I’m skeptical about my friend who went to Mexico in order to have dental implants done. It sounds like the doctor she chose spoke great English and went to school in the U.S. She said it was worth it to her to go every couple months for appointments because it was still cheaper than getting them done here in the States. She raved and raved about how easy the process was and about how much money she saved. I even started looking into it myself. But once it was all said and done, she ended up with a terrible infection. She went to see him in Mexico for it, which at that point I would have just seen someone here. The doctor gave her antibiotics but that didn’t help, because a month later her entire face swelled up. I ended up having to drive her across the border because she physically couldn’t do it. The dentist removed the entire dental implant and now she’s back to square one. Does this happen often with affordable dental implants?
-Shawna in Arizona
Wow. Sorry to hear about your friend’s dental implant horror story. I would not recommend going out of the country for dental implants, or any type of dental care for that matter. Here in the U.S., we have very strict regulations. This does attribute to the cost, but it also ensures you are meeting a standard of care that will adequately meet your needs. When you venture across the border, you may save a bundle, but you’re on your own. There is no regulatory dental board standing behind their dental work. It is simply his word against yours.
In order to successfully place dental implants, a dentist must undergo extensive training beyond dental school. Most dental implants, when placed by a reputable dentist, have a 98% success rate.
But even her in the States, you’ll find dentists that offer affordable dental implants. You have to tread carefully because if the price point is drastically cheaper, the implant dentist may be cutting corners or using substandard parts. All that to be said, there are dentists that will work with you on payment and can make dental implants work for you. Also, you may be a candidate for mini implants, which are a more affordable option too.
So instead of letting cost drive your search, look for an implant dentist with a proven reputation. The right dentist will listen to your constraints and come up with a treatment plant that may involve other treatments like a dental bridge, a denture secured with implants or some other combination that would work for you. Focus on quality.
Thank you for your question. Hopefully, your friend is okay.
This post is sponsored by Barrington dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS.