What are the 12 Pros and Cons of Dental Implants in Tijuana?
Are you considering getting dental implants from a Tijuana-based dental practice? There are many reasons why many people flock to this Mexican city for this treatment. From quality dental care to low costs, Tijuana offers many benefits for those looking for different dental procedures, including implants.
But as tempting as saving thousands on dental implants is, you still have to weigh factors like convenience and safety.
So, to ensure a smooth dental experience while in Tijuana, let’s check out the pros and cons of getting dental implants in this city.
The Pros
1. Dental Implants Cost Lower (50% to 70% Less) Than in The United States
Patients going to Tijuana for dental implants can save up to 70%, equating to thousands of dollars.
You can get a full arch dental implant in this Mexican city for less than $12,000, incredibly lower than the US average rate of $27,000.
Dental care has become very affordable in this city for several reasons, including:
- Lower labor costs
- Cheaper materials
- Cheap rent
- Lower laboratory costs
- Most tourists seek major dental procedures in the area
All these factors contribute to the lower costs of dental implants in Tijuana. But don’t be mistaken, as a cheaper price tag doesn’t equate to lower-quality work! After all, Mexico houses some of the best dentists worldwide.
Hence, you can get more dental work done because they’ll always be cheaper in Tijuana!
2. It’ll Be As Safe in The United States
Many assume going to Mexico will endanger them. And though you must avoid some shady places in the country, Tijuana isn’t one of them.
Dental tourism in Tijuana has been blooming. And it welcomes tens and thousands of American and Canadian dental tourists yearly. Because of this, border officials and police have prioritized the safety of tourists and locals. Hence, it’s been isolated from the drug cartel violence plaguing Mexico’s lands.
Meanwhile, regarding the basic safety of the dental work done by dentists, they’re as safe as those in the United States. Most dentists in Tijuana use the latest water filtration and sterilization systems. Plus, they’re equipped with the newest dental technologies.
Still, remember that there will always be bad dentists in different places, and Tijuana is no exception. So, always research things before you end up with a less-than-capable practitioner.
But overall, getting dental work done in Tijuana is similar to the United States as long as you go to a qualified and experienced dentist.
3. The Immense Competition Means Cheaper Dental Implants and Higher-Quality Dentistry
Tijuana has continually been crowned one of Mexico’s best cities for dental work. Hence, there has always been intense competition among local dentists.
Their competition gives you access to lower prices and higher quality dental care.
But the best part is dental offices in Tijuana are situated next to one another. With this, you can shop for the best deals on dental implants in Tijuana, Mexico.
But note that dental work quality varies across Tijuana. So, it’s crucial to NEVER decide on a dentist based on the cost alone. After all, there might be bogus practitioners that may coax you into buying cheaper dental implants. And when things go wrong, expect them to charge you more!
4. Tijuana Has Some of the Most Skilled and Reliable Dentists
Many of the leading dentists in Tijuana received their education and training from prestigious schools in the United States. These include UCLA, UPenn, Loma Linda, NYU, etc.
Skills and knowledge aside, you can trust Tijuana-based dentists to have access to modern technology. With this, they can produce top-quality prosthetic work similar to what you’d find in the US.
Here are a few factors you must consider when choosing a dentist to ensure you receive the best dental care available:
- International certifications
- Access to cutting-edge technologies
- Uses the newest equipment
- Global training
- Has years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry
- Knowledgeable
- Utilizes quality control and water sterilization systems
- Has a positive track record
All these should tell you how capable the dentist is, allowing you to distinguish between reliable and unreliable dentists in Tijuana.
Travel is Convenient
Besides the low costs, the convenience drives American patients to go to Tijuana for their dental needs. After all, it’s right next to the US border! You can go through from 6 am to 10 pm, ensuring a safe and easy entry.
Also, dental offices in Tijuana are within a 5- to 10-minute walk from the border. After all, the city’s right next to it!
You have three ways to go to Tijuana from the United States for your dental treatment:
- Option 1: Driving by Car
Since San Diego and Tijuana sit on opposite sides of the border, you should be able to get from point A to point B in less than an hour. You also have the choice to park your vehicle on the US side for a nominal fee, keeping it safe in a gated parking lot.
- Option 2: Flying to Tijuana
Tijuana has an international airport, so you can also travel to the city by air. But only do this if you live far from the border, saving you a few hours of driving.
- Option 3: Public Transportation
You can hire an Uber or taxi to bring you to Tijuana, but this will cost you more than when driving your car. So, only do this if you can’t access a private vehicle.
Get Same-Day Dental Appointments in Tijuana
Tijuana dentistry is swift and efficient, making it convenient for everyone coming in from out of state!
Booking and getting a same-day appointment with a reliable dentist in Tijuana is possible. And since they’ll know you’ll be coming out of state, they’ll assist you ASAP.
