Dentistry in Monterrey

Dentistry, also known as oral medicine and dental medicine, is a branch of medicine that comprises the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the teeth, supporting structures, and the soft tissue of the mouth. Although the field of dentistry is mainly associated with teeth among the general public, it is actually not limited to teeth but also encompasses the treatment and conditions of the jaws and oral cavity, such as cleft palate.

In addition to general practice, dentistry has a number of specialties and subspecialties, including:

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – this involves the straightening of teeth and the modification of midface and mandibular growth. While orthodontics involves the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics entails the guidance of facial growth and development, which mostly occur during childhood.
• Pediatric dentistry – also known as pedodontics, pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty dealing with the care of children’s teeth.
• Periodontics – this dental specialty is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontal membrane, as well as related tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
• Prosthodontics – this dental specialty involves the restoration and maintenance of oral appearance, function, and comfort using prostheses, such as crowns. This specialty also provides oral prostheses to correct deformities, such as cleft palate.
• Endodontics – this involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, as well as the surrounding tissues.
• Public health dentistry – this dental specialty’s primary concern is the prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease (disease of tissues that surrounds the teeth). On a larger scale, it involves the improvement of oral health in large populations.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery – this involves the extractions, implants, and surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology – this involves the study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology – this involves the study, diagnosis, and, in some cases, treatments of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.
• Special needs dentistry – this specialty deals with dental treatments for those with developmental and acquired disabilities.
• Geriatric dentistry – also known as geriodontics, this specialty delivers dental care to older adults and involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of problems associated with age-related diseases.

Dental treatments are performed by a dental team, which usually consists of dentists and dental auxiliaries (dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental technicians, and dental therapists).

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to diagnose and manage issues that affect the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity. The following are some of the most common dental procedures:

• Comprehensive examination – this type of procedure evaluates your overall oral health. A comprehensive dental exam typically includes dental evaluation, dental health assessment, bite and jaw examination, cavity check, restoration examination, teeth cleaning and stains removal, dental X-Rays, oral cancer screening, medications review, and a lesson on oral hygiene. A general dentist will discuss with you your current oral health, including your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health problems they may have seen through the examination. If any potential issues are found, your dentist will give you their prevention recommendations.
• Routine cleanings – this type of procedure is carried out to remove the buildup of tartar and bacteria that accumulate in between your teeth and gums. Routine mouth cleaning is important to maintain good oral health.
• Dental bonding – this procedure is used to repair decayed, chipped, discolored, or fractured teeth, as well as to reduce gaps between teeth. It can also be used to build up older teeth in order to make them appear younger. The goal of the procedure is to improve a person’s smile. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Then, the resin is hardener under an ultraviolet laser or light. Afterward, the resin material is shaped and polished to ensure the result looks natural and smooth.
• Braces – a dental brace is a device used to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. It can improve the health and appearance of your smile. It works by exerting steady pressure over time to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
• Crowns and caps – a dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a decayed, broken, badly stained, or misshaped tooth to improve its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal, metal, ceramic, or resin. Before a crown is placed, the existing tooth is filed down. Then, the crown is applied over it using special cement, thus fully encasing the tooth. The whole process is usually performed under local anesthetic.
• Bridges – Dental bridges are used to close (or bridge) the gaps in your teeth if you have missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It can be made from a wide variety of materials, even gold. However, dental bridges are typically made from porcelain to make it blend in with your natural teeth.
• Implants – Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium that provide a strong foundation for the attachment of removable or permanent crowns. It is done to replace damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants can look and function much like real teeth. The process of placing a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Extractions – a severely damaged tooth due to excessive tooth decay or tooth infection that cannot be saved needs to be pulled out. Tooth extractions may also be done to resolve crowding, as well as for those who get braces. Tooth extraction procedure can be simple or surgical, depending on the state of your tooth. Simple tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthetic, while surgical tooth extraction may involve general anesthesia.
• Dentures – dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can be complete or partial. Partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain, while complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing.
• Gum surgery – mostly known as periodontal surgery, this type of procedure is often required to treat certain gum conditions and diseases, such as periodontitis or gingivitis. Its goal is to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused.
• Filling and repairs – to treat a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth can be removed and then “filled.” Fillings can also be done to repair broken or cracked teeth.
• Veneers – Dental veneers are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth to improve your appearance. It can be made from resin composite or porcelain. However, the most popular material is porcelain as they look more natural than composite veneers.
• Root canals – this procedure is done to repair and save a tooth that becomes infected or badly decayed. The root canal procedure involves removing the pulp and nerve from a tooth. The inside of your tooth is then cleaned and sealed. This procedure can prevent the tissue that surrounds the tooth from being infected.

