Should You Get Dental Work in Tijuana?
Quick Answer
Many international patients get dental work in Tijuana by choosing licensed dental clinics, verifying professional credentials, reviewing transparent cost quotes, understanding insurance implications, and planning recovery and follow-up care. When this preparation is done well, care can be safe and much more affordable than in the U.S.
Why do patients consider dental care in Tijuana?
Many people face very high dental costs in the U.S. and Canada — especially for implants, crowns, full-mouth rehabilitation, and cosmetic procedures. In contrast, Tijuana has developed as a dental tourism hub with competitive pricing and clinics that routinely serve crossing-border patients.
According to reputable industry guides, many international patients save up to ~70% on dental procedures compared to U.S. prices when treatment is done in Tijuana. Dental Tourism Association
This option appeals particularly to patients who:
- Have little or no dental insurance coverage
- Are managing out-of-pocket expenses
- Want to address extensive restorative needs that would be cost-prohibitive locally
These cost pressures, combined with easy access from the U.S., are the main drivers behind growing dental tourism in Tijuana.
What dental procedures do people usually get there?
Popular treatments include:
- Dental implants: Permanent replacements for missing teeth
- Crowns & bridges: Restorations for damaged or missing teeth
- All-on-4 / All-on-6 / full-mouth rehabilitation: Complete arch restorations
- Cosmetic dentistry: Veneers, whitening, aesthetic improvements
- Routine procedures: Cleanings, root canals, extractions
Dental tourism publications confirm that Tijuana clinics often offer the full range from simple preventive care to complex restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Dental Tourism Association
How much does dental work cost in Tijuana vs. the U.S.?
Actual cost data from multiple dentist price lists show significant differences:
Cost Examples in Tijuana (2025–2026)
| Procedure | Typical Tijuana cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant (single) | $725–$1,900 | Includes implant, abutment, and crown in many clinics dentavacation |
| All-on-4 (per arch) | ~$6,998–$12,000 | Full arch fixed implants, depending on materials smile4evermexico.com |
| Zirconia crown | ~$280–$550 | Depends on material and tech used Mexico dental |
| Root canal | ~$220–$400 | Often much cheaper than U.S. averages tijuanadentistsguide.com |
| Teeth cleaning | ~$35–$80 | Basic hygiene services tijuanadentistsguide.com |
| Veneers | ~$350–$500 | Cosmetic porcelain added to the front of teeth tijuanadentistsguide.com |
These ranges are drawn from clinic-reported price lists and aggregated guides that reflect actual starting prices seen in Tijuana dental practices — not estimates. dentavacation
Comparison to Typical U.S. Costs
In the U.S., untreated dental work quickly becomes expensive:
- A single implant alone can be $3,000–$6,000+ before crown/abutment costs (noted by independent cost analyses). Investopedia
- Crown restorations often run well over $1,000 per tooth.
This means many Tijuana costs are roughly 50–70% less than U.S. equivalents — even after travel — which is why so many patients explore this option. Dental Tourism Association
Is dental care in Tijuana regulated and safe?
Yes — but regulation differs from the U.S. model.
In Mexico:
- Dentists must hold a professional license (cédula profesional) issued via the Dirección General de Profesiones under the Secretaría de Educación Pública.
- Dental clinics operate under standards enforced by COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks), which governs healthcare facilities and practices.
What many safety experts note is variation among individual clinics, not a lack of basic standards. Even in the U.S., outcomes depend on the clinician and clinic you choose — the same principle applies in Tijuana.
Independent guides on dental tourism safety emphasize that choosing well-established, certified clinics with patient reviews and transparent protocols is crucial. Travel Thru History
Considering dental work in Tijuana?
Organize care, documentation, and travel planning with support tools designed for cross-border patients: https://www.heva.co/patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need multiple trips for implants?
Usually, yes — initial placement and then return for final prosthetics after healing.
Can I use U.S. insurance?
Often only as out-of-network reimbursement, with documentation required.
Are complications covered by U.S. providers?
U.S. dentists may treat complications, but they typically won’t take over original foreign work without a clear clinical plan.
How much can I save?
Often 50–70% compared to equivalent procedures in the U.S., depending on what you need.
Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about medical tourism and pricing. It is not medical advice. heva is a healthcare coordination platform connecting patients with providers—we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals in all relevant jurisdictions.
Safety Information: Safety recommendations are based on general best practices, public-health advisories, and published research. Individual risks and needs vary. Patients should conduct their own research, verify provider credentials, review travel advisories such as those from the U.S. State Department, and discuss plans with clinicians who understand bariatric surgery and medical tourism.
Financial Disclaimer: Information about costs, financing products, and savings is general and approximate. It does not constitute financial advice. Eligibility, interest rates, and terms are determined by external lenders and individual financial circumstances. Patients should review all loan agreements carefully and consider consulting an independent financial adviser before committing to significant medical debt.
International Healthcare: International medical care involves inherent risks and additional considerations including emergency protocols, legal differences, and care coordination. Patients should thoroughly research all aspects of cross-border surgery, maintain realistic expectations about potential complications and recovery, and ensure plans for long-term follow-up in their home country.