Questions Patients Actually Ask

Patients may save up to 70% compared with typical U.S. dental costs, depending on the treatment. For example, a dental implant starts at $750, compared with approximately $3,000 in the United States, while a zirconia crown costs $450, compared with approximately $1,500. You will receive a written estimate before traveling, based on the records provided for your initial case review.

No. Your written estimate will clearly explain what is included in your proposed treatment plan. If the in-person clinical examination reveals that an adjustment is necessary, our team will explain the reason and cost before proceeding. No additional treatment is performed without your approval.

We accept cash, wire transfers and major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Yes. Financing and flexible payment options are available for qualifying treatment plans. Your Dental Advisor will explain the available alternatives and help you determine which option best fits your treatment and travel schedule.

Yes. Your initial remote consultation and preliminary case review are free. The complete in-clinic diagnostic consultation is valued at $250 and is included in all of our dental packages. It includes a specialist examination, 3D dental imaging, X-rays and all the records needed to finalize your treatment plan.

We work with internationally recognized implant systems from Straumann Group, Zimmer and Nobel Biocare. Your specialist will select the appropriate system based on your clinical needs and treatment plan.

We offer zirconia and E.max restorations, including full-ceramic crowns and porcelain veneers. Each restoration is digitally designed and produced in our in-house dental laboratory for greater control over fit, shape and appearance.

You may still have treatment options. Depending on your case, your specialist may recommend bone grafting or a sinus lift to create a stronger foundation for dental implant placement. Your available options will be determined after reviewing your 3D imaging and clinical condition.

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. It may be recommended when there is not enough bone height to place dental implants securely.

We use bovine-derived xenograft material. It acts as a scaffold that supports the formation of the patient’s own new bone. Your specialist will determine whether bone grafting is necessary after reviewing your 3D imaging and clinical condition.

When a tooth is significantly damaged or has lost much of its structure, it may need to be rebuilt before a crown can be placed. A build-up restores the foundation of the tooth so the crown can fit securely and restore its function and appearance.

Implant uncovering, also known as second-stage surgery, is a minor procedure performed after the implant has healed beneath the gum. A small opening is made to expose the implant and connect the component needed for the final restoration.

Dental implants need time to integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This healing period helps create a stable foundation before the final crown, bridge or full-arch restoration is attached. The exact healing time depends on your procedure and individual response.

Local anesthesia is used for most dental procedures to keep the treatment area comfortable and numb. Your specialist will explain the appropriate anesthesia options based on your procedure and medical history.

Yes. IV sedation is available with an anesthesiologist. Let your Dental Advisor know during your initial consultation so our team can evaluate your needs and coordinate the anesthesiologist for your procedure.

Yes. When postoperative medication is needed, your specialist will prescribe the appropriate pain relief and provide clear instructions for its use. Antibiotics are provided when clinically indicated, and local anesthesia is administered during the procedure.

The length of your stay depends on your treatment. As a general guide, dental implant placement requires approximately four business days; restorative treatments involving one to five units require approximately five business days; and treatments involving six or more units require approximately nine business days. Arrival and departure days should be added separately. Your Dental Advisor will confirm your treatment schedule before you book your flights.

Restorative treatment requires time for digital design, laboratory production, fittings and final adjustments. Even though our dental laboratory is located in the same building, each restoration must be completed carefully. You will not spend every day in the dental chair, so you will have time between appointments to rest and enjoy Costa Rica.

Not necessarily. Your schedule may include free days while our in-house laboratory designs and produces your restorations or while you recover between procedures. Your Dental Advisor will provide your planned appointment schedule before you travel.

Yes. We provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport and to your dental appointments, provided your hotel is within our designated pick-up area. Our recommended hotels are located within the transportation zone.

Most international patients fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), near San José. Your Dental Advisor will help you coordinate your arrival according to the clinic location selected for your treatment.

Patients receiving treatment at our beach location travel from San José to Cóbano on a short domestic flight with Costa Rica Green Airways. This flight is included in the applicable dental package, and your Travel Coordinator will help arrange the itinerary.

Yes. Patients who prefer to remain in the city may receive their treatment at our San José location. Your Dental Advisor will help you select the location that works best for your treatment and travel preferences. Choosing San José does not change the package price.

No. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. However, they must present a passport that remains valid for the duration of their stay, as well as proof of a return or onward ticket.

Yes. Our doctors, Dental Advisors and travel coordination team communicate with international patients in English throughout the treatment and travel-planning process.

Your dental treatment is quoted and paid in U.S. dollars. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted in Costa Rica, particularly in tourist areas, although change may be provided in Costa Rican colones. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and established businesses.

Yes. Esthetic Dent has treated international patients for more than 35 years. Our team includes experienced dental specialists and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with professional memberships in the ADA, ICOI and AAID, as well as registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica.

