Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Theodore Markos (DMD)
Immediate Load Dental Implants in Costa Rica
Immediate-load dental implants in Costa Rica are affordable & time-saving. Moreover, you can skip the steep costs[1] & long waiting hours[2] in the US & Canada. Scroll down through the page to check how you get an instant dazzling smile!
Smile the Same Day With Immediate Implants in Costa Rica
Among dental tourists, immediate implants are popularly known as same-day implants. They allow restorations in a single trip instead of 5-10 months (as needed with traditional implants).[3]
So, patients concerned about their cosmetics can visit Costa Rica for an instant smile.
Cost of Same-Day Dental Implants in Costa Rica
Immediate load implant cost in Costa Rica is relatively less than in the US, saving you ~ 70%. The cost of same-day implants in Costa Rica may range from $1,225 – $2,700 (including crown).
However, you might have to spend $3,500 – $4,500 in the US or Canada. Similarly, traditional implants in Costa Rica are 1/4th of the cost in the States.
| Type | Costa Rica | US | Canada | Savings |
| Immediate Load Implant* | $1,225 | $4,500 | $3,500 | ~ 70% |
| Traditional Implant | $750 | $3,000 | $2,000 | ~ 75% |
| *Cost of one piece (including crown) | ||||
Prices are case-dependent
Due to meager living expenses in Costa Rica, you can enjoy a cost-effective dental trip.[4]
Why Get Immediate Load Implants in Costa Rica?
Did you know?
More than 150 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth. Thus, increasing the demand for dental implants.[5] Over 74 million Americans don’t have dental coverage.[6] Even for those who have, it's not enough to meet their needs.
Also, 1/6th of 1.2 million Americans & 0.4 million Canadians seeking healthcare overseas travel to Costa Rica for dental work.[7] It is because they receive value for money by getting dental implants in San Jose.
Now, let’s find out the reasons to get immediate load implants in Costa Rica.
- Economical | Savings Upto 70%
- US Standards of Quality | Ensure Safety
- Virtually Non-Existent Waiting List | Easy Scheduling
- Well-Connected to U.S/Canada | Direct Flights Save Time[8]
- Leisurely Sightseeing | Taste of ‘Pura Vida’ or ‘Pure Life’[9]
Beach in Costa Rica
Wildlife in Costa Rica
Immediate loading ensures instant new teeth. But not everyone is suitable for it. Read further to know whether you can get same-day implants or not.
Can I Get Same Day Dental Implants in Costa Rica?
Your dentist will indicate same-day implants if you:[10]
- Have a strong & intact jawbone
- Have good general & oral health
- Are you a non-smoker or willing to quit
- Don’t require sinus lift or bone graft
- Have missing teeth (primarily in the esthetic zone)
However, you might not be an ideal candidate for the immediate loading of implants if you:[11]
- Have poor oral hygiene & gum problems
- A habit of night grinding of teeth (bruxism) & smoking
- Chronic illness (bleeding disorders, cancer, diabetes)
Same Day Dental Implant
Are Same-Day Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, immediate loading of implants offers arrays of benefits to patients flying abroad.
Advantages of Same Day Implants
- Shorter treatment time
- Delightful post-op experience
- Subjects patient to one surgery (not two)
- High survival rates (97% – 100% after 5-10 years follow-up)
- Reduce the need for additional surgical procedures (bone grafting)
Immediate Load Implant
Source: Nobel Biocare[13]
Same-Day Implants vs. Traditional Implants
Do you want a fast and effective option to fill the gaps created due to missing teeth? Then, an immediate load implant is the novel choice of treatment.
| Same-Day Implants | Traditional Implants |
| Quick procedure | Relatively slow procedure |
| Reduced dental visits | Require multiple visits |
| You don’t get a phase without teeth | You have to go without teeth for sometime |
| Immediate placement of implant after tooth extraction | Implant placement after 2-4 months of healing |
| No waiting period | Osseointegration (3-6 months delay) |
Source: Colgate[14]
For better clarity, read how the procedure varies for traditional and same-day implants.
