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Road_Phantom's avatar
Road_Phantom
Explorer
Aug 12, 2016

Algodones, Mx dentist

We'll be staying in Yuma, AZ for the winter because we need extensive dental work. We would like a recommendation for a dentist for new dentures. We were quoted $50,000 where we live and don't have that kind of money available.
  • Here's an excellent blogger. Read her take on her experience in Mexico. Note: There's Part 1 and Part 2.

    http://wheelingit.us/?s=mexico+dentist

    We've used Mexican dentists as have thousands and thousands of others. Folks from Tucson and Phoenix also drive down, not just RVers. Our experience was excellent and the dental offices immaculate.
  • Interesting read.

    I look at it much like buying a car. One that comes with a warranty will cost more then one "as is."

    In the US you have third party options in case something goes wrong. Those options are what you're paying extra for. South of the boarder if something goes wrong the only option you really have is the mercy of the person who screwed it up in the first place.

    Like Dirty Harry said "you feel lucky?"

    As far as cheap cleanings, that's an old come on in any store. Milk is only $1.99 but we'll get you on the bread. A fast cheap cleaning that shows up profitable dental work is not a "cheap" cleaning to the patient.
  • John&Joey wrote:
    Interesting read.

    I look at it much like buying a car. One that comes with a warranty will cost more then one "as is."

    In the US you have third party options in case something goes wrong. Those options are what you're paying extra for. South of the boarder if something goes wrong the only option you really have is the mercy of the person who screwed it up in the first place.

    Like Dirty Harry said "you feel lucky?"

    As far as cheap cleanings, that's an old come on in any store. Milk is only $1.99 but we'll get you on the bread. A fast cheap cleaning that shows up profitable dental work is not a "cheap" cleaning to the patient.


    Are you saying you had bad experiences with dentists in Mexico or no experience? Our cleanings have been much more thorough than the ones in our Minnesota he town and less pressure to get work done
  • pawatt wrote:
    John&Joey wrote:
    Interesting read.

    I look at it much like buying a car. One that comes with a warranty will cost more then one "as is."

    In the US you have third party options in case something goes wrong. Those options are what you're paying extra for. South of the boarder if something goes wrong the only option you really have is the mercy of the person who screwed it up in the first place.

    Like Dirty Harry said "you feel lucky?"

    As far as cheap cleanings, that's an old come on in any store. Milk is only $1.99 but we'll get you on the bread. A fast cheap cleaning that shows up profitable dental work is not a "cheap" cleaning to the patient.


    Are you saying you had bad experiences with dentists in Mexico or no experience? Our cleanings have been much more thorough than the ones in our Minnesota he town and less pressure to get work done


    Nope, I've never used them because the cost difference $75 US cleaning vs $30 MEX cleaning is not enough for me to justify doing it. I do know several that had those cheap cleaning and then found "soft" spots that required fillings.

    Even that read above a root canal needed to be "redone." REALLY, anyone that ever had a root canal knows either you got it all, or within a month or two your face will be swollen from the infection from a botched one.

    For many years I had dental coverage with only a $1,500 cap. Even with a root canal and crown it never went over that cap. I often wonder those that think they are saving such large amounts of money ever get a second opinion prior to the work. So I will turn the tables on you. When was the last time you saw a US Dentist, had your teeth cleaned and checked up? They should be perfect now with no chance of the US dentist finding issues, correct?

    On Edit:

    FWIW in the last eight years the highest yearly US dental cost for me was $660. That was two cleanings and three fillings about 4 years ago. What has your average yearly costs been going south of the boarder? All I ever hear is how much it would have cost in the US, not if they would have thought it needed to be done if in the US.

    Like I said, milk for a $1.99 and we'll get them on the bread.
  • It seems when these questions are asked about Algodones, the naysayers always seem to have northern address's. I use Drs. Camacho just across the border for 13 years. But I'm not sure he does all you want done. Check at RV park bulletin boards and also ask longtime snowbirds in the Yuma area.
  • DIL is USA dental assistant. She tells of patients with Mexican dental work discovering problems after returning home. One patient even demanded her work be fixed "at no charge" !! That didn't happen.
  • John&Joey wrote:
    pawatt wrote:
    John&Joey wrote:
    Interesting read.

    I look at it much like buying a car. One that comes with a warranty will cost more then one "as is."

    In the US you have third party options in case something goes wrong. Those options are what you're paying extra for. South of the boarder if something goes wrong the only option you really have is the mercy of the person who screwed it up in the first place.

    Like Dirty Harry said "you feel lucky?"

    As far as cheap cleanings, that's an old come on in any store. Milk is only $1.99 but we'll get you on the bread. A fast cheap cleaning that shows up profitable dental work is not a "cheap" cleaning to the patient.


    Are you saying you had bad experiences with dentists in Mexico or no experience? Our cleanings have been much more thorough than the ones in our Minnesota he town and less pressure to get work done


    Nope, I've never used them because the cost difference $75 US cleaning vs $30 MEX cleaning is not enough for me to justify doing it. I do know several that had those cheap cleaning and then found "soft" spots that required fillings.

    Even that read above a root canal needed to be "redone." REALLY, anyone that ever had a root canal knows either you got it all, or within a month or two your face will be swollen from the infection from a botched one.

    For many years I had dental coverage with only a $1,500 cap. Even with a root canal and crown it never went over that cap. I often wonder those that think they are saving such large amounts of money ever get a second opinion prior to the work. So I will turn the tables on you. When was the last time you saw a US Dentist, had your teeth cleaned and checked up? They should be perfect now with no chance of the US dentist finding issues, correct?

    On Edit:

    FWIW in the last eight years the highest yearly US dental cost for me was $660. That was two cleanings and three fillings about 4 years ago. What has your average yearly costs been going south of the boarder? All I ever hear is how much it would have cost in the US, not if they would have thought it needed to be done if in the US.

    Like I said, milk for a $1.99 and we'll get them on the bread.


    Joey
    I guess as you have never used a dentist In Mexico and never had to spend over $1500 dollars a year. I understand why you don't see the potential advantage to cost savings in Mexico.
    I live in Az and am within a couple hours of the border dentists.
    I have dental insurance and needed 2 3place crowns. With my insurance my out of pocket was $1200 each. In Mexico $800.00 for both total.
    The dentist did guarantee work. I didn't need the guarantee as it turns out. I believe the cost savings is in the cost of living and no malpractice insurance. Is there risk? Yes. Each of us needs to decide if the risk is worth while.
  • I know the thread has drifted a bit but I believe the OP has changed his mind and is staying in TX this year instead of AZ.

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