Costa Rica Dental Health

Welcome to Costa Rica Dental Health

We are dedicated to providing quality, gentle dental care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. We also offer the best solutions for dental treatment with state-of-the-art technology and the best materials available in the market.

Costa Rica Dental Health is located in Curridabat, on the highway to Cartago, in the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, only 15 minutes away from San José.

Always thinking of our patients´convenience, in Costa Rica Dental Health there are several dental specialists that will serve patients according to each specific case.

In Costa Rica Dental Health we specialize in:

• Prosthodontics (Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry)
• Periodontics (Gum Treatment)
• Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
• Maxillofacial Surgery

We are dedicated to providing quality, gentle dental care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. We also offer the best solutions for dental treatment with state- of –the- art technology and the best materials available in the market.

To get the best possible results, Prosthodontics (Restorative) and cosmetic Dentistry should be complemented with all the other Dentistry Specialties; so the patient can get an integral first-class service. Under this concept, Costa Rica Dental Health offers a wide variety of dental services; guaranteeing our patients quality and comfort.

To get the best possible results, Prosthodontics (Restorative) and Cosmetic Dentistry should be complemented with all the other Dentistry Specialties; so the patient can get an integral first-class service. Under this concept, Costa Rica Dental Health offers a wide variety of dental services; guaranteeing quality and comfort to our patients.

What we do?
Costa Rica Dental Health was born with the objective of giving the patient a total personalized Dental treatment so that our patients can feel trust, warmth, tranquility and comfort while receiving treatment.

The desire for our patients to have a splendid smile with comfort has made our staff more determine to offer our patients the best materials of our time.
    
Services we provide
Since one of our goals is to offer the patient our complete attention, our clinic offers every service to cope with your needs. We offer services in the following areas of Dentistry:

Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry
We provide dental treatment for the restoration and maintenance of oral restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the restoration of natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth and craniofacial tissues with artificial substitutes. The Prosthodontics uses the aesthetics concepts of cosmetics for every treatment.

• Crowns
• Overdenture
• Dental bridges
• Full mouth rehabilitation
• Removable partial denture
• Hybrid or detachable prosthesis
• Complete denture

Cosmetic Dentistry
Many people who feel that their smile is unattractive, will rarely smile or cover their mouth with their hand whenever they laugh, we provide state-of-art cosmetic dentistry treatments such as:.

• Porcelain laminate veneres
• CAD/CAM Restorations
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening
• Totally porcelain crowns
• Onlays and inlays

Endodontics
In Endodontic therapy, we provide a sequence of treatment for the pulp of a tooth whose end result is the elimination of infection and protection of the decontaminated tooth from microbial invasion. Although this set of procedures is commonly referred to as a root canal.

• Root Canal Therapy

Periodontics
In Periodontics treatment, we provide treatments after complete study of the upporting structures of teeth, and diseases and conditions that affect them. We provide personalized treatments such as:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Treatment Periodontal Disease

Our Dental Team
Costa Rica Dental health Manager
Dr. Eduardo Leiva, DDS, is a Member of the Dental Surgeons Board of Costa Rica. He is highly qualified and experienced and specializes in Prosthodontics and others fields of dentistry. He has been treating patients for years providing personalized treatment approach to each patient.

• Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez Claire, DDS
• Dr. Esteban Ulate Rodríguez, DDS
• Dr. Jose Solano, DDS

Why Costa Rica
Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness. And, a very nice setting for medical tourism. The close proximity to the United States and Canada and a significant English speaking presence make Costa Rica a growing destination for medical travel.

OFFICE HOURS/DAYS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Monday – Friday      9:00am – 6:00pm.   

PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Cash
  
  Please Click Here to request more information about Costa Rica Dental Health.

DEPOSITS REQUIRED OR CANCELLATION FEES, IF ANY
 No
ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED
IF ANY (I.E. FREE ORAL EXAM, FREE AIRPORT/HOTEL TRANSFERS, FREE HOTEL STAY ETC.)
Free transportation hotel/clinic for the first appointment. Just for Hotels in the East side of San José.
If necessary, FREE Photos for before and after.

THE DAYS/TIMES YOUR CLINIC IS CLOSED (FOR HOLIDAYS, VACATIONS ETC.)
Vacations: Easter and the last 2 weeks of the year.
Easter if is necessary, we work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
GUARANTEES OFFERED FOR DIFFERENT PROCEDURES, AND YOUR POLICY (IF YOU OFFER GUARANTEES)
The dental implants have guarantees after the placement and  before make the restorative part.
1 year guarantees for crowns over teeth and dental implants.

