Dental Implants - Costa Rica

Posted August 7th, 2007 by Perrine

I am looking into traveling to Costa Rica for dental implants.  it appears there is a wide variety of dental surgeons available.  I would like to hear from anyone who has received dental care in Costa Rica and their experience... if they have any tips or recommendations for me prior to my scheduling a trip and obtaining a doctor. 

 Thank you!

 Perrine

Can more serious surgeries be done in Costa Rica? ›

Prisma Dental

On July 18th, 2008 Catherine says:

Just want to second Aunt Alice's comments about Prisma Dental.  Her experience mirrors my own--I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PRISMA DENTAL.  I needed extensive dental work done, some for cosmetic reasons, some for health reasons.  After researching the many reputable dentists available in Costa Rica, I selected Prisma Dental.  (I'm happy to share why I selected them, if anyone is interested, but in brief, it was their educational background, their current credentials, the recommendations from other people and finally, it was the fact that they took the time to call me personally in the States and discuss my many, many questions and present me with a number of options.  No other dentist from any of the other clinics that I researched and contacted did this.)  Dr's Cordero and Rubenstein were nothing short of professional at all times.  Never once did they try to sell me on something other that what I had come to them for, never once did they try to change the price of an agreed-upon procedure.  Dr. Rubenstein herself called me at my hotel after I returned there following the procedure, just to see how I was doing!  Not only does my new smile look fantastic, but my stateside dentist tells me that the workmanship is world class.

Since the people posting the negative comments about Prisma will not share the names of the dentists who apparently do work for free, I wonder if those posters are working for the competition. 

Re: Prisma Dental

On June 19th, 2008 Aunt Alice says:

Re: Prisma Dental
On June 19th Aunt Alice says
I was somewhat shocked and discomfited by the "iampuma" post.  My experiences with Prisma were quite different, they were in fact exemplary.  The work done on my very ailing mouth was quite more extensive than that reportedly  performed on "iampuma" and yet, after an initial visit for a consultation scheduled quite some time in advance I was subjected to no pressure whatever.  My options for extensive surgical work and reconstruction were patiently laid out after examination, X-rays, and other procedures on the Monday scheduled.  During, and after, with my approval and consent,  this extensive consultation, I was scheduled for surgery the following Friday.  Dr. Rubinstein a salesman?  Not in my experience.
I found Drs. Cordero and Rubinstein, IMO, highly competent, skillful, and professional, and as qualified as their extensive resumes both professional and professorial as were their aides and assistants. When I left after that first, long day of surgery, I was given instructions, a follow up appointment, and an "emergency" telephone number.  On the weekend I had a small element of unease and decided I wanted to move my appointment up a bit if possible.  I called the telephone number expecting to reach an answering service who would relay my request either that day or at the start of business hours on Monday ( and I hoped that the operator I reached would have English skills far in excess of my not even rudimentary Spanish, then limited to "adios" and "buenas noches" !).I was surprised and impressed, but discomfited and embarrassed for my intrusion when Dr. Rubinstein herself answered the call from her bedside at that unearthly hour on a Sunday morn!
It is true that in all professional procedures, whether legal, medical, or dental, the outcome is not sometimes what the client or patient has envisaged or hoped for. Success in all matters is not universal or pleasing.  There are, of course, rational ways to deal with displeasure.  However in reading, and re-reading, "iampuma's" post I noted the following:
  • The names of both Drs. Josef Cordero and Telma Rubinstein were constantly misspelled.  One rationally questions whether the data base or alleged reportage of one who seemingly knows not the very names of those she allegedly dealt with can and should be entrusted any further.
  • The question of how long the stitches should last was reported as an error, with no attribution.  When I raised the same question Dr. Cordero (patiently I might add) explained that the suturing material was indeed self dissolving however it was formulated to dissolve much more slowly and hence hold longer than the material, say, an abdominal surgeon would use because of the different healing climates in the mouth and exterior surfaces.
  • In my case, and those of others I have personally spoken to, Dr. Cordero prescribed an antibiotic regimen.  Did "iampuma" neglect her pills, or just not listen.
  • The tone and timbre of the post was not reasoned but was a polemic, hysterical in nature, acidic in the extreme-the patient's(?) allegations were a "swiftboating" of some excellent doctors.  It was, in fact, a rant.
  • The subject of pain is stressed again and again overly in the rant.  For me, and others, they prescribed a non-narcotic course of painkillers.  Could it be that the patient was looking for something more?  Not medical treatment but a fix?
  • One last thing:  It is interesting that "iampuma" allegedly found a Dr. who, out of the goodness of his heart, and great compassion, treated her subsequently for free.  Would she care to share his name?  I and others on this board would certainly be interested in finding a good Samaritan so we could all get our Dental work done, not more inexpensively, but for free!

