My hubby just found out he has to have periodontal (gum) surgery. They want $12,000!!! I've read on the internet that you can fly to Mexico, get a nice hotel for a few nights, have the surgery, all for about half of that. I know there are some popular general dentists down there, but this has to be done by a specialist. Thanks!
Need a Periodontist. Anyone know a good one in Mexico?
- Thread starter dwig222
- Start date
rockyptjoe
Guest
You should check with a couple of the "popular" dentists down there....they may be able to do the work or refer you to someone....Rocky Smiles is one (Dr. Acuna). I'm sure someone will pipe up with the names of a couple more.
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cactusamigo
Guest
I highly recommend Dr. Arturo Yamamoto. He has an excellent visiting periodontal surgeon who works in his office - Dr. Angelica Nunez. I required upper and lower periodontal surgery. It wasn't fun, but she did an excellent job, and I highly recommend her. I also highly recommend Dr. Yamamoto for general dentistry. He is gentle and pays attention to detail. He has a new, clean, and well equipped facility, with modern technology. He is our family dentist.
Thanks for the info. I think I've heard of Dr. Nunez in doing my research on the internet. Rocky Smiles also came up when I googled "periodontist in Puerto Penasco". There is one dentist down there that a lot of American's go to, but I can't remember his name. We might just get a few names and then take a trip down there and get some opinions. Never can find enough excuses to go to RP!! 
Wood Spinner
Guest
Do a little more research before doing the surgery. Years back, 30 or so, they told me I needed it and I declined. I now get a deep scaling about every 3 years and annual cleanings. I do better self care and there has been no change in the bone loss. Ask your doctor if this will CURE the problem or if you may have to do it again. When they told me that it was temporary and I would likley have to repeat once in a while I declined all the pain and suffering. Every time I have to see a new Dr. they give me the same have to do story and I tell them no and why.
Buy a water pick!
Buy a water pick!
Wood Spinner, I hear ya. They told him he needed it about 15 years ago and even though we had dental insurance then, the co pay was 50% and with five kids we couldn't afford it. So he took the route you suggested and has been going in for perio maintenance every three months. He takes immaculate care of his teeth, but now they're getting worse. He's almost 65 years old. His perio pockets are 7's no matter what he does and he's worried about infection. His dentist is not pushing him to do it, it's just that he went in on Wednesday for his perio maintenance and we got to thinking we're paying about $1500 a year for these cleanings and maybe it's time to do the surgery. We hear such good stories from people who had work done in Mexico so we thought we would look into it.
BTW his hygienist told him Wednesday to "Buy a water pick" LOL He did so maybe it will help. Thanks
BTW his hygienist told him Wednesday to "Buy a water pick" LOL He did so maybe it will help. Thanks
N
nojopo
Guest
Has anyone tried the one-hour whitening procedure. If so, how was it, how much did it cost and which dentist?
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cactusamigo
Guest
Beachwalker - My gums bled while brushing. I knew that I needed dental work, and decided to get estimates in Penasco, where I had been living. There are many dentists in Penasco, which complicates the choice. Over the years, I used about four, and wasn't completely satisfied with any. Yamamoto gave me a thorough examination, sat me down in his office, and reviewed the results. He uses electronic digital X-Rays, which are displayed on a computer monitor. He explained the conditions requireing gum surgery, including pockets. I was very impressed with him, and he won my confidence. He is very competent and is sophisticated enough to enlist specialists when required. I use Dr Angelica for routine cleaning when she is in town.
Gum surgery only corrects the problem caused by improper dental care. If the problem that originally caused the need for surgery isn't corrected, surgery will again be required in the future. The advice to religiously use a dental pick is valid. It works for me, and I am a believer.
Gum surgery only corrects the problem caused by improper dental care. If the problem that originally caused the need for surgery isn't corrected, surgery will again be required in the future. The advice to religiously use a dental pick is valid. It works for me, and I am a believer.
InkaRoads
cronopiador
For what I been told there is not a permanent periodontidt in PP, they come as per need basis, sorry cactus Yamamoto is as expensive as any USA dentist and he is not a periodontist, $80 for cleaning and $450 for one crown, which I ended up paying $150 and got and excelent job done by Dra. Luz Fernanda Caballero in Fremont blvd. Rocky point smiles wanted $700.
I also almost had the surgery, my pockets were 6's and 7's and the doctor (Dr. Large in Tucson) shoot the anesthysia, walk away and never come back, luckly I walk away with out the surgery, bought myself a water pick and mix the water with Crest mouthwash, blue in color, the one with out alcohol and in less than 6 month my gums grew back almost to normal and my teeth are all strong and firm, compare to the loose and painfull ones I had before, now I just clean my theeth once every 6 month, wash my mouth twice a day and water pick after every meal, yes my gums will never be the same as those I had before the illnes came, lost 2 teeth, but now I am as good as new and able to eat almonds, peanuts or any hard food with out a pain or worries that my teeth are going to fall off.
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cactusamigo
Guest
Inka - I never said that Dr. Yamamoto is a periodontist. Dr. Nunez is a visiting periodontist who works in Yamamoto's office when she is in town. You can shop around for prices, but when you need something serious done, you can't go for the lowest bidder when you require and desire the best talent.
