Last fact-checked: 13 January 2019
Discover Mexico’s past while taking advantage of cost savings having your dental care in Merida. The city is famed for the beauty of its buildings where history merges with modernity.
Merida–In Brief
Merida’s Centro Historico district is one of the largest in the Americas. Lined with colonial homes, it is currently enjoying a Renaissance as these much-loved old buildings are being lovingly restored to their former glory.
Founded in 1542, Merida was built on the site of the ancient Mayan city of T’ho, at the time the center of Mayan culture in the Yucatan region. After the arrival of the Spanish, the city’s ancient pyramids were destroyed, but the ruins were used in the construction of some of Merida’s important buildings, such as the Merida Cathedral. The Spanish built Merida as a walled city, and several of the old city gates remain standing to this day.
Merida is the capital of the Yucatan region, an important commercial center with a population of nearly one million, but also one of the key places to understand and experience the Mayan culture. It has a unique heritage, even compared to the rest of Mexico, with an identity of its own. Unique culture, traditions, cuisine and language are the result of its isolation from other parts of Mexico and a strong Spanish influence, giving Merida its unique characteristics and providing visitors with a treasure-trove of experiences.
Merida is modern and cosmopolitan. All 21st-century interests – boutiques, restaurants, museums, art galleries and shops are represented here; but so too are Merida’s traditions and culture. From watching the weekly Vaqueria performances in the Central Plaza, to exploring nearby Mayan ruins, the city is rich with things to see and do. Merida is also well-located to take in some of the other sights of the Yucatan Peninsula, including the holiday resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, or the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Patients choosing to have their dental treatment in Merida will not be disappointed by the quality of dental care here, nor by the facilities and amenities available to make your stay a memorable one.
Where Is Merida?
Located on the northwest Yucatan Peninsula and capital city of the state of Yucatan, Merida is near to ancient Mayan ruins dotted along the peninsula, as well as the popular holiday resorts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
(Image byTomas Castelazo)
Why Visit a Dentist in Merida?
Merida is a safe city in one of the most fascinating areas in Mexico. For anyone interested in ancient culture, Merida is a must – and its sophisticated ambiance will particularly appeal to those looking for more than a beach holiday.
Merida is also fortunate to have some of the most up-to-date dental clinics in Mexico; patients looking for good quality care in pleasant surroundings will not be disappointed. Our best dentists have excellent facilities, embracing new technology, including CAD/CAM systems, digital x-rays and 3D scanning, which provide accurate diagnoses and treatments, as well as speedier turnaround times.
Traveling to Merida for your dental care does not mean a compromise on receiving high quality. Your care will be just as good as you would receive at home, but for a fraction of the cost:
- A single dental crown in the US costs $1,200; Prices at a dentist in Merida: $420
- A root canal, post and crown in the US costs $2,200; At a dentist in Merida: $559
- A dental implant and crown in the US costs $3,900; At a dentist in Merida: $1,760
Where to Stay?
Merida offers a wide array of comfortable places to stay, at reasonable prices. As you might expect, accommodations range from luxury five-star to budget hotels to apartment rentals and airbnb's. Look for promotions that can save you a considerable amount.
Is Merida Safe?
Yes, with few exceptions Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula are very safe, with travel warnings seldom issued by the US government for the state of Yucatan, or surrounding states, including Campeche and Quintana Roo. Just follow the common-sense rules of the travel road and you will enjoy a safe visit, along with some 400,000 leisure tourists from all over the world that Merida welcomed in 2017.
Is the Quality of Care the Same as Back Home?
Provided you select the right dentist, the quality of care you receive in Merida will be every bit as good as the care you receive at home. Our commitment to ensuring our patients receive good quality starts with detailed background checks. We verify dentists' qualifications and experience and personally visit clinics to see for ourselves the techniques and standards they employ. Only when we are satisfied they will provide treatment of the same quality as at home will we include them on our website.
Some of our top Merida dental clinics include:
- Whiteline Dental Clinic
- GIO Clinic
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Does My Merida Dentist Guarantee the Work?
