Costa Rica dental services - part two
The Work Begins
Let me explain two medical conditions that affect my treatments: I hate shots and the resulting numbness; I have an extreme gag reflex. In preparation for the work, Dra. Cubero asked if she could receive recent x-rays from my US dental team. No reason to incur the expense if things were available; and they were.
With the first procedure, replacing a rather large cracked filling, I was given a shot after some modest
numbing substance was applied. Never felt the shot. Dra. Cubero took out the old filling and replaced it. The filling replacement cost $50
Next she took impressions for the bigger job: the repair of a broken molar. She used a half plate for top and bottom impressions, taking each independently.
No gagging occurred. I could not believe it, another plus.
The initial intent was to do an in-lay procedure; the cost would be about $300-$400, considerable less than a crown in the US at an approximate cost of $1500.
The Big Job
It turns out that after further review of x-rays and mold impressions the in-lay would likely be unsatisfactory for an extended period. A crown was a more suitable solution. At this point I was wondering if I was getting the bait & switch strategy. However, it seems that the crown was generally the same cost. Also the same discussion regarding gold vs. porcelain, gold was less but more durable.
Now, however, a time factor has come into the picture, I would be leaving Costa Rica in 3 weeks. Not long enough to complete the work and have time for follow-up procedures. My return schedule was also unclear. In the end, it was decided that Dra. Cubero would file the tooth a bit and add some material to protect the tooth, with the expectation it would last 6-9 months, followed by a periodontal check.
The next appointment is yet to be decided, but total cost for the above services was $60. I will be submitting the two charges for $110 to my dental insurance carrier to see what, if any, reimbursement I will get. Even if they deny everything, I’m still ahead, and I feel very positive about my encounter with the Costa Rican dental system.
Consequently, I may utilize Dra. Cubero’s services for regularly.
It turns out that after further review of x-rays and mold impressions the in-lay would likely be unsatisfactory for an extended period. A crown was a more suitable solution. At this point I was wondering if I was getting the bait & switch strategy. However, it seems that the crown was generally the same cost. Also the same discussion regarding gold vs. porcelain, gold was less but more durable.
Now, however, a time factor has come into the picture, I would be leaving Costa Rica in 3 weeks. Not long enough to complete the work and have time for follow-up procedures. My return schedule was also unclear. In the end, it was decided that Dra. Cubero would file the tooth a bit and add some material to protect the tooth, with the expectation it would last 6-9 months, followed by a periodontal check.
The next appointment is yet to be decided, but total cost for the above services was $60. I will be submitting the two charges for $110 to my dental insurance carrier to see what, if any, reimbursement I will get. Even if they deny everything, I’m still ahead, and I feel very positive about my encounter with the Costa Rican dental system.
Consequently, I may utilize Dra. Cubero’s services for regularly.
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