Cabo is home to award-winning restaurants and world-renowned chefs.[1]
It is emerging as one of the world’s new luxury travel destinations.[2]
Cabo is a great option for North Americans seeking dental care abroad since the flights are frequent and relatively short.
95% of people worldwide believe that their smile is a vital social asset. Nearly 84% feel increased pressure to perfect their smile.[3]
Cost of Dental Implants in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cost savings is the most important reason for seeking dental care in Cabo.
To illustrate how affordable dental implants are in Cabo San Lucas compared to the US & Canada, see the cost table below.
Dental Implant Avg. Cost Comparison (USD)
Type of Implant
USA
Canada
Cabo
Titanium Implant
$5,000
$4,600
$900
Zirconium Implant
$6,000
$5,520
$1,800
Crown
$1,800
$1,655
$ 450
Mini dental implants
$1,500
$1,350
$450
All-on-4
$24,000
$22,000
$9,180
All-on-6
$28,000
$26,000
$10,980
All-on-8
$35,000
$32,000
$12,780
Bone graft(full arch)
$3,000
$2,700
$1,500
Sinus Lifting
$2,500
$2,300
$1,500
Brands – Straumann, Nobel Biocare
*Price may change with the complexity of the case.
A single implant with a crown ranges from $7,000 – $8,500 in the US or Canada. But in Cabo, it is very reasonable and inexpensive; ranges from $900 – $2,000.
Similarly, a porcelain crown costs more than $1,600 in the West while it is only $450 in Cabo.
Also, you can see in the above table, that one gets savings of 60% to 70% by opting for dental implants in Cabo, Mexico.
People visit Cabo for a whole range of dental treatments like implants, crowns, veneers, bridges, etc.
Thus, Cabo offers a great place for dental vacations, especially for those who do not have dental insurance.
“Dental implants are worth the investment of time and money because they provide the most natural look and feel of any tooth replacement option.”
Mexico is one of the top 5 dental tourism destinations in Latin America.[4]
Affordable Dental Implants | Save up to 70%
High Standards of Dental Care | Success rate at our clinics – 97%
Modern Dentistry | State-of-the-art clinic
Convenient location & Connectivity | US West coast, 1 – 6 hrs to US
Ranked as the Best Tourist Destination | Mexico’s leading destination 2019[5]
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth
1. Bridges – Anchored to adjacent teeth. They can be removable or fixed
2. Dentures – A removable option if you have lost all or most of your teeth
3. Dental Implants – Serve as tooth root and is closest to a natural tooth
Today, a dental implant is the best tooth replacement option because it:[6]
Looks and feels most like your natural teeth but doesn’t decay
Offers a long-lasting solution
Has a very high success rate of 98%
Improve chewing capacity
Guide to Dental Implants
Dental Implant Process
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are substitutes for missing teeth. When teeth are extracted due to decay or infection, dental implants are placed in the jaw.
These implants function as that of the original extracted tooth.
The whole dental implant structure is composed of 3 main parts:
Post/screw
Abutment
Crown
Implant Post
Screw-like material drilled into the jaw bone
Behaves as an original tooth root
Abutment
It’s a connector on top of the implant
Bridges the implant & the restoration
Dental Restoration
Can be a crown, bridge, or denture
Shaped and tinted like a real tooth
Dental Implant Solutions in Cabo
In modern dentistry, the dental implant has a lot of uses. Implants can fix various tooth replacement issues as shown in the table:
Dental Problem
Traditional Solution
Implant Solutions
A single missing tooth
Crown
Single implant
Multiple missing teeth
Partial dentures
Implant-supported dentures or a fixed bridge
Bridge
A full arch of teeth missing
Dentures
All-on-3/4/5/6/8 implants
Bone loss
Removable dentures
Bone graft, sinus lift procedures before implant
Criteria for Dental Implants
The ideal candidate must have
Single or multiple missing teeth
Fully developed jawbone
Adequate jawbone to secure implants or eligible for a bone graft
Healthy gums
Commitment to oral health post-implant
Who may not Qualify for Dental Implants?
Young people with the jawbone in the development stage
Inadequate jawbone & not eligible for a bone graft
Teeth clenching or bruxism
Heavy smokers
Received neck or head high-dose radiation treatment
Chronic disease or systemic problem
Conditions that affect the immune system or reduce the body’s healing ability
Note – Even if you have some of the conditions above, you may still qualify for dental implants. The dentist will decide on a solution for you since it greatly depends on the recency and severity of the condition.
Additional Procedures
Bone loss occurs when you don’t replace your missing teeth for a long time.
