Los Algodones, Mexico is a small town of five square blocks and 350 dentists which swells in the winter months with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of Americans and Canadians crossing the border daily for dental treatments. It’s safe, easy to navigate on foot, and way more inviting than other border towns.
When I learned that I needed dental implants, I did a bit of investigating and decided to go to Los Algodones. When it was all said and done, I made three trips there and my treatment was not successful. I believe you can have a positive experience if you do your research and take precautions. I’m writing this review to help others avoid the major pitfall I made.
The Good News
Safety
The town is fueled by medical tourism. We are their livelihood and they’re protective of us. I traveled down three times alone: A single blonde woman in a Mexican border town – no problem. The first two times I flew down and had no car. I walked to and from my hotel at the edge of town and never felt unsafe. The majority of the tourists on the street were over 50 years of age. Many wear flashy jewelry and carry a purse, which I normally don’t do in Latin America.
Border Crossing & Accommodation
Crossing the border is quick, easy, and convenient. You can park in a secure, fenced lot run by the Quechan Indian Tribe on the US side, then walk across. The town is quiet after dark. For this reason, many people stay on the US side at the Quechuan Casino Resort or 11 miles down the road in Yuma, Arizona. I stayed in Los Algodones at Hacienda Los Algodones, which was the only hotel in town and charged about $50 per night.
Language
Many people in Los Algodones speak English. Even if they don’t, they’ll try to help you.
Currency
Establishments accept US dollars so there’s no need to change US dollars to pesos. If you’re Canadian, you can remove cash from ATMs in the local currency, but this may incur international fees. You could also bring US dollars from an ATM at Yuma airport. There’s usually an additional fee for using credit cards in Los Algodones. I carried cash (Yes, a few thousand dollars).
Modern Facilities
Depending upon which dentist you choose, the facilities are modern and proper sanitation is adhered to.
Discount Prices
For routine dental procedures, glasses, hearing aids, and prescription medications, you can get great deals and walk away happy.
This video provides familiarity on How to cross the border: Yuma AZ to Los Algodones MX
Precautions
Plenty of people have had positive experiences in Los Algodones. I was not one of them. The results put me in a worse situation than before I started. I’ve compiled a list of advice and precautions based on my first-hand experience:
Know Exactly What Procedure You Need
Don’t leave it up to your Mexican dentist to diagnose your condition. Your Mexican dentist may be more interested in making a sale than choosing the best procedure for your health. There are plenty of ethical, trustworthy dentists in Los Algodones, but cover your bases by seeing a dentist in your home country to find out exactly what you need to be done. I understand wanting to save money but don’t be cheap.
Research Beforehand
Do your homework before you go. Search review boards and forums to get advice on choosing the most experienced and high-rated dentist for your specific procedure. When you find one who meets your requirements, ask for references from previous patients. Call or email these references and ask if they’d be willing to speak with you regarding their experience and long-term results. If the facility cannot produce positive references, perhaps they don’t have satisfied customers!
Prebook
You DO need to make an appointment (as with any dentist), especially during the busy winter season. You’ll have better luck with same-day appointments during the hot summer months and can usually negotiate a sizable discount as well, but temperatures can be well over 100 F.
You’re On Your Own
Your dentist is not a travel agent. They are not going to hold your hand through the trials of international travel. They just want you to show up for your appointment on time.
Yes, You Need a Passport
There are no customs entering Mexico, but there are returning to the US, and often with very long lines. You will need your passport to re-enter the USA, so don’t forget!
Stick with Basic Procedures
I don’t recommend getting major dental surgery in Mexico unless you live close to the border. So much can go wrong! Dental offices in Los Algodones usually guarantee their work, but if you fly back home and find yourself with an infection two weeks later…. are you going to drop everything and fly back to Mexico? The investment increases. At some point, you may have to cut your losses and go to a US dentist to fix the mess. This is what happened to me, and I’ve heard similar stories.
Written Agreements
Make sure to get a signed price quote before doing the work. On one occasion (in Nicaragua, not Mexico), I went for a routine dermatology procedure which normally costs $100 in the US. I never bothered to ask the price because I assumed it would be cheap. Afterward, she charged me $300! I had no choice but to pay and the procedure wasn’t even effective in the end.
