20 Things to know about getting dental work done in Mexico

Envoy health has been a reliable source for many patients seeking dental services abroad. Have you heard of dental tourism? If not, we want you to know how it works and the amount of money one can save.

Mexico stands out as one of the leading locations for dental care because it provides an excellent combination of quality and affordability. A vast number of patients from America and Canada have managed to reduce their expenses and save up to 70% on their dental surgeries with positive outcomes by having a dental procedure done in Mexico. If you want to deal with a specific dental problem or if you are looking for an affordable form of oral healthcare, then Mexico may be the place for you.

Adding to the convenience, the best cities, with excellent reputations in the dental market, are located just a few miles away from the U.S. border. Therefore, going abroad for dental treatment may be a well-reasoned solution for all of your problems in terms of the possibility of receiving high-quality and budget friendly smile. Envoy Health's team is ready to give you valuable insights into what should be expected during your dental visit in Mexico.

Dental Implants, like other types of oral surgeries, can be a life-altering procedure regarding both your Health and finances as well. In response to the rising prices for most dental procedures across the globe, people are now increasingly switching to Mexico, where they can access cheap and quality oral healthcare services. Hence, due to experienced dental experts, modern clinics, and reasonable prices, Mexico has now become an attractive destination for tourists who are in need of dental treatment. You can have a look at our guide to dental implants for a brighter smile.

What are your views about having a dental procedure done while enjoying your holiday in Mexico? But there are a few things that you need to know before you go for a dental care trip in Mexico. Envoy Health aims to clarify all your doubts and confusions that refrain you from finalizing a choice. From the merits of dental therapy down to the processes involved and your expectations, we will assist you in the best way to make informed choices about your Health, along with examining the possibilities connected with getting first-class tooth care far south of home. This guide will help you in a significant way by answering every possible question that might come to your mind.

1. Is it safe to undergo dental work in Mexico?

Absolutely yes. Leaving one’s own country can make us all a little bit scared, especially when we hear things that are not the nicest about other places on the news. Mexico is a very safe place for dental work procedures if you know where to go and which area to avoid. Approximately 10K Americans have already had their dental treatment done in this country without any regret factor. Of course, there are also some unsafe parts of Mexico, but the towns near the border and the popular tourist cities of the country are not among them, as they are both secure and capable of dealing with international dental clients.

Adding to this, Envoy Health monitors the site and keeps a record of where our authorized clinics operate from time to time. The number of local people you will find here is very less, but the ones you will come across are very kind and friendly. You can ask them anything, and they might become your friends. They will take care of you, guide you, and warn you wherever necessary. So it's good to keep company here if you are traveling alone. Envoy Health will only provide you with recommendations for safe dental offices and hospitals that perform dental treatments for American voyagers on a regular basis.

2. Can I get the best quality dental implants from an extensively experienced dentist in Mexico?

Well, the answer to this question may be a yes or no, depending upon where you choose for your dental needs. It is always crucial that you find someone trustworthy enough to refer you to the best possible dentist and guarantee you high-quality services at all times. Taking care of this is the top priority of Envoy Health's team.

When the phenomenon of dental tourism began in the year 2000 and started spreading like wildfire across the globe, unfortunately, many dentists without proper licenses from the Mexican authorities began practicing their trade in various parts of the country. Although those cases were mere exceptions, this caused a harmful impact and has led many people to hold unfairly negative views about having their teeth fixed in Mexico.

However, Envoy Health has strict verification rules to check the authenticity of the dental clinics. But don't let these negative reviews affect you. If you visit a well-qualified, board certified experienced dentist, you will definitely receive top-notch dental work, saving a significant amount of money at the same time.

3. Is it possible to save thousands of dollars by having dental implants from Mexico?

There is no doubt that one can save bigger by getting dental implants and other treatments done in Mexico. But is it really worth it, going to Mexico for dental implants? The best quality at the lowest prices is considered a perfect combination to make a treatment worth it. The prices in Mexico are substantially lower than what you would get in the U.S.A. There might be a great variance in dentists’ professional levels, and types of material and equipment used by them, so having these thoughts is completely genuine.

The average cost for a dental implant in Mexico is $750, but can go as high depending upon the procedure and quality of the implant, abutment post and crown used. The price for the same is around $1,200-$2,000 if done in America. Therefore, patients can receive 50-70% off on dental treatment at our Mexican facilities.