It’ll take longer for you to get dental implants with your US dentist. After all, you’ll begin with a general dentist referring you to a periodontist. And from there, you’ll likely need to wait many weeks to get an appointment with the specialist. It doesn’t end there since your oral surgeon will schedule an implant surgery, which won’t happen for another several weeks.
On the other hand, you can have your dental implant surgery as early as the same or the next day in Tijuana.
Before you book your appointment, finding a dentist with the latest in-house CAD-CAM machine is crucial. It ensures the swift completion of your dental implant consultation, offering accurate diagnoses and planning your upcoming oral surgery.
The Cons
Hawkers and Peddlers
Although not as common in Tijuana as in other parts of Mexico, hawkers and peddlers still exist.
They sell bargain basement rates while promising high-quality dental care. And they’ll often be friendly and polite and coax you into having your teeth worked on by their dentists. These people make a living by bringing patients to dental practitioners who pay them a commission.
Although there’s nothing wrong with making money, most reputable dentists in Tijuana do not associate with hawkers and peddlers.
So, no matter how much they guilt-trip you, don’t risk working with a non-reputable dentist!
Research and talk to a dentist you’d like to see in Tijuana and stick to them when you arrive in the city.
Limited Payment Options
Although many dental practices now offer flexible payment methods in Tijuana, it’s not the same everywhere. Many still don’t accept credit cards, making cash a must-bring whenever in the city. And this can be dangerous, especially when crossing the border alone!
Meanwhile, some dental offices accept credit cards but charge an outrageous card processing fee. And your bank might charge overseas transaction fees on top of the 3% to 6% processing fee!
Limited to Non-Existent Recourses If Your Dental Implant Fails
Many dentists in Tijuana promote guarantees in their work. But that doesn’t ensure they’ll honor their word. And the worst-case scenario, you’ll be stuck paying for expensive corrective work if something goes south on your dental implants.
It’ll be incredibly challenging to sue your dentist, unlike in the United States. And at best, you’ll be able to leave a negative review warning other patients.
So, to protect yourself, always ensure the dentists you work with an offer at least a 5-year guarantee on their dental work. And confirm the dental practices they work at follow through!
You May Need to Go On Several Trips
As convenient appointments are in Tijuana’s dental practices, getting dental implants is another story. After all, all dental implant procedures require several visits to the dentist, regardless if you get them in Mexico or the United States!
You must plan and prepare for at least 2 to 3 trips to complete the dental implant procedure. And yes, this applies to a single tooth to full arch dental implants.
But you may need bone grafting surgery for any bone structural issues. And this will require you to take another trip to Tijuana.
A Lack of Dental Financing
Many dental clinics in Tijuana don’t offer dental financing for dental implants. So, even if the procedure costs way less than in the United States, it’ll still cost you thousands of dollars.
Dental financing helps you have the dental implant procedure now and pay later instead of waiting to save up for the surgery. And usual dental financing in the United States, like Care Credit, doesn’t work in Tijuana.
But some dental clinics in Tijuana offer dental financing, so it’s best to research this availability before heading to the border.
Finding a Trustworthy Dentist in Tijuana Can Be Tricky
Everyone in Tijuana promotes dental implant procedures, including complex ones like all-on-4. But remember, dentists in this Mexican city have varying skills, and only a handful can handle complex implant cases well.
Not all Tijuana dentists will have the necessary experience, skills, or training to handle potential complications that may pop off from those complex operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is getting my dental implants done in Tijuana a good idea?
A: You can get quality dental implants at affordable rates in Tijuana, Mexico, so in that term, it should be a good idea. But there will be many obstacles you need to figure out before going to the city for dental care. After all, there will be as many incompetent dentists as there are those that are trustworthy.
Q: What are the possible risks of getting dental implants in Tijuana?
A: If you don’t research well and end up with an incompetent dentist, you may suffer from several issues. These include infection, damage to the other teeth, nerve damage, and a fractured jaw. And as long as you work with a reliable Tijuana-based dentist, there’s no need to worry about anything.
Q: Will getting dental implants in Tijuana be safe?
A: Much misinformation surrounds Tijuana dental tourism, many mistaking it as dangerous. But thousands of American and other foreign patients visit the city yearly for dental work alone. And these alone should let you know that getting dental implants in Tijuana is very safe.
Q: When do dentists not recommend getting a dental implant?
A: Most dentists will prohibit individuals who smoke cigars, pipes, or chew tobacco from getting dental implants. After all, any tobacco product has high chemical content, preventing the body from supplying enough blood to the jaw. As a result, healing gets delayed, increasing the risk of infection.
Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: When cared for and maintained well, dental implants can last up to a quarter of a century! And you can even go beyond that when you work with a reliable Tijuana-based dentist, giving you your money’s worth and a million-dollar smile for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Weigh the benefits and downsides of getting dental implants in Tijuana to see if it’s right for you. Regardless, equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to guarantee your safety when exploring Tijuana’s dental tourism. With this, you’ll be able to find the best deals and dental practices in the city without risking your security.