5-Step Procedure for Same-Day Implants
Video Courtesy: Straumann
A stepwise implant procedure involves the following:
The dentist will clinically examine your case and study it using your X-rays and CBCT.
The multi-disciplinary team at Costa Rica looks at your case from all aspects. Thus, returning to you with the best solution for your teeth.
There is no compromise in quality to meet your budget. The procedure is carried out under anaesthesia, so you do not feel any pain.
Traditional Implants: The visit may last up to a week. The dentist will fix implants (with a cover screw) a few days after extractions. If necessary, additional procedures, like sinus lift or bone graft, are done before implant placement.
Immediate Load Implants: Implants are fixed the same day with the placement of temporary restoration within 48 hours.[15]
Please Note: Immediate implant placement & immediate loading are part of restoring teeth, but they are different.
The former refers to implant insertion into the bone at the time of extraction. While the latter means loading of teeth substitutes after implant placement.[16]
Traditional Implants: The healing period lasts for 3-6 months. During this time, the bone fuses with the implant, a process called osseointegration.
Same-day Implants: The primary stability in the old bone progress into new and osseointegrated bone over time.[17]
Traditional Implants: After 3 months of implant insertion, healing caps replace the cover screws. Two weeks later, a crown restores the implant.
Same-day Implants: A final crown prosthesis is fitted after three months.
Though immediate implant loading differs from delayed, both have reported nearly similar success rates.[18] To make your implant last longer, let’s focus on its recovery.
Source: PubMed Central[19]
Post-Op Recovery of Immediate Implants
For a faster recovery, follow these tips:[20]
- Do not smoke
- Take medicines as prescribed by your dentist (antibiotics & pain killers)
- Use chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily for four weeks
- Initially, take fluids & a soft/semi-solid diet. It minimizes the stress on the operated gum tissue.
Medicines
Mouthwash
If you have prolonged discomfort, contact your dentist for a follow-up consultation. Once healing is complete, you can rejoice in the benefits just as good as that of natural teeth.
Top Dental Clinics in Costa Rica for Implants
Here, we present to you popular clinics in Costa Rica offering specialist services in implants.
A leading dental institute located in San Jose, Costa Rica, provides a wide range of dental services to local and international patients. It offers dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, full and partial mouth restorations, full porcelain crowns, and laser whitening.
The dentists are internationally trained and accredited. They have placed over 15,000 implants, with a nearly 98% success rate. The clinic provides a lifetime warranty on all dental procedures, including implants for single and multiple tooth replacements.
The clinic has state-of-the-art technology, such as CEREC Primescan, MC Xl & Speedfire Oven, Scanora 3D X-ray and 3D Imaging, and a Dental Microscope.
- 20+ Years of Experience
- 15K+ Implants Placed
- 98% Success Rate
- Consultation fees: $120.00
- Internationally accredited dentists
- Success rate ~ 98% with over 15000 implants
- Implant brands used: Zimmer (US manufactured)
- Equipped with CEREC, Scanora 3D (advanced digital imaging), MC XL (fastest milling machine), and X Guide for 3D navigation during implant surgery.
- CRDA Accredited
- 97% Success Rate
- UCR Accredited Dentists
- Consultation fees: $90.00
- All doctors are dental specialists
- Affiliations: Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, Board of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica
- Digital X-rays with large screens, movies in the waiting room, refreshment bar, comfy blankets
An internationally accredited dental clinic in San Jose, Costa Rica, New Smile provides quality care.
It has 25+ years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
The clinic has a state-of-the-art on-site dental lab, 3D imaging room, and sterilization area
Additionally, it uses advanced technologies like digital radiography, SCANORA® 3D dental imaging system.
The clinic is affiliated with ADA, ICOI, and AAID.
New Smile Dental Group is easily accessible for out-of-state patients. As, Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is just 11 miles away from it.
