Going to Algodones, Mexico on a vacation to the dentist.
I had braces as a teenager and when they came off the dentist probably took a vacation from all the fillings I got. I’ve always tried to take care of my teeth. Mom and Dad had good teeth. I don’t know. But in my 30s I started loosing teeth, a time like now when I had no dental insurance. In my 40s I went to Mexico and got upper and lower partials which after a little extra filing on my part were great. In my 50s I lost more teeth so decided to have the rest removed and got upper and lower dentures which worked for a few years. After a while and several realignments the lower dentures wouldn’t stay in with any glue product. I even considered super glue (not really, too toxic). Even the uppers come loose when eating anything harder than a hamburger, and that’s after cutting it into bite size pieces. I finally gave up on the lowers all together. Not fun to have a mouth full of food and teeth, especially in public places. My diet had to change and that took a while. Even the shape of my face has changed with no lower teeth. I’m self conscious of it. Heck I work with the public and fear my teeth may fly out of my mouth while talking to a bunch of tourists.
A few weeks ago I went to a local dentist and asked for advice. They recommended the “All-on-4 fixed” which requires four titanium implants into the upper and lower jaw using my adapted dentures over three months of healing and then new teeth are made over a titanium bar and permanently attached to the implants. No more plastic covered pallet so I can taste again. And I’d have 95% of my normal bite instead of the 20% I currently have. I was ready and they were willing to start the following week. Except for the quoted price of $23,500. WHOA!!!!
I did my homework and talked to a couple of oral surgeons across the border. I’m talking USA trained and certified dentists with all the latest technology doing the same procedure for less than half the quoted USA price. I have a 10am appointment Thursday with the Alamo Dental Clinic. I believe I’m a candidate for “A smile in a day.” Driving four hours Wednesday and will stay at the Quechan Casino Resort located a few miles from the border in Winterhaven, California.
I am so glad you are finally going to get this taken care of. I know how difficult it has been for you. Good luck, and have some fun in Mexico while you are there. Guacamole!
All the best to you. Not a fun procedure, but hopefully the results will be well worth the money and temporary pain. We have been going to a dentist in Nogales for a couple of years and are happy with the results.
Good for you! I hope it goes well. I really need some dental work done, and have heard of, and know of people going over the border there to get it done. But I havent had the nerve to do it myself.
You know, we have seen so much of this "medical tourism" in the countries we've visited (primarily more "Western-like" nations like Malaysia), and that's not a thought that would have ever occurred to me before–to go abroad to have procedures like dental work or LASIK (which I paid for out of pocket to have done in the US). I'm very curious to read all about your process (as someone who has always been self employed and thus had independent insurance policies with super high deductibles).
I hope all goes well with the trip and I'm sure it will be so much better afterwards. I'm also sure you will make a proper trip of it.
Commiserations and the best luck possible. I have just had a wisdom tooth and molar extracted with a lot of complications.
Hope all goes well and you come out of it all looking pretty as a picture.
Good luck. When we lived in New Mexico I knew tons of people who went to Juarez for their dental work.
I hope this works out for you…speaking for myself I don't think I could have it done in Mexico. Just never wanted to do it that way. Good luck..
Oh Gaelyn! Ouch! on both fronts! I hope it all goes well for you. it is a travesty how much dental care coasts in this nation. Be safe! I hope it all goes well for you!
P.S. maybe you will see some sandhill cranes down there!
Wow that sounds like a lot of money to me. Hope that you can get all the problems sorted out at a more sensible price. Good luck. Diane
My Cuban great-grandfather was a dentist and, out of everyone in my family, I have THE. WORST. TEETH. EVER. I don't have one that doesn't have a filling, I've had root canals, bridges… Fortunately, through my school district, I have insurance, but my 30 year old fillings are all now cracking and falling out! I have to still space out my work over a few years as I don't wish to go over my deductible. I hear 'ya! Enjoy your time in Mexico and I look forward to some photos!
Ouch. The very thought of dental surgery makes my blood run cold.
But they do amazing work. Good luck with this, I'm sure it'll be worth every penny.
Sorry you have suffered so much. I know people with implants and what a transformation implants made. You'll have a beautiful smile and will be able to eat corn on the cob!
Implants have made such a difference for me. Mine are partial and are only on the lower jaw, but they have been MUCH, MUCH better than what I had previously. While the "in Mexico" part makes me a little nervous for you, I can certainly understand it and hope that it works beautifully. You will be thrilled with the results.
(Ms) Ernie
Ouch! And yay! I'm so glad you are able to have this done. Good luck!
Hope it all goes well and you have an even more dazzling smile!
My family has enjoyed excellent medical care in Mexico…from dental to diabetic care to cancer treatment. And at prices that are a fraction of Canadian prices (and ours are a fraction of US prices). Good luck with your procedure.
good luck!
hope it all goes well.
xx
Love your blog, I really enjoy the outdoors and every year I make sure I hit one of the national parks. I would like to make a 'wee' little suggestion. The font you are using makes it look like an old time typewriter where the ink ribbon has basically dried out. I don't get that in the other blogs I read so I am not sure it is my PC option settings. Have you had the same complaints or have you tried something possibly more readable like Verdana.
Anyways, still enjoy your stories even if I have to squint a little bit 🙂
G
Our neighbor down the street went down there to get dental work done last year. I hope you have a good trip.
Good for you, Gaelyn. Many people come here (those who are closer in Europe, especially) to get their teeth done and for other surgeries. When my daughter was little here, she needed braces and they were so inexpensive. She has gorgeous teeth. Go for it!
Oh Gaelyn–you go for it. I am with in in prayer and thoughts and bites too. Vaya con Dios! MB
Hi Gaelyn, I wish you all the very best. Gregg's Uncle and family have been going down to Mexico for years to get all their dental work done, and medical.
I am wishing you the very best each step of the way. it would be wonderful to eat and talk with confidence again. sending light.
Think I will be joining you in Algadones. Thanks for posting the clinic. Will check them out. Also, look forward to you progress!