If a single-tooth implant doesn't cost you much in Mexico, then imagine how much money you can save on your full-mouth dental makeover with implants. You have to pay up to $5000 for a complete set of removable partial dentures in the U.S., which is five times the money you spend in Mexico. If you are having any serious oral health issues, then you can get it done cheaply at our well-recognized clinics famous for their high-rated services.

But be aware! Cheap treatment doesn't always mean better quality, and compromise on quality is not acceptable by Envoy Health and the clinics with us. We want our clinics to be both affordable and safe places in Mexico. Always have a thought: are you really getting the same for what you are paying? Don't forget, we are always there for your help.

4. Can I get an estimate for total expenses for dental work in Mexico to compare it with other places?

Sure, why not? This is exactly what we tell our patients. If you are paying us, you have all the rights to know about the facilities you get and why you should trust Mexico over the U.S.A. There is nothing wrong if you want to make comparisons before making an informed choice; besides, we, too, want to help you with that. A complete estimate often requires a dentist to rely on multiple sources of information, such as dental X-rays and 3D cone beam C.T. scans, to check the periodontal status and bone levels for an implant.

You can explore our website, we have enough information for you to compare the prices of dental implants in Mexico with the cost of dental implants in the US. The more data you collect about your alternatives, the simpler it will be and the more sure and confident you will be about your choices. Envoy Health has helped thousands of patients locate the best dental care at reasonable prices. Most of the price quotes given to our patients are usually accurate.

However, a final treatment plan will be decided only after a thorough in-person examination of the oral cavity and evaluation of the facial features of the patient at the clinic. A comparison of the costs involved is crucial in any country, but while comparing prices for a particular procedure, ensure that you are doing it within similar terms because there is a lot of misleading advertising. Envoy Health will help you get an estimate on your dental treatment costs, without charging you a penny.

5. Does the lower cost of dental implants in Mexico equate to lower quality of treatment?

No one wants to compromise on healthcare quality by taking a cheaper route. In the U.S., it is a common misconception that higher costs equal higher quality, but this is not the case with dental work in Mexico. Cost-cutting does not mean they're enabling the usage of lower-quality ingredients. Ranging from porcelain dental crowns to metal posts and dentures, our approved dentists use the same materials of the utmost quality in your mouth as you would if you received dental work in the U.S. Discover more about dental care that fits your budget.

The low prices for dental treatments in Mexico come from the low cost of living, salary scale, rent, and staff costs. Life in Mexico is much cheaper than in well-developed countries. Plus, Mexican students do not graduate with huge student loans hanging over their heads. Also, the Mexican government has subsidized dental school education in Mexico. This helps to keep the overall costs low and affordable. Dentists can focus more on their education and schooling instead of working for multiple jobs and taking classes simultaneously.

Do you know that American dentists have debts of over $200k on average while still in college? Now, how do you think they will be able to pay out those loans?

6. Is getting dental implants in Mexico pain-free?

Dentists in Mexico provide anesthesia similar to those in the U.S., including conscious sedation methods of anesthesia where needed and the procedure is totally pain-free. Our dental clinics also have skilled anesthesiologists on site. The methods are typically performed under local or general anesthesia, ensuring zero discomfort during the treatment. But before that, have a look over the detailed implant structure, procedure and aftercare.

Both dental implants and tooth extraction are painless procedures if done under proper anesthesia. So, it's not the procedure but the effectiveness of anesthesia that decides the pain factor. However, all surgical procedures include mild discomfort, numbness or pain after the effect of anesthesia wears off, post-procedure. This pain can be treated easily by strong painkillers and antibiotics for infection control that are prescribed for a few days. The pain level also depends on how complex and invasive the procedure is, whether it is a single tooth implant or a bone graft.

7. Do the hospital staff and dentists in Mexico speak English?

Good communication is indeed important, especially when dealing with medical issues. It's hard even to imagine a place where you are unable to understand what the other person is saying, that too regarding your treatment. It will be the most frustrating thing to go through, right?

Our partner clinics have english-speaking doctors and staff. We will make sure that language is never a barrier for people coming here. So you can clearly understand and choose the best dental care for you and ask questions as well. Not only this, even if you get outside, you will get the same comfortable environment where people can understand you, and you can easily make friends. Well! If you are trying to learn some Spanish, we can help you with that, too.

8. How do Mexican clinics compare with US standards?

Having a look into our past patient testimonials will reveal to you that our clients are more than happy and satisfied, as we have more positive ratings than those of U.S. dentists. About 90% of the individuals feel that the dental work they received in Mexico was either good or excellent. This is in accordance with a report by Families U.S.A., a Washington advocacy group for health-work issues.