Yes. Our dentists are licensed by the College of Dental Surgeons of Costa Rica, and advanced procedures are performed by specialists in the corresponding areas of dentistry. You can review the qualifications, professional memberships and experience of our specialists before beginning treatment.

We use internationally recognized implant systems, high-quality restorative materials, 3D dental imaging and digital treatment-planning technology also used by clinics in the United States. Our lower prices reflect differences in operating costs—not reduced attention to materials, technology or clinical planning.

Reusable instruments go through a controlled cleaning, inspection, packaging and autoclave sterilization process. Sterilization cycles are monitored and documented, and clinical areas are disinfected between patients according to established infection-control protocols.

No. Our restorations are digitally designed and produced in our own dental laboratory. Keeping the process in-house allows our dentists and dental technicians to communicate directly and maintain greater control over fit, materials, appearance and production time.

We follow privacy and data security practices aligned with HIPAA principles to help protect your personal and health information. Medical records, CT scans and X-rays are stored securely, accessed only by authorized members.

Yes. You will receive a written treatment plan explaining the recommended procedures, estimated costs and expected treatment stages. If the clinical examination reveals that a change is necessary, your specialist will explain it and obtain your approval before proceeding.

Yes. Our international patients receive a lifetime warranty covering their dental implants, crowns, porcelain veneers and other restorations completed by our team. You will receive the warranty terms and aftercare requirements in writing as part of your treatment documentation.

Dental implants and restorations require consistent oral hygiene and routine dental checkups, just like natural teeth. Following your specialist’s care instructions and attending the recommended preventive appointments help protect your treatment and maintain your warranty coverage.

Contact your Dental Advisor as soon as possible and send any photos, X-rays or information requested by our clinical team. A specialist will review your case and explain the appropriate next step. Please contact us before allowing another dental provider to alter the treatment covered by your warranty.

Your Dental Advisor remains available after you return home. Many initial concerns can be evaluated remotely using photos or X-rays. If an in-person adjustment is necessary, our team will coordinate the appointment directly with you.

Yes. Your lifetime warranty is documented in writing and explains its coverage, maintenance requirements and the process to follow if you experience a problem after treatment.

Getting started is easy. Complete the free consultation form on our website, send us a message on WhatsApp, call our international phone number or contact us by email. You do not need X-rays, photos or confirmed travel dates to begin. A Dental Advisor will learn about your needs, answer your initial questions and guide you through the next steps.

You do not need photos or dental records to begin speaking with a Dental Advisor. If you already have recent panoramic X-rays, CT scans, dental reports or treatment plans, you may share them with our team. When additional images are needed, your Dental Advisor will explain exactly what to send and provide a secure way to upload them.

Yes. Our clinical team can prepare a preliminary treatment plan and written estimate based on the photos, X-rays and dental records you provide. This allows you to understand the recommended treatment, expected timeline and estimated cost before arranging your trip.

You will receive a preliminary treatment plan and written estimate before booking. Your final treatment plan is confirmed after your complete in-person diagnostic consultation, which includes a specialist examination, 3D dental imaging, X-rays and all the records needed to finalize your care.

You do not need to have your travel dates decided before contacting us. Reach out as soon as you begin considering treatment, and our team will help you understand your options, prepare your preliminary treatment plan and guide you through the next steps. When you are ready to travel, we will coordinate your treatment schedule around your preferred dates.

Yes. When needed, your Dental Advisor can coordinate a remote consultation with the appropriate specialist to discuss your clinical questions before you travel.

Recovery time depends on your procedure and individual healing response. Crowns and veneers generally require less recovery time than implant placement, bone grafting or full-mouth surgery. Your specialist will explain what to expect and provide instructions based on your treatment.

Your diet will depend on the procedure performed. After surgical treatment, you may need to follow a soft-food diet temporarily to protect the treatment area while it heals. Your specialist will provide personalized instructions and explain when you can gradually return to your regular diet.

When temporary restorations are part of your treatment plan, they are included in your dental package. Our team will explain what type of temporary teeth you will receive and how to care for them while your implants or final restorations are being completed.

Before you travel, your Dental Advisor will provide the estimated treatment schedule and recommended departure date so you can book your round-trip flights. The length of your stay will include the time needed for treatment, recovery and a final clinical review before you fly home.

Yes. Your treatment schedule includes follow-up appointments so our clinical team can evaluate your healing, review your restorations and make any necessary adjustments before you return home.

Yes. Our care continues after you leave Costa Rica. We follow up with patients during the healing period between treatment visits and after the entire treatment has been completed. Your Dental Advisor remains in contact with you and coordinates with the clinical team because we want to make sure you are healing well, adapting comfortably and receiving the support you need.

Contact your Dental Advisor if you have any questions or concerns during your stay or after returning home. Your Dental Advisor will communicate directly with the clinical team, request photos or X-rays when needed and coordinate the appropriate follow-up.