I was referred to the following dentist by a friend who has used him and recommended him. I went for an appt. and liked him but I need major dental work (caps, stems, etc.) and would like a couple of extra referrals by other expats if possible.
He also works at one of the hospitals in David volunteering his services.
Clinica Dental
Friend says they call him Dr. O who is Dr. Octavio Ortega Barraza
Located at Calle A Sur, David
I am having trouble eating because my cap is loose.
Any referrals would be appreciated.
Thanks, Angie
Replies
Hi i am looking to new dentures made i on SSI so I would like to know the price. Reggie Harvill 507 65872019 I only speak English
I have been to Dr. Halphen in David to have repairs done to an implant. He speaks reasonable English and seemed quite competent. He has a large, well equiped office. A liitle more expensive than others. Ask for price first.
775-3344
Terry
This thread prompted me to write a new post for my personal blog, even though my current dental work is not completed. I enjoy writing, and decided to use my excellent Chiriqui Province dental experiences as a subject for a new post - a longish journey into "Dental Land" - which I will be posting shortly at my personal blog - dvanharn.blogspot.com. (I do the blog mainly for friends and family.)
Below is an excerpt from the blog post:
=============================================
After I first arrived in Boquete for my four month initial visit last February, I went to Dra. Monica Sanjur, a dentist here in Boquete, for cleanings and a root planing under Novocaine of a problematic upper left molar under novocaine. She speaks good English, is pleasant, and seemed to be quite competent. I've met folks who use her for all their dental work, and are satisfied with the results. She brings in specialists from Panama City to do things like implants, but I really wanted to have a local implant specialist, not one who was 300 miles away, which could lead to compromises in care.
My mouth is susceptible to bacterial gum problems - gingivitis, and have had particular problems with my gums around an upper left molar. Even after cleaning and a root planing in March, I had pain at the site of that molar, which was a crown on a root canal, and should have no feeling. I finally realized that the tooth was a bit loose and the pain was in the gums and bone around the root.
I had gone with a friend to David on a shopping trip and he had an appointment with Dr. Franklin Halphen, a dentist originally from Brazil. Dr. Halphen speaks fairly good English, and is trained in almost all of the dental specialties - periodontics, endodontics, and implants, and updates his skills and technique yearly at international dental meetings and training sessions. His waiting room is elegant, well furnished and clean, and his clinic spaces are immaculate.
Dr. Halphen took a quick look at my problem without an appointment, and ordered a panoramic x-ray - using an x-ray machine that even my U.S. dentist didn't have. He discovered that I had a bite problem - an issue that Dra. Sanjur had missed. I have uneven teeth, and a really weird bite (from a dentist's perspective), and my problem may have been related to losing the molar on the other side of my mouth which changed my bite a little. Dr. Halphen used the dental marking paper that you grind on with your bite to identify the high spots, and with the hands of a very skilled sculptor - a true artist - used his dental handpiece to very carefully reshape the top of that problematic tooth. My bite improved immediately, the low-grade pain disappeared over the next few days, and the tooth tightened up in it's socket. I was very impressed.
Dr. Halphen speaks adequate English, as does Angie, one of his assistants. He is the best dentist I have ever had, and truly an artist and sculptor who really knows his trade, who stays on top of the latest technology and techniques, does extremely good work and has a great personality. I actually look forward to my visits to his office.
I recommend Dr. Halphen without hesitation for all dental work.
I am currently waiting for the full healing of my implant to do the crown on it, which will be in April. I am also halfway through the replacement of another crown - the problem tooth mentioned above - that had decay under it. If you're interested in more about this dental journey, please read my blog.
775-3344 so you can call and ask.
My husband and I both go to Dr.Speigel (the Son). I have seen other folks from Boquete there also. Professional office.
Recently lost 1/2 a tooth..he took care of it..needed a crown.. 2 appointments and the porcelin crown $250..Dave has had bridge made..
He is Panamanian, speaks excellent English..and besides being a great Dentist....he is also a nice,kind man. Important to me.
Easy to find..not far off the Hwy. in David. 775-2683
You may mention our names Dave and Erin Ross
My husband also went to Dr Speigel and we were very pleased. There is a post about it on my blog A Trip to the Dentist You will also see a picture of the dentist with my happy husband.
We had the pleasure of meeting Erin in the waiting room! Hi Erin! :) ~~~~~~ waving
If you are on the Pan American, turn south (towards downtown) at the intersection in front of KFC. There will be a big sports field on your left, and just past the end of this this look on your right and the office is there with a white sign in front, 2 story building.
I agree, Dr Speigel is a nice man, and my husband said he was very gentle and considerate about his comfort. We plan to stay with him for all of our dental needs.
Kris
Hola Kris,
How fun...waving back!
Enjoyed your blog and the comments back re the contrasts in Dentistry here and in US.
Isn't living in Panama an adventure and joy?
I think your experiences with your "Mom" living with you here would also be helpful to others in Chiriqui.
Salud, Erin
Hi Erin :) Yes, we are having such a good time here and we really love it. I'm sure stories of my mom in law will come up from time to time if there is something interesting, and if she doesn't mind me talking about her. For now though, other than an occasional medical appointment or outing, she's just chillin at the house. Today is her 93rd birthday!
Thanks Dave and Erin Ross. Did Dr. Speigel have reasonable prices for a crown?
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