Dental Implants in Costa Rica: The Complete Guide
Save 50-70% on high quality dental implants in Costa Rica.
As dental prices have risen to historic highs in the US and Canada, more and more patients are traveling to Costa Rica for their care. While prices to replace a single tooth in the US average $4,431 USD in 2022, prices in Costa Rica are around $1,199 USD.
The savings for full arch procedures like All-on-4 and All-on-6, which cost $20,500-30,000 USD at home, are even higher. In Costa Rica, All-on-4 and All-on-6 procedures cost $7,499 and $9,499 USD respectively. Even after factoring in airfare and lodging, travelers can save tens of thousands of dollars while getting high quality care.
In this Guide, we will be examining the cost of dental implants in Costa Rica, the logistics of a trip, and the quality of care. We will evaluate different scenarios, such as partial fixed bridges
How Much Does it Cost to Get Dental Implants in Costa Rica?
In the United States, an individual dental implant costs $2,338 USD on average. A complete system, made up of an implant, abutment and crown, costs $4,431 USD. Prices vary significantly between geographic areas and between individual clinics.
In Costa Rica, an individual dental implant costs approximately $750 USD. An implant, abutment, and crown costs approximately $1,200 USD.
| Dental Implant Cost Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | Dental Implant | Dental Implant, Abutment, and Crown |
| United States of America | $2,338 | $4,431 |
| Costa Rica | $750 | $1,200 |
Implant-Supported Bridge (Partial Fixed Denture)
You can calculate the price of replacing multiple teeth with a partial fixed denture in Costa Rica by adding the total number of complete implants (approximately $1,200 USD each), with the total number of crowns (approximately $350 USD each).
The implant supported bridge in the video below, consisting of 2 complete implants with 1 crown in between would cost about $2,750 USD.
Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants in Costa Rica
All-on-4 dental implants is an advanced treatment option for patients who have a a full arch of missing or damaged teeth. It involves placing four implants in the jawbone and connecting them to a fixed bridge.
While this procedure costs $20,500+ USD in the United States, it starts at just $7,500 USD in Costa Rica.
| All-on-4 Dental Implant Cost Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | All-on-4 | |
| United States of America | $24,500+ | |
| Costa Rica | $8,249 | |
Cost of All-on-6 Dental Implants in Costa Rica
Similar to an All-on-4, but with 2 additional implants per arch, An All-on-6 dental implant procedure costs $25,500+ USD in the United States, but starts at just $9,500 USD in Costa Rica.
What is the Procedure to Get Dental Implants?
Prior to the dental implant surgery, your dentist will examine your dental health to address your tooth replacement needs as well as create an individualized treatment plan for you.
- Your dentist will place the titanium post within your jawbone using a surgical-guided technology. You will be placed under local anesthetic to avoid any sensations of pain and discomfort. Some patients elect to do the procedure under IV sedation with an anesthesiologist, which costs an additional $550 USD.
- The surgical site is left to heal. The healing time is typically 4 to 6 months during which time the titanium post should fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
- Once healed, your new custom-designed crown or bridge is connected to your dental implant with an abutment head. Your new teeth will look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental implants are critical dental prostheses and will require extensive post-surgical care. Smokers should quit because smoking can affect osseointegration, the process by which implant anchors to the jaw bone. For this reason, smokers face a greater risk of implant failure as compared to non-smokers.
For these reasons, dental implants take 2 visits, 4-6 months apart.
Logistics
Getting dental implants in Costa Rica requires 2 visits, 4-6 months apart. At Apollo, our partners at OG Center have an in-house dental lab, which allows dental implant procedures to be completed in just 5 business days for the first visit and 3 business days for the second visit.
Our patients typically stay in Costa Rica for 6 days on their first visit and 4 days for their second. Here is a typical logistics breakdown including 10 total days in a hotel and 2 roundtrip tickets to the United States.
| Price of Lodging and Airfare for a Trip to San Jose, Costa Rica | ||
|---|---|---|
| Expense | Lower Bound | Upper Bound |
| 2x Roundtrip Airfare to SJO | $800 | $1,200 |
| 10 Days Lodging in San Jose | $550 | $1,350 |
| $1,350 | $2,550 | |
Hotel Recommendations
The hotels below are our go to options in San Jose, and are typically priced between $80 and $135 USD per night.
Comfortable AirBnB options are available starting at $55 USD per night. If you choose to book on AirBnB, consider staying in the Escalante or Curridabat neighborhoods of San Jose.
Hotel Balmoral
Historic District
A great midrange option in a walkable, vibrant part of downtown San José
The Radisson
Tournon Neighborhood
A quiet, relaxing hotel with a gorgeous pool, just a mile north of downtown.
El Presidente
Historic District
A beautiful, upscale hotel in a charming pedestrian area.
In Country Transportation
Our patients have access to a free shuttle between the airport, hotel, and the clinic during their stay.