In terms of hygiene and safety:

Envoy Health will ensure that our recommended dental clinics meet our strict safety and hygiene criteria, ensuring safe dental work. Before and after every dental procedure, our surgery site is cleaned, tools and apparatus used are rinsed with disinfectants and then sterilized. The staff follows strict guidelines for infection control. 

Water filtration system:

Many people suffer from gastrointestinal issues due to a change of water, depending on the location. So, we have got this issue sorted beforehand. You will be happy to know that our accredited dental clinics use water, which is treated with advanced filtration methods to keep its quality as safe and fit for consumption as possible. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to drink only bottled water to avoid any risk and stomach issues. So, you need not worry about getting sick from drinking water in Mexico at all.

Materials used:

Our verified dentists utilize identical materials in your mouth, from zirconia crowns to metal posts and dentures, as you would receive if you underwent dental procedures in the U.S. Our doctors use globally recognized brands such as Biocare, Straumann, and M.I.S. for implants and full mouth restorations.

Regarding equipment and technology:

Our clinics are well equipped with advanced high-tech scanning devices such as digital X-ray machines with 3D cone beam technology and ZirkonZahn systems, which help to produce the perfect prosthesis. The use of AI and robots is also introduced in some clinics.

9. What if I need more than one specialist or any other medical or cosmetic procedure?

Our clinics are staffed with dentists trained in various specialties and have all the essential diagnostic equipment. If you require multiple specialists, they will collaborate within the clinic to ensure all your needs are met in one location. If you require the services of an orthodontist, oral surgeon, endodontist, implantologist, periodontist, prosthodontist or even cosmetologist you can schedule an appointment with them on the same day at the same clinic. For instance, at one of our dental clinics, there are over ten experienced, full-time dentists proficient in all areas of dentistry.

Our doctors who do veneers, whitening, and bonding are specially trained and certified in cosmetic procedures also. Envoy Health is expanding its reach to include non-invasive cosmetic procedures, weight loss surgeries, and common plastic surgeries, so kindly let us know if this is something you are considering. In the rare instance that a specific specialist is not available on site but is necessary, arrangements will be made to bring them to the clinic.

10. Who performs the dental procedures at your clinics, does the procedure come with a guarantee?

At majority of our dental facilities, all the procedures are done by skilled and knowledgeable specialized doctors right from start to finish. In the United States, on the contrary, most of the procedures are done by dental assistants, with the dentists only doing the final touches or advanced treatments.

Our vetted-approved dentists guarantee their treatment and services for up to four years. If something is not right, you can go back and have it corrected at no additional cost. However, this is not an option at every Mexican dental clinic, but we put you first, so this is something we promise you.

11. Why is Mexico such a popular destination for dental tourism among seniors?

Seniors often live on a fixed income and delay much-needed dental treatment due to high costs. This is why many seniors choose Mexico as their destination for taking care of their teeth as they age. Mexico is an excellent option for the elderly population, with up to 75% savings on major dental procedures like tooth crowns, dental implants, and root canal treatments (RCTs). Follow these tricks for a lifetime of smiles at every age.

If you are worried about your medicines, there are places like Mediplaza, where you can find shops to get medical supplies for faster recovery. If your dentist prescribes pain medication or any other drug, you can visit a Mexican pharmacy and get your medicines at a reduced rate before you head home.

12. Do you have any referral services? What is included in that, and how does it work?

• The value of reputable dental referral agencies cannot be overstated. But first of all, you have to make sure that you go to a trained and qualified dentist. For this, you have to put in some effort as well. You need to read the reviews and do your own research. A trustworthy dental agency should be happy to show you their patient testimonials.
• If you want your dental work to be done in Mexico, Envoy Health will help you find the right clinic for your individual needs. We will act as intermediaries on your behalf and manage the entire process for you.
• Many clinics usually provide all-inclusive packages or complimentary offers that include travel and accommodation facilities as well. Otherwise, you will be responsible for your travel and for informing the destination city. If you need accommodation, we can help you with recommendations and lodging partners who assure you that you will be comfortable at a reasonable rate.
• An independent referral agency like Envoy Health has no allegiance to anyone but you and your safety. Referral agencies should do due diligence before sending patients abroad for any healthcare work. They can also answer queries, give you general advice/recommendations that will make your experience much less problematic, and are your point of contact if you need help.
• We advocate on your behalf and ensure everything is going as planned, and our referral services are always free. Patient satisfaction and safety are what we strive for. Here are some helpful tips for dental care abroad.
• Envoy Health's team physically visits all the dental clinics. We interview the doctors and staff members to review their credentials, tour the center, observe the sterilization procedures, and inspect the dental supplies used at the clinic. Most importantly, we do follow-ups with our clients for satisfaction surveys, making sure that the recommended offices meet the strict standards of care we set for our patients.
• We, the referral agencies, are compensated directly by the dental offices. The dental offices that work with us benefit by having us refer patients and saving them a lot of time by screening each patient and answering questions. It is a symbiotic system of work. If a patient decides to use our offices, we oversee every step to ensure everything goes smoothly, ensuring we provide the best services.

