Woman smiling with dental implants

The Complete Guide to Dental Implants in Mexico

Thousands of Americans get dental implants in Mexico each year. In the US, dental implants can cost $4,000 to $4,500 dollars, and they are simply too expensive for many people who need them.

Patients often choose to settle for dentures as a less expensive alternative. However, with just a denture in place, the jawbone will shrink. This can cause discomfort, sores, and a sunken, aged appearance. Over time the expense and hassle of dentures adds up, and people often wish they had taken a different approach.

Rather than paying American prices, thousands of patients travel to border towns like Los Algodones, Mexico for affordable dental implants. With implants starting at just $790, patients have the freedom to restore their smile on their terms.

Dental implants take two 1-week visits to complete spread out over 4-6 months, and the results can last for decades.

In this guide, we’ll be taking an in depth look at getting dental implants in Mexico, so you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your care.

All-on-4 Dental Implants Sani Dental Group
Before and after of a patient who got 2 implant-supported dentures at Sani Dental Group

What Are Dental Implants?

dental implant is a surgically inserted metal screw that is put in the jawbone to support a prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental implants are made up of three parts:

Implant

This is the screw anchors into the jawbone. The implant is surgically placed, and the patient’s bone grows into the ridges in a process called “osseointegration”. This process is why dental implants take two visits 4-6 months apart.

Abutment

The abutment connects the implant to the prosthesis. Abutments screw on to the implant and are exposed above the gum line in order to receive the restoration.

Crown

A crown is a prosthetic tooth. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials including ceramics and metals. Before they are placed, crowns are color matched to the patient’s surrounding teeth to ensure good aesthetics.

Implants are great options for people who have lost a tooth or teeth to periodontal disease, injury, or other factors. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, about 3 million people in the United States have dental implants and another 500,000 implants are placed each year.

Am I a Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

You must have good oral health, with healthy gums and sufficient bone to get dental implants.

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes and smokers are not good candidates for dental implants.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Mexico?

The price of dental implants in Mexico varies based on the type of material used, location, and clinic. Below is a price list showing the price range at each of our partner clinics in Mexico. Prices listed are starting prices and may vary due to currency fluctuations.

 

DENTAL IMPLANT IMPLANT, ABUTMENT
& CROWN
CLINIC
$1,290+ USD $4,000+ USD Average Cost United States
LOS ALGODONES, MEXICO
$790 - 1,290 USD $1,475 - 2,005 USD Sani Dental Group Alamo Clinic
TIJUANA, MEXICO
$495 - 985 USD $1,445 - 1,999 USD Dental Brush
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
$790 - 1,290 USD $1,475 - 2,005 USD Sani Dental Group Cancun Riviera
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
$910 USD $1,485 - 1,520 USD Ideal Dental Center

Why Should I Get Dental Implants in Mexico?

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for dental tourism, and here’s why:

1. Highly Trained Dentists

Mexican dentists undergo a rigorous education consisting of a 4-5 year degree program that culminates with the undergraduate general exam. After passing this exam, graduates of public universities must perform one year of social service in under served communities before they are awarded their Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Dentists who choose to specialize must complete another two to three year degree program. Dental tourism is sustainable in Mexico due to the high standards of care.

2. Affordable, Transparent Prices

Unlike in the United States and Canada, Mexican dental clinics offer clear and transparent prices that are not hidden behind a paid consultation. Patients traveling to Mexico for dental implants typically save 50-70% off of what they were quoted back home.

3. English Speaking Providers

In order to attract international patients, clinics in Mexico have hired English speaking dentists and administrators.

4. Travel is Easy and Affordable

Traveling to Mexico is as easy and affordable as ever. It is easy to drive to Mexico from the Southwest United States, and Mexico has a many airports with direct flights to and from the United States.

What is the Process to Get Dental Implants in Mexico?

Dental implants require two visits that are each 4-10 days long. This time varies because different patients will require different procedures to ensure the success of their implants (i.e.- bone grafts and sinus lifts). 

For the purposes of this guide we will break down the most common patient experience into two phases, composed of the 1st and second visits 4-6 months apart.
 

Phase 1: Implant Placement (4-10 Days)

Imagery

First, patients will get imagery- typically panoramic x-rays and/or a CT scan.
 
With this imagery, your dentist will present you with various options and you will decide on a final treatment plan.
 

Preparation

Prior to placing the implants, any necessary extractions, bone grafts, and sinus lifts will be completed to ensure implant success.

