Verified Clinics in Tijuana's Zona Rio District
Tijuana is the most accessible dental tourism destination from the US. Walk across the border from San Ysidro, get world-class dental work at a fraction of US prices, and be home the same day.
The easiest border crossing, the most modern clinics, and savings that make the trip worth it
Walk or drive across the border from San Ysidro. No flights needed. Day trips possible for most procedures.
Tijuana's Zona Rio district has one of the highest concentrations of dental clinics in Mexico, many catering specifically to US patients.
Many Tijuana dentists completed residencies or continuing education in the US. English is widely spoken.
Clinics in Zona Rio rival US offices: digital X-rays, CBCT scanning, CAD/CAM, in-house labs.
Real price ranges at verified partner clinics in Tijuana. Your exact cost depends on your specific case.
| Procedure | US Price | Tijuana Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Dental Implant | $3,000-5,000 | $800-1,500 | ~70% |
| All-on-4 (full arch) | $20,000-40,000 | $6,000-12,000 | ~70% |
| Porcelain Crown | $1,000-2,000 | $300-600 | ~70% |
| Veneers (per tooth) | $1,000-2,500 | $350-600 | ~70% |
| Root Canal | $800-1,500 | $200-400 | ~73% |
| Dental Bridge | $2,000-5,000 | $600-1,500 | ~70% |
Not every clinic in Tijuana meets our standards. Here's how we verify the ones we work with.
We verify dental school graduation, board certifications, specialization credentials, and continuing education. Every dentist's qualifications are documented and available for review.
We evaluate sterilization protocols, equipment condition and technology (digital X-rays, CBCT, CAD/CAM), materials sourcing, and overall cleanliness. Clinics must meet documented standards.
We assess years in practice, patient volume, complication rates, and how the clinic handles issues when they arise. Experience and consistency matter.
We document which implant brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, BioHorizons), crown materials, and lab partners each clinic uses. You'll know exactly what's going into your mouth.
Verification isn't a one-time event. We collect patient feedback continuously and conduct periodic re-verification to ensure clinics maintain their standards over time.
Tijuana is the easiest Mexican dental destination to reach from the US. Here's how to get there.
Drive to the San Ysidro border crossing (last US exit off I-5). Park on the US side ($5-8/day at Border Station Parking or similar). Walk across the pedestrian bridge into Mexico. Clinics in Zona Rio are a 5-minute taxi ride ($3-5) from the border.
Many clinics offer complimentary shuttle pickup from the border crossing or even from San Diego hotels. Ask your clinic coordinator about shuttle availability when you book your appointment.
Fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN). The border is 20 minutes south. Alternatively, fly into Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) via the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge, which connects the airport directly to the US side.
A SENTRI pass is recommended for fast return to the US. Otherwise, pedestrian crossing wait times are typically 30-90 minutes. Weekday mornings are the fastest times to cross back.
No surprises. Here's how a typical treatment day in Tijuana works.
Meet your dentist and care team. If not already done remotely, you'll get a panoramic X-ray so the dentist has a complete picture of your case.
Go over the treatment plan in person with your dentist. Confirm pricing, review the procedures, and ask any remaining questions before you begin.
Most procedures are completed the same day. Implant placements typically take 1-2 hours. Crowns and veneers can often be fabricated and placed in a single visit with CAD/CAM technology.
Receive detailed post-treatment instructions, prescriptions if needed, and a clear follow-up schedule. Your records are uploaded to your HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
Note: Complex cases (All-on-4, multiple implants) may require 2-3 days in Tijuana. Your treatment plan will include a specific timeline so you can plan accordingly.
For patients needing overnight stays, Zona Rio has hotels at every price point within walking distance of clinics.
Budget
~$50-70/night
Located in Zona Rio, walkable to most dental clinics. Clean, comfortable, and popular with dental tourism patients.
Mid-Range
~$70-100/night
Modern hotel in Zona Rio with updated rooms and amenities. Convenient location near clinics and restaurants.
Comfort
~$120-160/night
Business-class hotel near dental clinics. Familiar US brand with reliable quality. Good option for longer stays.
Note: Many patients do same-day round trips from San Diego for simpler procedures like crowns, fillings, or root canals. Overnight stays are mainly needed for implant placements and multi-day treatment plans.
Every part of this process is designed so you know exactly what you're getting
Your X-rays, treatment notes, and material specs stored securely. Accessible to you and your US dentist anytime.
Credentials, sterilization protocols, and patient track records documented for every clinic we work with.
Know your exact procedures, timeline, and cost before you cross the border. No surprises on arrival.
Post-treatment check-ups coordinated with a dentist near you before you leave. You're never on your own.
Yes. Tijuana's Zona Rio medical district is safe and well-traveled by US patients. Clinics are modern, dentists are well-trained, and materials are the same FDA-approved brands. MxSmiles only works with verified clinics.
Drive to San Ysidro, park on the US side, walk across the border, take a short taxi to Zona Rio. Many clinics also offer shuttle service from the border or San Diego hotels.
Yes, you need a valid US passport or passport card to re-enter the US. A SENTRI pass is recommended for faster border crossing on the return.
Simple procedures (crowns, fillings, root canals) can be done in a single day trip. Implant placements typically require 2-3 days. All-on-4 may require 3-5 days.
Yes, most dentists in Zona Rio speak fluent English and have staff who speak English. Many trained in the US.
MxSmiles coordinates follow-up care with a dentist near you before you travel. Your HIPAA-compliant records are accessible to any US dentist you visit.
Get exact pricing for your case. No commitment, no pressure — just the number you need.
Upload photos or X-rays and we'll match you with verified clinics.
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