We know dental care is a worrying prospect for many, even more so if traveling abroad. It should give you comfort to know that all dentists listed on our site guarantee their work, not only for your procedure but for any materials produced in the lab (such as crowns or dentures),
While no provider is able to guarantee any medical or dental procedure 100%, in the rare event that you do experience a problem, Dental Departures will work with you to see that it is put right. We are committed to providing our patients with outstanding customer service–and will work with you and your dentist on your behalf.
For your complete peace of mind, if you are concerned about travel and other expenses should you need to return for follow-up care, we have joined with insurance providers around the globe to offer low-cost coverage should the need arise.
(Image by: Chivista)
Do I Need to Speak Spanish?
No. Merida is a major tourist destination and English is spoken widely in most of our dental clinics, as well as restaurants and hotels that cater to international travelers.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
You can check each clinic’s individual payment methods on our website. Generally, US cash is accepted everywhere. Most clinics also accept debit and credit cards, as well as personal and travelers' checks. Please note that credit care payments may be subject to a small processing fee (usually 3-4%).
Is my US or Canadian Dental Insurance Accepted?
While dentists in Mexico cannot file a claim on your insurance, if your provider allows for "out-of-network" care you may be eligible for reimbursement when you return home. Check with your insurance provider before you travel, and make sure you bring along the necessary forms and other documents, as your dentist will need to complete these.
When is the Best Time to Visit a Dentist in Merida?
Our dentists are open all year round, although at peak tourism times (January through March) you will want to book your accommodations and flights well in advance. The other downside to traveling at peak times is that you will be less likely to get the best airfares and hotel rates.
Merida’s weather is tropical with high temperatures in January to May (from 28-36°C; 82-97°F). The rainy season runs from June to October, likely to be short, sudden downpours rather than sustained rain for days on end. Tropical storms may also affect the area at this time of year. Many Merida dentists offer special discount pricing and promotions during the slow season. Our Customer Care Team will be happy to help you locate low-season bargains.
Is the City Wheelchair Friendly?
The sidewalks are rather narrow in parts of the city but otherwise, the area around Plaza Mayor (El Centro) is wheelchair friendly, as are the sidewalks on Paseo Montejo, where you will find European-styled boulevards with plenty of room.
(Image byPedro Sanchez)
What is the Downside? What Should I Know about Visiting?
There are no particular dangers, annoyances or other problems to be aware of in Merida.
The only item that may be an issue for dental patients is that sedation dentistry is not standard in Mexico. Our dentists are happy to arrange full sedation with advance notice. Please note that the services of an anesthetist are required, with additional fees running $400-$600.
What Else is There Around Town?
While there are plenty of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and everything else you could possibly want in Merida, it is worthwhile to explore surrounding areas. The nearest beach is in the charming town of Progreso, a half hour drive away. The established and much busier resorts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen Tulum are also an option, three to four hours away by car.
Greater Merida is blessed with nearby ancient ruins, including the world-renowned Chichen Itza and Tulum. Smaller, lesser-known sites, such as Dzibilchaltun, are well worth a look.
For the more adventurous, Merida provides plenty of pursuits just outside of the city, including caves and cenotes (sinkholes) across the Yucatan peninsula. The Grutas de Calcehtok caves have a number of organized tours for different abilities. If you are a little claustrophobic, the open-air X'batun may be for you. A peaceful haven surrounded by rocks and plants, the crystal-clear, cooling waters are particularly inviting on a hot day.
Flying in?
The nearest airport is Merida's Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (IATA airport code: MID). Other area airports, such as Cancun, also serve Merida-bound travelers.
Distance from Airport and Other Places of Interest:
- Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport: 6 miles (10 km), 16 minutes
- Progreso: 23 miles (36 km), 37 minutes
- Chichen Itza: 75 miles (120 km), 1.5 hours
- Tulum: 164 miles (264 km), 3 hours
- Cancun: 191 miles (308 km), 3.25 hours
How Do I Book?
Book your appointment online any time of the day or night, or call us toll-free. You can get free quotes, view clinic photos, take virtual tours, read real patient reviews and find exclusive promotions on our website. Save a bunch and discover great-quality dental care in Merida with Dental Departures; there is no charge to you for our services.