So, when you need dental implants, some additional procedures may be required to rebuild the bone. The procedures include:
This procedure can increase the bone depth, height & width
The gum is lifted to expose the bone where the graft is needed
A bone or bone-like material is used to build the jawbone
Sinus lift
Sinus Lift or Sinus Grafting
The sinus floor moves downward when the missing teeth at the back of the upper jaw are not replaced for a long time.
So, when you need implants in this area,
The sinus floor membrane is lifted to its original position
Then, a bone is inserted underneath your sinus to support implants
Dental Implant Techniques in Cabo
Based on your jawbone health and specific needs, your implantologist may suggest different implant techniques.
All-on-4 in Cabo
It is also called full-arch fixed implant bridges. With this procedure, you can get a whole set of teeth using 4 implants per arch.
The technique is mainly developed to[7]
Maximize the use of available jawbone
Allow for immediate function
All on 4 Dental Implants
Benefits of All-on-4
The benefits of all on four technique are[8]
Easier to clean, immediate function and aesthetics
Relatively easy surgical & prosthetic procedure
Cost-effective since few numbers of implants
Decreased treatment times
Minimally invasive
Graft less procedure
The success and survival rates of All-on-four in upper[9]
and lower jaws[10]
are shown below
Jaw
Success rate
Survival rate
Upper
93.9%
94.7%
Lower
91.7%
93 %
All on 6/8 in Cabo
It is a full-mouth reconstruction procedure.
This type involves placing 6 or 8 implants in the jawbone for full-arch restoration.
It is done when a significant number of teeth are missing in either jaw.
Replacing each tooth with a single implant for the entire jaw would be a complex procedure with significant cost.
It will definitely cost more. Eight implants, when placed using an all-on-implant system should be sufficient to restore the full function of the teeth.
All on 6 dental implants
Same day implants
In this procedure, the implants, as well as the restoration, are placed in a single visit.
Same-day implants are otherwise called immediate load implants, or teeth in a day.
Same day implant
Benefits of Same-day Implants
Short treatment time
Requires only a single surgical procedure
Avoid discomforts of temporary dentures during the healing period
Better aesthetic results since gum tissues match the crown better
Mini Dental Implants
The implants that are half of the size of standard implants are called mini dental implants.
They are also known as small or narrow diameter implants.
Mini Dental Implants vs Traditional Dental Implants
Feature
Mini Dental Implants
Traditional Dental Implants
Size
< 3 mm in diameter
4 – 5 mm in diameter
Components
One-piece titanium screw
Implant & abutment
Procedure
Less invasive
More invasive
No of surgeries
Single surgery
One or two surgeries
Bone graft
Not required
Required sometimes
Purpose
To secure lower jaw dentures in areas with less bone
To secure a bridge of teeth
Molar replacement
Not possible
Possible
Affordability
Cost-effective
Less cost-effective
Longevity
Limited evidence; survival rate of 92%[11]
Proven success rate of 98%[12]
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are meant for patients who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
These implants are only used in the upper arch and are placed in the zygomatic bone (cheekbone).
Zygomatic implants
Indications for zygomatic implant insertion include[13]
Alternative for sinus augmentation
Failed sinus augmentation
Failure of conventional implants
Failure of previous bone grafts
Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
The benefits of zygomatic implants are[14]
An effective option for those who cannot have traditional implants
Immediate function with same-day teeth
Immediate improvement in appearance, comfort, and function
Less invasive than bone grafting
Graftless solution
Easy implant procedure
Short treatment time
Improved speech
Success rate of 88.1%[15]
Dental Implant Material
The materials used for dental implants are titanium and zirconia.
These are the two materials of choice for the abutment part of the implant.
They are bio-inert and not rejected by the body.
Titanium Dental Implant
Titanium is the gold standard material used in dental implants for more than 30 years. It has shown high success rates.[16]
Benefits of Titanium Implants
Proven longevity
Strong and resist fractures
Easy customization and alteration with the 2-piece implant system[17]
Low implant failure rate compared to zirconia[18]
Zirconia/ Ceramic Dental Implant
Ceramic tooth implants are one of the newer forms of dental implants. They are made of the hardest material next to diamonds.
Benefits Zirconia Implants
Attractive esthetics as metal-free
Natural tooth color
Biocompatible
The first option in patients with titanium allergy[19]
Forbes: Los Cabos is one of the top leisure destinations in 2020[20]
Cabo is a seaside tourism mecca.[21]
Surrounded by the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, the city offers unique opportunities to enjoy your vacation.
