of the work needed to be done, to get a better estimate range.
If your father is 67, it's possible that a good set of crowns on top of those implants might last him the rest of his life so that the normal 10-15 year replacement cycle becomes irrelevant. However (especially if his family has long-living genes), might be wise to look into the different types and systems, and pick an implant system common in both Thailand and the USA, in case way down the road, he needs to get a replacement crown done in the USA.
I don't think elsewhere in Asia you will find a better quality-price proposition than Thailand. You should check that FT subforum, as I think some recent posts have been done on the dentistry topic in Bangkok.
If your father is 67, it's possible that a good set of crowns on top of those implants might last him the rest of his life so that the normal 10-15 year replacement cycle becomes irrelevant. However (especially if his family has long-living genes), might be wise to look into the different types and systems, and pick an implant system common in both Thailand and the USA, in case way down the road, he needs to get a replacement crown done in the USA.
I don't think elsewhere in Asia you will find a better quality-price proposition than Thailand. You should check that FT subforum, as I think some recent posts have been done on the dentistry topic in Bangkok.
Last edited by jiejie; Sep 7, 2011 at 9:56 pm
#89
Ambassador: LATAM
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: PNA
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 4,638
I am not an expert in dental implants as I have never had one, but my current dentist (not the one that did me the crown) is a specialist in them, he is forever badgering me to have a couple where I have a gappy smile.
A top end implant goes for US$900 to $1000, probably works out cheaper if you are having a mouthful of them.
Once again I don't know how much such things cost in the rest of the world.
BTW: 50,000 pesos is the biggest bank note, about US$25
A top end implant goes for US$900 to $1000, probably works out cheaper if you are having a mouthful of them.
Once again I don't know how much such things cost in the rest of the world.
BTW: 50,000 pesos is the biggest bank note, about US$25
#90
Join Date: May 2004
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