- CCDCR Affiliated
- PROMED Accreditated
- ICOI Member
- Consultation fees: $50.00
- Have an efficient onsite dental lab
- Affiliations: ADA, AAID, ICOI
- FREE phone calls to the US, Canada
- CAD/CAM technology by Shutz Germany, CBCT
Best Implant Dentists in Costa Rica
Dr. Simon Flikier
Leading the field of prosthodontics, Dr. Flikier is a renowned dentist in San Jose, Costa Rica.
He specializes in esthetic (cosmetic) restoration and replacement of teeth.
Education
- Boston University Boston, USA
Memberships
- Costa Rica Dental Association
- Costa Rica's Prosthodontist Association
- American College of Prosthodontics
Dr. Natalia Arguedas
With 12 years of experience as a prosthodontist, Dr Natalia holds a DDS and an MSC, specializing in implants, crowns, and veneers.
She earned her degrees from the University of Costa Rica and teaches in the postgraduate prosthodontics program.
Dr. Arguedas has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry as well.
Education
University of Costa Rica
Memberships
- Costa Rica Academy of Specialist in Prosthodontics
- Costa Rican Dental Surgeons
Dr. Dashiel Carr
An experienced implantologist and specialist in Costa Rica, he completed his degree in dental surgery from Latin America.
He is a member of the ADA & has received training at:
- the Zimmer Biomet Institute in New Jersey and
- the Academy of Osseointegration Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
He has also authored over 35 publications throughout his successful career.
Education
- Latin American University of Science & Technology
Memberships
- Academy of Osseointegration
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- International Congress of Oral Implantology
Dr. Ivan Navarro
An implantology expert with a fellowship from the University of Miami.
He has presented at major international implant symposiums and congresses.
Dr. Navarro has authored key research articles on advanced implant techniques.
Education
- University of Costa Rica
Memberships
- Costa Rica College of Dentists
- American Society of Osseointegration
- American College of Oral Implantology
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Dr. Laura Masis Pena
Dr. Laura Masis Pena has 10 years of dental experience. She holds a DDS and is a specialist in periodontology.
Dr. Pena has undergone extensive and advanced training in dental implants, enhancing her expertise.
Education
University of Costa Rica
Memberships
- Costa Rican Dental Surgeons
- Costa Rica Academy of Specialists in Periodontology
Travel Information for Costa Rica
Though most of our clinics offer concierge services, you must have basic travel details.
Entry Requirements in Costa Rica
- Valid passport with 1 page per entry stamp
- Return ticket or proof of next country travel
- Currency restrictions for entry/exit are $10,000
- Proof of funds (minimal $100 USD/month) of proposed stay.
Note: You can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Don’t delay your departure to avoid any future denials.[21]
How to Reach San Jose, CR
The clinic is only a twenty-minute drive from San Jose airport. Flight duration from major US cities to San Jose (IATA: SJO) is as follows:
| Flight Origin | Duration | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| US Cities | ||
| Orlando (MCO) | 3h 10m | $238 |
| Houston (IAH) | 3h 35m | $340 |
| Atlanta (ATL) | 4h 5m | $331 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | 5h 45m | $267 |
| Charlotte (CLT) | 4h 20m | $543 |
| Dallas (DFW) | 4h 10m | $471 |
| Miami (MIA) | 2h 55m | $128 |
| Canadian Cities | ||
| Toronto (YYZ) | 5h 10m | $490 |
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
A good time to visit is the dry season, i.e., December - April.[22]
You will have adequate sunshine to bask in and discover the rainforests. Since it's the peak season for tourists, book your appointment beforehand.
But if you are fine with rain showers, travel between May - November. It is the time when you can expect the lowest prices.
Recommended Hotels in San Jose
We recommend the following hotels as the clinic offers free ground transfers from them (clinic-hotel-airport):
- Holiday Inn
- Villas del Río
- Portal Colonial
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Residence Inn by Marriott
You can plan your trip once you are up to date with dental tourism in Costa Rica.
Immediate Load Dental Implants in Costa Rica: Reviews
Don’t forget to watch our patients' verdict after getting implants.