In Costa Rica Dental Health we specialize in Prosthodontics (Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry), Periodontics (Gum Treatment), Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment), and Maxillofacial Surgery. We are dedicated to providing quality, gentle dental care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. We also offer the best solutions for dental treatment with state-of-the-art technology and the best materials available in the market. Always thinking of our patient's convenience, in Costa Rica Dental Health there are several dental specialists that will serve patients according to each specific case. To get the best possible results, Prosthodontics (Restorative) and Cosmetic Dentistry should be complemented with all the other Dentistry Specialties; so the patient can get an integral first-class service. Under this concept, Costa Rica Dental Health offers a wide variety of dental services; guaranteeing quality and comfort to our patients. We invite you to meet our team of dentists and learn more about the dental services and dental treatments that Costa Rica Dental Health has to offer for a great looking smile.

Please Click Here to request more information about Costa Rica Dental Health.

Treatments we offer
Endodontic

• Root Canal Therapy

Periodontics

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Treatment Periodontal Disease

Restorative

• Prosthodontics
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Porcelain laminate veneers
• Dental implants
• Crowns
• Totally porcelain crowns
• Dental bridges
• Cad/cam restorations
• Removable partial denture
• Complete denture
• Overdenture
• Full mouth rehabilitation
• Composite fillings
• Teeth whitening
• Onlays and inlays
• Hybrid or detachable prosthesis

Services we provide
Digital Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs, commonly referred to as X-ray films, or informally, X-rays, are pictures of the teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissues to screen for and help identify problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw.

X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination.

It is possible for both tooth decay and periodontal disease to be missed during a clinical exam, and radiographic evaluation of the dental and periodontal tissues is a critical segment of the comprehensive oral examination.

Digital radiography is a form of x-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. An advantages is that produce less radiation than conventional radiography.

Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry
The branch of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the restoration of natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth and craniofacial tissues with artificial substitutes. The Prosthodontics uses the aesthetics concepts of cosmetics for every treatment.

• Crowns
• Overdenture
• Dental bridges
• Full mouth rehabilitation
• Removable partial denture
• Hybrid or detachable prosthesis
• Complete denture

Endodontics
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is the commonly used term for the main canals within the tooth. These are part of the natural cavity within a tooth that is the tooth nerve. The parts of the tooth nerve are the dental pulp chamber , the main canals, and sometimes more intricate anatomical branches that may connect the root canals to each other or to the root surface of the tooth.

This sometimes becomes infected and inflamed,generally due to caries or tooth fractures that allow microorganisms, mostly bacteria from the oral flora or their byproducts, access to the pulp chamber or the root canals; the infected tissue is removed by a surgical intervention known as endodontic therapy and commonly called a root canal. So Endodontic therapy is a sequence of treatment for the pulp of a tooth whose end result is the elimination of infection and protection of the decontaminated tooth from microbial invasion. 
 
Usually, when the root canal therapy is finished, the tooth has to be restore with a crown.

Periodontics
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums and is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is defined as inflammation of the gingival in the absence of clinical attachment loss. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It is usually caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in the small gaps between the gums and the teeth and by calculus (tartar) that forms on the teeth. These accumulations may be tiny, even microscopic, but the bacteria in them produce foreign chemicals and toxins that cause inflammation of the gums around the teeth.

Periodontitis
Periodontitis is defined as The disease is characterized by loss of clinical attachment due to destruction of the periodontal ligament and loss of the adjacent supporting bone.

Periodontitis refers to a number of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium — that is, the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

RESTORATIVE
Prosthodontics
The branch of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the restoration of natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth and craniofacial tissues with artificial substitutes.

Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is the field of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of the mouth (teeth and gums), unlike traditional dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases.

People seek cosmetic dentistry for a variety of reasons. The truth is most people would like their teeth to be straighter, whiter, and pleasing to the eye when they smile. Many people who feel that their smile is unattractive, will rarely smile or cover their mouth with their hand whenever they laugh. This could also influence negatively their self esteem which can impact both personal and professional relationships. Other just want to look younger, and they want to hide the signs of aging on their teeth (such as yellowish color and worn tooth edges).

