[2daisy]

Another vote for Dr Jaffal. You can not find a more caring Dr than Dr Jaffal.

[airstreamingypsy]

Could someone explain to me why Medicare takes care of every inch of our bodies, except teeth. It seems tooth problems can lead to heart problems, so it would be in Medicare's best interest to cover teeth. Yes, I know you can buy dental insurance, but it doesn't cover the huge expenses one faces in their 70s.

[Shapdaddy]

Just had an implant done a few months ago to replace a bridge. My dentist is Pristine Dentistry in Leesburg. She referred me to Dr Tigura Reddy for the implant work. Both Drs are GREAT. Very caring and compassionate Drs.

[FredJacobs]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

If you are well enough to travel I would recommend mine, he is Dr. Acosta and is in Ecuador. Before you dismiss this, it cost me about 1/4 what my doctor here quoted me. And that included the cost os 4 round trips to Ecuador spread over a couple years (pandemic slow down in travel). He is US Trained, speaks fluent English. and Ecuador is a beautiful country with very friendly people. I was quoted $24,000 for the bone reconstruction, extractions, implants and crowns and bridges here. I paid around $7,000 altogether - that includes round trip air fare for my wife and I and BnB and eating out.Your price will vary based on hotel or AirBnB you chose.

It's called dental tourism and some insurance companies will cover it.

Dental Tourism | Ecuador Dental Care

I went out of country as well. I was quoted here for 8 implants $35,000. In Costa Rica the cost was $17,000 including air, hotel, and food. I was able to bring my wife and get in some tourism between treatments,

Dr. Arnaldo Anglada, like Dr. Acosta above, is US trained, speaks English, etc. By the way, not only is your cost of dental treatment tax deductible, but your travel expenses as well. In order to give you a quote, they will ask for a recent panoramic x-ray of your mouth. Dr Anglada's website - Welcome to Costa Rica Dental Implants | Dr. Anglada

[Laurel Maryland]

Ask your dentist/oral surgeon which brand of dental implant you will be receiving, and then research the product. There are over 100 companies that produce dental implants or components for dental implants and some of them are new to the industry. My prosthodontist does not believe that all implants are created equal - she thinks some are junk and will not implant them in her patients. Her professional preferences are for implants made by Straumann or Nobel. Talk this over with your dentist. Good luck to you.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by socrafty

About 4 years ago I was referred by my dentist to the University of Florida School of Dentistry in Gainesville for my implant. A student put my implant in and then I went back to my dentist for the crown. I think they can and will do all of the work, you could ask at the consultation. If I remember correctly it was about a third less than the dentists around here. One drawback is you have to pay at the time of the appointment, I'm not sure if they take any insurance or care credit. It's worth looking into. Good luck!

please be careful!! remember, students are learning. i had my 1st 2 done @ uconn by students, it didn't go that well. am very happy it worked for you

[Villagesgal]

My friends here used the University of Florida Dental School in Gainesville and were very happy with the results and the cost. I'd go there if I ever need an implant done. All work is done with the instructor watching every move and approving all work as it's done. You can call and get a consultation and cost. At least talk to them so you have a comparison of costs and can then decide. By the way, the dental school allows only final year students to do the work and they stand behind all their work.

[eyc234]

Originally Posted by socrafty

About 4 years ago I was referred by my dentist to the University of Florida School of Dentistry in Gainesville for my implant. A student put my implant in and then I went back to my dentist for the crown. I think they can and will do all of the work, you could ask at the consultation. If I remember correctly it was about a third less than the dentists around here. One drawback is you have to pay at the time of the appointment, I'm not sure if they take any insurance or care credit. It's worth looking into. Good luck!

Could not agree more. Brother and wife have had implants done there and the work is platinum. Takes a little longer but it is done correctly with the latest technology and materials. Cost is far below that of any dentist. Beware of places that do it all in one day.

[ML Smith]

Dr John Bonner, 1950 Laurel Manor Dr, 352-750-4075. Have been fighting gum disease for 40 years. With the help of my dentists in California, have managed to keep my teeth. He also does implants. Very happy with him and his staff.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

Could someone explain to me why Medicare takes care of every inch of our bodies, except teeth. It seems tooth problems can lead to heart problems, so it would be in Medicare's best interest to cover teeth. Yes, I know you can buy dental insurance, but it doesn't cover the huge expenses one faces in their 70s.

This provides an explanation of why dental are isn't covered by medical insurance. I read once that treatment of the head (teeth, eyes, and ears) is usually excluded from medical plans.

The Reason Your Dental Work Isn'''t Covered by Medical Insurance

[Snprentice]

Know of people that have gone to Panama and Costa Rica for implants. Have been very pleased with work and cost. Ecuador is another place to consider.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Snprentice

Know of people that have gone to Panama and Costa Rica for implants. Have been very pleased with work and cost. Ecuador is another place to consider.

I like knowing that if I had a problem could see the surgeon quickly not have to fly to see him. Comes with a price but ok with that

[MartinSE]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

I like knowing that if I had a problem could see the surgeon quickly not have to fly to see him. Comes with a price but ok with that

That is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

And I am not arguing, just pointing out, if it is an emergency, I would go to the nearest doctor that can take me in.

But if it can wait 1 day, you can fly to Ecuador or Mexico, and the reduced cost of the treatment will more than likely cover the cost of the flight plus some. (around $500 last time, if you don't fly 1st class). In my case, I always call ahead (before I fly over) and Dr. Acosta ALWAYS takes me as a walking "whenever I get there". Unlike here where it often necessary to wait a month or two unless the issue is life threatening.

[Babubhat]

Dental plans.com

Reasonable price, get discounted rates. Not insurance,

Price list on website

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

That is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

And I am not arguing, just pointing out, if it is an emergency, I would go to the nearest doctor that can take me in.

But if it can wait 1 day, you can fly to Ecuador or Mexico, and the reduced cost of the treatment will more than likely cover the cost of the flight plus some. (around $500 last time, if you don't fly 1st class). In my case, I always call ahead (before I fly over) and Dr. Acosta ALWAYS takes me as a walking "whenever I get there". Unlike here where it often necessary to wait a month or two unless the issue is life threatening.

As the old saying goes, Different strokes for different folks.

20 years ago would have considered the cost savings now look at things differently.