The Infamous Sani Dental
Sani Dental Group has a large online presence that pulls in a lot of people (myself included). When I arrived the office looked nothing like the shiny photos and videos I’d seen on their website. As it turns out, Sani Dental Group has 3 locations which they call: the Class, Platinum, and Alamo. I was shuttled to the lower-end (Class) office. The dentist I had was moving so fast, I literally never even saw his face. I had such a bad feeling that I canceled my appointment and went elsewhere.
Word on the street is that Sani Dental Group has a large turnover of dentists and the “Class” location often employs new dentists gaining experience. It’s my opinion that all the good reviews for Sani Dental are likely coming from the Alamo location which has a much better reputation. So if you go to Sani, ask to be booked at the Alamo location!
Pickers
A “Picker” is the name used for people positioned on the streets calling you toward the dental office they represent. They get paid a cut when you buy services. Don’t be lured in by these people. You are only money to them! Reputable establishments won’t use pickers because they don’t need to.
Unfortunately, I made the huge mistake of following a picker (Don’t do it!). I’d taken four days off work to fly to Mexico for dental implants. It was over 100F and I just canceled my appointment with Sani Dental Group. What to do?
My dental implants were put in by Dr. Anakarina Torres at Oasis Dental Group. I really liked her solid demeanor. I wish I could still like her. I believe she would be a good dentist for fillings and routine procedures, but for dental implants, she made major mistakes. This has been corroborated by every US dentist who’s seen these implants afterward. I will spare you the gory details of carelessness, mistreatment, infections, and multiple trips to Mexico. I just kept spending more money and never getting a resolution. I finally gave up and had it all repaired in the States. Dr. Torres was unwilling to take any responsibility. She avoided and never returned my phone calls.
Moral of the story
Take your time choosing a dentist. Get reviews. Don’t let anyone pressure you. Deeply consider the pros/cons of dental surgery unless you live nearby; It may not be worth the savings if something goes wrong.
Share your experience
Have you received dental work in Los Algodones, Mexico? Share your experience with us in the comments below (Please keep it to useful facts, and don’t go on an emotional tirade, thanks). It’s not my intention to hurt anyone’s business, but accountability is also important.
Keep in mind that most people aren’t motivated to write happy reviews. It’s often after a traumatic event that people get online searching for information. I do feel it’s important to keep people’s comments here so others will deeply consider what they are getting themselves into.
*If my information is out-of-date, please send me a message and I’ll update this post. Thanks!
19 thoughts on “Los Algodones, Mexico: Dental Review”
Thanks for the info, Heather Davis! One thing you didn’t mention… will these dentists take Canadian cash and what about their exchange rates for same? You may not know, but what the heck, I thought I’d ask.
Hi Rock. Sorry, I don’t know. My advise is to ask this question by email to the dental clinics you are considering working with. Also, if you fly from Canada to Yuma AZ, you can pull US dollars from an ATM in Yuma.
I have a question, is there someone you recommend in southern California for dental implants that is good and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? I found your review very helpful especially about away says dental group I was gonna go there for implants but now that I’ve read your review I won’t and I appreciate your honesty. Thanks, Mary
Hi Mary, I think there is a typo in your comment, but I’m guessing you meant to say ‘Sani Dental Group.’ I think the Alamo location of Sani has a good reputation, but for sure don’t go to the Class location. They don’t differentiate on their website. You have to be ‘in the know’ and ask to be booked at the Alamo location. Unfortunately, I don’t know any dentists in Southern California. In general California is expensive. Yet, some areas are more affordable than others. For example, here on the Monterey Bay, it’s very expensive in Monterey or Santa Cruz. Yet, Watsonville, Salinas or Hollister may be as much as 1/2 the price. Perhaps you could research towns in your area which may be a bit of a drive, but worth the price cut. Best of luck!
Hi all, I just happened across your site. 6-7 family members and yours truly have gone to Torres Dental… they are awesome and I ended up paying $2900 for procedures that would’ve been $25K in Southern California (where I call home). They use all the premium tools that any reputable dental office would, including titanium screws, 3D imaging, etc. anyway, I go back in October to get my crown… cheers and good luck.
Is Torres Dental in the same city that Sani Dental is in? I just want to make sure I call the right place! I need some major dental work including implants, crowns replaced, extractions, etc. I’m desperate to find somebody whom I can trust, but also afford. Thank you for this post!!!
