Dental advice?

My Canadian dentist says I need a bridge that involves three teeth - and wants to charge $1710 as follows:
---Pontic (62501-24)............... $318
---Abutment porcelain (67201-23)....$696
---Abutment porcelain (67201-25)....$696

(I assume the numbers in brackets are codes for specific procedures, and the 23, 24 and 25 are teeth numbers.)

My dental plan will pay 50% of each procedure noted above. My out-of-pocket would be $855.

Question: Could the procedures above be performed by one of Zihua's well-recommended dentists for substantially less than, say, 12,000 pesos (approx. $855 Canadian)?

If not, I'll get the work done at home before I leave for Zihua.

I've had 3 crowns done by Rocio Roman Porcayo DDS. Excellent work at about 1/3 of the cost in the US. Office: 755-554-4417. Cell: 044-755-556-0068 e-mail: xrocio@hotmail.com

I've had 3 crowns done by Rocio Roman Porcayo DDS. Excellent work at about 1/3 of the cost in the US. Office: 755-554-4417. Cell: 044-755-556-0068 e-mail: xrocio@hotmail.com

I don't doubt that dentists such as Rocio Roman do great work at very reasonable prices. Assuming, for a minute, that US and Canadian prices are similar, then 1/3 of the proposed $1710 bill would be $569. If my dental plan would pay $855, then I could still save about $286 by having the work done in Zihua.
I guess the question is: do I take a chance that I can get the work done for around $570C (8000 pesos) in Zihua, or spend the $855 here at home? I doubt any Zihua dentist would hazard to provide an estimate via e-mail.....and my own dentist wouldn't be thrilled providing x-rays so I could "shop around".
Given that my dental plan pays 50%, I think I've probably answered my own question.

There's no charge for asking a question.

One thing is unless you are a frequent visitor to Zihua what happens if a crown or bridge breaks? Not often, but it does happen. Over the years, I have had this happen twice and my dentist replaced it for free. Friends have been really happy with the work done in Mexico but they go down 4 or 5 times per year. Just something to think about. Good luck.

A couple years ago I had a 5 tooth bridge done by Dr Rocio - about 1/4 the cost quoted by our Hawaii dentist. Our insurance would have paid about 50% after the deductible. Dr. Rocio filled out my dental claim forms that I printed from the website - insurance paid 50% of Rocio's charges. I was very happy with her work and the savings.

I wouldn't rule out email if they speak english.

I've asked those types of questions in Mexico to Dr/Dentist in person and have always received accurate answers.

Can't hurt to try.

Kathie was visiting in Chicago a few days before we were to fly down. Her crown broke. She went to her dentist she had when living there. He put a tempt in till we got home. A waiter that was going to dental school in Guadalajara set Kathie up with a appointment with Dr. Rocio. The only problem was the tooth came from Morelia and came in on Saturday. We had gone there on Friday as scheduled. We were told be at her office at 5 pm Saturday. We had tried to call her all day Saturday with no answer. When we got to her office everything was locked secured. Just as we were going to find a taxi she drove up. Dr. Rocio had been visiting villages in the mountain doing free dental work. The crown and a night guard because Kathie grinds her teeth was around $200 US. Kathie was very impressed with the work- her dentist here at home never said anything about the crown. I need to see her when we get go down in January.

A couple years ago I had a 5 tooth bridge done by Dr Rocio - about 1/4 the cost quoted by our Hawaii dentist. Our insurance would have paid about 50% after the deductible. Dr. Rocio filled out my dental claim forms that I printed from the website - insurance paid 50% of Rocio's charges. I was very happy with her work and the savings.

There's an idea I hadn't thought of. I lost a filling in Zihua a few years ago, and had a temporary one done for 500 pesos, including x-rays. My dental insurance plan back home reimbursed me 90% of that.
So, let's see: if Zihua dental prices run around 1/3 of those NOB.....and my insurance will reimburse me 50% of the Zihua price, (50% for bridges, etc) then that would appear to be the most economical way to go.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Rates have increased over the last 2 years.

Send her an email. She is quick to respond and may be able to quote her rates.

Great dentist!

Frosty - how much for a cleaning & check up ? ...JB

Sorry, no idea; e-mail her.

Rocio Roman is an excellent dentist but her appointments are three weeks out during the busy season. She doesn't mind if you go elsewhere. I would suggest Dr. Judith Pimental Diaz, equally good and easier to find. 755.127.8599

I've never had a problem being seen by Rocio, since I tend to plan ahead. The one time something unexpected arose, she fit me right in. Her new clinic is farther away than her old one, so I take a cab.

I would also recommend her! Her english is also quite good! Her office is on Calle Adelita.

For the last 12 years, my husband and I have been going to Clinica Dental on Cinco de Mayo, owned by a husband and wife dental team, Oliverio Maciel and Azucena Acosta. Oliverio speaks English and was born and raised here. They live above the clinic.

They both support all sorts of causes beneficial to kids and the environment.

Oliverio - 755-102-4048
Azucena - 755-108-5072