Chipped Tooth - No Dental Plan

[algernon]

Mexico. You could probably get a air/hotel deal for $700, and get your tooth fixed for $100. Before you go, research Dentists in the town (I like Mazatlan, big, good beaches) and phone them up, and ask for gringo referrals. If the place isn't up to snuff, find another. When I was there a few years ago, the Dentist had the same equipment (computer x-rays, autoclave, etc) as the guy here.

Why not have a vacation for free, rather than line the pockets of Dentist here?

[Starfishy]

Originally Posted by algernon

Mexico. You could probably get a air/hotel deal for $700, and get your tooth fixed for $100. Before you go, research Dentists in the town (I like Mazatlan, big, good beaches) and phone them up, and ask for gringo referrals. If the place isn't up to snuff, find another. When I was there a few years ago, the Dentist had the same equipment (computer x-rays, autoclave, etc) as the guy here.

Why not have a vacation for free, rather than line the pockets of Dentist here?

Wow, at first I wasn't sure if you were serious.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by algernon

Mexico. You could probably get a air/hotel deal for $700, and get your tooth fixed for $100. Before you go, research Dentists in the town (I like Mazatlan, big, good beaches) and phone them up, and ask for gringo referrals. If the place isn't up to snuff, find another. When I was there a few years ago, the Dentist had the same equipment (computer x-rays, autoclave, etc) as the guy here.

Why not have a vacation for free, rather than line the pockets of Dentist here?

You are a freaking genius. I would have never thought of this in a million years...and man do I need a vacation. So I guess I'm chipped until I save the cash to go down there, which shouldn't be too bad as my sister works for WestJet and I can get a buddy card for cheap airfare.

Seriously, people, thank algernon's post.

[burn_this_city]

Don't forget to thank him when you come back with Hepatitis.

[Traditional_Ale]

^ I've talked to a few people about this already even since he posted and it would seem a lot of people do this very thing. Now I just need to research a reputable dentist.

EDIT:

http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2003/12/20/121018/65

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

^ I've talked to a few people about this already even since he posted and it would seem a lot of people do this very thing. Now I just need to research a reputable dentist.

I'd just be concerned about worst case scenario where you might get sick down there as a result and I'm not sure alberta health would cover you.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

I'd just be concerned about worst case scenario where you might get sick down there as a result and I'm not sure alberta health would cover you.

Isn't medical insurance for travellers fairly reasonable?

[burn_this_city]

I'm not sure if it covers pre-existing conditions. Usually it doesnt, which your tooth would be considered pre-existing.

Personally I'd skip the trip and go the dental college route.

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by algernon

Mexico. You could probably get a air/hotel deal for $700, and get your tooth fixed for $100. Before you go, research Dentists in the town (I like Mazatlan, big, good beaches) and phone them up, and ask for gringo referrals. If the place isn't up to snuff, find another. When I was there a few years ago, the Dentist had the same equipment (computer x-rays, autoclave, etc) as the guy here.

Why not have a vacation for free, rather than line the pockets of Dentist here?

Ask for the free genital inspection.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by fotze

Just get it done on the second last or last day. You'll be back before it has gotten infected.

Good call, that would work.

[Traditional_Ale]

Unless the tooth was what was specifically infected, wouldn't I be covered?

Also, reading tonnes online now, there is an American owned practice in Mazatlan.

NM: His website has a picture of the Eiffel Tower. LOL.

This is gonna be fun...

[algernon]

I found out about this method from my retired aunt and uncle. They live on their sailboat, and living cheaply is a way of life for cruisers. They happened to be down in Guyamas getting their boat ready for a trip a couple of years ago. He researched Dentists from recommendations of other cruisers and had his work done. Once I heard from him, I phoned down, made the appointment and flew down.

The Endodontist had the exact equipment for x-rays that my dentist here had, and said the same things about the work to be done. The Dentist was trained in Arizona. I understand people being worried for their health, but use your judgement. If the place is dirty or outdated, move on, but, they are not neanderthals. They understand sterilization. Oh, and 'Gringos' are their best customers, as we pay more than a poor local.

You may have to pay GST on the work, once you return though. For me, it was worth it. About $6000 here vs $2000 all-in there.

[C-Life]

CUPS?

http://cupscalgary.com/

They do dental work for ######edly cheap. It's all legit too. Worth a look.

[Rathji]

If I have major dental work to do, I plan a 2 week vacation to Palm Springs and get the work done by my uncle for his material cost.

I say go for the Mexico thing, Mexico can't be much worse than Palm Springs, right?

[Grunt]

Originally Posted by yads

Even if you did have dental coverage, it would be unlikely that you would have gotten any of the procedure paid for. Fixing chipped teeth is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and not typically covered by the vast majority of dental plans.

Actually, I've chipped the same tooth a number of times and it's always been covered. They consider it the same as a filling.