Hi, I am in need of a good oral surgeon from the DR?

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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Hi guys.

I want this procedure done because I have excess maxilla. For those that don't know what that is when someone's gum shows a lot when they smile. In other words, my gum are bigger than my teeth and when I smile or talk it sticks out and shows a lot.

I didn't know that this was a medical condition and that it impacts your looks. It will make it look like you have a long face and no chin definition but in reality you do but since my upper jaw is so big it overtakes my lower jaw.

The procedure can be done in the USA but it is too expensive and I know the DR has a lot good surgeons, you just have to do a lot of research.

http://www.drposnick.com/orthognathic/max_excess.html
Here is a link so that you guys can see what it is.
Orthognathic Surgery - Figure 5


So if any of you know any good oral surgeon from the DR please let me know I would greatly appreciated.

By the way I would prefer if the surgeon is in Santo Domingo.

I need a oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
 
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Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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Dental Cibao.... The new Santiago clinic is by far in the best in this country, it would put many in the USA and Europe to shame. Plus it's the most complete, in terms of specialist areas covered by the various dentists.

Send them an email, let them know you came via DR1, they will look after you.

Smile Design at Dental Cibao - Medical & Dental - Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Their maxillofacial surgeon is Dr. Ricardo Rojas.
I believe he trained under Dr. Cesar Guerrero (Venezuela), reputed to be one of the best in the world. Ask any good maxillofacial surgeon in the USA, they will know him.

I know a lot about this stuff, I'm about to under a complete reconstruction.
The only people I trust here, have the technology and experience to undertake what I need are at Dental Cibao.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.
 

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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Thank you guys.

So far I have a list of a few people that when I go to DR I will go to talk to. The reason why I requested dentists from the capital is because I am closer, Santiago is too far for me.

I have a question do you know how much it will be in US Dollars for gum surgery/jaw surgery or at least an estimate?


I am Dominican but when it comes to this condition, I will have to talk to them in English.

I will be emailing Dr. Qui?ones.
 
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Ken

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No decent dentist is going to give you an estimate without seeing you.

Robert is right, but I think it is safe to say it will cost less than in the US.

Based on cost of the knee and hip replacements that my wife had done at Clinica Abreu, probably quite a bit less than in the US.
 

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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Oh I understand that they won't be able to tell me exactly the price since I haven't gone for a consultation personally.

I just want to know the estimate for example around $2,000 USD? I just need to know because I need to save money up.

In the USA this surgery can cost me from $10,000-$30,000 USD and even more than that.
 

Ken

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I suggest you be as detailed as you can in your message to the doctor, and include some photos if they help him understand what is required. The more information you give him, the more likely it is that he will be able to give you a ball park figure, but understanding that is subject to change when you are actually examined.

Keep in mind, too, that the longer it takes to save up the money, the more likely it is the actual cost is likely to be higher than any estimate.

I'm sure the doctor will understand you need time to get your money together, so with the details you provide him, he can probably give you a range if you were to have the work done soon after you get it and if there are no problems not indicated in the material you send him.
 

Robert

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How long is a piece of string?

My car will not start... A mechanic will not give you an estimate based on that type of self diagnosis. They want to see the car before giving an estimate to fix it.

Nobody on here can give you an estimate, ball park or approximation, we are not dentists.
No dentist wil give you an estimate without seeing you, so don't waste your time asking or looking.
 
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Not a dentist, no idea what you need for work, but if you have been getting estimates of $10-30 thousand and up in the US I would not look for Two thousand in the DR. Prices are much cheaper but I sincerely doubt they will be 5-10% of US prices

From your brief explanation I wonder if you are looking at something similar to what friends daughter had, her entire bottom jaw had to be "extended" and multiple other adjustment's; not anything like a dental makeover or implants etc, talking major oral maxillary surgery, likely multiple procedures

Besides, I have no idea what I am talking about :-(
 

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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I suggest you be as detailed as you can in your message to the doctor, and include some photos if they help him understand what is required. The more information you give him, the more likely it is that he will be able to give you a ball park figure, but understanding that is subject to change when you are actually examined.

