First, please excuse the novel I'm about to write but it's well worth the read if you're considering extensive dental work and being pain-free for a change. Second, since this is the first of my three visits, so I'll update on each visit and rate my experiences in real time. My decision to go with this dentist was based largely on other helpful reviews so it's the least I can do for others.
Due to injuries and botched work by US dentists (they actually pulled the wrong teeth that were healthy) that left me in pain for years and fearful of being in the chair again, I delayed any work for over 10 years. Recently, the pain had become unbearable and it was time to get the work done. Average quote for reconstruction in California was $45k+ for All-on-4 so I decided to look at options abroad from Costa Rica to Thailand. Then I found Dental Departures and they actually go through great lengths to vet out dentists abroad (including site visits) and rank them by area and by specialty. At the top of their list was Smile 4 Ever in Tijuana but as a long time SoCal resident, I had my own negative opinions about Tijuana so I had to do further homework to check things out.
After calling other Tijuana and Los Algodones dentist to get a feel for their offices, I reached out to Smile 4 Ever. My first conversation was with Fernando and then George on a second test call. They were both warm and informative without being pushy. A day later, I received a follow up call from their manager, Evelyn, and it turns out she's a SoCal girl who grew up in Glendale and put all my uneasiness to rest. She is not a sales liaison as she actually lives in Tijuana and works in the office daily and fully explained the procedures and options and then emailed me travel options, from shuttle services to border crossing and hotel options.
For my case, the appointments were spread over three days but most of this time was to my benefit as Doctor Mendez wanted to ensure that I was healthy and complication-free post op before I returned home.
They have a corporate rate at a Hyatt nearby which is no more than five minutes from their office and they shuttled us back and forth each day. The consultation with Dr Mendez after imaging was no less than two hours of comprehensive explanations of all my options (you won't get this with a local dentist). He wasn't pushy at all and explained risks and long term effects on my overall physical health, and I opted for a reconstruction instead of all on 4 in the end.
Six hour procedure followed with some follow up the next day and a lot of eduction as to what to expect post-surgery from Dr.Mendez and his team. It's been 10 days and I'm healing nicely and have had multiple follow up calls from the office to check on my progress. I will return later this month for a 30 day check up and to remove stitches, and later in October for reconstruction.
While the timelines will vary due to your situation, the service is superb and I would recommend their services to anyone. Their offices are clean and have state of the art equipment and their team of hygienists and assistants is a wonderful group of young professionals that are respectful and superbly skilled.
Incidentally while waiting in the lobby one day, we met other patients from the states, particularly a family from the Bay Area that had work done a year ago and had come down for annual check ups, and they gave glowing reviews of their results. There's not a more confidence inspiring event than to hear from current patients and their positive experiences.
Quick update...I've been back to Dr. Mendez's office a few times for check ups since my initial surgery and they've taken multiple X-rays to check on progress and the posts are integrating very well. Also, my wife got a crown and an molar implant done with minimal out of pocket expense as Dr. Mendez was able to use our PPO insurance to offset the cost.
For transportation, Uber takes you to and from the office from the Pedwest border crossing and we've been able to visit the shops and restaurants at the border during our visits. Safety has been no concern and the people are hospitable to tourists and, at 18 pesos to the dollar, you get a lot for your money. I suggest you park on the US side and walk across as it's easy and parking is no issue. Also, my work schedule is crazy and Jorge at the office is a magician in making Saturday appointments work for us based on availability.
Based on my research on immediate-load bridges and complications with fitment over time, I'm so glad that Dr Mendez chooses to use a high quality approach to smile design where he allows abutments to heal before loading bridges and crowns to achieve optimal fitment that last a long time. So far so good and more updates to come... Next up is the smile design and articulation which is exciting. Hope this helps in your decision.... read more