    On that subject I noted with just a touch of involuntary laughter the subsequent supporting post of Rose, who allegedly had a similar experience and also miraculously found another (the same?) "fee less" Doc.  Were I paranoid I just might be lead to suspect that Rose and iampuma are either the same person, or as they say in Texas, "in cahoots".  Two cats after the same prey for reasons unknown.  I've heard of Doctors without Borders, but Drs. who work or free? Crazy thought, isn't it.  But then, if I were nutty enough to believe this, I'd be "Crazy Aunt Alice" wouldn't I?  HMM.

In Implantology, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Mouth Reconstructive Surgery (their specialties) Drs. Telma Rubinstein might indeed, and possibly do, have some few equals, but multiple scores of satisfied patients attest that NONE ARE BETTER.  They also maintain an up to date, world class facility that is difficult in equipment and staff to match virtually anyplace.
Despite the carping rants of a bellyaching few Prisma is Most Highly recommended.

Prisma Dental

On May 28th, 2008 mwrichter says:

Very surprised to hear all of the negative comments about Prisma.  I was a severe grinder and had to have all my teeth crowned.  I also had 5 root canals in the process.  I found them to be very professional and caring.  The results of their work was fantastic, I love my new smile.  I had the work done approximately 1.5 years ago and everything is great.  I have been to my local dentist for cleanings, they were very impressed and said the work was top quality.  Hope this helps.

Warm Regards, 

Mark

Beware prisma Dental

On May 6th, 2008 iampuma says:

I recognize that many are travelling to Costa Rica for Dental work, and I want to warn fellow travellers to beware of Prisma Dental in San Jose Costa Rica. The Doctors there Dr. Thema Rubenstein and Dr. Jospeh Cordero are very bad, and not competent. .I have had a lot of dental work done in my life, and an old molar which had a root canal had to be pulled as it just gave out.  I decided to interview several Implant specialists to discuss the possibility of an implant, and Prisma Dental ws my first appointment for the day.  They examined me, and they told me I needed to have an immediate Bone Graft in order to have implants. They said it needed to be done immediately, and couldn't even wait for a few days. I was startled as I thought it was a consultation and was not planning a procdure.

They shocked me by their urgency, and I consented to this dental procedure. Dr. Rubenstein was the salesman in the group. The pain was intense from their dental work.  They gave me a $100. shot after completing the procedure and sent me on my way with instruction to take an anti- inflmmatory and an antibiotic.

  had to go to the hospital the night of the surgery for pain medication.

he work they did was expensive, painful and when I called them for follow up consultation a week later they were rude and uncaring. 


They also told me to leave the stitches in for 4 weeks, and that they would dissolve. After 12 days, the dental pain was intense. I went to another dentist, also in Costa Rica, who told me they had not done the procedure correctly, that while they may have inserted some bone, they never did the actual graft and he put me on amoxicillin as I had a raging infection. 

This other dentist refused to take any money from me and was only interested in stopping the infection and seeing me get healthy.  He was also shocked that a dentist could tell a patient to leave stitches in for four weeks!!  He shared with me that he had heard from other patients that Prisma Dental frequently told patients they needed immediate work.


I had phoned Prisma Dental several times for follow up, and to tell them I was in pain, and they never phoned me back.