Keep in mind, too, that the longer it takes to save up the money, the more likely it is the actual cost is likely to be higher than any estimate.

I'm sure the doctor will understand you need time to get your money together, so with the details you provide him, he can probably give you a range if you were to have the work done soon after you get it and if there are no problems not indicated in the material you send him.

Thank you. I emailed Dr. Quinone and I gave him the details of how I started searching for a maxillofacial surgeon. I have actually spoken with my dentist and an orthodontist but he then wanted to do a "CAMOUFLAGE" work on me. He supposedly spoke to an oral surgeon here but there is no way I am going to pay for a camouflage work saying that it would be surgery free and no pain. I am like GOODBYE(because this is not going to fix the real issues of my jaw, which yeah I hate my gummy smile but that's not the only problem). I already have pictures of my smile I took it with the webcam but I will take newer pictures with my digital camera so that they can come out clearer. I explained to him my problem with my horrible gum and how I have a receding chin and when I close my mouth I have to kind of force it.

For Robert, I was just asking for the average estimate just like I got it from my orthodontist the $10,000-$30,000 USD. However, I am very aware because I visit forums that discuss Oral (Orthognathic) Surgery that the cost can even be higher than that. I just need to have the average prices in mind that's all and since none of you have gotten this procedure done than I can see how you would not know. I asked if people knew and is fine that any of you don't know. I understand what you are saying, but I was just curious because of the different currencies.

IslandDreaming hey thanks for replying. I believe that is the average cost, I have read that it can cost more for let say if people are getting the two jaws done. Also, if you are staying at the hospital here in the USA it can cost a lot more.

I will wait for Dr.Quinones' reply and I will keep contacting different oral surgeons to see their prices. Once I have saved a good amount of money and I am off from school I will go to the DR for a consultation.

My upper jaw...my gums show a lot when I smile, my gums stick out. Have you seen a horse's mouth? LOL then that what is a person's mouth with my problem will look like when I smile and talk all you see is GUMS. Normally a person is only supposed to show a small amount of gums but I show wayyyyyy more than the normal amount. So the oral surgeon will cut some of extra gum tissue and then put it back up with some stitches. I have an overbite which is when your teeth do not meet because the upper jaw grew more. Some people have a lower bite which is when their lower jaw is way far behind than their upper jaw and it looks like their chin is allll the way back. Hope that made sense lol.

Thanks everyone.
 
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SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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Not a dentist, no idea what you need for work, but if you have been getting estimates of $10-30 thousand and up in the US I would not look for Two thousand in the DR. Prices are much cheaper but I sincerely doubt they will be 5-10% of US prices

From your brief explanation I wonder if you are looking at something similar to what friends daughter had, her entire bottom jaw had to be "extended" and multiple other adjustment's; not anything like a dental makeover or implants etc, talking major oral maxillary surgery, likely multiple procedures

Besides, I have no idea what I am talking about :-(


I tried adding more stuff to explain it to you well but it said that I can only edit 10 minutes after.


My upper jaw...my gums show a lot when I smile, my gums stick out. Have you seen a horse's mouth? LOL then that what is a person's mouth with my problem will look like when I smile and talk all you see is GUMS. Normally a person is only supposed to show a small amount of gums but I show way more than the normal amount. So the oral surgeon will cut some of the extra gum tissue and then put it back up with some stitches. I have an overbite which is when your teeth do not meet because the upper jaw grew more while your lower jaw is smaller. This condition makes my face look longer and the condition is also called long face syndrome. Some people have an under bite(this is the right term not lower bite) which is when their lower jaw is way far behind than their upper jaw and it looks like their chin is all the way back. Hope that made sense lol.

