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Dentistry in Ecuador: Getting to the Root of
the Problem
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I
was not looking forward to having dentistry work in Ecuador, since I
usually equate a trip to the dentist with a trip to hell.
However, when someone recommended a dentist in Ibarra, I went,
because the problem I was experiencing with my teeth out-weighed
my concern
about a dentist. About a year ago, Gary and I both had root canals done in Ecuador by a dentist who was recommended to us. He had a clean office and state-of-the-art equipment, including a laser. Although his manner was friendly and we liked him very much it became apparent that his training was deficient in some areas.  After repeated visits (I had my root canal done over twice more) Gary and I both had problems—infections, pain and swelling. We decided it was time to find another dentist. A good friend directed us to Dr. Bayardo Bolanos, whose office in Ibarra is about 35 minutes from Cotacachi. We were immediately impressed by the professional appearance of the office, the friendliness of his staff and Dr. Bolanos' warm welcome. He speaks English quite well and took great care to answer all of our questions.
Training and Education is Ongoing
It is obvious from the number of framed degrees on the wall that Dr. Bolanos believes firmly in education. He has degrees from the University of Quito, advanced training in Cosmetic Dentistry with a three-year post-graduate degree, a non-residence course, from New York University, and advanced training in implant surgery from Lima, Peru. He also has certified training in orthodontics. All of Bolanos’ staff receives additional training annually outside of Ecuador. He has had three years of training in Quito for brace work. Upper and lower braces for a child cost $1,800 for a complete set and all the adjustments needed for the duration of the program. Dr. Bolanos explained that he has done 40 or 50 implants in the past year. There were only problems with two of them and that was because the patients smoked. Implants cost around $1,000 each.
Very Clean and State-of-the-Art
Cleanliness is obviously important. All the staff wear gloves and masks, and there are special containers for any tissue or blood his workers come into contact with. Dr. Bolanos even has ozone dispensers in the ceiling over each dental chair that clean and disinfect the air. He routinely takes a longer time doing dental work than many dentists because he prefers a time of recuperation between each step. He applies oral medication to the tooth and sends you home for a day or two so that additional healing can take place. 
After a tour of his office, it also became clear that Dr. Bolanos
prides himself on his state-of-the-art equipment. All of the
extensive range of equipment appeared to be relatively new and some of
it rather unique. He has a Halimeter that measures the level of sulphur in your breath, or halitosis. Following the diagnosis, he can prescribe a solution. On the day we were last there, the workmen were installing a brand new steam autoclave for sterilizing his dental equipment. The next day, he and his lab assistant were off to Bogotá, Colombia, to purchase a new kiln for firing crowns and inlays and to take a training course. To insure quality, he prefers to make his own crowns and in-lays. He also sells the products to other dentists in Ibarra. Dr. Bolanos is doing his best to improve dentistry in Ecuador. I had a new state-of-the-art zirconia crown installed over my root canal. Zirconia is the latest in crown material. It is completely non-metallic, extremely hard and resistant to wear and corrosion. The zirconia crowns are made in Quito with a special oven that costs $85,000. Gary used to sell industrial ceramics for Kyocera. He says that zirconia is one of the hardest, most durable ceramics made, and it is completely non-toxic. |
| Bolanos’
x-ray equipment was purchased from the states. Even though it
uses low radiation, he also uses a lead vest to protect from even the
minimum amount of radiation. His x-rays machines are controlled and tested by the National Institute of Radiation in Ecuador. They check his machines with a meter twice a year. They can revoke a dentist’s license or impose a penalty if the machine isn’t calibrated properly or the x-ray equipment is faulty. |
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Dr. Zureta is His Highly-Qualified Associate
One other dentist, Zulema Zureta, works with Dr. Bolanos. She is a specialist in children’s dentistry and prosthetics. She has post-graduate degree training in Quito in aesthetics and prosthetics.  A Canadian friend of ours had work done by Dr. Zureta this winter that cost $5,000 here. It sounded expensive until he told us that he received a $13,000 quotation in Canada seven years ago for the same work! Needless to say, he was delighted with the price as well as the quality.
Perhaps You Want to Consider a Dental Vacation?
The last time I had dental work in the U.S., I thought I was going to have to mortgage my house or sell my car. Frankly, it was absurd. This time, I was actually smiling when we paid the bill. Gary and I both had our root canals re-done. In addition, I had a zirconia crown, a complete cleaning and a teeth whitening. Gary had oral surgery to go along with his root canal, (Dr. Bolanos managed to save the crown that was already on the tooth) a broken tooth rebuild that was broken, fillings on four teeth that had tooth brush abrasion around the gums , a cleaning and teeth whitening. Total cost for the two of us--$946. You can generally figure that costs will be between one-quarter and one-third the cost of similar work in the states. It’s feasible to vacation in Ecuador, have dental work and save the price of the trip! And Pro-Ecuador.com can help you find a house or condo vacation rental. Contact us for more information.
From Yellow Fangs to White Pearls
I had never considered having my teeth whitened, but after examining mine thoroughly and comparing the color to a tooth chart, mine fit the yellow fang category. Obviously, some cosmetic work was needed. Gary’s teeth were more yellow than mine, so we decided to lighten up together. Dr. Bollanos uses an advanced tooth-whitening system, made in the U.S. by the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. All materials he uses are approved by the FDA. A small, dainty dark-skinned young woman with soulful deep brown eyes performed my teeth whitening procedure. She has worked for Dr. Bolanos for five years. The others in the office an teasingly call her Mary Jane, Lolita or “The Contessa.” Her real name is Maria Dolores and her touch is as dainty as she is. She was extremely solicitous, making sure I was comfortable at all times. She opened a drawer and pulled out a bright-blue plastic cheek retractor and after delicately lubricating my lips with Vaseline, she inserted it. As careful as she was, it still felt like having a kitchen sink stuffed into my mouth. She added cotton pads and the “saliva sucker” and went to work. Both Gary and I were very pleased with the outcome of our teeth whitening. Except for a little sensitivity for a few hours immediately after, there were no side effects. If your teeth are sensitive, the dentist will coat them with a protective cover that firms up and then can easily be removed later. The procedure took longer than was recommended for both of us. Keeping my mouth open for so long was uncomfortable.
The Best Teeth Cleaning Ever
Gary commented that the teeth cleaning Dr. Bolano’s staff gave him was the best, most thorough he has ever had. A friend of ours, who has lived here for many years, reported the same. She raves about the dental care she receives from her. She said her cleaning was comparable to excellent ones she has had in the U.S 
A picture on the bulletin board from a happy customer
Dr. Bolanos’ office is very clean and very cheerful. He is extremely personable, always greeting his patients by name and giving them a hug, a kiss or a pat on the back. He laughs and jokes with his staff, who obviously enjoy working with him. He does his best to make your visit as comfortable, painless and entertaining as possible. His extensive music collection has everything from local favorites like Besa Mi Mucho to Country and Western, Rock 'N Roll, Cuban and Salsa. One CD, Shakira’s, “Oral Fixation,” seemed especially appropriate! Television visors are available if you are in the dental chair for long periods of time. There’s an oral video camera so you can see your teeth being worked on. Overall, Dr. Bolanos and his staff make the sometimes unpleasant aspects of dental care more palatable. After our own personal experience, and that of several friends, we feel we can highly recommend Dr. Bolanos to our readers. If you want to arrange an appointment, please contact us. Dentistry in Ecuador provides a great bargain for North American visitors and residents. |
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