InkaRoads
cronopiador
My bad, Dr. Nunez is the periodontist working with him as you say, I did not went for the lowest bidder either, after spending 2 days going from dentist to dentist, the professionalism of Dra. Caballero came above the rest and her prices were cheap compare to the others because she charged me what she charges any mexican customer seeking dental work, and did not inflated her prices because I was paying with dollars.
I went to Yamamoto, just like I did to the others: to ask for prices and types of materials use and guaranties of work, Yamamoto sat me down, checked my teeth and when done he slaped me with a $30 dollar fee at the time of payment I ask if it was necesary for him to do so just to let me know of his services to which he did not answer proceeded on leaving the office and as he was leaving said "pay my assistant" not even a "thank you for ripping you off, sir"
So in my book I will save the 4 hr. drive to RP to see a dentist that will charge me american prices and then more!! whether he is good or not I will never know personally since he rip me off once there will never be a second chance for him from me and just beacuase he impresed you with his modern equipment does not mean he is good either!! :eek3:
InkaRoads
cronopiador
Forgot to mention that since I spend 2 days up and down talking to dentist I run out of time, Dra. Caballero sat me in worked on my tooth for about 45 minutes, went home, well my white trashy trailer, yes I call it HOME!! waited for about 2 hours and went back and had the crown installed, at no extra charge, now you tell me, Yamamoto told me it will take a week to get the crown in, let me remind you that there is only one person in RP that does all the dentists crowns, told by 3 different dentists, or they send it to USA to have it done, which Yamamoto did not specified one or the other, however his rush fees were astronomical and Dra. Caballero did not charge any extra for the rush job, now you tell me which one is a dentist and which one is the business person? things that makes you go MMMMMMMMMMM!!
InkaRoads
cronopiador
Sorry Cactus, but in your book Yamamoto might be excelent in mine he is just an opportunistic MOFO, that is why he moved to his new plush office on the way most USA people takes to go to Sandy Beach, instead of leaving where he was in Benito Juarez.
I am just telling my side of the story, as they say there is two sides, yours and mine, by the way not everybody that charges american prices in RP is good or means they are good, they are just taking advantage of the situation, if not lets have a poll and ask how many people feels that many business in RP is taking advantage of the situation and became greedy, charging inflated prices!! comments anybody?
I am just telling my side of the story, as they say there is two sides, yours and mine, by the way not everybody that charges american prices in RP is good or means they are good, they are just taking advantage of the situation, if not lets have a poll and ask how many people feels that many business in RP is taking advantage of the situation and became greedy, charging inflated prices!! comments anybody?
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rockyptjoe
Guest
Hey Ink...maybe Rocky Smiles has raised their prices....the last time I checked, they were charging about $350-380 for a crown. And they do their own crowns on site.
I had a crown done about 10 years ago by an "old-time" dentist...can't remember his name.....has an office the street behind La Curva...charged me $85 for a crown for my molar (it was silver)....made it himself....one day turnaround.
I had a crown done about 10 years ago by an "old-time" dentist...can't remember his name.....has an office the street behind La Curva...charged me $85 for a crown for my molar (it was silver)....made it himself....one day turnaround.
Kenny
Guest
Dr, Sergio Lizarraga put in a Crown for me about a year ago, and the man moves like a classic dancer. It cost me $250, and when I walked out, I went to have lunch...http://smilerockypoint.com/index.htm I asked him at that time if he would give my friends on this forum the same deal, without telling him how broke they were like I'd done..LOL He said to tell him they were Kenny's friend.
Dr. Sergio Lizarraga was graduated from the National University of Mexico. After a Period of practices he got in to the Mexican Institute of Social Security has a Regional Inspector of Quality in the Dentistry Field in the North-West of Mexico Including Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California.
Working for 10 years has an Regional Inspector, he decided to open his own Office in Culiacan Sinaloa.
In 1996, Dr. Lizarraga took the Decision to move to Rocky Point and established his Dental Office By the Main Street ( Blvd. Juarez and Juan de la Barrera).
Since then, the number of satisfied patients have increased, and thanks to them we have been able to grow for they recommendations.
Few years ago, Dr. Lizarraga decides to create a new concept of Dentistry, in addition to the classical treatments of bondings, x-rays, extractions and amalgams; a new concept of cosmetic dentistry including porcelain crowns ( veneers), Reconstruction with bondings ( natural tooth color), Whitening System ( 1 hour - ZOOM!) and more. The concept of SMILE DESIGNER have had success and you can tell watching our page of BEFORE AND AFTER where we show true cases solved in house.
Dr. Sergio Lizarraga was graduated from the National University of Mexico. After a Period of practices he got in to the Mexican Institute of Social Security has a Regional Inspector of Quality in the Dentistry Field in the North-West of Mexico Including Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California.
Working for 10 years has an Regional Inspector, he decided to open his own Office in Culiacan Sinaloa.