Here is a video on youtube is only a few seconds long that shows what it is.(nothing gross, they use some drawing).

YouTube - Maxillary Impaction Surgery - Vertical Maxillary Excess
 

Berzin

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Nov 17, 2004
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For a procedure of this magnitude, you must set aside initial costs and consider the overall by starting step by step. You're trying to do it backwards, asking for a set price in advance. That's not going to work. You're not pricing out a used car here.

Plus, this is not an outpatient procedure. You will be in the hospital for a while and more than likely will have to have braces put on by an orthodontist beforehand because your jaw will be wired shut for 6-8 weeks.

You MUST go to the DR and do all the necessary consultations, including the examinations of x-rays and what the total procedure would entail.

Don't expect to jump on a plane three days after the surgery. You should stay in the DR for at least another week or two until the swelling goes down. You will look like you've been kicked in the face by a horse. Want to get on a plane looking and feeling like that?

I am well aware of such procedures. I was quote $45,000 US for a corrective jaw procedure here in NYC, with the anesthesiologist and hospital stay billed separately so I know the costs can skyrocket out of this world once you do all the math.

Here is what you should do-

1) Don't take any photos or do anything yourself. Fly down to Santiago and schedule the necessary appointments, let the doctor see you and ask him all your questions in person. You've already been given the name of an excellent surgeon, now it's time to fly down and meet him.

2) Whatever the cost is, consider the hospital stay and at least a week or two in the DR while you recover, unless you want to rush back on a plane and risk your head exploding like in the movie "Scanners".

3) You must have a doctor lined up at home to deal with any issues that may come up unless you plan to make arrangements to stay in the DR until it's time to have your jaw unwired.

4) You're going to need a family member or two at our side during all this. They may charge you more the the doctor does for the surgery, so count on that as an additional expense. :cheeky:

Such surgical procedures aren't done all that much because of the expense and the fact that medical insurance considers it a cosmetic procedure, despite the fact that conditions such as yours causes many problems. So I understand you wanting to look for alternatives.

But in this case, for a positive outcome you must take the advice on this board and go step by step and leave the "how much" for last.

This may not be what you want to hear, but to do things right you may have to change course.
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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SunshineBeauty87, let me give you some history.

I have a jaw issue that I was born with that requires surgery to fix.
I have consulted with some of the best maxillofacial surgeons in the UK, USA, DR and in Venezuela. Prices ranged from US$30,000 to as low as US$7,000 to fix the problem.

It looks like I will go for a reconstruction using CEREC technology as I'm pretty sure I don't want to go through the 12-18 months of recovery for jaw surgery, but before they install the final ceramic implants, I plan to visit Dr. Guerrero, just to get his opinion, as it's still possible to perform surgery at this stage of my reconstruction.

If cost is an issue, I suggest you do some research on Dr. Cesar Guerrero in Venezuela.
He's the director of Santa Rosa Maxillofacial Surgery Center in Caracas.
He's one of the best this end of the world, very well known and reasonable priced.
He and his staff will consulte with you via video Skype if needed.
 

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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For a procedure of this magnitude, you must set aside initial costs and consider the overall by starting step by step. You're trying to do it backwards, asking for a set price in advance. That's not going to work. You're not pricing out a used car here.

Plus, this is not an outpatient procedure. You will be in the hospital for a while and more than likely will have to have braces put on by an orthodontist beforehand because your jaw will be wired shut for 6-8 weeks.

You MUST go to the DR and do all the necessary consultations, including the examinations of x-rays and what the total procedure would entail.

Don't expect to jump on a plane three days after the surgery. You should stay in the DR for at least another week or two until the swelling goes down. You will look like you've been kicked in the face by a horse. Want to get on a plane looking and feeling like that?

I am well aware of such procedures. I was quote $45,000 US for a corrective jaw procedure here in NYC, with the anesthesiologist and hospital stay billed separately so I know the costs can skyrocket out of this world once you do all the math.