When I finally reached Dr. Rubenstein, and told Dr. Rubenstein that I had been to another dental surgeon, and that  he had said that they had not done this bone graft procedure correcty, her response to me was "that the other dentist needed to get glasses."  She was rude and again uncaring.

Run from Prisma Dental. Do not have dental work there. They may be all over the Internet, but they are incomeptent and uncaring. 

 

I will apparently have to have this bone graft procedure redone in a couple of months after the site has had time to heal.

prisma dental warning!

On May 18th, 2008 rose says:

Thank you for posting this. This is very similar to my experience with them and I also went to another dentist who apologized and wouldn't take money, but while my teeth were fairly healthy before I went to Prisma they aren't now. They told me I needed more work done than it turns out I did and botched up big time.

I would like to find some dental czar in Costa Rica to report them to. In the meantime you could send a complaint to Blue Cross/Blue Shields who does insure through them. I think it the all the individual complaints about them were added up it would be significant. Have you thought about contacting a lawyer down there?

Dental Implants 1 step

On December 24th, 2007 Susan says:

I too am considering the

1 step dental implants  Dr. Marco Muñoz Cavallinior  Dr. Marco Muñoz Peralta.

Has anyone had this proceedure done by either of these dentists & if so what can you tell me about them.

I appreciate any input into this research that anyone can give me.

Thanks  / Susan 

 

 

Dental Implants One Step

On February 22nd, 2008 am153 says:
Hi Susan,
This is written at the end of February, 2008 so I don't know if it will arrive in time to do you any good. But if anyone else is thinking of implants done overseas,this is the place.
I am in Costa Rica now and finishing up my 1 step implant procedure (3 extractions, 7 implants, plus about 14 crowns). The permanent crowns are almost ready to be installed.
The Doctors Peralta and Cavallini are masters. Their work is outstanding and the price is the lowest of anyone here in Costa Rica. I checked them all.
We (my wife, too, is getting her teeth done)have bonded with the staff and patients. All the patients agree that they made the right choice by coming here.
Several patients had gone elsewhere first, but switched to the Cavallini Clinic because of unhappiness with other dentists (Prisma and/or Meza). I don't have direct excperience with these dentists, however.
Their website is http:www.dentalimplantscostarica.com.

Experience with Drs Marco

On June 3rd, 2008 fishman says:

I too would vouch for Drs Marco Peralta and Cavallini - I had 4 immediate load implants done there, and while their office is very busy with waiting patients, my wait was well worth it and I have had good results so far. I did experience an abscessed tooth about a week after returning home, but that was in an existing crowned tooth on the same side as my implants and did not involve, or come from my implants to my knowledge. My local dentist did not respect the implant work done by the Cavallini Clinic due to what he felt was an improper implant that went into the sinus. However, I have had no further problems and Dr Marco has been a most caring individual in addressing my concerns and questions. I suspect some of my local dentist's disgruntlement might come from the fact that I got this work done at a quarter of the cost estimated for me to have it done here - and we had a great trip to Costa Rica to boot. I highly recommend Dr Marco - they are good people and I trust their judgement. Time will tell of course, but so far we are planning to have more work done by this clinic. We stayed at the LaSabana apotel and greatly enjoyed it.

Fishman

Dental Implants 1 step

On February 28th, 2008 Susan says:

Thank you for your response.  I am looking forward to hearing about your experience and comments especiallty since I have not been able to get much info.

Best of Luck & Hope to hear from you soon.

