Our special report on medical tourism triggered one of our viewers to come forward with her own horror story.

The Palm Coast resident said she is living in constant pain after she traveled to Costa Rica for dental implants.

She talked with WFTV in hopes of warning others.

Helen Hyjek wanted that perfect smile, and at first glance-- she does. But it hurts.

She is one of the estimated 100 million Americans without dental insurance. Like so many others, she found dentists are a lot cheaper in Costa Rica, a country pushing medical tourism.

She got upper and lower implants for one third of the cost of getting the same work done in America.

"So this was no dental vacation?" WFTV asked.

"Absolutely not, this has become a dental nightmare," said Hyjek.

An estimated 750,000 Americans go overseas for medical treatment each year to save money or get not-yet-approved procedures.

University of Central Florida professor of health services Dr. Aaron Lieberman said medical tourism is here to stay, but getting dental work done abroad is riskier.

"I would have great reservations about doing that. General medical care, none," said Lieberman.

Hyjek said she did her research, contacted other patients, and has been back three times to try and get her issues fixed.

But still, she said her teeth are too big, her gums bleed and her mouth hurts 24/7. She also has trouble eating solid food.

"I would say look for another alternative because when you go outside the U.S. it's a gamble," said Hyjek.

And one that cost her $15,000 and constant emotional and physical distress

"The teeth, if they do make contact, sound like nails to a chalkboard," she said.

Lieberman said mistakes happen everywhere but unlike the U.S., there is little legal recourse overseas.

Hyjek said she doesn't have the money to get her problem fixed and said she now has to live with her mistake.