(Image by: Joseph Barillari)
(Main Image by: Espara Palma)
Sources:
Merida Centro Historico. http://yucatantoday.com/centro-hist-rico-historic-center-m-rida/?lang=en. Yucatan Times. Website accessed 4 December 2018.
Merida. https://www.britannica.com/place/Merida-Mexico. Website accessed 4 December 2018.
Schulman, Bob. Merida, Mexico: The Crossroads of Maya History. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/merida-mexico-a-rich-maya_b_2360151. Huffington Post. 26 December 2012.
Fasbinder, Dennis J. 25 Years of Chairside CAD/CAM Dentistry. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)63733-8/abstract. Journal of the American Dental Association. 1 June 2010.
FAQs
What is the safest Mexican city for dental work? ›
Los Algodones, Mexico, located about 5 minutes from Yuma, Arizona, is well known for its dental work and it is considered “the dental capital of the world”.
Where do people go in Mexico for dental work? ›Los Algodones, also called 'molar city,' is located close to the southwest of the US-Mexico border. Every year, around 120,000 Americans and Canadians cross the border into Los Algodones for affordable dental care. The city is home to over 500 practicing dentists.
How do I choose a good dental clinic? ›...
Things to Consider for Finding a Good Dental Clinic
- QUALITY OF SERVICES: ...
- TREATMENTS OFFERED: ...
- EXPIRIENCED TEAM: ...
- TECHNOLOGY: ...
- STERLIZATION:
Root Canal: 12.5k to 15.5k MXN ($615 to $760 USD) Dental Crowning: 8.5k – 11k MXN ($420 – $540 USD) Dental Implants: 36k – 43k MXN ($1,770 – $2,115 USD)
Can a US citizen get dental work in Mexico? ›As long as you pick the right dental practice, you won't have any difficulties whatsoever getting dental treatment in Mexico without speaking Spanish. To avoid any problems, make sure you research the practice before booking your trip.
Is it worth going to Mexico for dental work? ›You can save 50-70% on the cost of your dental work with a dentist in Mexico. You can save $3,500 with a single tooth implant and crown alone. Need a same day root canal in Mexico, you can save $800. Looking to get dentures, you can save $1,350.
What is the best border town in Mexico for dental work? ›Los Algodones is the most popular dental tourism destination. We at Medical Tourism Corporation work with a certified dental facility in the Mexican border town to help with dental treatments at only a fraction of the US prices.
Where is the best country to get dental work done? ›- Germany. ...
- Mexico. ...
- The Czech Republic. ...
- Costa Rica. ...
- Poland. ...
- Croatia. ...
- Hungary. Hungary is well-known for having some of the world's best dental implant facilities. ...
- Turkey. Turkey is continuously recognized as one of the best nations for dental implants, which comes as no surprise.
The average cost of dental implants in Mexico from a good Mexican dentist is $1400 – $1800. That includes all the components of a full tooth replacement – the cost of the titanium post, abutment, and porcelain crown. The corresponding cost of a full tooth replacement in the US is $3500 – $5500.
What is the best dental care brand? ›- Best Water Flosser: Burst Oral Care Water Flosser. This water flosser received extremely high marks from our testers—water flossing newbies included. ...
- Best Floss: Bite Dental Floss. ...
- Best Mouthwash: Tend Tonic Mouth Rinse.
Why are private dentists better? ›
A private dentist has more time to explain all the treatment options to you properly and there you are more in control of your oral health. Nervous patients can benefit from sedation, as well as the extra care and time a private dentist can provide.
What is the best dental specialty? ›The highest-paid dental specialty is oral and maxillofacial surgery. Surgeons, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons, make a national average salary of $288,550 per year . These professionals are highly trained in both dental care and medical surgery.
Is a root canal or extraction cheaper? ›A tooth extraction costs less than root canal therapy. However, in order to prevent jawbone deterioration and dental drift, you should consider getting a dental implant to replace the lost tooth.
How much is a root canal vs extraction? ›The cost of a root canal can run from $500 to over $1,000, depending on whether you have insurance. The cost of a tooth extraction can be around $200 if you have insurance, as well. While the upfront costs of root canal therapy are higher, tooth extractions often lead to other long-term costs.