In 1996, Dr. Lizarraga took the Decision to move to Rocky Point and established his Dental Office By the Main Street ( Blvd. Juarez and Juan de la Barrera).
Since then, the number of satisfied patients have increased, and thanks to them we have been able to grow for they recommendations.
Few years ago, Dr. Lizarraga decides to create a new concept of Dentistry, in addition to the classical treatments of bondings, x-rays, extractions and amalgams; a new concept of cosmetic dentistry including porcelain crowns ( veneers), Reconstruction with bondings ( natural tooth color), Whitening System ( 1 hour - ZOOM!) and more. The concept of SMILE DESIGNER have had success and you can tell watching our page of BEFORE AND AFTER where we show true cases solved in house.
InkaRoads
cronopiador
The crown master for RP is located in the same location of Rocky Smiles, maybe husband of the dentist, possible, but yes he is the person that makes the crowns for all the dentist in RP.
Kenny, I call Dr. Liarraga, my first choice, but he was overloaded, therefore I spend 2 days researching who will be the next best option and found Dra. Fernanda Caballero as good and as through as Dr. Lizarraga, very ~~~HAPPY~~~ with the results and her work
B
bahiatrader
Guest
My wife and I have been having the majority of our dental work done in Mexico for over 30 years. We used to have all our dental work done in Rocky Point until just a few years ago. The prices started out for less than the co-pay on my dental insurance. Then I changed insurance to where they would even pay 50% of the Mexican dental costs. That was fantastic pricewise for me on the first couple of visits and then the price jumped significantly. I ended up paying more than before I got insurance that covered me for Mexico. I don't blame the dentists. They're in business to make money. Why not raise the prices if the US insurance companies will pay for it. There are good dentists in Rocky Point, but I belive I have a better alternative.
The last four or five years we've been going to Los Algodones for our dental work. Concentrated in a small area there is every kind of dental specialty you can imagine. Competition is intense. They're all good dentists. If need be they will send you to a specialist who is only a few doors away. The prices are competitive. They know how to deal with Norte Americano insurance. We've sent many friends there, and they've all been happy. My cousin even comes from Montana just to have his dental work done.
The last four or five years we've been going to Los Algodones for our dental work. Concentrated in a small area there is every kind of dental specialty you can imagine. Competition is intense. They're all good dentists. If need be they will send you to a specialist who is only a few doors away. The prices are competitive. They know how to deal with Norte Americano insurance. We've sent many friends there, and they've all been happy. My cousin even comes from Montana just to have his dental work done.
Cabo
Spanish Mackerrel
I would definitely have a second opinion. Mine was a "must have" (22,000) estimate with gum replacements etc. I found another Perio and she suggested a 2.5K procedure that was a total success. It was treated at home, with a daily regimen and today my gums are strong. Even the dentist is Wowed with the success. At start my teeth were close to falling out, and I seriously considered a home equity to finance for this "must" have surgery.
Do not do it!
On cleaning, whitening and caps, and crowns, Rocky point can be considered. It has one of the highest per capita Dentists in Upper Sonora. (So I have been told) It is close to the Border and a stay of a week can accomplish most procedures. Also get the fees in writing. I had a bait and switch done on crowns. Paid for Gold and at the last moment they came back a metal composite. At that point I already had the fake crowns and was leaving that afternoon, what was I going to say? I also agreed in pesos and somehow it was converted to dollars and billed in besos back to my credit card. Not favorable conversion. What a confusing mess at the end, If I recall the dentist did give me a wad of pesos as change, called refund.... after I mentioned that I paid for gold and received the silver something. He could not reverse the credit card or so he said. His position is that I got a great deal compared to the United States.''''
(Dr. Name with held), aside from that he had supper modern chairs, TV's at each chair, he did "have" to perform many pre - tests and X rays since he did not have my records. $$$ Like any doctor. His assistant performed all the pre test even if you ONLY want the Caps etc. This seems was to be used to recommend many other procedures. He gave a 2 page list of procedures I needed. He wanted to replace All my old fillings.
And seems like RockyPoint is dollar priced with the New dollar Condo five star priced economy.
InkaRoads
cronopiador
Sounds like Yamamoto to me, same style of equipment and performance, a long list of TO DOS and a longer number in dollars not pesos!! do not be afraid to say his name, he (dentist name withheld) needs to be brought up to the light, ripping of people is a crime in my book and I believe in everybodies book too!!, mine was Yamamoto and it seems they had the same agenda, rip off americans!!
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Cabo
Spanish Mackerrel
All I will say it was on the Left side of the rd entering...RP
All in all I can not complain. I still am happy with the work.
Nothing like the "checkmate" system here in the US.
Two weeks ago I requested a prescription and received the bill, it was $480.
less than 5 seconds to write. Have you ever seen a 4,800 peso bill for a prescription?
The insurance has denied it. The bill was from my Insurance Co.
All in all I can not complain. I still am happy with the work.
Nothing like the "checkmate" system here in the US.
Two weeks ago I requested a prescription and received the bill, it was $480.
less than 5 seconds to write. Have you ever seen a 4,800 peso bill for a prescription?
The insurance has denied it. The bill was from my Insurance Co.