My Dental Experience
Medical Tourism in Mexico
Dave and I have had health insurance connected with our work all of our working lives. That said, dental work was always expensive, even with insurance. Now that we are retired, we no longer have insured dental care. That's when I started researching Medical Tourism and reading about people traveling abroad to obtain excellent medical treatment at extremely affordable rates. I soon discovered there were a variety of wellness vacations out there, including: Dental Tourism, Fertility Tourism, Cosmetic Tourism, Psychiatric Tourism, and more.
Dental Work in Mexico is my detailed description of the dentists, assistants, surgical specialists, periodontists and endodontists that worked together to save my right upper and lower jaw. I have included the time frame to provide a realistic expectation of what you can expect and the cost for the whole treatment program. Keep in mind the cost will be based on the rate that existed at that time. Exchange rates may have changed check here for current rate comparison.
If you still have questions, send to atp1682@yahoo.com.
I hope this helps others that have postponed their dental care because out-of-pocket costs are too expensive. There are marvelous dental facilities abroad that are customer-friendly, have the latest equipment, and are incredibly affordable - even with the added expense of a vacation.
MAR 4, 2020
Dr. Kevin, Dentist
Dr. Kevin, Dentist;
Performed exam including X-rays and photos.
Full mouth X-rays, photos, and general exam. Ideal for annual exams or basic exam situations. Results emailed upon request. Based on the result of the X-ray, Dr. Kevin referred me to Dr. Lisset for a periodontal exam and deep cleaning consultation to determine an overall approach to restoring my dentition.
Technical result of X-ray as invoiced:
Cost: 800 MXN (35 USD based on the currency exchange in MAR 2020.)
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general gum recessions, periodontal pockets caused by pillars are over-contoured and not sealing properly on the 4-unit bridge that is placed on the superior right side.
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Presents extensive amalgam fillings with filtration and fissures on teeth 46 and 47.
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Cement is remaining on the pontic of the bridge, if this isn't removed, it may cause more periodontal issues.
MAR 6, 2020,
Dr. Latisse, Periodontist
Dr. Kevin, Dentist
Dr. Latisse, Periodontist:
This service is for when the exam with X-rays and photos and cleaning are already done, or when the patient is considering a periodontal treatment. This is the initial consult. Includes measuring pockets and gum depths.
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Performed periodontal evaluation including pocket measurements, charting, and analysis of bacterial plaque.
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Root Scaling and Planing. Localized non-surgical root planing and curettage. Molars
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Treatment Plan: Deep cleaning, root scaling, remove bridge superior on the right side, extraction of 18 and placing an implant in 16, tooth 46 place a crown if possible that may require root canal, she will go with temporary crown due to the extraction.
Dr. Kevin, Dentist:
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Cut and removed crown on tooth 45. Tooth 45 already has root canal and post. Requires core build up to prepare for a new crown. (Note. apparently, the gums weren't sealing around an older crown because it was placed too low and irritating the surrounding area. This was causing pockets.)
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Cut and removed crown on tooth 46. (Note. Tooth 46 was a very old and very large amalgam-filled tooth surrounded by a thin layer of tooth enamel. Unfortunately, fissures had formed on the enamel suggesting a problem with breakage in the near future. This tooth will require a root canal and post to prepare for a new permanent zirconial crown.)
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Cut and removed bridge 18-17-16-15 (Note. Tooth #18 was a wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth have only one root system and are not good candidates for anchors as needed for a bridge. In the year since placement, #18 was loose allowing movement as a result of the pressure caused by the bridge. The gums did not seal around #18 causing deep pockets, and will eventually cause bone problems.)
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Full mouth clay impression made for possible mouth guard.
MAR 10, 2020,
Mr. Kirk Siemens, Director
Dr. Lissette, Periodontist
Mr. Kirk Siemens, Director:
Performed 3D Tomography (CT scan). Includes software and imaging necessary for surgery or implant related treatments.
Dr. Lissette, Periodontist:
Performed Periodontal Deep Cleaning.
Non-surgical root planing and curettage by quadrant. Localized root scaling in molars, referred to as root planing. This is a closed flap approach designed to provide therapy to periodontal pockets and bacteria trapped under the gums.
MAR 11, 2020,
Dr. Lissette, Periodontist
Dr. Juan Carlos, Endodontist
Dr. Lissette, Periodontist:
Performed Periodontal Deep Cleaning.
Non-surgical root planing and curettage by quadrant. Localized root scaling in molars, referred to as root planing. This is a closed flap approach designed to provide therapy to periodontal pockets and bacteria trapped under the gums.
Dr. Juan Carlos, Endodontist:
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Performed Root Canal - Molar #46. Remove old restorations that are extensive.
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Added post for crown support
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Added temporary crown to be replaced with a permenant zirconia crown
MAR 12, 2020,
Dr. Kevin, Dentist
Dr. Oscar Ramos, Surgical Specialist
Dr. Kevin, Dentist:
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Prepared #45 and #46 with core buildup for crowns.
Dr. Oscar Ramos, Surgical Specialist:
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Wisdom teeth extraction of #18, #48. (It was decided by the team that since the top wisdom tooth (the anchor) had to extracted, there was no need to keep the bottom wisdom tooth. It would just be floating without a top mash which will eventually weaken the jaw bone.
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Evaluate possibility of two implants to be anchors for a bridge. (Note. This became obviously necessary through the X-rays. Without the upper/lower wisdom teeth only half of the bottom jaw would mash with the upper jaw. A bridge would provide a full upper/lower mashup.)
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#16 tooth extracted. (Note. It was decided to add two implants to be used as anchors for a 3-tooth bridge.
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Performed Straumann Roxolid Implant Placement Surgery.
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Performed two implant abuttments (Note. In preparation for two temporary crowns. Permanent zirconia crowns to be added after healing time.)
MAR 16, 2020,
Dr. Kevin, Dentist
Dr. Oscar Ramos, Surgical Specialist
Dr. Daniela Venegas, Dentist
Dr. Kevin, Dentist:
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Placed permanent crown on #45. (Note: This tooth already had a root canal and post done years earlier. The old crown was removed at DentoAmerica. New permanent zirconia crown installed today.)
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Placed temporary crown on #46. (Note. Permanent zirconia crown will be placed after healing from root canal 3 - 6 months. However, we are in the middle of a COVID 19 pandemic so will see how long it takes before a return trip to Mexico can be planned.)
Dr. Oscar Ramos, Surgical Specialist:
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Placed temporary crowns on implants #16, #18 until the surgical procedure has healed. (Note. Permanent zirconia bridge will be placed after healing from root canal 3 - 6 months. However, we are in the middle of a COVID 19 pandemic so will see how long it takes before a return trip to Mexico can be planned.)
Dr. Daniella Venegas, Dentist:
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Completed production of mouthgaurd - it fits perfectly.