Here is what you should do-

1) Don't take any photos or do anything yourself. Fly down to Santiago and schedule the necessary appointments, let the doctor see you and ask him all your questions in person. You've already been given the name of an excellent surgeon, now it's time to fly down and meet him.

2) Whatever the cost is, consider the hospital stay and at least a week or two in the DR while you recover, unless you want to rush back on a plane and risk your head exploding like in the movie "Scanners".

3) You must have a doctor lined up at home to deal with any issues that may come up unless you plan to make arrangements to stay in the DR until it's time to have your jaw unwired.

4) You're going to need a family member or two at our side during all this. They may charge you more the the doctor does for the surgery, so count on that as an additional expense. :cheeky:

Such surgical procedures aren't done all that much because of the expense and the fact that medical insurance considers it a cosmetic procedure, despite the fact that conditions such as yours causes many problems. So I understand you wanting to look for alternatives.

But in this case, for a positive outcome you must take the advice on this board and go step by step and leave the "how much" for last.

This may not be what you want to hear, but to do things right you may have to change course.

Yeah I know, I will go to DR and stay there for 3 to 4 months, I am not going there now, I am still doing research until I find a good doctor and then I will go for consultations.

I know what you are talking about also regarding the xrays, I got it done here in the USA and I paid 212 for that. They took pictures of my profile, of me smiling, they did several xrays and they took a sample of my teeth with something that is sort of like a clay is what they do when someone needs braces.

I have had braces before when I was younger but the orthodontist that I had didn't do a very good job so my teeth still need braces, the orthodontist that I saw here in NYC too told me and he quoted me a price of $3,700 USD. But I was told like you said that for this procedure I will need braces again.


Believe me, I was not asking for a set price more like an estimate of what the average cost for that operation is. I know I will have to stay in a hospital for a few days and then wait the recovery period.

I cannot go to Santiago because is too far from me, I am from Bani and so Santo Domingo is closer to me so if you know any more doctors from la capital please let me know. I have plenty of family members over there so they will take care of me lol.

Yikes tell me about the medical insurance part, that's why I decided to get it done in the DR. I was told that they wouldn't cover it because like you said...they see it as aesthetics not as a medical condition that is hindering your health. Plus, here it will cost a lot of money, I know hospitals here charge a lot when you stay a few days in the hospital. I have had surgery done before but it was to removed my tonsils so that my medical insurance covered it and they covered my braces the first time too.

I am not flying to DR now, I am in school. I am doing all my research now because whenever I am ready for the surgery I will stay in DR for months.
 

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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SunshineBeauty87, let me give you some history.

I have a jaw issue that I was born with that requires surgery to fix.
I have consulted with some of the best maxillofacial surgeons in the UK, USA, DR and in Venezuela. Prices ranged from US$30,000 to as low as US$7,000 to fix the problem.

It looks like I will go for a reconstruction using CEREC technology as I'm pretty sure I don't want to go through the 12-18 months of recovery for jaw surgery, but before they install the final ceramic implants, I plan to visit Dr. Guerrero, just to get his opinion, as it's still possible to perform surgery at this stage of my reconstruction.

If cost is an issue, I suggest you do some research on Dr. Cesar Guerrero in Venezuela.
He's the director of Santa Rosa Maxillofacial Surgery Center in Caracas.
He's one of the best this end of the world, very well known and reasonable priced.
He and his staff will consulte with you via video Skype if needed.

Oh I see...sadly though if he only operates in Venezuela I won't be able to go. I do know some people that my mom knows that lives there but I wouldn't feel comfortable just showing up in their home since we are not related. I don't want to go and be in a country by myself, at least in the Dr you know I'll have my family to take care of me during the procedure and to take me to the clinic back and forth.

I am a College student and so I am just looking through some doctors(find good, reputable ones). Save a good amount of money and go for consultations. Chances are that I will end up getting this procedure done in mid 2012 because I want to stay in the DR for months for my recovery and I know previous to a surgery like that they will need to check you up to see if everything is going well.

