Posted on 02/25/2018 7:59:30 PM PST by nickcarraway
Thousands of Americans and Canadians travel to Mexico every year to get dental work done for much less than it would cost them at home.
Some return home completely satisfied with the treatment they received and the money they saved but for others, the experience can be very different.
With that in mind, the Canadian television network CTV posed the question: how risky is dental tourism?
“The only real guarantee is that there are no guarantees,” a CTV newscaster said when introducing the story.
Dr. Vikram Grewal, a dentist from Kelowna, British Columbia, told CTV that he has seen both good and bad dental work that was completed in Mexico.
The unlucky ones who receive substandard care can end up having to pay much more in the long run, Grewal explained. He cited an example of one of his patients who flew to Mexico to get her teeth capped.
While on first inspection it appeared that the work had been completed successfully and to a high standard, looking more closely revealed otherwise.
“The glue that we use to bond to the tooth was not removed properly,” Grewal said.
The leftover grey cement will not only create an unsightly line at the top of the woman’s teeth but will also irritate her gums and make them recede, the dentist said.
Another dentist and spokesperson for the British Columbia Dental Association also said that he had seen dental work of varying quality that was completed in Mexico, but highlighted one case where the treatment a patient received was completely bungled.
“I had a patient who went to Mexico, had a root canal done, they’d actually done a root canal on the wrong tooth,” Dr. Bruce Ward said.
Again, the patient was left facing additional costs to deal with the original problem.
“What’s he going to do? Go back and demand his money back?” Ward questioned.
“Nobody is saying do not go because there are great dentists everywhere, it’s [a matter of] finding that dentist who can do good work,” he added.
Valerie Crooks, a health geographer at Simon Fraser University who specializes in medical tourism, said that going to Mexico for dental work is “a buyer beware scenario.”
But she also stressed that not all dental tourism ends in disaster, adding that attention focuses on horror stories when in fact many patients are more than satisfied with the care they receive.
For people considering going to Mexico for dental treatment, Crooks said, carrying out research beforehand is essential.
“If you’re going to be using a broker or a third party who’s going to be booking for you, understand who they are [and] what their interests are,” she said.
Crooks also recommended having a contingency plan in case something does go wrong.
Dr. Ward gave similar advice: “Get clear on what you need before you go, get a treatment plan and get a dentist to tell you that.”
One of the most popular places for patients seeking dental treatment south of the United States border is Los Algodones, Baja California, where there are more than 500 practicing dentists.
Research completed by a Simon Fraser University doctoral student found that the influx of medical tourists to the town nicknamed “Molar City” brought a lot of economic benefits but also contributed to exploitative working conditions and discriminatory practices for employees in dental clinics.
A better option is Hungary. Also no Muzzies or drug cartels.
There are about twice as many Muslims in Hungary as in Mexico. Considering the population of Mexico is twelve times greater, the percentage in Mexico is much less.
Not dental, but seven years ago I went to Algodones MX, got an eye exam and 3 pairs of glasses that were perfect, all for under $300.
Two years ago, I went to my local optometrist, and after the $110 exam, they wanted $600+ PER LENS! I about had a bird.
A root canal isn’t that expensive. This is crazy.
I have heard about Hungary being good. I don’t need anything big right now, so hopefully I don’t need to find out.
Exam and 2 pair, $70.
A humming bird....or an ostrich?
No way, Jose.
I had a cap put on in Algondones. I was in a hurry, and they were available.
They broke a drill off in the tooth and did not tell me. Then the put the cap on over it, a month later (temporary cap in between).
I ended up spending three times as much for American care to fix the problem, but ended up losing the tooth anyway.
I won’t be going to Mexico for dental care anymore.
I asked the specialist who attempted to remove the broken drill bit, what the success rate was.
He said: I was able to remove 4 of the five that came in during the last month.
Yuma, where I was, is on the border, of course.
So, yes, it is a crap shoot, and you have no recourse for bungled care.
I’m afraid the same kind of care is offered in parking lots and cheap apartments in the areas where the crimmigrand tend to collect.
As for me, I think you can tell when the snowbirds have been to Mexico for dental work. No two teeth visible in a smile, are the same size, shape or color as another. Also their gums always look red and angry.
The dentist I went to in Algondoes was supposedly the most experienced and reliable.
I suspect I was treated by a an apprentice that was learning on unsuspecting patients.
As a comparison, I had good care done in Panama while I was there.
My Mom lives in Yuma half the year. I was considering some dental work in Mexico when we visit her next month.
I have acquired several broken molars over the years. Don’t want dentures if I can help it.
Later
Is that a bug or a feature?
Whatever Muslims are in Hungary have been pacified.
Exam and 2 pair $59.00 Special at Stanton Optical, National City, CA
Just sayin'.
25 yrs+ no problems.
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