TreatmentsDental Implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a titanium post and crown. Costa Rica clinics use Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer Biomet, the same systems as top US practices, at 70 to 80 percent lower cost.
What makes this different
Nobel Biocare, Straumann, or Zimmer Biomet implant systems
Written documentation: brand, lot number, warranty card
In-house cone beam CT scanner for precise placement planning
US and European trained oral surgeons and periodontists
Immediate loading option: temporary crown same day as surgery
12-month post-treatment guarantee with remote follow-up
US-compatible system: any qualified US dentist can service your crown
Detailed pricing
| Procedure variant | Costa Rica | United States | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single implant + zirconia crown (Nobel Biocare)Most popular | $950 | $4,500 | 79% less |
| Single implant + zirconia crown (Straumann) | $1,100 | $5,000 | 78% less |
| Implant + e.max crown | $1,050 | $4,800 | 78% less |
| Implant + crown + minor bone graft | $1,400 | $6,500 | 78% less |
| Implant + sinus lift | $2,200 | $8,500 | 74% less |
| 4 implants + crowns (Nobel Biocare) | $3,600 | $18,000 | 80% less |
| Budget implant option (OSSTEM)Budget option | $700 | $3,500 | 80% less |
Starting prices from verified clinics. Final cost depends on case complexity and materials. All clinics provide a written itemized quote before treatment begins.
Eligibility
Good candidates
Adults with one or more missing teeth
Patients with adequate bone density confirmed by CT scan
Non-smokers or patients willing to quit before surgery
Patients with controlled diabetes or systemic conditions
Patients seeking a permanent non-removable tooth replacement
May not be ideal
Active smokers: significantly increases failure risk
Patients with severe uncontrolled diabetes
Patients undergoing head or neck radiation therapy
Teenagers whose jawbone is still developing
Patients with very limited bone density unwilling to graft
The process
Pre-surgical records and planning
Day 1Full clinical examination, cone beam CT scan, digital X-rays, and treatment plan with itemized pricing. Surgery typically scheduled the following day for straightforward cases.
Implant placement surgery
Day 2Titanium implant placed into jawbone under local anesthesia. IV sedation available. Most patients rate discomfort equivalent to a tooth extraction. Takes 45 to 90 minutes per implant. Temporary crown may be placed same day.
Recovery and osseointegration
3-5 months at homeReturn home after 3 to 5 days. Implant fuses with jawbone over 3 to 5 months. Contact maintained with coordinator via WhatsApp. Resume normal activities within 2 to 3 days.
Final crown placement
2-3 days, second visitIntegration confirmed by X-ray and torque testing. Crown fabricated in clinic lab over 1 to 2 days. Adjusted for perfect color match and bite alignment before final bonding.
What is included
Typically included
Pre-surgical consultation and clinical examination
Cone beam CT scan (CBCT)
Implant placement surgery with local anesthesia
Titanium implant (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, or Zimmer)
Abutment and final zirconia or porcelain crown
Post-operative medications and care kit
Implant documentation: brand, model, lot number
12-month post-treatment follow-up guarantee
Ask about separately
Bone grafting if needed (determined by CT scan only)
Sinus lift if applicable
Extraction of other teeth before implant placement
IV sedation if preferred over local anesthesia
Second-visit travel and accommodation
After you return home
Soft diet for first 2 weeks after implant placement
No smoking during osseointegration period
Daily saltwater rinses for the first week
Avoid direct pressure on implant site while eating
Clean with interdental brushes around the implant daily
Annual check-up with your US dentist
Traveling from
From Miami
See total savings including travel costs for Miami patients.
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From New York
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From Los Angeles
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From Atlanta
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Get matched
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FAQ
Most patients need two trips separated by 3 to 5 months: the first for placement (3 to 5 days), and the second for the final crown (2 to 3 days). Some clinics offer immediate loading where a temporary crown is placed the same day.
Yes, if your clinic used Nobel Biocare, Straumann, or Zimmer Biomet. Any qualified US implant dentist can service these systems. Always collect written documentation of the brand, model, and lot number before leaving.
Implants placed using major brand systems have survival rates of 95 to 98 percent at 10 years. With good oral hygiene, the titanium implant can last a lifetime. The crown may need replacement after 15 to 20 years.
Failure rates at verified clinics are below 5 percent over 10 years. If an implant fails to integrate within the first 3 months, the clinic removes it, allows healing, and replaces it at no cost under the guarantee.
Yes. Minor grafts can be placed simultaneously with the implant. Major grafts require 4 to 6 months of healing before implant placement. Your CT scan determines whether grafting is needed before you book travel.
Verified clinics use Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, or Hiossen. These are the same brands used at top US practices. Always confirm the brand in writing before surgery.
Yes. Placing 4 to 6 implants in the same surgical session is common and reduces total trips. Per-implant cost decreases with quantity.
A Nobel Biocare implant and crown costs $950 to $1,400. Adding round-trip flights from Miami ($320), 5 nights hotel ($500), and transfers ($80) totals around $1,900 all-in versus $4,500 to $6,000 for the implant alone in the US.
Most patients report less discomfort than a tooth extraction. Post-operative discomfort for 2 to 3 days is managed with over-the-counter medication. IV sedation is available for anxious patients.
No referral needed. Bringing your recent X-rays and panoramic scan allows the Costa Rica clinic to review your case before arrival and identify any complications in advance.
A bridge anchors to adjacent teeth which must be ground down. An implant replaces only the missing tooth without touching neighbors. Implants last longer, preserve bone, and are easier to clean.
Yes. Many patients combine implant surgery with crowns, extractions, cleanings, or veneers on the same trip. Your coordinator sequences procedures to minimize recovery overlap.