I have been frustrated with this thing because I wish I had known earlier in life although I am still very young that I could get this thing done. This issue has impacted my life and my self esteem. :eek:

By the way everyone thank you so much for the advices and the tips, I appreciated it.;)
 

Berzin

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I have been frustrated with this thing because I wish I had known earlier in life although I am still very young that I could get this thing done. This issue has impacted my life and my self esteem.

This is reason enough to have it done.

Anything worthwhile in life involves sacrifice, and thankfully we live in a world where you're not stuck having to live with this issue.

Go and do the consultation asap so you know what you'll be dealing with.

Forget about location-you can get from Bani to Santiago, that's not a problem.

I figure as an estimate that 7-10 thousand US would be a a ballpark figure to aim at, but at this stage it's way too early to tell. Just trying to give you a number to shoot for.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!
 

mountainannie

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Dec 11, 2003
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Sunshine....

As I said Dr Quinones is the head maxillo facial surgeon here at Clinic Abreu.. he does the major jaw work there.. for instance, for folks who have been in car accidents and need full reconstructions. His work is meticulous and perfect.. as is the work done by his interns (who do the little drilling and filling bits)..

The only thing is that the work here takes longer than work in the States.. for instance, he made me wear the temporary mock up of my permanent five unit fixed bridge for three months before cementing the permanent one.. to see if it fit perfectly (it does!) something that I do not think a US oral surgeon would do.. (It fell out a couple of times and I had to call him on his cell to get him to come to his office in off hours and put it back in.. something that NO US surgeon would do either)

This is by way of saying that I think that you are going to perhaps be here for a while.. to have the work done/// Although I do not know the procedure.. which is perhaps done all at once.

And, as Robert said, I doubt that he will give you a price via email.. but perhaps
 

SunshineBeauty87

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Mar 26, 2011
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This is reason enough to have it done.

Anything worthwhile in life involves sacrifice, and thankfully we live in a world where you're not stuck having to live with this issue.

Go and do the consultation asap so you know what you'll be dealing with.

Forget about location-you can get from Bani to Santiago, that's not a problem.

I figure as an estimate that 7-10 thousand US would be a a ballpark figure to aim at, but at this stage it's way too early to tell. Just trying to give you a number to shoot for.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!


Aww thank you, you guys are so nice.

I swear I have been called names when I was younger but I never knew that my gums were this big. My family members have also made fun of me but again is like you dont start seeing somethings until other people pointed it out. My mouth looks like a horsey when I open it and when I have it close down you can see that my gum stick out. I have had kids in middle school asking me why are your gums like that? I am like what are you talking about I don't know.

If I was to post pictures lol you guys would be disgusted. But then one time I had a birthday party in the DR and then when I saw the video here in the USA, that's when I saw that it was that bad. :eek:

I have been called a horsey, boca de piano and other horrible names :(.

I wouldnt have a problem getting to Santiago is just for the surgery I would like to be closer to home. Oh and the greatest irony of all of this is that I LOVE TO LAUGH a lot.

Mountainannie ok thank you for all that information. If the man does surgery for all that then he must be a great doctor. I am going to have to plan how I am going to do this. I know that in the DR life is not as fast as it is here in the USA. I would have to a long consultation as to what I am getting done and how and everything.

See I am trying to find a good time because I am in College and we are off at the end of May-the end of August. We are also off in December-the end of January.

I have an idea. I am going to DrRthis upcoming December so perhaps thats when I should go for a consultation since the vacation time is shorter. But then with holidays and stuff....sigh.

Then for the surgery I would go there from May to August.

Or do you guys have any suggestion?

Wait mountainannie you also just gave me a great idea. I am going to ask him for how long would I have to be in the DR from consultation up to the procedure and recovery. If there are things to be done before the surgery besides the xray.
 
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