Patient Testimonial
Patient Review
Patient Feedback
FAQs: Immediate Load Dental Implants in Costa Rica
Patients not willing to wait too long, prefer implants on the same day of tooth extraction. In simple words, they want same-day implants with immediate loading.
It applies to the placement of restoration within 2 days of implant placement.[15] It is popular for showing quick cosmetic results in one session. Indeed, adds to psychological satisfaction.[23]
Full-mouth implants come as “all 4/6 implants per jaw.” Full mouth restoration costs in Costa Rica may vary from $9,500 to $10,000 each.
On the other hand, the same procedure costs over $24,000 to $50,000 in the USA for a complete set.[24] The cost of full mouth implants in San Jose saves you over half of the US cost.
Thus, you can fix both jaws in Costa Rica at the price of a single arch in the States.
Fortunately, yes! Most of our partner clinics in Costa Rica have new-age technology to offer dental implants in a day. Moreover, having an in-house lab further reduces the treatment time.
They aim to meet the urgent needs of dental tourists. At the same time, they provide high standards at affordable prices.
The cost of immediate load implants in Costa Rica may vary from $750 to $2,000 without a crown. For example, one of the clinics in San Jose offers a same-day implant with a crown at $1600.
But if you settle to get them at home, you will splurge $5,000 in the US or Canada.
Although implant failure is rare, surgery might fail if post-op instructions are not followed well. Underlying medical conditions or poor oral habits are other predisposing factors.
5 most common same-day dental implants problems are:[25]
- Infection
- Pain & swelling
- Unstable implant
- Allergic reactions
- Failure due to smoking
Yes, the dentist makes sure that the treatment is painless. It is a surgical procedure, so your implant specialist will put you under anesthesia.
Usually, the surgeon administers local anesthesia, but you can discuss other options too. Some clinics provide conscious sedation (to reduce anxiety & discomfort) at additional charges.
Yes, all top clinics in Costa Rica offer a lifetime guarantee on dental implants and 5 - 7 years on crowns. It distinguishes reputed dentists and practices from the rest.
No, the quality is not compromised to reduce costs. MTC’s clinics in San Jose, Costa Rica, are accredited by dental organizations in the US & Costa Rica (ADA, AAID, ICOI).
Also, they have the Seal of Quality from the Costa Rican Chamber of Health (PROMED).
Dental clinics in Costa Rica accept cash, debit/credit cards, and wire transfer as payment modes.
Conclusion
Have you heard of affordable dentistry packed in world-class quality? Yes, we have it! Getting immediate load dental implants in Costa Rica doesn’t let you ruin your savings.
Get ready for your dental trip to Costa Rica and return home with a healthy smile.
References
- ADA Marketplace: Are Dental Implants Really That Expensive in the US?
- CBC News: P.E.I. dental offices facing staffing issues, appointment backlogs
- Colgate: Are Same Day Dental Implants Right For You?
- Expatistan: Cost of living in the US compared to Costa Rica
- AAID: Trends in Dental Implants 2022
- Tico Times: Why Americans are saying ‘yes’ to dental tourism in Costa Rica
- The Costa Rica Star: Dental Tourism in Costa Rica
- Salud.co.cr: Why medical tourism in Costa Rica?
- The Dreamcatchers: The Meaning of Pura Vida
- NCBI: Immediately Loaded Single Unit Dental Implants
- Nobel Biocare: Immediate loading
- DentistryIQ: 5 questions to ask before choosing between delayed & immediate dental implant loading
- ResearchGate: Comparing success of immediate versus delay loading of implants in fresh sockets
- NCBI: Immediate Versus Delayed Loading of Implant for Replacement of Missing Mandibular First Molar
- Travel State.gov: Costa Rica
- US travel news: Best Times to Visit Costa Rica
- Research Square: Comparing the success of immediate versus delay loading of implants in fresh sockets
- Forbes: How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
- Colgate: Signs of a Failed Dental Implant