Hi Esther. In case Kelly isn’t able to reply. I did a quick search and I can say: Yes, Torres is also in Los Algodones (same town as Sani). The town is small. Everything is in walking distance and very easy to navigate. Good Luck!
I believed Dayo Dental’s Internet PR, and as a result had the worst experience of my life. Barring deaths in my family, the last six months have been the worst of my life: constant discomfort, intermittent severe pain, social embarrassment and isolation, plus 75 hours of driving and thousands of dollars in travel expense. All for nothing. Now I face an even longer period of new procedures to rectify the dentist’s mistakes. I can hardly bear the thought of starting over.
I felt confident in going to Mexico for implants based upon Dayo Dental’s abundant Internet information and reviews of its primary Los Algondones dentist, whom I’m calling Dr. X. I understood from Dayo, an umbrella business that promotes ostensibly vetted Mexican dentists, that traveling long distances to obtain dental work in Mexico is common and that Americans comprise the bulk of patients in Dayo offices. Dayo portrayed most implant procedures as requiring two visits. I did not realize that Dayo is a shyster organization that promotes substandard dentists.
I arrived in Mexico with four upper front teeth that had been implanted approximately 10 years before and were functioning perfectly, as well as some natural upper teeth.
When Dr. X initially discussed potential procedures with me, I asked him to preserve the existing front teeth supported by implants. He told me that they were not salvageable. During surgery, however, he apparently changed his mind, removing the teeth but leaving two of the old implants for use later.
I don’t know why Dr. X destroyed the four implanted teeth and two of the implants. When I asked him about it afterward, he said something that I didn’t catch. I am afraid that that four perfectly good implanted teeth were removed unnecessarily.
Instead, Dr. X offered the choice of removable dentures supported by implants or an all-on-four, in which a permanent denture that partially covers the palate is supported by four implants. Although I told him that I could not tolerate plastic over my palate, he did not discuss the all-on-six, which supports a permanent bridge that does not cover the palate.
After the surgery, Dr. X told me that I had not required bone grafts and therefore would need to wait only three rather than six months for the permanent denture. However, he also gave the impression that poor bone was the reason he didn’t use all-on-six or fit me with a screwed-in temporary.
Instead, I was given a removable denture: a shovel-shaped piece of pink plastic that is supposed to (but didn’t) adhere by suction to the palate above my tongue. The temporary also had an overbite that forced my upper lip forward.
The three months of healing with the misshapen temporary were indescribably awful. For 12 weeks, all I could think about was my mouth. Because it was made improperly, the temporary didn’t stay in with suction and required slimy denture adhesive that stuck all over. Even then the denture moved constantly—it was impossible to keep my mind off of it, and I counted the days, even the hours, until my return for the permanent bridge.
When I got back to Los Algondones eager for the permanent fixture, a screw fitting the old implants could not be found. I waited a week in the local area while they looked for one. Dr. Y, an associate dentist at the office, made another temporary denture, but this one had such an extreme overbite that I could barely stretch my upper lip over it. I looked like Marge Simpson crossed with a talking horse.
I spent the week visiting the Grand Canyon with no teeth at all because I could not wear the temporary. Following the week of waiting, during which Dr. Y was supposedly looking for and failing to find a proper screw, he installed a fixed temporary denture supported by three screws.
The screwed-in fixed temporary initially seemed an improvement but proved even worse—it covered part of my palate but couldn’t be taken out for a bit of relief. My upper lip once again protruded in a massive overbite. By the time a week had passed, two of the bridge molars had fallen out and the bridge had cracked down the middle. The crack allowed it to move even more, creating an irresistible desire to wiggle it with my tongue and lower teeth. After three weeks, the middle third of the bridge fell out completely.
So back we went to Mexico, a thousand miles away, for a third visit. By the time we arrived, almost all the teeth had broken or fallen from the bridge, leaving my mouth full of pointed shards and metal. I looked like a Halloween horror mask.
After another fruitless search for a screw, Dr. X told me that he would have to surgically remove the front implants and start all over again. In response to my horror he discussed other options, one of which was removing the old front implants, installing two new implants in their place, and immediately loading them.