13. What are the accepted payment methods? Do I need to change the currency?

Payment for dental Services is usually made at the clinic on the day of treatment. It's always a good idea to have some cash when you're traveling. But you might not even need to change your money into Mexican pesos since some cities that get a lot of visitors have adopted the US currency; Los Algodones is one of them. Typically, you can pay by cash or credit card for services rendered during an appointment. Most tourist destinations and areas that see many Americans, take credit cards and often U.S. dollars. We don't suggest carrying a large sum of cash.

Suppose a situation arises where it is difficult for you to arrange money for your treatment. In that case, you can think about getting a personal loan or contact our lending affiliate to see if something can be done for you. Another option is to extend your procedure for some period of time so that you can save more. But ultimately, it will be your choice to decide what is best for you.

14. Can I take a vacation from my dental tourism trip to explore Mexico

If you are saying dental tourist, then you might as well enjoy the tourist part along with your dental work. Mexico is a huge tourist destination as there are always many fun things to do here. By walking around, you can find unique places like Mexican curio shops and restaurants, where you can have delicious food and drink refreshing beverages. Mexico has small and colorful towns with abundant street shops where you can buy unique souvenirs for your loved ones.

You can enjoy from small treats to delicious typical Mexican food plates, as well as a spa where you can have peace and relaxation. If you're trying to find the cutest Mexican clothes and accessories, there are plenty of boutiques inside the malls. So, whether you lounge on the beach in Cancun or take a weekend trip to Mexico, you will still enjoy the Mexican culture, food, and people.

If you are nervous about traveling alone abroad, or if you need any person to accompany you, then you are free to bring a friend or family member with you. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing someone into the dental clinic was never an issue.

Now, the clinics in Mexico have strict COVID guidelines and protocols. So, based on your case, they will allow your friend or family member to be with you. But before this, you are requested to talk with them ahead of time so that they can take necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

15. Will my dental treatment be covered under insurance in Mexico?

Yes, it is possible in some cases. For this, patients are suggested to contact their insurance companies before they leave in order to obtain the necessary forms for reimbursement. Some clinics in Mexico usually do not accept dental insurance. Still, our clinics, like Sani Dental Group, will let you use it, even if they do not work directly with insurance companies. Our dental clinics will assist you in filing out all the necessary paperwork so that your insurance company can reimburse you once you have returned home after your visit.

16. Is it easier to drive or fly to Mexico? How frequently one needs to travel?

Millions of people travel to Mexico for dental work every year. This is because you can save quite a lot of your hard-earned money on affordable dentistry, and schedule appointments with Mexican dentists in an easier way. Overall, people come to Mexico because they can get dental treatment done faster, cheaper, and, better yet, get a vacation out of it. Flying or driving are the two options for getting to your destination in Mexico.

• If you are living in a near city where your clinic is located, such as in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona, It may be more convenient for you to drive directly because it would save you a lot budget-wise. For example, if you arrive in Phoenix, it will take only three hours to drive to the destination, whereas if you land in San Diego, it will be half an hour less. El Paso has enough parking space available if you are coming by car.
• But if you're going to a place that is far from home, then taking a plane will be the best option. When people travel to Los Algodones, they usually fly to the major nearby airports in the United States, like Arizona, Phoenix, or San Diego, California. Further, they have to take a connecting flight to Yuma, Arizona. Correspondingly, many clinics pick up their clients from San Diego International Airport for dental visits at our Tijuana clinics. For people wishing to visit Cancun or Playa Del Carmen, there are direct flights available from different cities in the U.S.A. For example, we have Sani Dental Group that offers free shuttle services. On your arrival at Cancun airport or dentistry center, they arrange a private transfer directly to your hotel.

The number of times you have to visit totally depends from case to case, either you can have your treatment done in a single day, or sometimes if you are having a more complex procedure, you need to visit multiple times for regular health checkup and follow-ups. Since dental tourism involves flights and hotels, it is always wise to have travel insurance.