How Long Should I Stay in Monterrey?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you get. For most dental procedures, you can leave the clinic or hospital on the same day. However, if you undergo a surgical procedure, then you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Note that most dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. Therefore, although you can leave the hospital on the same day, you may need to stay in Monterrey for several days or weeks until all of your appointment is completed. In some cases, you may need two separate travel to Monterrey.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the procedure you undergo, the reason you need the procedure, and your general health. Your dentist will give you a recovery timeline, which includes the time frame when you can go back to work, resume your normal routine, and perform vigorous activities, such as exercise.

What About Aftercare?

Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. The instructions may include diet, restrictions, and how to care for the treated area. You may feel some discomfort and pain for the first few days and your dentist may prescribe pain medications. Make sure to take the medications as instructed.

To maintain the result of your procedure, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash every day. It is also important that you have dental examinations regularly. In addition, you need to avoid damaging habits, such as biting your nails or chewing hard items.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of dentistry is constantly improving and advancing. Experienced and skilled dentists should be able to provide high success rates for the procedures they perform. Still, risks and side effects are possible. These include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures. To avoid these risks and side effects, make sure to choose a certified dentist with proven track records.

Are there Alternatives to Dentistry?

Any problems in your jaw, teeth, and oral cavity are diagnosed, treated, and prevented by the practice of dentistry. Therefore, there are no other alternatives than to see your dentist. However, if your problem is found to be caused by other diseases, your dentist may refer you to the relevant doctors.

Dentistry in and around Monterrey

About Monterrey

Nuevo León, a northeastern state in Mexico, takes pride in its capital, Monterrey, a major financial hub for the nation. Serving as a manufacturing and industrial center, Monterrey is also home to a plethora of large Mexican and international businesses. With an impressive GDP (PPP) amounting to US$ 123 billion, it holds the distinction of being the second-most productive city in Mexico. Additionally, its population marking of 5 million residents simultaneously places it as the country's third-most populous city.

Monterrey has successfully carved out a reputation in the tourism sector, particularly drawing global attention as a favored destination for medical tourism. The underlying factors for this growing attraction can be attributed to the following reasons:

• The healthcare industry, banking, and telecommunication are the pillars of the City’s economy.
• The City has some acclaimed hospitals that offer cutting edge treatments. Most hospitals have JCI accreditation, a certification that ensures safety and quality across the healthcare industry.
• Low prices and above-average quality of medical care are the two main reasons that attract medical tourist attention.
• Proximity to the US also provides a big advantage to patients and tourists from the United States of America.
• The most popular procedures are breast augmentation and liposuction and are performed at Dr. Sauceda Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alvar Garcia Plastic Surgery Monterrey, and Dr. David Kirsch M.D. Cosmetic Surgery

Popular Areas in Monterrey

• The Macroplaza is the largest park in Mexico and is surrounded by many historical buildings and museums. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Fundidora Park is a heritage museum and public park that was once home to a steel mill. Today, the park is a popular destination for families and tourists alike, with a variety of attractions including a museum, a zoo, and an amusement park.
• The Museum of Modern Art displays the works of Ricardo Mazal, Antony Gormley, and Jenny Holzer. The museum is noted for its sculpture yard and restaurant.
• Cerro de la Silla, Is popular for its great urban hiking trail up the tall mountain for its fantastic view of Monterrey and the surrounding areas.
• Cerro del Obispado is a historical site that houses a museum and offers panoramic views of the city. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to learn about the history of Monterrey and enjoy the views.
• To get a glimpse of a traditional wrestling match, Coliseo is the place to be. If you are lucky and brave enough, then you may even get to see a traditional bullfight.

