Dr. Ana Cervantes, Dentist - Los Algodones, Mexico

Tim M

I'll just start with, I'll never go back to the dentist in the US. This is actually my second time to a Mexican dentist, but my first time to Los Algodones. And let me tell you, my dental experience in this dental capital of the world was the best dental experience of my life.

I was more than a bit nervous because I was driving from states for my appointment. Being a novice to this whole Los Algodones thing, I thought I could just pop in and get a room at one of the hotels in town when I got there. Turns out, booking ahead of time is a good idea. They were full. So I had to stay in Yuma. Which really isn't the best place on Earth, but that's my opinion!

On the day of my appointment, I drove to the border crossing, parked my car in the parking lot (at the border crossing - it's $10 day / $20 night for vehicles), and walked across. A couple of guards were standing around but that's it. Nobody even checked my passport. Within 20 yards, I was standing right in the middle of all the action in Los Algodones. There's lots of guys trying to get your business, either for dentists or ophthalmologists. I already had done my research online and had an appointment at a place that had great reviews, Fixing Smile dental (more info on them below), so I got to bypass all those guys. Made it to my appointment early because there was no line at the border, and they took me right in. There was one person in the waiting room and another just leaving the back office. I waited approximately 5 minutes and they called me back. All the while speaking English. The entire visit was professional. The doctor had a chat about what I needed. Dr.Ana Cervante didn't try to upsell me. She actually didn't even look at anything but the tooth I told her needed attention and since shes a root canal specialist/dentist. Told me the price before she started any work, which was exactly the price they told me when I made my appointment ($280 for root canal, $350 for zirconia crown - remember, everyone is different, so dont expect the same exact price!), and communicated every step of the way to me in English. Turns out, the tooth I needed root canal on was infected. So half was completed that day, with a finish of medicating the roots and putting a temporary filling in, for me to return in 2 weeks to finish the root canal and get a crown put on. The only discomfort I felt through the whole process was the needle for numbing. Absolutely no pain throughout the process, nor afterwards. I didn't even need a Tylenol once the numbing wore off.

The office was spotless, brand new all the staff spoke English, the equipment was all state of the art, the doctors were professional, empathetic, personable, and experienced. They know their stuff! It's what they do, every day, all day. The previous dentist I was coming from, in states a few weeks before, took about 30 minutes to put in a temporary and made ground beef out of my gums in the process. Not here. Im difinitely recommending Fixing Smile dental for any dental needs!!

Yes, there are some bad dentists down there. Yes, you take your chances. JUST LIKE HERE IN THE U.S.! Do online research before you go. It was my experience that very few of them actually return emails. You have to call. Make sure that you get extended service on your phone to support your plan in Mexico. It's $10 a day, or with some plans it comes included. I would have been a bit lost without my Google Maps.

My experience was fantastic. And this is now my dentist. Even after an 6 hour drive, and going through it all solo.
She was fantastic. They are located about a block from the border crossing.

What would have cost me $4000 in the US cost me $630, took less time, and was a much better experience. I highly recommend it!