Dental Work in Tijuana

[outdoorlovers]

Looking for referrals for a friend who will need extensive dental work (crowns, implants, anesthesia, etc.) She will be crossing the border at TJ. Thank you.

[fj12ryder]

No need to shout, it's impolite. Don't like the subject? Click "Hide" and it will go away.

[MarkTwain]

TO USE A DENIST IN MEXICO OR NOT IS STARTING TO SOUND LIKE A DEAD HORSE!!! ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE---POOP OR GET OFF THE POT:)

[Cummins12V98]

ksg5000 wrote:
Another option - Dental Schools (Oregon Health Science University, USC, UCLA etc) often have dental clinics where students supervised by Professors provide service at deep discount. They aren't quick because each procedure has to be reviewed/supervised but they are much less expensive. Dental cost vary across the country - typical implant in the NW will run you $5K and won't be covered by insurance - that's EXPENSIVE especially if your retired. My neighbor is using Dental School and getting a couple of root canals and implant at 1/3 of the cost. Worth a look.

I would consider Mexico if it were closer - but Tijuana wouldn't be my first choice of cities.

Dental Schools are a great option as are Hair Schools.

[2oldman]

beemerphile1 wrote:

I am thoroughly convinced that US dentists only intend on their work being temporary to keep the business coming.

There's a conspiracy to be imagined in everything you don't like or can't afford. Almost none of them are ever true. Also a handy excuse that I'm sure many people other than you believe.

[beemerphile1]

2oldman wrote:
...Many US dentists have told me they repair Mexican dental work all the time....

US dentists also repair US dental work all the time.

I am thoroughly convinced that US dentists only intend on their work being temporary to keep the business coming. Mexican dentists? I don't know, probably the same.

[jplante4]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

Moderator in Cape Cod:

Ever been to Tijuana? (For ANY reason)..:@~

Not that it has anything to do with the subject... or if it's any of your business.

Six years in the Navy. Maybe I've been there a couple of times.

[2oldman]

aftermath wrote:
My wife is a dental hygienist and does not suggest having work done in Mex....I doubt I would want to do this with my health. Again, your chances would go up if you knew a good provider down there. But still......

What's that old saying.. "If you think dental work is expensive, try NOT going to the dentist."

Too bad so many people would rather save money and put off dental work rather than take care of their teeth while the problems aren't so bad..because it's "too expensive". Your teeth aren't worth it?? Now you have to go to Mexico. No, there are no guarantees, but I'm willing to wager you are more LIKELY to get good dental care in the US than Mexico. I've gone to the dentist regularly for 60 years and cannot recall a single bad experience.

Many US dentists have told me they repair Mexican dental work all the time. So.. good luck.

[ksg5000]

Another option - Dental Schools (Oregon Health Science University, USC, UCLA etc) often have dental clinics where students supervised by Professors provide service at deep discount. They aren't quick because each procedure has to be reviewed/supervised but they are much less expensive. Dental cost vary across the country - typical implant in the NW will run you $5K and won't be covered by insurance - that's EXPENSIVE especially if your retired. My neighbor is using Dental School and getting a couple of root canals and implant at 1/3 of the cost. Worth a look.

I would consider Mexico if it were closer - but Tijuana wouldn't be my first choice of cities.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

jplante4 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
So, Dan, how are you helping to fix the “ridiculously costly any type of healthcare is in the states?”

Actually, I believe he is and more effectively than any legislation could. If enough people go elsewhere, the US market will get the message.

Moderator in Cape Cod:

Ever been to Tijuana? (For ANY reason)..:@

May have been "ify" a few years ago - now you have LOTS more to worry about than your teeth..:S

(And it has absolutely nothing to do with caravans of "migrants")

*If* he/you must go to MX - Algodones would be a MUCH better -and safer- alternative. Easy to find referrals to many quality dentists and dental clinics. (Search Escapees forums for starters).

~

[Saltworks]

This is not a good forum to find out about Mexican dentistry. Mostly what you get is people who have never done it telling you how bad it will be. You'll never see studies to back it up, just opinions.

The best way to get a good dentist recommendation is to google "Tijuana Mexico dentist" (or whatever city you are interested in). You will find literally hundreds of reviews from people who have been to dentists in the area. There are good reviews and there are some bad reviews. Names are named, procedures are described. People who have been there and done that. Real life gives better results than keyboard specialists.