And so another surgery was performed. The following day the permanent bridge (an expensive zirconia-porcelain one provided by Dr. X in an attempt to compensate for my earlier travails) was screwed on, and I was sent on my way. There were no further fittings (when I asked about them, Dr. X said that the permanent bridge was so beautiful that I wouldn’t want any). I did not receive antibiotics after the surgery.
The front implants and bridge were tight and uncomfortable immediately, but I told myself, as always, that I needed to be more adaptable and give myself time to get used to them. Shortly thereafter, an infection developed.
Following two weeks of increasingly severe pain, I was able to consult a local oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He said that not only did I have an infection, but that the bridge was screwed too tightly to my gum, eliminating a space to allow cleaning between the gum and the bridge. He gave me antibiotics for the infection and an appointment to return after it had healed, when he would remove the bridge and try to reattach it properly.
By the time I returned two weeks later, the bridge was loose. My local dentist pointed out that zirconia is too heavy and stiff to be supported by only two healed implants and two new implants. The heavy bridge loosened the implants every time the upper teeth met the lower. For that reason, combined with the infection, implant failure was inevitable. Three weeks after the surgery, the two most recent implants were so loose that the my dentist could pull them out with his fingers.
I have now been without temporary teeth for three weeks, ever since the local doctor removed the zirconia bridge. Things are not getting better: One of the upper implants installed by Dr. X five months ago was removed yesterday, another casualty of the heavy zirconia bridge. Its failure was the last straw. I have totally lost faith in Dr. X’s expertise, and I believe that his online reputation is misleading.
This past half-year of constant discomfort or outright pain, continual fighting with broken, ill-fitting, and/or grotesque dentures, months of hiding inside without any teeth or going about with a ridiculous overbite—it was all unnecessary, all caused by Dr. X’s mistakes. I’m back to square 1 but worse, because my front teeth are gone—and likely for no reason.
I wish I could get across how psychologically damaging this experience has been. To look in the mirror and see a toothless crone with a caved-in face—and to know that my husband is seeing me like this—has eroded my self-esteem. My self-image has changed over the last six months. The whole ordeal has been extremely depressing.
I did all the Internet research I could, found a dentist who appeared to be of good repute, and still had a disastrous outcome. I now believe that Dayo Dental is not trustworthy, and Sani Dental is probably the same. I would advise others not to trust the online information recommending implant dentists in Mexico. It’s just not worth it.
Hello Linda.
I understand all of these feelings you’ve expressed. Though my experience was less visible outwardly, I went through very similar emotions. My life was completely disrupted for quite some time. Dental health effects over-all health in a big way and should not be taken lightly. Though some people may judge us as “being stupid” enough to get into the situation, I always say “walk a mile in my shoes before you judge.” There is a reason we took such a risk.
At this point I don’t encourage anyone to pursue major dental surgery in Mexico unless they live near the border AND have personal references for the dental surgeon. I do believe a trip to Los Algodones is fine for fillings, dentures, and other routine procedures.
I hope you will do whatever possible now to recover your situation and start healing physically and emotionally. It’s a dark time, but it will pass. You are more than your body. Your body is your divine vehicle, but ultimately you are the spirit within it. Don’t forget what is true beauty. Your essence is pure beauty and that is why your husband married you. Blessings for your healing.
Heather
I’ve been thinking about signing up w/ Dayo for consultation for 3 implants in 3 different quadrants. From Linda von Wartburg’s post, I guess that she was there for a big denture job. I have one issue with her story:
“When Dr. X initially discussed potential procedures with me, I asked him to preserve the existing front teeth supported by implants. He told me that they were not salvageable. During surgery, however, he apparently changed his mind, removing the teeth but leaving two of the old implants for use later.”
Were there panoramic X-ray, CT scan, and most important, a written treatment plan and payment agreement agreed before Linda took the trip? Or, was it an on-the-fly decision once Linda got there? Quite puzzling that a Dayo dentist would dare doing such things just based on verbal agreement.
Hi There. I cannot answer for Linda. My personal experience: A lot is happening “on-the-fly” as you say. Whats more, it would be very difficult to pursue a legal dispute regardless of written agreement.
Thanks Heather. Linda posted the same on TripAdvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g642246-i11850-k9563807-o240-1_Year_of_Research_and_I_am_ready_to_go-Los_Algodones_Baja_California.html
And here’s her following post:
“Dayo Dental eventually did reply and convinced me that it is not a sham. Dayo did record my complaint and took steps to try to make things better.”
