I just got back from Thailand where I started to process to get two implants done. I had to get the teeth extracted first, as well as get everything else in my mouth taken care of (fillings, a root canal and crown, cleaning, X-rays, etc). All dentists had undergrad training in Thailand, and graduate studies in the US or UK. 80% of the clinic's patients are expats, predominantly from Australia and New Zealand. It was a really positive experience, in large part due to the extraordinary service and compassionate treatment. I've never been treated so kindly by the dentist before. I basically had a personal attendant with me at all times in the clinic, walking me from appointment to appointment, scheduling next steps, getting me drinks... it was pretty overwhelming. Here's what I've had done so far and what I've paid:
4 X-rays - $13.95
1 Root Canal - Molar - $317.89
1 Root Canal - Core Build Up - $92.76
1 Deep Cleaning/Polish - $39.73
3 One Surface Fillings - $79.46
5 Two Surface Fillings - $211.85
Extraction w/ Soft Tissue Impaction - $92.59
Extraction - $66.14
Assorted Medications - $8.56
Dental Total: $922.93
Here's what remains, and the prices:
Crown for Root Canal Tooth - $418.42
Two Implants - Full Procedure w/ Implant, Abutment, and Crown - $4,184.22
Next trip will be the crown on the root canal tooth and stage 1 of the implants. About six months later, the abutment and crowns will be put in.
Total cost including flights (from the US West Coast), hotels, entertainment, plus all the work, is looking like about $7500-7800.