Forum Discussion

Wolfman_Jacques's avatar
May 25, 2014

Dental Implants in Algodones?

My DW needs dental work that we cannot afford in the good ol' U.S. We are hoping to RV down to Yuma and walk across the border to Algodones to get the implants done. Have heard both good and bad. Looking for people who have gone thru the experience and the names of the dentists that are good. All help appreciated.
  • Unfortunately it is three teeth in a row in the upper right maxilla, and the prices we have had quoted here in Northern California take it out of the range of possible. I am certainly aware of all the potential hazards but unhappily living on social security does not afford much leeway. While there are many horror stories associated with dental work in Algodones, there are also many very satisfied people who have had there teeth worked on there. The trick is obviously to learn about peoples experiences with individual dentist thereby maximizing the possibility of a successful outcome by choosing a dentist with as much information as possible. Hence this thread. I thank everyone for their input, both the good and the bad.
  • Hi again. I have been thinking about your situation. Have you considered having the implant done in the US, along with the follow ups until the implant is ready to be restored?
    You should be able to find a US dentist to do the implant and healing cap for about $1500.00 If you need to save about $1200-1500, after the is implant ready, get the info on implant brand, size, threading, etc from your US DDS and have the abutment and crown placed in Mexico. The abutment and crown are non invasive and will be ok done down there. Definitely not as pretty, so if it a tooth that shows when she smiles, she wont be happy. But for a molar, it would be ok.
    I personally do not think saving the $1000 is worth having the implant done down there.
    Just more thoughts. Safe travels!
  • I had 10 implants done, between bone grafting , implant healing and crowns if was a 3 year process and cost the same as a nice 5th wheel. Never gave a thought about going with a low bidder.
  • Wolfman Jacques wrote:
    My DW needs dental work that we cannot afford in the good ol' U.S.
    You probably don't want to afford it being done wrong either. Implants, like Lasik, are nothing you want done by low bid.

    Good post, Nutin...
  • Las Algodones Dentists are ok for crowns, bridges, fillings, cleanings, partials, etc.
    In the past month I have seen a total of 10 implants in my office that were done in Los Algodones. Every single one of them has failed to osseointegrate ( have bone grow around them ) Two of them I have seen recently, other than the 10, failed the first time, and were redone, and seem to be ok at this time. ( were redone about 6 months ago )
    Mind you, they do not do sedation legally down there, so your wife would just have local anesthetic. It is really not a fun procedure. Also, unless your wife has CT scans, they run the possibility of sinus penetration and lingual nerve impingement.
    Have you checked the price in the US for implants? They have come down quite a bit in the last few years. Remember, it is not an immediate thing though. Usually, if no bone grafting is needed, it takes at least 3-6 months to get a crown on one. If she needs bone grafting, it is close to a year.
    Im sure you will hear from those that have had them done there with no problems what so ever.
    I have been in dentistry for 23 years, and currently a working hygienist.
    JMO. Good luck what ever you two decide.

    PS.... VERY cute pup!