The operative words are “took steps”. I hope Linda will have an acceptable outcome.
Thanks so much for the follow up Nam! I’m aware that people need useful and accurate information to make their dental decisions. I’m happy if my post can provide some of that. I’m also sensitive to the issue of not wanting to hurt any dentists reputation unnecessarily.
Hi, we have been to Algodones a number of times , my in-laws have a 2nd home down by Yuma and that’s how we found out about it. Unfortunately my father in law did not know the ropes and his first experience at a Dentist was not a good one after further research we found 2 good ones , I will update when I find the names . My husband had approx what would have been $26,000 worth of work for $2,400 5 years ago and he has had no problems until recently he bit down on hard candy and cracked a tooth that had been worked on, but 5 years later I’m not complaining. My father in law had dentures done and could not get used to them so he had full mouth implants done for about $6000 last year and is happy with them a year later. My husband and I have gotten contacts, eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses down there for about 6 years now and the only difference I notice is that the transitional lenses are not quite as dark. They eyesight correction part was great and at a fraction of the cost. My best advise is ignore all the people trying to get you into a specific business, walk around a choose one that you feel comfortable with. I have even asked other travelers who they recommend and why. Also get any treatment plan in writing so that they do not try to add on later, if they are reputable they will have no problem with this. Most importantly if you don’t feel comfortable don’t go there. I always enjoy going down there everyone is so friendly and it’s relaxing to sit in the square, listen to music, and enjoy some good food !
Thanks for sharing your experience. it sounds accurate to my own. Please do share the names of specific dentists when you get a chance.
I also found a BAD DENTIST “CASTLE DENTAL” PLEASE don’t go there they pulled 5 teet fitted with dentures the color of the dentures was super white i will give them that but but there were so loose I couldn’t do anything with them but talk I couldn’t eat anything with after the trip i stayed in my house as much as possible. they examined me took impressions then came pricing they kept saying they are gonna give me a good deal 6 implmant for $6400 i said ok ,
So they numbed me up and then said ok give us the$6400 Im like WHAT? I wasn’t gonna walk around mexico with $6000 I had to fight head lady in chargs of money. After going back forth i has 3k on me now i had to call my bank in New York and have the money wired or they would’nt let me leave there office cause they already started the work let me tell you they gave me 6 implants when i came home about 1 month later 1 implant just came out GUESS WHAT I ate it I had no idea it was loose or was gonna come out then another later halk the denture came out this time i caught it with my tongue So of course I am heated at this point.
i started looking for flights booked a hotal yuma went back to them and they will fix it but i needed to pay $2200 more i was like fuck you !!!! you are crazy I walked out of there office and went 2 doors down
said AND MET THE BEST DENTIST. DR ROMEIRO HE IS 3 OR 4 OFFICES AWAY FROM SIMPLY DENTAL.. I WALKED IN TOLD THEM MY STORY THEY EXAMINED ME AND SAID THEY WILL MY PROCEDURE FOR $800 NOW I HAVE BEST SMILE I CAN EAT FOOD!!!!! And another thing simply dental claims to be so good cause they have a lab when they put their dentures on me it was like I had a ball in my front teeth. Let me tell you I am not lieing or claiming Dr.Romeiro is the best dentist Im sure there are some other good dentist out there ybut ou to take your chances or read these reveiws.
CASTLE DENTAL IS THE WORST !!!!!!!!
Oh! That really is nightmare-ish. I’m so sorry that happened to you. Thanks for letting us know
I can tell you one dental clinic to avoid in Algodones and that’s BEST DENTAL CLINIC. They’d be more accurately named “WORST DENTAL CLINIC”. I went in for a routine cleaning and was frightened into paying thousands of dollars for unnecessary root canals and crowns. Now, less than 4 years later, they’ve all failed and I have to have implants or a bridge. It’s costing me thousands of dollars again. Only the teeth worked on there in Mexico are failing. I regret stepping foot into that clinic. The owner is aware of my situation (says that dentist is no longer working there) and tried to blame poor oral hygiene or medications on the failure but neither is the case. She chooses to ignore me but I feel compelled to warn people so no one else has to endure the pain and expense that has resulted from the poor dentistry performed by the Best Dental Clinic in Algodones.
I’m so sorry this happened to you! Thank you for warning others.