Porcelain laminate veneers
Dental implants
The dental implants are a titanium prosthetic device implanted into the oral tissue beneath the mucosal and/or periostal layer, and on/or within the bone to provide retention and support for a fixed or removable prothesis.

Dental implants have revolutionized contemporary dentistry. Since the concept of osseointegration was introduced in 1969, the science and technology of dental implants have been greatly enhanced.

Crowns
A crown is an artificial replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding part or all of the remaining structure with a material such as a cast metal, porcelain, or a combination of materials such as metal and porcelain; to place on a tooth, dental implant or tooth substitute.

The cost varies in proportion to the quality chosen by the customer.
 
Totally porcelain crowns
Today, we can make them out of pure porcelain, ceramic. The potential for excellent esthetics, the strength of modern porcelains and the promise of healthy tissue have made the procedure popular. The predominant material choice for all-ceramic crowns today is either zirconia, or aluminous materials. They provide a metal-free esthetic option with a number of benefits.

Dental bridges
A partial denture that is luted or otherwise securely retained to natural teeth, tooth roots, and/or dental implants abutments that furnish the primary support for the prosthesis; with materials such as a cast metal, porcelain, or a combination of materials such as metal and porcelain, to place on a teeth or dental implants.

The cost depends on the number of units included in the bridge and the quality chosen by the customer.
 
Cad/cam restorations
Removable partial denture
Complete denture
Overdenture
Is a removable partial denture or complete denture that covers and rests on one or more dental implants; a prosthesis that covers and is partially supported by dental implants.

Most persons wearing implant-retained overdentures are satisfied with the treatment results. Improve chewing function and increased bite forces have also been recorded after the implant treatment. Furthermore, improved retention and function of a denture may have a favorable psychological effects. A person´s social life has been reported to become more active after conventional complete dentures have been replaced with implant-retained overdentures.

Full mouth rehabilitation
Full Mouth Rehabilitation corrects imperfections in bite position and enhances the appearance of the smile. Anyone with short, worn teeth or those that are chipped and broken throughout the mouth would be an excellent candidate. Combining the Prosthodontics with the artistry of Cosmetic Dentistry, Full Mouth Rehabilitation creates a smile that is functional, comfortable and beautiful.

Composite fillings
Teeth whitening
Onlays and inlays
Hybrid or detachable prosthesis
Implant-supported hybrid prosthesis have been used for edentulous patients who could not adapt to long-term use of conventional complete dentures. A hybrid denture is one that is fabricated over a metal framework and retained by screws threaded into five to six implant abutments. The anterior part of a mandibular hybrid denture is fixed on implants, while the posterior part of the denture is extended and cantilevered from implants.

Please Click Here to request more information about Costa Rica Dental Health.

Costa Rica Dental Health Manager:
Dr. Eduardo Leiva. DDS  (Prosthodontics Specialist)
Member of the Dental Surgeons Board of Costa Rica.
Internship in Aesthetics and Operatory Dentistry, Universidad de Costa Rica,2002.
Member of the Colombian Society of Prosthodontics.
Member of the Costa Rican Academy  of Prosthodontics.
Professor of the Clinic of Operating of the faculty of Orthodontics of the Universidad de Costa Rica, 2001-2002.
Doctor in Dental Surgery, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2001.
Specialist in Prosthodontics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia 2007.

Below is the list of our Dental Team:
Dr. Esteban Ulate Rodríguez, DDS  (Endodontics Specialist)

• Member of the Dental Surgeons Board of Costa Rica 2004.
• Doctor in Dental Surgery, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2004.
• Specialist in Endodontics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, 2008.

Gustavo Gutiérrez Claire, DDS   (Periodontic Specialist)

POSTGRADUATE DEGREE
Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
Periodontic Specialist, March, 2009.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE

• Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología.
• Dentistry  Bachelor´s Degree, August, 2001.
• Doctor of Dental Surgery, September, 2001.

Experience:

• Private Practice limiting his practice exclusively to periodontics and dental implants.
  March 2009 to date.
• Professor of Periodontics and Clinical Professor of the Periodontics Internship of the Universidad de Costa Rica. March 2009 to date.
• General Dentist of the Dentistry Service of the Hospital Calderón Guardia, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Section. September 2002 – June 2006.
• Private Practice in Oral Surgery. Since 2002.
• Active Member of the ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists).
• Active Member of the IPS (Implant Prosthetic Section) of the ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists).
• Active Member of the Costa Rican College of Dentists. San José, Costa Rica. 2002.
• Active Member of the Colombian Society of Periodontology.

