Implants

and

Dentistry

Hello!  Well, can you take one more article about dentistry, highlighted by an email from a reader, James, and my answer to him? 

Seems like I’ve been writing a lot about this part of Mexico living and saving. It’s only because I’ve been getting so much interest shown in the subject.  I have received numerous emails questioning or confirming the practicality of heading to Mexico for dental work.  This particular article is in response to Jame’s email to me – which was very short, but deserved as thorough an answer as I could give:  “I’m retired on SS. Worried about cost to have several implants done. Impossible here in Fl.  Any info appreciated! James”

My answer to James:

“Hi James – Know just exactly what you mean. About 4 months ago, I had two implants started – in Algodones, Mexico. That means I had the bone in my jaw drilled to accept a screwed in “screw” – that in about 2 more month’s time will hold the finished “teeth” that will be glued onto the screws that are on the right rear of my mouth. The six month’s time gap is because the bone in my jaw will grow around the screw and secure it and then the top “pretty” tooth can be put in place and at that time, I will have what is actually a new tooth in my head – well, I’ll have two new teeth – back right side. They will then be treated just like a real tooth – brushed, cleaned, and used to chew!! I’ve been chewing only on the left side for a while now – can’t wait until I can chew properly again.

“The price of an implant is usually divided into two sections – mine was $600 each for the drilling and the screw, and then will hopefully be no more than $175 for the finished teeth. Quite a bit of saving, when you see the advertisments around for implants.

“When I first checked into implants, almost 11 years ago, the price in Arizona was $9,000 (no typo) each. Dick and I went to a seminar, well-attended by people with real problems – why other would anyone be interested in such an expensive project? And I think the most disgusting part of that whole evening was when the dentist conducting the seminar convinced a gentleman – I’d guess his age at 78 – to have his whole mouth done with transplants. The gentleman said he couldn’t afford to have that done and the dentist’s reply was “Don’t worry about that – we finance”. This gentleman was going to his grave (in my opinion) with a mouth full of teeth after making exhorbitant payments to those dentists who were going to charge big interest on that loan, and still have huge bills to pass on to his heirs…how sad – and how disgusting that a dentist would even suggest such a thing!

“That was the begining of Dick’s and my exploring the possibilities of Mexican dentists – and we are very happy we can take advantage of those possibilities. So – guess my answer has grown into a seminar itself here :)

“I did have a lady in Florida, several years ago contact me – through this site – and ask about dentists – just like you. She decided (after receiving the info she asked for) that she would bring her daughter on a cross-country vacation, get her dental work done in Mexico, and still have money to put in her pocket, when she compared the cost her dentist had quoted her and the amount she would have to pay in Mexico for the same stuff.

“You do have to remember that implants will take two trips to the dentist. But, I could take one heck of a vacation on a whole lot less even than $9000. I’m sure the costs of implants has gone down, but last time I checked they were still several thousand each. Good luck. And – read all my articles here about dentists – you’ll feel better. Barbie”

p.s. There are “mini” transplants that may take only one trip – check them out when you’re at the dentist – they are even cheaper, and from what I’ve read are just as strong and substantial as the regulars.

Implant Dentistry Article by Barbie.