Is it safe to get All-on-4 in Tijuana?

You are not alone

A 2026 report by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health estimates that about 9.6 million U.S. adults have traveled abroad for dental care, most often to lower the cost. Tijuana is one of the most popular destinations because it is minutes from San Diego.

The real risks of treatment abroad

The CDC lists the main risks of medical travel. Here is what they mean for implant patients:

• Infection. Ask how instruments are sterilized and whether implants come in sealed, single-use packaging.
• Complications after you go home. Know in advance who handles a problem and how fast you can be seen.
• Records. Ask for your X-rays, treatment plan and implant details in English, so any dentist can help you later.
• Healing during your trip. Rest after surgery and avoid alcohol, hard exercise and long tours, as these can slow healing.

Checklist: 8 questions to ask any clinic

1. Is the dentist licensed? Mexican dentists hold a cédula profesional. You can check any license number in the official SEP registry at cedulaprofesional.sep.gob.mx.
2. Will I get a 3D X-ray (CBCT) before surgery? Safe All-on-4 planning needs a 3D view of your bone and nerves, not just a flat X-ray.
3. Is the surgery digitally planned and guided? A printed surgical guide helps place implants exactly where they were planned.
4. Which implant brand do you use? Ask for the brand name and the stickers or certificate with lot numbers.
5. Who makes my teeth, and from what? An in-house lab gives the dentist direct control over fit and quality.
6. Is the quote written and fixed? It should list every step: X-ray, extractions, temporary teeth and final bridge.
7. What is the follow-up plan? How many visits, and who you contact if something feels wrong at home.
8. Can I see real cases? Before-and-after photos of the clinic’s own patients tell you more than stock photos.

How Dental Implant Art answers these questions

• Original DIO implants from Korea, each with a certificate of authenticity.
• 3D X-ray, digital planning and 3D-printed surgical guides. See our technology.
• In-house digital lab making temporary and final zirconia teeth. See our lab.
• Fixed provisional teeth the same day as surgery.
• A free written quote with a fixed price before you travel.
• Real patient results on our cases page.
• A team that speaks English and Spanish, and support by phone or email after you go home.

Crossing the border

• To return to the U.S. by land you need a valid passport, passport card or trusted traveler card such as SENTRI.
• We offer a free ride from the border to the clinic and back. Just ask when you book.
• If you receive sedation, do not drive. Plan for a companion or use our ride.
• Check the U.S. State Department’s current travel advisory for Baja California before your trip, and stay in the areas your clinic recommends.

More practical tips are on our out-of-town patients page.

Talk to our team

Sources: CDC Yellow Book – Medical Tourism; CareQuest Institute report, June 2026; SEP professional license registry; U.S. State Department travel advisories.