Dr. José Solano. DDS  (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist)

• Member of the Dental Surgeons Board of Costa Rica.
• Doctor in Dental Surgery, Universidad de Costa Rica 2001.
• Specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery , Ponificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, 2007.
• Maxillofacial Surgeon Hospital Calderón Guardia, San José Costa Rica.
• Professor Universidad of Costa Rica, Pregrade Bachelors Degree since  2008.
• Private Practice in Oral Surgery and Implants. Since 2002. 

Please Click Here to request more information about Costa Rica Dental Health.

Recently I just completed a tooth implant with Dr. Eduardo Leiva. I am a Canadian who has a winter home here in Costa Rica. I had been told that the dental system here was very good and my own dentist at home did not have any problems with me having an implant done while I was here in Costa Rica . In March of 2010 we begun the procedure. I felt completely comfortable with his surgeon who placed the implant and I am very happy with the actual tooth implant which has just been completed ( December 2010) by Dr. Leiva. I am having absolutley no difficulties what so ever. I would not hesitate to repeat the procedure here again if necessary.

Thank you Dr. Leiva !

A dentist in Canada caused my bite to collapse because he was not skilled enough to deal with occlusion (which means that he could not adjust his materials properly so that my teeth came together properly). My bottom front teeth were smashing the backs of my upper teeth and utterly destroying them! I went in search of a prosthodontist, which is a dentist with about three years more training than a normal dentist. I needed an expert who could build my teeth back up so that my front teeth would be saved. I could not find anyone in Canada or the US who could do the work in a reasonable time frame; and, their prices were far too high! On the internet I checked in Mexico and Costa Rica. I was leaning towards Costa Rica because I had previously lived there. I did contact three prosthodontists in Mexico but I found them to be rude and I did not trust them regarding materials. I corresponded with three prosthodontists in Costa Rica and decided to fly down to see one of them. It turned out that he had lied about something he had said in an email, so, I tried one of the other dentists instead. That did not work out either and the third guy was newly trained and he told me that he was not confident that he could restore my bite. I obtained a list of prosthodontists in Costa Rica and began to contact all of them by phone or email. Some speak English and some do not. I speak some Spanish but not enough to thoroughly discuss dental procedures and feel comfortable. I went to a fourth prosthodontist but his hands were shaking and there was no way that I was going to let him into my mouth. Then I went to a fifth prosthodontist but he was getting old and told me that the job was too large and difficult. Finally, I contacted Dr. Leiva who was the last prosthodontist that I was willing to try. Well, too bad I did not find him right away!

Dr. Leiva speaks pretty good English and that made me comfortable. He is extremely patient and easy to talk to. We discussed my situation in detail and we agreed on the work to be performed. I had to have some crowns and porcelain onlays replaced, and then some additional porcelain onlays done in order to raise my bite. I want to also mention that Dr. Levia uses more than one dental lab and subsequently he has a good variety of materials available so that he can satisfy each patient’s desires and needs. That was important to me because I am sensitive to most dental materials and I needed something very biocompatible.

Dr. Leiva was able to do all of the work in a far shorter time period as compared to a prosthodontist in Canada or the US.

Dr. Leiva adjusted the restorations and checked everything at the end again to make sure that my bite was PERFECT!!! It felt great to get the pressure off of my front teeth.

Dr. Leiva does everything that a normal dentist does but he also has the ability to help with difficult situations.

I also want to state that Dr. Leiva is working out of a newly constructed office that is part of one of his labs. It is very modern, clean, and safe and you will be comfortable there. Also, the secretary and some other staff members speak English.

Finally, I want to state that I found two dentists in Costa Rica who promoted themselves as having credentials that they did not have! One guy claims to be a prosthodontist but only has a degree as a standard dentist! Another claims to have been trained at the Pankey Institute in the US but I contacted Pankey and they never knew him! Dr. Leiva has legitimate degrees and he teaches post grad prosthodontics at the University of Costa Rica.
K.P.
Alberta, Canada

I would like to speak with you about a dentist who has done some beautiful dental work for me. I needed to have a lot of work on my grossly neglected teeth. Dr Eduardo, took control of a massive project to reorganize my mouth.

I had cavities filled; root canals done; new crowns put in; old crowns replaced; even minor gum surgery. Everything was done with the newest technics, the newest equipment, the best products, and for low very affordable prices.