What is the Success Rate of Dental Implants
The development and use of implants are one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the last 40 or so years. Not only do dental implants satiate the functional requirements of a natural tooth such as for eating, talking, and chewing, they are also very long-lasting. Dentures and bridges have a worthy lifespan of 7 to 10 years and typically fail to give you the full experience. They often trick you to believe that your dream of a stunning smile may only be temporary, but not dental implants.
Dental implants have an average life expectancy of 25 years and over, owing to their strength and build. It may be due to this coupled with the fact that dental implants are superior in design that dental implants have a high success rate of 95%! It may truly be your best life investment!
Additional Resources
Sources
Naseri R, Yaghini J, Feizi A. Levels of smoking and dental implants failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2020;47(4):518-528. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13257
Read on PubMed
Moraschini V, Poubel LA, Ferreira VF, Barboza Edos S. Evaluation of survival and success rates of dental implants reported in longitudinal studies with a follow-up period of at least 10 years: a systematic review. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2015;44(3):377-388. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2014.10.023
Read on PubMed
What are dental implants? American Academy of Implant Dentistry. https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/what-are-dental-implants/. Published March 8, 2021. Accessed December 3, 2021.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you have surrounding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it as a result of anything you read on this Site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will COVID affect my trip?
On April 1st, 2022, Costa Rica repealed all COVID travel restrictions and additional entry requirements. You will just need a valid passport.
Will I experience any pain?
Dental implants are typically placed under local anesthetic and is recommended for most patients. IV Sedation with an anesthesiologist is available for $550 USD per hour. You will be prescribed pain medication and an oral rinse.
Are my dental implants guaranteed?
OG Center offers a lifetime warranty on dental implant procedures. On top of this, Apollo Medical Travel offers a $500 USD travel credit in the event that your warranty is activated.
What materials will be used?
OG Center uses US-made Zimmer Biomet titanium implants. Crowns and bridges are made in an in-house dental lab of acrylic, for temporary prosthetics, and zirconia for final prosthetics.
Where do I need to fly in?
You will need to fly in to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). SJO offers direct flights from across the United States and Canada. When you arrive, your driver will greet you with a sign and a smile and take you to your hotel.
Where should I stay in San Jose?
We’ll help you choose a great hotel or AirBnB close to the clinic! Most of our patients stay in AirBnBs in the upscale Escalante neighborhood, the Radisson, or the Presidente. Your friendly driver will shuttle you back and forth to the clinic.
How many trips do I need to make?
Patients who get dental implant procedures in Costa Rica will need to make 2 trips 4-6 months apart. The first visit will typically take 5 business days and the second visit will take 3 business days.
Do you offer All-on-4, All-on-6, etc...
Yes! Whether you need a single dental implant or upper and lower implant supported dentures, we’ll be able to get you the care you need at an affordable price.
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Meet Your
Dentist
Highly trained, English-speaking professionals serving an international clientele in San José, Costa Rica
Dr. Oscar Guzman
Dentist, Founder
Dr. Oscar has 12 years of experience placing dental implants, and is highly skilled in CAD/CAM technology and guided surgery.
English, Spanish
Education
Doctorate of Dental Surgery
Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT), 2009
Member, American Dental Association
Continuing Education
Bonding and Cementing Zirconia Restorations: Current Clinical and Scientific Information
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2020
Fellowship in Implantology
University of Miami, 2020
Adhesive Dentistry: From Direct to Indirect Restorations
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2018
Osseodensification: A Paradigm Shift in Implant Dentistry
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2018
Certified CEREC Trainer
Sirona Dental Academy, 2016
Digital Implantology
Sirona Dental Academy, 2016
Digital Dentistry
Sirona Dental Academy, 2016
Oral Medicine and Paediatric Dentistry
Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT), 2016
Critical Concepts in Implant and Gingival Surgery; Flap Designs, Suture Techniques and Soft Tissue Management
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2015
The Digital Dental System: Intra-Oral Scanning and Design
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2015
Modern Approach of Full Arch Immediate Loading
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP
Tissue Engineering and Platelet Derived Growth Factors: Evidence Based Therapy Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2014
Controlled Ridge Splitting
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2014
Visual Esthetic Smile Design: Driving the Restorative Plan
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2014
The Basics of Root Coverage Surgery with Acellular Dermal Grafts: A Step by Step Live Patient Demonstration
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2014
TMD, Parafunction and Occlusion for Natural Teeth and Implants: Diagnosis and Management
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2014
A Treatment For The Prevention of Mandible Edentulism: All On Four For The Mandible
Progressive Online Learning Program Dental XP, 2014
Diagnostic Sciences: Orofacial Pain
University of California Los Angeles, School of Dentistry, 2009
Actual patients. Average savings of $30,000+ off of what they were quoted in the United States.
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Dental Implants in Costa Rica Starting at $1,299.
Dental Implants in Costa Rica Starting at $1,299.