I can be reached at  knirsushi@hotmail.com   should you wish to contact me personally

Susan 

 

 

 

 

Dental Implants 1 Step

On March 1st, 2008 am153 says:
Hi Susan (and anyone else interested in implants),
My work and my wife, Phyllis', work is done and we fly home to Los Angeles today.
Yes, we are pleased with the quality of the dentistry practised by Drs. Marco Peralta and Dr. Marco  Cavallini They are very friendly and compassionate humans, too.
A gentleman we met who was also here for treatment told us that he was here in October 2007 and there were only 2 or 3 people in the waiting room, only one other American. Since the beginning of this year, however, their business has exploded. I was told it was since they put up their website, but I'm not sure that they didn't have it up earlier.
Anyhow, the downside of their practice is that they suddenly became very busy, a result of people passing on the word and referring their friends. Be prepared to spend many hours in the waiting room if you come here. I personally felt it was worth the inconvenience.
The doctors, frankly were overwelmed by the sudden increase in their popularity; they plan to take steps to improve their scheduling problem by slowing the rate of accepting patients and  expanding the facilities and hiring additional  staff. That won't  happen immediately, though.
On a side note, one of the patients told me that he was unhappy with another dentist ("Smiles" was the name on their website, though I don't remember the dentists name) who referred him to Dr. Cavallini, but then charged him double. Not a very ethical practice, IMHO.
Also, try to get a reservation at the Prado Inn and Suites, which is in walking distance to the clinic. We found it to be clean and convenient. Don't rent a car. It is a disaster to drive in San Jose.
Any questions? Just post and I'll respond, or if you need  a private personal response, let me know.

HI -   I have not had

On January 12th, 2008 kuhlride says:

HI -

 

I have not had implants in COsta RIca, so I cannot speak from experience.. But I have run into a forum dedicated to cosmetic procedures in Costa Rica @ plasticsurgeryjourneys.com SInce you are looking for personal experiences, thought that would be a good lead.

 

Best of luck to you and let us know what you find out!

 

 

Dr.Cavallini-dental implants

On January 5th, 2008 Joe says:

Hello Susan, In July 2007 I had implants and crowns placed by DR.Marco Cavallini, and I am very happy with the work. He is a expert dentist and a very kind and caring man. I had the two-step process for my implants so I will go back in a few weeks. The one-step process takes about a ten day visit, but remember this is Costa Rica, need I say more!!!  The doctors modern office and lab, are in the Paso Colon area of San Jose, a short ride from the airport. The total cost was about 25% of the U.S. price. Half off would be a deal, but 75% off, wow. Trust me I studied the subject in great detail before making this trip, as I am a fearfull flyer. The flight from my home city of Atlanta Ga. to San Jose takes four hours. The office website is (www.dentalimplantscostrarica.com) I hope this helps you. If you need more information you can e-mail me at jbroylston@yahoo.com. Good luck. JOE

Implants

On January 12th, 2008 joeweissman says:

Do you have a way of contacting them? The website doesn't seem to work

Good choice

On December 30th, 2007 sgiprn says:

Yes that father and son team is a good choice. You might also consider http://www.costaricacosmeticdental.com/index.html

 

Hope this helps.

Implants

On October 8th, 2007 baseballspouse says:

I took my son to Costa Rica in July to begin the process of getting dental implants. I had him at one surgeon's office for x-rays and an evaluation and while I was waiting 2 separate people made comments to me to go elsewhere (and they were patients of the dentist!) One of them gave me the card of Dr. Arnoldo Anglada and was I glad! I am extremely nervous when it comes to my son and I wanted him in the very best hands possible and I knew the minute we met Dr. Anglada that my son was going to be well taken care of and have a beautiful smile when all is done. I'll be happy to answer any questions anyone may have.

Cheryl 

I have some questions

On January 23rd, 2008 msccon says:

Hello Cheryl, At which dental office were you advised to go somewhere else? How was your sons experience with Dr. Arnoldo Anglada?

 

Reply to questions

On February 16th, 2008 baseballspouse says:

I really don't want to bad mouth the first dentist on a public forum because we never actually completed work there. Just x-rays and treatment planning. My son's experience with Dr. Anglada was excellent. He is still seeing Dr. Anglada as my son is a very complicated case and I couldn't be more comfortable placing my son under the professional, compassionate care of Dr. Anglada and his staff. Be happy to establish correspondence with you if wish to have more information.