The services were done quickly, efficiently, and on a timetable of my choosing.

What day would you like? What time would be best for you? We are available 7days a week, for your convince. Not in the U.S.A. I’ll guarantee you. The work was outstanding! The final results were beautiful.

Dr. Eduardo is a magician, and such a pleasant person. His clients are so pampered, you feel like royalty. I guess you know, I highly recommend Dr. Eduardo Leiva., a wonderful, concerned, and caring dentist, who always puts your interests first.
A satisfied patient Jim Mc Nerney, United States.

I recently visited Costa Rica to have extensive restorative dental work. Dr Leiva and his staff did excellent work. Even with the travel expenses the total cost was many times less than the cost at home. The work included implants, root canals, bridges and surgery. All the staff were highly competent, professional and fluent in English.
Robert Kearly, Raleigh, NC

Please Click Here to request more information about Costa Rica Dental Health.

Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness. And, a very nice setting for medical tourism. The close proximity to the United States and Canada and a significant English speaking presence make Costa Rica a growing destination for medical travel.

Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles are home to playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies.

Meanwhile, endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect elusive birds and jungle cats. Ecotourism is extremely popular with the many tourists visiting the extensive national parks and protected areas around the country. Costa Rica was a pioneer in this type of tourism and the country is recognized as one of the few with real ecotourism.

Costa Rica is a stunning land, with much of it heavily forested. The coastal areas are ringed with mangrove swamps, and beautiful white, sand beaches.

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is the second language.

Costa Rica has a high standard of living, especially when compared to other nearby countries. Among Latin American countries, Costa Rica ranks 4th in terms of the 2007 Human Development Index. The country is ranked 5th in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2008 Environmental Performance Index. In 2007 the government of Costa Rica stated that they want Costa Rica to be the first country to become carbon neutral by 2021.

Lodging 
Recommended hotels are downtown and to the East of San Jose:

Hotels 10 minutes away from Costa Rica Dental Health, are to the East of San José:

Hotel Ave del Paraiso
Phone: (506) 2225-8515
(506) 2253-5138 /  (506) 2283-6017

Hotel Le Bergerac
Phone: (506) 2234-7850

Hotel Dgalah
Phone: (506) 2280-8092

Hotel Milvia
Phone: (506) 2225-4543

Hotels 20 minutes away from Costa Rica Dental Health, are in downtown San José:

Hotel Vesuvio
Phone: (506) 2221-7586
(506) 2221-8325/ (506) 2256-1616

Sleep Inn
Phone: (506) 2222-0101

Hotel Balmoral
Phone: (506) 2222-5022
Toll free: 1-800-691-4865

Aurola Holiday Inn
Phone: (506) 2523-1000

Hotel Don Carlos
Phone: (506) 2221-6707

Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Phone: (506) 2221-4000

Hotel Presidente
Phone: (506) 2222-3022

Hotel La Amistad
Phone: (506) 2258 – 0021

MEDICAL RECOVERY CENTER INN:
CheTica Ranch
Phone: (506) 2268-6133
 
Las Cumbres Inn
Phone: 011-506-2228-1011

More ABout Costa Rica Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness. And, a very nice setting for medical tourism. The close proximity to the United States and Canada and a significant English speaking presence make Costa Rica a growing destination for medical travel.

Costa Rica has a high standard of living, especially when compared to other nearby countries. Among Latin American countries, Costa Rica ranks 4th in terms of the 2007 Human Development Index. The country is ranked 5th in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2008 Environmental Performance Index. In 2007 the government of Costa Rica stated that they want Costa Rica to be the first country to become carbon neutral by 2021.

Trip Planner & Private Guide
Sergio Amador
Ph (Country Code 506) 8874-0303
 
Inbound Division Executive | Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Ericka Ramírez
phone +(506)22 80 01 22  ext 143

ONE DAY TOURS

Off Road:  Poás & Barva Hiking Adventure
San Lucas & Tortuga Islands  Dream Trip
Doka Coffee tour - Poas Volcano – La Paz Waterfalls Gardens.
Rainforest Adventure
Tortuga Island one day tour with Calypso.
Macadamia sugar cane and coffee tour
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs
San Jose city tour half day tour
PANACA Theme Park
Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankaster Gardens
Canopy Tour San Lorenzo
Doka / Grecia / Sarchí y Fábrica de Carretas

Please Click Here to request more information about Costa Rica Dental Health.