How much is a root canal in the US without insurance? ›The most common procedures and typical amounts charged by dentists are: Root Canal – Front Tooth (approximately $620 - $1,100 Out-of-Network) Root Canal – Premolar (approximately $720- $1,300 Out-of-Network) Root Canal – Molar (approximately $890 - $1,500 Out-of-Network)
Is dental work cheaper in Mexico or Costa Rica? ›patients can expect to save 40%–65% in Mexico, 45%–65% in Costa Rica, and 50%–75% in Thailand.
Can I cross the border into Mexico for dental work? ›If you are crossing the border by land for Mexico dental services, you just walk across without the need to present your passport to Mexican customs. You don't need to present your valid passport going to Mexico unless you are travelling more than 12-18 miles from the US-Mexico border into Mexico.
How much does it cost for full mouth dental implants? ›Full Mouth Implants
The cost for this type of implant-supported dentures can vary from $7,000 to $90,000. The average cost for full mouth implants is about $34,000. A top or bottom set of dentures can cost about $3,500 to $30,000. Full mouth dental implants are strong and secure.
An estimated 1.2 million Americans travel to Mexico for dental work annually. One reason why travelers are drawn to the country is that medical procedures cost a fraction of what they do in their country of origin.
Who is not a candidate for all on 4 dental implants? ›A health condition like uncontrolled diabetes can make a patient ineligible for implants. Those who are using antidepressants or undergoing radiation therapy are at higher risk of implant failure and may not be considered for All-on-4.
How long do dental implants last? ›
How Long Do Dental Implants Last? With regular brushing and flossing, the implant screw itself can last a lifetime, assuming the patient receives regular dental check-ups every 6 months. The crown, however, usually only lasts about 10 to 15 years before it may need a replacement due to wear and tear.
What is the denture capital of the world? ›Aside from being known as Molar City, people also call Los Algodones, Mexico as the “Dental Capital of the World”. Dayo Dental specializes in delivering you the top 5% of dentists in Mexico.
What state has the best dentistry? ›| States with the Best Dental Health | States with the Worst Dental Health |
|---|---|
| 1. Wisconsin | 42. Florida |
| 2. Illinois | 43. Kentucky |
| 3. Minnesota | 44. Alaska |
| 4. District of Columbia | 45. Texas |
A 2010 survey of 29 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries found that only five (Austria, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Turkey) covered the full cost of dental care and six (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan and United Kingdom) covered 76–99% of the costs.
What is the cheapest way to fix teeth? ›Dental Implants
A dental implant is the cheapest way to fix teeth after an injury, cavities, or rotten teeth. In addition, this method of tooth replacement is long-lasting. This is because your replaced tooth is on a strong foundation.
No, while dental care in Canada is high quality, dental work in Canada is no cheaper than it is in the US. They do have government-funded healthcare in Canada, but residents must pay privately for oral health. And even if they did have universal dental healthcare, US citizens wouldn't be able to benefit from that.
How much do 4 on 4 implants cost in Mexico? ›Cost of All-on-4 Dental Implants in Mexico
The cost of all on four dental implants in Mexico ranges from $4,900 to $10,900 per arch, depending on the clinic you choose and the condition of your teeth. The same procedure will cost you $24,000 in the US and $22,000 in Canada. Expect to save up to 70% compared to the US.
The cost for a full set of veneers (10 veneers) in Mexico goes from $2,500 USD (composite resin veneers) to $4,500 USD (emax porcelain veneers).
How much is a full set of Snap In dentures in Mexico? ›The average Snap-On dentures cost in Mexico goes on average from 3,000 USD to 8,000 USD per arch. At Cancun Dental Design, you can get a removable implant-supported denture for 4,800 (2 implants) to 6,750 (4 implants) depending on how many Implants (USD 900 each) are placed to anchor your overdenture.
Who is best for dental implants? ›Proficient and highly skilled in dental surgeries, even as recent graduates, an oral surgeon is the most qualified dentist to place dental implants. Additionally, they have both dental and medical training, so an oral surgeon is the best choice for anyone with compromising medical conditions or highly complex cases.
What is the strongest tooth restoration? ›
The strongest material currently in use for dental restorations is zirconia. Zirconia is a white ceramic, so it's passable when it comes to restorations, but it's opaque, not translucent like your natural tooth enamel.