My experience in Cozumel was very good. I got a recommendation from some Mexican friends who have lived on the island for 30 years. He was an oral surgeon, although I did not need oral surgery. His office was as modern as any I've been to in the US. I got X-rays, cleaning and 8 small fillings replaced. Total cost was $500 US. I didn't get sick or die. The experience was virtually identical to my experience in the US - even down to the English being spoken while I was in the chair.

Bad experiences in dentistry are possible anywhere. Do your home work and make your choice. The idea that Mexican dentists are somehow ignorant or neglectful of basic hygiene practices is ludicrous, but some myths die hard.

Bill

[aftermath]

westernrvparkowner wrote:

aftermath wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
You pays your money, you takes your chances.

This is it. My wife is a dental hygienist and does not suggest having work done in Mexico from first hand experience dealing with some of the aftermath. That said, there are decent dentists down there and it will be important to be able to find one of them. If you know people who have had work done there and are happy with the outcome, then that would be a good place to start.

Remember though, if you end up having problems there will be no recourse. I don't think you can go to the courts for help and if your end up in serious trouble it will cost far more to get things fixed here, even if you can. I am willing to cut corners to save a buck now and then. I doubt I would want to do this with my health. Again, your chances would go up if you knew a good provider down there. But still......

Like you will get quick easy resolution to bad dental care in the US by suing the dentist. Fact of the matter is in every profession someone graduated at the bottom of the class and got that degree by the skin of their teeth (pun time). Choosing a US dentist is just as opaque as choosing one in Mexico. You roll the dice. If that roll comes up Kraps (can't use the real word, forum software), at least in Mexico my bet is only around 20 percent of what I would lose on that bet in the US.

You are quite correct, there are bad dentists out there, and I am sure that there are some good ones down in Mexico. When you "roll the dice" you need to know your chances. I say chances are that you will have a bad experience south of the border is much greater than north of the border. If you are basing your decision only on money then I doubt your mind can be changed. You indeed might only lose "20% of what I would lose on that bet in the US." Again, you are right. When dental work goes south (no pun intended) you will have a lot more to lose than just your money. Speaking of the costs, again you are correct. They are insanely high here I believe. Those without insurance, and that is most of us, are really in a bad place. Of course, there are many countries in this world where their citizens don't have to worry about such things but we don't want to go there, do we? Nope, the only real solution is to either just pull your teeth and get dentures or go somewhere you can afford to take your chances. If it works, good for you. If it doesn't....well good luck to you.

[Cloud_Dancer]

I don't know what kind of state it would realistically take in order to have everyone be able to afford dental implants. Sure, we have too many "useless eaters", and it makes me wonder exactly how harsh the remedy.....
I'm kinda a shallow thinker. I was too focused on the pretty survivor to understand story,...in the "Hunger Games".

[Padlin]

I could be wrong, I'm thinking I heard $1500 for the post and implant, if those are the right terms but it could have been the total for the whole R&R, but I doubt it. I use the same dentist I've had for 30 years, no discounts, no more insurance. Being on fixed income now, costs matter.

For the one I've had removed. There was the cost at the dentist, multiple visits to try and ID the issue. A trip to the endodontist to tell me a root canal wasn't going to help and forward me to the dental surgeon for removal. I'd have to add up the bills to know what getting 1 tooth half done was but I'm 1500 miles from home at the moment.

[CavemanCharlie]

Padlin wrote:
I've been avoiding getting a tooth replaced that was pulled early this year due to cost. Now that I need another pulled I would consider going to MX to get them both taken care of, guessing around $6k. I would opt for something like Walmart if such existed in my neck of the woods, first I've heard of it.

6k ??? 6000 dollars to have two teeth pulled and replaced ?? I don't know where you are getting your dental work done but, it would not cost that much around here. Probably half that at the most.

Unless, there are extenuating circumstances that I am not aware of.

And,,,, I will admit that I am only 55 and I have been lucky. I also started taking better care of my teeth a few decades ago. I wish I had done a better job when I was younger. (I try to tell young people but, they don't listen. Nobody ever tried to tell me though.) I have had one tooth pulled and replaced with a "Wing Bridge" . That was 25 years ago and it's still hanging in there. I also have had one wisdom tooth pulled.

Other wise I cut the pop back to one can a day in the morning. I don't eat candy. I do a good job of brushing/flossing once a day and sometimes a quick job second time a day. And, twice a year I go to the dentist and for $104 the dental assistant cleans, polishes them, the dentist comes in and looks them over and sends me on my way. I just had that done on Monday.

I did have a filling replaced last year. I don't know remember how much it cost so it must not have been to expensive.