Costa Rica dentists from Patients Beyond Borders

On August 11th, 2007 David Williams says:

Perrine,

 

In Josef Woodman's excellent book, Patients Beyond Borders, he lists the following clinics:

Dental Implant Costa Rica

Prisma Dental Clinic

Meza Dental Clinic

Since Mr. Woodman and his father have had extensive dental work done overseas, I'm sure these clinics are at least worth checking out.

 

Prisma Dental Clinic-How to investigate and find a good dentist?

On August 19th, 2007 Perrine says:

In my search for a recommendation for a good implant dentist... I have read several negative comments in concern to Prisma Dental from several different individuals.  How does one go about investigating a dentist?  Is there a "Dental Association" or a listing of dentist and their specialities and Education?

No reply from CR

On August 22nd, 2007 David Williams says:

I asked each of the dental clinics on the list to respond and am disappointed that they haven't acknowledged my request.

Costa Rican dentistry

On August 7th, 2007 jeffbot says:

Hi Perrine,

You're right -- there are quite a number of dentists and oral surgeons in Costa Rica who do work on international patients. I suggest you visit http://www.psjourneys.com, a discussion site. Though it is mostly about plastic surgery, there is a forum there specifically about dentistry in Costa Rica and many patients talk about their experiences there.

I had dental work in Costa Rica and wrote a magazine article about my trip that is still online at http://www.tftb.com/beautyfromafar. The article led me to write a book about going overseas for medical care, plastic surgery and dental work. I recommend my own dentists (Prisma; http://www.cosmetics-dentistry.com) very highly. I'll be seeing them next week, in fact. :-)

Jeff Schult

Author, Beauty from Afar

http://www.beautyfromafar.com

 

Prisma Dental

On August 19th, 2007 Perrine says:

Mr. Schult,  I just posted a comment with Prisma Dental in the reference.  Unfortunately I have run across several individuals in my investigation for a good implant dentist who have cautioned me against Prisma...?  

follow-up on Prisma

On August 22nd, 2007 jeffbot says:

Hi again. :-)

I am also aware there are some people who have not been satisfied with Prisma for their dental work, and have read about their experiences. That is part of why I recommended the forum site -- prospective patients should evaluate for themselves.

I do, however, stand by my recommendation. More than 65 percent of Prisma's busy practice is on international patients; they have literally thousands of very happy patients who swear by them. You can factor in that I like them personally. If you have concerns about what you have read, I suggest you address them directly to the dental practice about which you're interested.

The Costa Rican Dental Association has a website, but it is in Spanish only. Here is the link to the contact page:

http://www.colegiodentistas.org/cms/index.php?option=com_contact&catid=1...

Again, I suggest that the forums at www.psjourneys.com are a great place to talk to patients who have "been there/done that" ... bearing in mind that people who have something to complain about tend to speak up, while those who are happy, for the most part, move on with their lives.

On those forums -- the Costa Rican dentists who are most often mentioned are those whom I feel have the most experience with international patients. There are a couple I might add, but I don't have enough information about them that I would be comfortable in listing them out in a public forum.

As to why they don't post here ... they're very busy dentists, not bloggers. ;-) I wouldn't take it personally, David ...

Jeff Schult

Author, < a href="http://www.beautyfromafar.com ">Beauty from Afar</a>

 

Sometimes it's just sour grapes

On September 11th, 2007 Perrine says:

Jeff; thanks for your comments...and for the link to the Costa Rican Dental Association.  I speak Portuguese fluently... so it should not be too hard to figure out if it is in spanish as the two languages are similar in some aspects.

I was just concerned... after all traveling to a country that I'm not familiar with... I want to make sure I have all the bases covered and not feel vunerable in any way. 

I also realize it may just be sour grapes on someones part.

I did get some nasty emails in defense of Prima, but good grief their language and attitude - would moreso detract from Prima...it's perfectly ok to disagree but you don't have to be nasty.

