The majority of dental tourists who come to Costa Rica for treatments do so for the purpose of getting dental restorations. Although a few patients choose other procedures such as teeth whitenings, deep cleanings and oral surgery, dental restorations are the predominant treatments performed in Costa Rica in terms of dental tourism.

“Dental restoration” is an umbrella term to describe one or more dental treatments with the goal of bringing back functionality to the mouth while improving aesthetics and optimal oral health. The treatments are performed when a patient has one or more teeth that are missing, damaged, broken, or at risk of severe decay.

Not all dental clinics offer the same range of restoration procedures or strategies. At the New Smile Dental Group of Costa Rica, for example, dental health professionals may choose to perform one or more of the following procedures:

• Dental Crowns
• Dental Bridges
• Porcelain Veneers
• Inlays
• Full Mouth Restoration with All-on-6 or All-on-8 Procedures

In addition to the above, dentists may also apply fillings or perform bonding as needed. Patients will often have the option to choose the treatments that are more suitable to their budgets and lifestyle. The goal will always be to preserve natural teeth whenever possible; however, extractions may sometimes be required, at which point patients may need to wait a few months before the actual implantation procedure can be performed.

In some cases involving full mouth restoration, procedures such as bone grafting and sinus lift augmentation may be required, which must be completed months ahead of the actual restoration procedure.

Full restoration is often chosen by patients who do not adjust well to life with dentures; in such cases, permanent fixed bridges of the upper or lower jaw can be implanted to return functionality to the mouth, which results in improved speech, nutrition and aesthetics. The porcelain materials used to form the new teeth can be zirconium or high-noble metal.

The New Smile Dental Group in Costa Rica offers special restoration packages to dental tourists; these packages include:

• 6 to 8 dental implants for the upper jaw
• 6 to 8 dental implants for the lower jaw
• Upper fixed bridge of 12 to 14 units (teeth)
• Lower fixed bridge of 12 to 14 units (teeth)
• Panoramic x-rays
• 3D Dental tomography
• Medication kit (pain medication, antibiotics and local anesthesia)
• Temporaries
• Occlusal guard
• Private transfers Airport/Hotel/Airport
• Private transfers Hotel/Clinic/Hotel (only the patient stays at designated places)
• V.I.P Service at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)