Overcoming Fears and Taking the First Steps
Embarking on a journey to improve my dental health wasn’t a decision I made lightly. For years, dental issues exacerbated by multiple pregnancies and inherently weak teeth had built a wall of anxiety around dentist visits. The mere thought of stepping into a dental office filled me with dread, leading me to avoid it altogether. Yet, the knowledge that I needed extensive dental work lingered, pushing me to explore alternative solutions. This is when I discovered the concept of dental tourism and the significant cost savings it could offer.
Determined to address my dental health, I dove into extensive research. I scoured articles, navigated websites, and engaged with Facebook groups dedicated to dental tourism. My quest for information often led me to early morning research sessions, a testament to my restless pursuit of a solution. Through this process, I identified two reputable clinics in Riviera Maya: Cancun Dental Specialist and A1 Smile Design. After exchanging emails, sending pictures of my teeth, and sharing x-rays, I decided on A1 Smile Design. Their comprehensive approach, which included accommodations with kitchenettes within the same building, seemed tailor-made for my needs. The convenience of having everything in one location significantly eased my anxiety.
A1 Smile Design recommended a full mouth restoration with implants, aligning with the outcome I hoped for. This would involve surgery to remove all my teeth, a daunting but necessary step towards reclaiming my dental health and, by extension, my confidence.
My international travels had been limited, with only a trip to Montreal in my teens. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone is something I’m accustomed to, but I also deal with anxiety, making this step a significant one for me. I booked my tickets and appointment, constantly reassuring myself of my capability to undertake this journey. My husband, supportive as always, was ready for another one of our adventures.
Arrival and First Impressions
We arrived at Cancun Airport on the morning of September 17th, collected our bags, went through customs, and found our transportation to Playa Del Carmen, about a 45-minute drive. This transition into a new cultural landscape was noticeable, characterized by differences which I have fallen in love with. Despite my efforts to learn, I don’t speak Spanish, leaving my husband, who has a better aptitude for it and has also embraced this culture, to navigate our communications. I anticipate many more visits to the Riviera Maya in the years to come.
At A1, the staff were welcoming and showed us to our room on the fourth floor, which featured a balcony with a view of the Caribbean sea. The beach was just three blocks away, and there was also a pool on the roof of the building. We dropped off our belongings and set out to explore a bit. While there are many experiences worth sharing from this trip, I’ll focus on the dental aspect in this post.
Facing the Dental Procedure
Monday morning marked the beginning of what I was both dreading and eagerly anticipating: my first dental appointment at A1. From the outset, the warmth and friendliness of the staff were unmistakable. They quickly learned my name, extending a level of personal care and attention that was both comforting and impressive. Despite this, I feel it’s important to share a more nuanced perspective of my experience, one that diverges slightly from the overwhelmingly positive accounts I had encountered in my research.
The reality was, this was still a dental visit— an environment that naturally evokes a sense of anxiety and fear for me. This apprehension was further amplified by the language barrier. While it’s entirely understandable and expected for the staff to communicate in Spanish, it meant I was often left in the dark during discussions. In the U.S., overhearing conversations between the dentist and hygienist might offer some clues as to what’s happening or what to expect next. In Mexico, I missed out on these cues, leaving me feeling somewhat isolated from the process.
During my first appointment, after the initial examinations and x-rays, I had a discussion with the dentist. There was a possibility, they mentioned, of saving some of my teeth. However, this wasn’t the outcome I was looking for, as it would still require some implants, and didn’t align with my desire for a comprehensive, final solution. After expressing my concerns and goals, they crafted a personalized plan tailored to my needs. The cost, significantly lower than what I would have faced in the States (about one third of the cost), covered the entirety of the proposed treatment. It was estimated that the process would necessitate two to three visits to Mexico.
The detailed breakdown of the treatment plan and the transparent discussion helped alleviate some of my initial apprehensions. With a clearer understanding of the path forward, I felt ready to take the next steps. My subsequent appointments were scheduled for Tuesday, leading up to the surgery on Wednesday.
The Day of Surgery
Wednesday arrived swiftly, marking the day of my surgery. My husband, Bill, found working remotely from our accommodation in Mexico to be highly convenient. This flexibility allowed both of us to stay productive during our stay. Given the proximity of our room to the dental office, my tendency to not want to inconvenience others, combined with my stubbornness to be self-sufficient, I decided to go downstairs alone.
As I made my way to the waiting room, feelings of nausea and fear were palpable. The prospect of undergoing anesthesia for the first time introduced another layer of uncertainty. When my name was called, the staff briefed me on the procedure. Overwhelmed, I couldn’t contain my tears, but the staff’s reassurance and the comfort of a warm blanket quickly put me at ease before I drifted off.
The surgery itself was a blur of consciousness, marked by brief moments of awareness to the sounds and pressures of the procedure, but these memories are faint. Upon waking, I felt groggy but was relieved to be pain-free, thanks to the preparation and medication I had obtained from my doctor in the States. It’s important to note that certain medications available in the U.S. are not as readily provided in Mexico, a crucial detail for those considering similar procedures.
Post-Surgery and Recovery
After the surgery, I was prepared for the swelling but not for the extent of the bruising that appeared; it looked as though I had been in a fist fight. Adjusting to the absence of my teeth was both strange and frightening. While I had come across accounts of people experiencing little to no pain, my reality was different. Admittedly, I have a low tolerance for discomfort, despite having endured the pain of multiple pregnancies. Once the effects of the pain reliever subsided, the discomfort was profound and difficult to ignore. For those reading this as preparation for a similar procedure, I hope your experience is more forgiving. Personally, the pain was intense, as if I had indeed been in a physical altercation. Additionally, the surgery seemed to exacerbate my TMJ issues, adding another layer of discomfort to manage. It’s crucial to ensure you have an effective pain management plan in place post-surgery.
In the days following the surgery, I was scheduled for daily appointments to monitor my healing progress. During this time, the presence of my husband proved to be invaluable. I cannot overstate the importance of having such a steadfast support system. He was not just my companion but my caretaker, making regular store runs, preparing meals I could manage, and ensuring I kept up with my pain medication regimen.
My diet was restricted to soft foods, a limitation that led me to discover the abundance of drinking yogurt in Mexican grocery stores—a staple that I heavily relied on throughout my recovery. Other manageable foods included mashed potatoes and ramen noodles, which constituted the bulk of my diet during this period.
Looking Ahead
I will leave it there for the time being. My journey of dental tourism, healing, and adaptation will continue across a series of posts, each exploring a different facet of this complex and transformative experience.