Thank you again for your help and encouragement, I'm at a stage in my dental treatment... in between healing and missing molars... I would give anything to be able to enjoy a steak...even a tough one at that! : )

Any advice

On January 23rd, 2008 msccon says:

Hello Perrine, I am planning to have dental work done in Costa Rica and have been following this forum. I do not speak Spanish so I have not visited the CRDA site. I was planning to use Prisma Dental, but the verdict is still out. I'm searching for more info, if you have any for me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

I'm going for implants in two weeks

On January 29th, 2008 am153 says:
I've done my research and going to Costa Rica in two weeks. From what I have learned I"ve selected Dr. Marco Munez Cavalleri. This is his website.
http://www.aestheticdentistrycr.com/meet_the_doctors_costa_rica.html 
I'll write again after March 1st when I get back.
If you are still in the market, I'll write again.

sorces of research

On February 6th, 2008 msccon says:

I'm going to CR in March for some R&R and I'm going to have one crown done by Prisma Dental to see how that goes. I need much more work done including an implant. I am curious as to where you did your research? So far I have visited Dentists web pages, reviewed posts @ PSJourneys as per Jeff, read his article and responded to a couple of posts here (not much feed back). I do not speak Spanish so I did not visit the CRDA web site. Do you have any other suggestions to find more information?

Good luck with your implant, please let me know how it went. I'll update as well.

Costa Rica Dental Implants

On June 15th, 2008 rcottrill says:

To All:

Just got back 1 week ago from C.Rica,  recieved 3 one-step implants, 3 extractions and a bone graft was needed for 2 teeth. The work was done by Dr. Marco Cavallini and his son at www.aestheticdentistrycr.com

They where true to the cost estimate they gave me with the only upcharge being for the bone graft I needed, $250.00(which would have cost over $2,000 in the USA).

If you need Implants this is the place to go, Dr.Marco is a real pro at the surgery, speaks good english(went to dental school in the US) and very caring of the patients.

The office is efficient and set-up to do crowns in-house.

I'm very happy with my decision and will be looking forward to my return trip in a few months for the permanent crowns.

If anyone has any questions about the trip you can contact me at robcottrill@hotmail.com.

  

 

 

Research

On February 16th, 2008 baseballspouse says:

Hello mscon....I will be happy to give you my email address to let you know my experiences in taking my son to Costa Rica for total mouth restoration. I apologize for not returning to this forum discussion since your posts but will be happy to help in any way. Cheryl

And sometimes it's not

On January 16th, 2008 renee says:

I've recently had a very bad experience at Prisma Dental. I went there on the recommendation of the above mentioned book--I would never had searched for other experiences if mine hadn't have been so bad. I'm sure there are people who have been very satisfied--in some ways the office is impressive--but my teeth really suffered. I think often if there is smoke, there is fire.

Prisma Dental

On January 23rd, 2008 msccon says:

Hello Renee, Sorry to here that you had a bad experience with your dental work. I am planning to go Costa Rica for crowns and considering using Prisma Dental. There seems to be some mixed reviews. I found out about Prisma by way of an article. After reading your post I am having reservations making the appointment. Would you be willing to elaborate about your experience? My email is msccon@gmail.com.  Thanks

Prisma Dental

On January 23rd, 2008 renee says:

I too went to Prisma on the basis of an article by Jeff who posted here. I have family in Costa Rica who knew other dentists but I felt safe with this one. The facilities are wonderful and clean there is a lab on premise, the English is great, however my teeth which were in fine condition except for a couple cavities and were fine. More was said to be needed there than my dentist said was needed here--I felt pressured into a couple procedures (Dr. Rubinstien is very charming). Short story--my teeth got hurt. Badly. Infection set in. I am trying to figure out malpractice laws. Prisma has a relationship with a global insurer, which accounts for some Americans in the waiting room. I trust that Jeff had a great experience and that some others have had too--but the more I look into it, the more I see warnings about this place popping up. I would never go there again. It was very factory like. I did not see that individual care was taken with me. I will say that the majority of people for whom things went right probably aren't looking for information and posting. I know I wouldn't be. I'd just be happy.

Costa Rica/dental discussion

On August 7th, 2007 David Williams says:

Thanks for the info, Jeff.

We are also striving to establish a discussion forum here, so Perrine please let us know what you find out!

David Williams