Weather and Climate in Monterrey

It has a dry climate and is one of the hottest cities in Mexico, winters tend to be moderate, while summers can reach high levels of heat. The hot season, which spans from May to September, is often accompanied by rainfall. For the rest of the year, the climate remains mild with relatively minimal temperate fluctuations, and there's hardly any rain during the cold season.

Monterrey can exhibit drastic shifts in its weather scenarios. For instance, a sudden shower during the summer can cool the temperatures down significantly. Conversely, the winter season might witness balmy temperatures in the absence of city-crossing winds. Instances of ice, snow, and sleet are quite the rarity in this region.

Getting around in Monterrey

In Monterrey, there are primarily two airports dedicated to catering a variety of air traffic. The main airport used for commercial flights is Monterrey International Airport. The secondary airport, comparatively smaller, primarily serves private and cargo aircraft traffic. Monterrey International Airport efficiently accommodates a mix of both international as well as domestic travel audiences.

American, United, Delta, and Copa are some of the international airlines that connect it to Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Antonio, etc. People can travel to the nearby Mexican cities of Guadalajara, Mexico City, Cancun, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Tijuana using Interjet, Aeromar, Magnicharters, and Volaris. At the same time Interjet, Aeromexico, and Viva Aerobus cater to both domestic and international travelers.

Monterrey houses the largest bus terminal in the northern region of Mexico, offering a significant connectivity advantage. Individuals can travel to and from Monterrey and various other bus stations dispersed across Mexico and the US using trans-border buses. Given Monterrey’s closeness to the US-Mexico border, a car ride from the US is another feasible transportation choice.

Moving around within the city is quite feasible and straightforward. Although efficient, the subway system's coverage is relatively limited. The optimum choice for commuting is the taxi service, which may come with a slightly higher cost compared to bus rides. It's advisable to request the driver to go by the meter to guarantee fair charges.

Tourist Visas in Monterrey

Citizens of 67 countries, including Australia, Canada, Schengen countries, the USA, the UK, and Japan, do not need a tourist visa to visit Monterrey, Mexico, for up to 180 days, as long as their trip does not provide any monetary benefit to them. People who have a valid visa to the US and PR in Canada also do not need a separate visa to enter Mexico. The exemption is available to many countries in South America and the Caribbean Islands also. You can check your eligibility on the official website of the Mexican government.

Citizens of other countries will need to obtain a tourist visa to visit Monterrey, Mexico. The tourist visa is valid for six months from the date of entry. You can apply for a visa at the Mexican consulate in your country.

Required documents for a tourist visa:

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure from Mexico.
• Visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Proof of onward travel, such as a return flight ticket.
• Proof of financial resources, such as a bank statement or credit card statement.
• Visa processing fee.

Additional Information

1. The local currency used in Monterrey, Mexico, is the Mexican peso (MXN). The exchange rate for the Mexican peso fluctuates daily, but it is currently trading between 20 and 21 Mexican pesos to the euro and 18 to 19 Mexican pesos to the US dollar.
2. You can use a credit card for payment at big stores, hospitals, and restaurants. Smaller merchants and establishments may not accept credit cards. Therefore, it is better to carry some local currency. You can also use the ATMs available in the city to withdraw local currency. The use of cards may involve certain transaction charges. Tipping is not compulsory. However, people appreciate some form of tipping; somewhere between 10 to 15 % of the total bill is the norm. Porters also get tipped, say, 10 pesos per bag.
3. Mexico Spanish or Castilian Spanish is the main language here. Locals can also communicate in English as well. It would still be an advantage if you can say some basic phrases in Spanish.
4. The majority of the people living in Monterrey are Christians.
5. Mexicans observe holidays on Christian festivals and some national holidays. Christmas and New Year’s Day are the two main public holidays. Independence Day on 16th September and Revolution day on the third Monday of November are the two main national holidays. Apart from this, there are many other holidays.