Los Algodones is a small town, only five square blocks in size, but it’s home to over 350 dentists. Every winter, it becomes a bustling hub for Americans and Canadians seeking affordable dental treatments, with many crossing the border daily. The town is easy to navigate on foot, feels safer than other border areas, and has a welcoming atmosphere.
When I learned I needed dental implants, I decided to give Los Algodones a try. After three visits, I unfortunately didn’t achieve the desired results. However, I believe that with proper research and precautions, others can have a positive experience. I’m sharing my journey to help others avoid the mistakes I made.
The Good News
Safety
Los Algodones thrives on medical tourism, and the local community takes pride in protecting their visitors. I traveled there three times alone, as a single woman, and never felt unsafe. The majority of tourists were over 50, and many wore flashy jewelry and carried purses—something I usually avoid in Latin America—but I still felt comfortable walking around town.
Border Crossing & Accommodation
Crossing the border is quick and easy. On the US side, you can park in a secure, fenced lot run by the Quechan Indian Tribe and then walk across. Many visitors choose to stay at the Quechuan Casino Resort or in Yuma, Arizona, about 11 miles away. I opted for Hacienda Los Algodones, the only hotel in town, at a rate of about $50 per night.
Language
English is widely spoken in Los Algodones, and even if someone doesn’t speak it fluently, they’ll try their best to assist you.
Currency
Many establishments accept US dollars, so there’s no need to convert currency. Canadians can use ATMs for local currency (pesos), though there may be international fees. I carried cash (yes, several thousand dollars) as well. Keep in mind that credit card usage in the town often comes with additional fees.
Modern Facilities
Depending on your choice of dentist, the facilities in Los Algodones can be quite modern, and sanitation protocols are usually followed properly.
Discounted Prices
Dental services, along with glasses, hearing aids, and prescription medications, are significantly more affordable compared to the US. Many visitors leave happy with the value for money.
This video provides familiarity on How to cross the border: Yuma AZ to Los Algodones MX
Precautions
While plenty of people have had positive experiences in Los Algodones, I unfortunately did not. My treatment ended up causing more issues than it solved. Here are some important tips based on my experience to help you avoid the same pitfalls:
Know Exactly What You Need
Don’t rely on your Mexican dentist to diagnose your condition. Some dentists may prioritize making a sale over recommending the best treatment for your health. While there are trustworthy and ethical professionals in Los Algodones, it’s wise to consult a dentist in your home country to confirm exactly what treatment you need. Don’t cut corners to save money—be thorough.
Do Your Research
Before you go, look up reviews and testimonials on forums to find the most experienced and highly-rated dentists for your specific needs. Ask the dental office for references from previous patients and contact them to hear about their experiences and results. If they can’t provide any, it’s a red flag.
Pre-book Your Appointment
Appointments are essential, especially during the busy winter season. You might have better luck with same-day appointments in the summer months, along with some discounts, but be prepared for high temperatures (over 100°F).
You’re on Your Own
Your dentist is not a travel agent. They expect you to show up on time for your appointment, but they won’t guide you through the travel experience. Be prepared to handle logistics like crossing the border and accommodations on your own.
Don’t Forget Your Passport
While there are no customs entering Mexico, you will need your passport to return to the US, and lines can be long. Don’t forget it!
Stick to Basic Procedures
If you’re planning major dental work, I’d recommend sticking to basic procedures unless you live close to the border. Dental offices in Los Algodones usually guarantee their work, but if you’re back home and need repairs, are you willing to return to Mexico? The added costs and time can quickly escalate, as I found out the hard way.
Get a Written Agreement
Before proceeding with any treatment, ensure you have a written price quote. I once had a routine dermatology procedure in Nicaragua that cost me $300, despite expecting it to be around $100. Always get a price upfront to avoid unexpected charges.
The Infamous Sani Dental
Sani Dental Group is one of the most well-known practices in Los Algodones, but I had a disappointing experience. The office I visited didn’t match the polished images on their website, and I was sent to a lower-end location. The dentist I saw was moving quickly through patients, and I never even saw his face clearly. I decided to cancel my appointment and seek care elsewhere.
Sani Dental Group has multiple locations (Class, Platinum, and Alamo), and I suspect that many of the glowing reviews come from their more reputable Alamo location. If you choose Sani, be sure to request an appointment there.
Beware of “Pickers”
“Pickers” are individuals on the street who direct you to specific dental offices in exchange for a commission. Don’t be swayed by them—they’re more interested in making money than your well-being. Reputable offices don’t rely on pickers.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of following a picker, and after canceling my appointment with Sani Dental, I ended up at Oasis Dental Group, with Dr. Anakarina Torres. While I liked her demeanor, she made several major mistakes during my dental implant procedure, which led to complications that were confirmed by US dentists afterward. Dr. Torres was unwilling to take responsibility and avoided my calls when I sought a resolution. After spending more money and facing continued issues, I eventually had to have the work redone in the US.
The Moral of the Story
Take your time choosing a dentist, and make sure you’re not rushed or pressured into making a decision. Do your research, check reviews, and weigh the pros and cons of undergoing dental surgery abroad. In some cases, the savings may not be worth the potential risks.
Share Your Experience
Have you had dental work done in Los Algodones? Share your story in the comments below (please keep it factual and helpful). I’m not aiming to hurt any businesses, but accountability is crucial. Keep in mind that many positive reviews come from satisfied customers, but it’s often those with negative experiences who take the time to post online. It’s important to have all perspectives shared so others can make informed decisions.
*If my information is out-of-date, please send me a message and I’ll update this post. Thanks!
21 thoughts on “Los Algodones, Mexico: A Dental Destination for Medical Tourists”
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.
Kibbi,
Would love your dentist recommendations. Please post?
As I wrote in the post, I didn’t have a good experience. Therefore, I’m unable to make recommendations. But read through the comments. There are some others here who made positive recommendations.