Cabo can be easily reached from anywhere in the U.S., Canada, and abroad
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is located 8 miles from San Jose del Cabo and 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas
Visa requirements – A valid passport, tourist card, and visa (for some countries)
You can move around the city on foot or by shuttles, taxis, buses
The Mexican Peso is the official currency but you can also use USD
Spanish is the main language spoken in Cabo but many people speak English as well
Cabo has 2 main seasons – winter & summer. The climate is very dry without humidity. Best time to visit – May & June
It is a sun-drenched destination, so stay hydrated. Drink only bottled or purified water
Many beaches in Cabo have strong waves & undertow. Follow the beach warning flags and practice caution in the water
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
There are exciting activities as well as numerous restaurants and shops to enjoy for visitors of all ages.
Dental implants in Cabo can satisfy all your tooth replacement needs and provide you with an opportunity to explore Mexico’s premier destination. If you are considering dental work in Cabo, let us guide you.
Dental Implants in Cabo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get high-quality dental implants in Cabo?
Yes, the Cabo clinic uses top brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare for dental implants.
How much can I save with the dental implants in Cabo San Lucas?
Compared to the US or Canada, your savings can be almost
80% for the titanium implant
75% for Porcelain crown
70% for Zirconium implant
90% for Zygomatic implant
Should I pay a consultation fee for my dental treatment in Cabo?
Yes, you will have to pay a fee of 60 USD if you undergo a dental evaluation only.
However, if any dental work is performed then the evaluation fee is exempted.
Is there any warranty on dental implants in Cabo?
Our partner clinic offers a 10-year warranty on dental implants in Cabo.
Does the Cabo clinic offer same-day implants?
Yes. The clinic offers a single trip ( immediate-load implants) for qualifying patients.
How far is the Cabo clinic from the hotels?
The clinic is situated across from the beach in San José del Cabo at a walking distance from many hotels in the region.
Can I find English-speaking dentists in Cabo?
Yes, the Cabo clinic dentists and staff can speak English and Spanish fluently.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
The benefits of dental implants include
Looks and functions like a natural tooth
Stand-alone solution. And don’t disturb adjacent teeth
Permanent tooth replacement and durable
Improve your appearance and confidence
Improve your ability to eat favorite foods
Comfortable & no slippage
Preserve the jawbone
Less maintenance
The long-term success rate of 98%[22]
Can I remove dental implants or do they stay in my mouth?
You can’t remove dental implants from your mouth.
Dentists fix the implants directly into bone, replacing your teeth in a way that is closest to your natural teeth.
How long does it take to get dental implants in Cabo?
The dental implant timeline in Cabo is 1 to two weeks for each visit. Find detailed info in the table below
Procedure
Trip 1
Trip 2
Single dental implant
5 – 7 days
5 – 7 days
All-on-4/6/8
5 – 7 days
5 – 7 days
Zygomatic implants
10 – 14 days
10 days
Same-day implant
7 – 14 days
7 – 14 days
Crowns
5 – 7 days
N/A
Bone graft
5 – 7 days
5 – 7 days
However, the total duration of the implant treatment depends on
Your medical and dental history
The health of the supporting jawbone
The implant technique
Implant materials
Is all-on-4 a safe technique for dental implants?
Yes, all-on-4 is a safe and effective technique.[23]
Less chance of infection and discomfort since fewer implants are placed
The implants are placed in such a way that it firmly supports the prosthetic teeth.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
The local anesthesia and sedation techniques used during the procedure reduce discomfort
Many patients report that they feel better than anticipated
Often, patients get back to their daily activities the next day
There may be some discomfort and bruising but it lasts only a short time[24]
What all factors to consider when choosing an implantologist in Cabo?
You need to consider the following factors while choosing an implantologist in Cabo:
Education and Training
Experience and reputation
Treatment duration
Equipment supplies available in the clinic
Hidden treatment costs
Management of complications / Follow-up care
Can any dentist perform dental implant surgery?
Dental implants must be placed carefully to minimize complications or implant failure.
For the best results, it is important to choose a dental implant expert.
He/she must have the proper education, training, and competence in implant dentistry.[25]
Do I need a passport or tourist card to visit Cabo, Mexico?
You need both a passport and a tourist card to enter Mexico.
Some foreign travelers are visa-exempt.
However, they need a tourist card. Moreover, for Americans, a passport or passport card is mandatory for re-entry into the US.
How safe is Cabo for dental tourists?
Cabo is pretty safe compared to other cities in Mexico.
There are no US government travel restrictions to Cabo and the entire state of Baja California Sur.[26]
However, tourists must follow basic safety precautions to stay safe.
