7 FAQs About Costa Rica Dental Crowns
Most people believe the only way to save money on a dental crown is to have great insurance. But what if there were not only a way to save big money on your crown but you could also turn it into a fabulous vacation?
That’s exactly what happens with Costa Rica dental crowns. While some people may think it’s too good to be true, it’s actually legitimate, safe, and smart.
Before you head to your local dentist to pay upwards of $1,500 for your next crown, keep reading. We’re sharing with you seven FAQs about getting a crown in Costa Rica.
1. How Much Do Costa Rica Dental Crowns Cost?
In the US, three crowns would typically cost you around $1,600 per crown totaling $4,800. But in Costa Rica, those same crowns will only cost you $500 each totaling $1,500.
The average Costa Rica trip costs around $1,825. If you travel to Costa Rica to have three crowns the entire trip will cost you $3,325 for your entire trip.
That’s still a savings of $1,475. And you got an amazing vacation out of it as well.
And the more dental crowns you need, the more you’ll save just by traveling to Costa Rica.
2. What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers your tooth. It helps restore its shape and size while improving its strength and appearance. It’s cemented into place and fully encases the visible part of your tooth that’s at and above your gum line.
There are several reasons why someone may require a dental crown. Crowns protect weak teeth from decay, cracking, and breaking.
Crowns restore teeth which have already broken or been severely worn down. It also covers and supports teeth where there isn’t much tooth left.
Crowns can hold dental bridges in place, cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth, and cover dental implants. Both adults and children can get crowns.
3. How Long Does It Take to Get a Crown?
If your dental office has the proper equipment, they can actually do your crown(s) in one visit. Prepare for it to take several hours.
However, in many cases, your dental crown procedure will require two visits to your dentist. The first visit depends on how many teeth need crowns.
If you only need one crown, the entire first visit should only take an hour to an hour and a half. You’ll probably wait one or two days for the permanent crown to be finished and sent to your dentist’s office.
The follow-up visit to get your permanent crown installed should take between 30-45 minutes maximum. There shouldn’t be any pain involved with either visit.
While your jaw may be sore from being open, if you feel actual pain, let your dentist know immediately.
4. What Different Types of Crowns are Available?
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of different materials. Metals such as gold, stainless steel, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, and resin crowns are all used.
Metals
The metals in crowns include alloys with a high content of gold, platinum, or base-metal alloys. This type of crown is good because it withstands chewing and biting, doesn’t tend to break or chip, and will probably last you the longest amount of time.
However, metals make it easy to spot a crown in your mouth. For these reasons, metal crowns tend to be used primarily for molars in the back of the mouth.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated and are usually used only temporarily. It’s most often used for children who required a crown for their baby teeth.
They’re more cost-effective and don’t require multiple visits. The crown comes out when the baby tooth does.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Unlike metal crowns, you can match the color to your other teeth so no one knows you got a crown. But you can wear your other teeth down more readily and it chips and breaks more easily than a metal crown.
Ceramic
You’ll get the best color matching with an all ceramic or all porcelain crown. And they’re perfect if you have an allergy to metals.
Resin
Resin crowns are the least expensive. But they wear out more easily and are more prone to fractures.
5. What is the Dental Crown Procedure?
At your first appointment, the dentist will examine the tooth to ensure it can support a crown.
Then the dentist will fill your tooth down to prepare for the crown. If the tooth is too broken or decayed, the dentist may need to fill it in to make it large enough to install the crown.
Once the tooth is filed or filled properly, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and send it to their dental lab to make the crown properly. Your dentist will insert a temporary crown towards the end of your first visit to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready.
Once your new, permanent crown is ready, you’ll have your second appointment. This is the dental crown procedure where your dentist will remove the temporary crown and then will properly insert your new, permanent one.
6. Why Choose Costa Rica for Dental Crown?
Costa Rica is an amazing country with tons to see and do. And since it’s not a large country, it’s easy to get around and see everything in one visit.
Dental crowns in Costa Rica cost a fraction of the price they do in the United States. The dentists and the staff are highly trained. It’s the same level of quality dentistry you’ll receive from your local dentist. Just at a fraction of the cost.
Most clinics use the latest modern, state-of-the-art equipment that dentists use in the US. The labs also use the same materials found in the US.
7. How Do I Book an Appointment?
Scheduling an appointment for dental crowns in a foreign country isn’t as easy as heading off to your local dentist down the road. That’s why there are people to help.
Many dentists have an international patient coordinator to help you arrange everything you need, from your dental appointment to your travel arrangements. And they’ll do it discreetly.
You’ll receive a plan, estimate, and assistance with travel. All you have to do is pick up the phone or fill out a form to get started.
Always Do Your Homework
Costa Rica dental crowns are great if you choose the right dentist. Just like in the US or Canada, not every dentist is a perfect match for you.
Do some research on the dentist and their team. Make sure you’re comfortable with them before you get started.
And don’t forget to check out their testimonials and reviews.
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