Many patients could benefit from dental implants, yet a shockingly large number choose to put it off. Many are concerned about the skill of local dentists. Many are concerned about the procedure. But most are concerned about money. For many patients, the answer to their needs is to travel to Mexico where the services available have become as good as what is found domestically, yet the prices remain a fraction of what local dentist would charge. With the increased quality and the lower cost, many patients are now seeking more than just dental implants south of the border.
Cost Effective Dental Implants
One of the biggest concerns that patients have that stops them from getting the dental care they need is the cost of treatment. In the U.S., many oral procedures are not covered by insurance, and out of pocket cost can skyrocket easily. This is particularly a concern for procedures like implants, which many insurance companies consider ‘cosmetic’, which in their view can justify lowering the amount covered, or removing coverage altogether.
Yet traveling to Mexico can very often cut thousands of dollars off the cost of medical procedures like implants. There, the typical dental implant surgery costs about $1,400 and $2,000 when a patient chooses to have implants with crowns. These costs include medical expenses and logistics after arrival in Mexico. In the United States, implants can cost as much as $4,000 or more, even for simple procedures. The cost for anything more complex or custom is even higher than that. Particularly for men and women who live in the southern states that border Mexico, this is a significant savings; even if airfare enters into the equation, patients still see thousands of dollars in savings.
Mexico Dental Travel Means Quality
In the past, it was easy to find bad dentists who didn’t perform as well as their American counterparts. But in today’s world, that just doesn’t happen, provided that the patient chooses to work with a reputable company. If searching alone, patients should be wary of being lured to a subpar dental office by a shockingly low price. If a patient is lured in that way, then he or she might find a dentist that won’t be up to top standards. But with the number of medical tourism companies available today, patients shouldn’t have a problem finding one that will be able to offer guidance in the right direction. In addition, these companies specialize in logistical assistance, helping schedule flights and hotels if needed. Some companies can also help combine the procedures with a full vacation.
Once a patient ensures that he or she is not getting one of the few remaining subpar doctors, he or she is virtually guaranteed a standard of service that meets or surpasses what you’d get in the United States. Mexican dentists receive the same training and develop the same skills found in their American counterparts. They have access to the same kinds of conferences and other resources that any local dentist uses to maintain his or her level of expertise, meaning that oral surgery performed in Juarez or Tijuana will be virtually indistinguishable from one performed in Los Angeles or Houston.
Sophisticated Technology
Medical travel also provides patients with access to dentist’s offices with the most current technology. Again, this wasn’t always true, but as medical travel has continued to boom, it is now virtually impossible to find an underequipped dental office. In fact, many are better equipped for procedures like implants than a clinic in the U.S. would be, simply because they are able to obtain more equipment at a lower cost. When a patient gets implants at an office in Mexico, they will now use the identical technology that would be found anywhere in the United States. Again, patients doing independent research should be wary of planning without the aid of a Mexico dental travel agency; when searching alone, it can be more difficult to get in contact with the best dentists in the country.
A Big Confidence Boost
Beyond the financial and logistical reasons to choose dental implants, patients also consider the personal reasons. Implants have a huge confidence factor, improving your self-esteem and helping boost performance at work. In the recession, good performance is absolutely essential, and a good smile is critical. Especially if the patient works with clients often, he or she can’t afford to have anything but the best smile, and implants can help. Combine this potential work benefit with some of the advantages of Mexico dental travel, and it’s easy to see why patients flock south of the border for implants.
