Luckily my teeth are in good shape and other than check ups and cleanings I haven’t had to have a lot of dental work. Every six months I have my teeth checked and cleaned. The cost is under $40. I once had a dentist on one of my monthly retirement relocation tours and asked how I could keep my teeth forever. He suggested a check up every six months. Since that time I have followed his advice and haven’t had any major problems.

Although a couple of years ago one of my molars started to hurt and went to see my dentist Doctora Ana Cristina Brenes in downtown Heredia. It turned out I needed a root canal. I ended up having visit to her six times  to complete the treatment. The whole series of treatments only cost me $140. I imagine the same process costs well over $1000 in the States.

My son had to have four wisdom teeth pulled at the suggestion of his orthodontist. The total price was $150.

Affordable dental work brings many tourists come to Costa Rica to have their cosmetic dental work done.  The quality of dentistry in Costa Rica is equal to that found in Europe, Canada or the United States. On the average, dental work costs about 25 to 30 percent less than in the United States.  Most dentists charge about $35 for an initial exam.   Check prices with the dentist of your choice, since rates vary.

Costa Rican dentists offer the following services: implants, gum treatment, root canals, whitening, oral surgery, crowns, bridges and nitrous oxide sedation.  Orthodontics for children and adults are available and affordable in Costa Rica. Our son has braces. The total cost for a two-year treatment is about $1,500  which can be paid in monthly installments of $45.

One word of caution for foreigners, some Costa Rican dentists  advertise in English-language publications and cater almost exclusively to foreigners.  Patients will sometimes pay more for the dental services these doctors provide.  The Costa Rican Surgeons and Dentists Association (Tel/Fax: 2256-3100, E-mail: dentista@racsa.co.cr, www.colegiodentistas.org) will give you a list of dentists practicing in Costa Rica. Check with other residents for recommendations.