Placement

Once the jaw has been prepared, implants will be placed while the patient is under local anesthetic, laughing gas, or IV sedation depending on preference.

Dental implant being placed
Dental Implant Placement

Temporary Prosthetic

In phase 1, patients will not be fitted with a permanent prosthetic. The jawbone will need to heal and fuse with the implant for 4-6 months. In the meantime, the patient will receive a temporary prosthetic.
 

Follow Up

Prior to returning home, patients will visit the dentist one final time to make sure that the healing process is progressing smoothly.
 

Phase 2: Final Restoration (4-10 Days)

After 4-6 months, a final restoration will be placed over the dental implant. Phase 2 involves significantly less dental work, but we recommend patients schedule 4-10 days to allow time for the dentist to make sure the final restoration is fitted perfectly.
 
Happy patient at Ideal Dental Center in Mexico City
All smiles at Ideal Dental Center in Mexico City

Choosing a dentist for your dental implant procedure in Mexico is a big decision. We’ve done the legwork to vet the credentials of dozens of clinics in Mexico, and these 7 are among the very best.

Sani Dental Group Alamo Clinic

4.1/5

4.05/5 – 189 Reviews

For most people, Sani Dental Group “Alamo”, the main dental center in Los Algodones, is the perfect fit. A large dental clinic with more than 35 dentists and an on-site dental lab makes it clear why Sani Dental Group is the Best Value in Dental Care. 

Sani Dental Group Platinum

4.1/5

4.02/5 – 67 Reviews

For those who want a little more personal and attentive care in an upscale, cutting edge environment. Patients find that Sani Dental Group’s Platinum Clinic offers the perfect blend of luxury and affordability. 

Dental Brush Tijuana

4.3/5

4.34/5 – 58 Reviews

Experience the same quality of care in Mexico for a fraction of the price of what you would pay in the U.S. The difference in price often allows patients to afford better materials and dental care brands than they would back home.

Ideal Dental Center

4.8/5

4.8/5 – 186 Reviews

Ideal Dental Center offers a full range of dental specialists under one roof and provides care with a team approach in which several dentists collaborate to create a treatment plan for each patient.

Sani Dental Group Playa del Carmen all-on-4 all-on-6 dental implants crowns

Sani Dental Group Cancun Riviera

4.3/5

4.24/5 – 66 Reviews

Sani Dental Group’s newly opened clinic in Playacar is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the warm sun, crystalline waters, and natural beauty of Southeastern Mexico while getting dental care performed by highly trained and experienced professionals.  

 Do Mexican Dentists Guarantee Their Work?

Different clinics offer different guarantees, which can be seen in their profiles. A 5-year warranty is the industry standard. Dental implants have a 95-98% success rate, and patients play a big part in that success.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting Dental Implants in Mexico?

The big advantage of getting dental implants in Mexico is the lower price. Many travelers use these savings towards higher quality materials and procedures than they would otherwise be able to afford back home. There is also a major benefit to getting dental implants sooner rather than later, since the jaw bone deteriorates when teeth are missing. Rather than saving for months or years to afford implants at home, many travelers get care right away in Mexico.

The primary disadvantage of getting dental implants in Mexico is convenience. It is far more convenient to use the dentist around the corner than to make the trip to Mexico twice. For many, it can be difficult to have the flexibility and the vacation days to pull off two trips.

Why Is It So Much Cheaper to Get Dental Implants in Mexico?

The biggest reason that it is cheaper to get dental implants in Mexico rather than in the US or Canada is the cost of labor. The cost of living is lower in Mexico and wages are about 1/3 that of the US. That said, dentists in Mexico use the same high end materials, techniques, and technology as their colleagues in the US.
 

Can I Use My Insurance to Pay For Dental Implants in Mexico?

Yes! Many of our providers will help you fill out any necessary insurance forms. Please call your insurance provider ahead of time to ensure that you bring the correct documents.
 

Can I Use CareCredit, Medi-Cal to pay for Dental Implants in Mexico?

No. Unfortunately, CareCredit and Medi-Cal only pay for care within the United States. 

Can I Use Medicare or Medicaid to pay for Dental Implants in Mexico?

Basic Medicare and Medicaid programs do not typically cover dental care at all. Some Medicare advantage plans may partially cover dental work in Mexico.
 

Are Financing Options Available?

Yes, financing is available through 3rd parties. We can help you find financing options that work for you.

What Other Options Should I Consider?

Patients considering dental implants might also consider crowns, all-on-4, and dentures in order to replace missing or damaged teeth. Also, you might consider Costa Rica or Colombia as options. 

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