I have been looking into dental implants. I went to see Clear Choice. They want to do an all-on-four procedure. I’d like the regular implant supported dentures one but am not completely opposed to their option. What does have me worried is that I keep reading that there is no follow up from them after your procedure is done. That has me worried. Another alternative for me is to go to Costa Rica. This is cheap enough that I could get the regular procedure. I’m guessing the follow up there would depend on the dentist. Can you recommend someone?
Sophie
Dear Sophie,
I’m glad you wrote. I’m actually not going to recommend either of these options. Clear choice is okay, but they are a one size fits all corporate practice and you are correct that the follow up isn’t great. As for Costa Rica, I rarely recommend dental tourism.
These countries might be cheaper, but the standards are completely different than anything you get in the United States. Sanitary standards, dental implant fixtures, accountability are all different when you don’t have the laws that regulate safety here. Plus, there are laws in other countries that could take you by surprise.
In fact, I know of one woman who had a disastrous procedure in Costa Rica. She’d posted online about her experience giving the dentist a negative review, which is illegal there. They ended up putting a warrant out for her arrest and she had to flee the country.
My suggestion is that you see a dentist in private practice. They can make sure you get the right procedure and they are more invested in your case than a corporate practice will be. Make sure you check that they have post doctoral dental implant training as well as I high success rate and good reviews.
This blog is brought to you about a gentle Kalamazoo dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.