17. Is it necessary to have a passport and visa in order to undergo dental treatment in Mexico?

Many people have this question when they are about to take their first medical vacation out of their home country. However, it is not as difficult as Mexico shares the border with many of the U.S. cities. No extra documentation is required, but you must have a valid passport. You can't cross over with just any regular I.D., so make sure you have your passport not expired with you at all times, or you could be denied your exit by the immigration authorities.

If you are having a dental family vacation, then it is essential that every family member, even if they are minors or underage, have a valid passport with them. These days, many Americans have been crossing Mexico's border for dental work, so frequent travelers can usually come back to the U.S. with a valid driver's license along with a copy of their birth certificate. Just talk to us to confirm what needs to be completed, and we will resolve any document issues related to your travel. In the border town, unless you are planning to stay for more than six months in Mexico, there is no need to apply for a visa.

18. Which is the best city in Mexico known for dental treatment?

Different locations usually have their pros and cons, but the quality of care provided by each dental office in Mexico is almost the same. Los Algodones or Tijuana would be great options if you live close to a border town and don't want to travel much. However, if tropical vacations are more of your style when traveling, then our clinics at Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Istanbul would be perfect.

We have link with the best dental clinics of these places like Cancun Dental Care, Dentavida Cancun, Sani Dental Group (Los Algodones), Sani Dental Group (Cancun), Sani Dental Group (Playa Del Carmen), Marietta Dental Care (Tijuana), Marietta Dental Care (Los Algodones), Supreme Dental Clinic, and Alman Dental Clinic, which have proven expertise in doing basic to advance level of dental operations. Experience a luxury trip, enjoying the beautiful white sand, beaches, and turquoise blue waters. Don't worry! Envoy Health can help you decide which one is best suited for you.

19. How can I trust Envoy Health?

As we said, a detailed and thorough investigation is the key, whether it's for a dental clinic or a dental tourism company like Envoy Health. Medical tourism agencies these days have misleading marketing tactics widely employed on internet platforms. Many individuals easily fall prey to such traps without knowing it themselves. That's why we strongly advise you to conduct independent research about Envoy, Health, or any clinics that you are considering.

We usually offer our resources for fact-checking when answering questions or providing guidance. We are an independent referral agency that only works with a few trust dental clinics. Envoy Health does not refer patients to multiple unchecked dental establishments like corporate bodies might do.Our functions include patient screening, responding to inquiries, and walking them through the whole process till they get personalized and reliable information. We want to tell you that these are the same clinics where we seek our treatment, too.

20. What are the steps to begin my dental treatment journey with Envoy Health?

The initial assessment

All  we need is a few pieces of your basic contact information to make your profile in our system. If you have any queries, you can send your message in the chat box provided on our website, and we will answer through email, usually within 24 hours. If you already have previous dental or medical reports, X-rays, or CBCT scans, you can send us that too via email.

We will be forwarding your case to a doctor for an initial evaluation at one of our partner clinics. After that, we will send you an estimated cost for your dental procedure via email. If desired, you can talk with one of our patient care coordinators about your specific case. This will give you a pretty good idea of the prices involved, which may help you with additional price comparisons necessary. For more complex procedures, we can also arrange a teledentistry conference consultation call with your dentist.

Booking your appointment

• Book several weeks in advance:

Reserve your dates several weeks in advance, especially in the months between December and April. This is because the best dentists in Mexico are in high demand. After all, the weather in Mexico is charming during these months. But are you worried about how you will choose a right dentist for you? Envoy Health has a list of top 10 dentists in Los Algodones.

• Schedule on a weekday:

Another suggestion is to Most clinics open on Saturdays only for a few hours, which may not give you enough time to get some work done. On the other hand, if you come on a weekday, your dentist might suggest you stay for another day if the procedure will take time. Monday is considered the best day to schedule your dental visit.

Keep in mind that our clinics are not open on Sundays, so plan accordingly. In case you need extensive dental work, then it would be advisable to check up on our lodging options and make advanced reservations for the number of days you are staying.

• Prefer the morning slot:

Booking your appointment for the early morning hours can give you time to heal so that you can safely travel the next day or before nightfall if you don't want to stay overnight.

Concluding Thoughts

It is normal to have some doubts before any important step related to one's life. In the above guide, we have covered almost everything you might need to know. So, if you are planning on doing it, then Envoy Health's team will always be there for you. Rediscover your dreamy smile with Envoy Health!