MEXICAN DENTISTRY RECAP

Last year was my first experience with a Mexican Dentist in Algodones, just across the border near Yuma, AZ. I don't believe that there's such a thing as a good experience with a dentist. There's just something about getting needles in your mouth, the sound of the drill, and the occasional sharp pain, that negates a visit to the dentist as a good experience. Having said that, the care and quality of work from my Mexican Dentist, Carmen Ovando, was as good as any I have ever received from the multitude of dentists I have visited in the U.S. Based on that experience last year, I returned a few weeks ago, and started a series of visits with Carmen and 2 other dentists, an Endodontist and a Periodontist.
Because of a broken front tooth, I had to have the Periodontists do minor gum surgery around the broken tooth, and the Endodontist placed a fiberglass pin in the tooth so it could be crowned.
Carmen prepped 3 front teeth for crowns, and filled 4 cavities. Total bill from all 3 dentists was $1,360. My estimate of that cost in the U.S. is about $4-5,000. When I discovered last year, that my dental insurance will pay the same percentages to Mexican Dentists that it does to U.S. Dentists, it was quite a pleasant surprise, particularly when you start looking at out of pocket expense. Of the $1,360 that I just paid, I should be reimbursed about $1,100 from my insurance company. Since I have a maximum $2,000 yearly cap on dental benefits, my out of pocket expense in the U.S. would have been $2-3,000. Quite a difference! I'm not suggesting that everyone has good experiences with Mexican Dentists. After 5 visits to Carmen, and 2 visits to specialist dentists, I can say that I will continue to take care of my less than perfect teeth in Algodones, Mexico. When I consider the cost factor, it seems to be a win - win for me.
Now that the gap is filled in, and the Bubba smile is gone, I think my IQ has now gone back up!