Is it worth going private for dental treatment? ›Having a wider selection of treatments
When you go to a Private Dentist and become a private dental patient you have a wider choice of various dental treatments and aren't limited to what is available on the NHS, for example, teeth whitening isn't available on the NHS as it is to do with aesthetics.
Private treatment
There are no set limits on what practices can charge for private dental treatment and prices will vary from practice to practice. However dental professionals must make sure that a simple price list is clearly displayed in the reception or waiting area of the practice.
There can be wide variations in prices for the same dental procedures from different providers. Individual dental practices set prices for their offices based on market prices and the costs of doing business. These costs include rent, salaries, insurance, supplies and more.
Who earns more dentist or Doctor? ›dentist salary in india, an average salary for a Dentist in India is ₹307491. Visit PayScale to research dentist salaries by city, experience, skill, employer and more. MD doctor salary in india ranges between ₹ 0.8 Lakhs to ₹ 27.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 8.0 Lakhs.
What is higher than a dentist? ›Dental specialists are dentists who receive additional training in a specific dental specialty, above and beyond their general dentistry degree. Due to heredity, issues with your overall health, an accident, or some other reason, you may need to visit a dental specialist.
What is the newest dental specialty? ›| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The newest dental specialty is? | oral and maxillofacial radiology |
| The member of the dental health team who is licensed to scale and polish the teeth is the? | Dental Hygienist |
| Model trimmers and dental lathes are found in the? | Dental laboratory |
Nerve injury
Although far less common than dry socket, injury to sections of a nerve called the trigeminal nerve is another possible complication of wisdom tooth removal. It can cause pain, a tingling sensation and numbness in your tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth and gums.
For example, if your infection is too severe to receive a root canal and antibiotics, your dentist might recommend an extraction instead even if it is not one of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will also advise you on the best way to fill up the space created by the missing teeth.
What is more painful root canal or tooth extraction? ›Root canals can be a painful procedure. In fact, many find it to be more painful than an extraction, but the use of local anesthesia can reduce the pain. The procedure starts by first examining the patient's mouth with X-rays. These help to determine the severity of the infection and the number of teeth infected.
Is it better to get a crown or pull the tooth? ›
A dental crown cannot save a badly damaged tooth because there is not enough tooth structure to support the crown. The tooth is in a difficult location. A tooth in a hard-to-reach location, such as a back tooth, may be hard to put a crown on. Pulling out a tooth versus saving it with a crown may be the better option.
How long do root canals last? ›Root Canal Treatment Success Rate
According to this report, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or longer. Molars treated by endodontists had a 10 year survival rate, significantly higher than that of molars treated by general dentists.
If you've got longevity in mind, know that dental implants can last you for much longer than a root canal and crown. They have a low failure rate and can last decades with good care. With a root canal, you may still end up with your tooth failing or needing to replace crowns after five to 15 years.
How can I get a root canal with no money? ›Public Clinics
Depending on where you live, you may have access to public clinics that are run by local or state health departments. These clinics are usually subsidized by the government, which is why they can offer dental services that are either free or on a sliding scale. These clinics employ licensed dentists.
After a root canal, a dentist can recommend a crown to restore the tooth. Needing one depends on the location of the tooth in the mouth and the strength of the part of the tooth that is left. Teeth toward the back of the mouth, like premolars and molars, will likely need crowns.
How much does a root canal cost in Mexico? ›The average price of a root canal with a post in Mexico is $300 to $400. Some of the best root canal specialists in Mexico charge around $450 to $550.
Where is the best place in Mexico to get your teeth fixed? ›Cancun stands out as your best place for dental tourism in Mexico. Your get a unique combination of affordability and, convenience for, and your dream dental vacation. In Cancun, you can save about 50–70 percent on major procedures like dental implants.
What is the best Mexican border town for dental work? ›Los Algodones is located on the Mexico-US border in California and is one of the most convenient places for Americans seeking low-cost dental treatments. Reputable dentists in Los Algodones (Molar City) such as Sani Dental Group prove particularly popular with American and Canadian dental tourists.
What Mexican city is known for dental work? ›Known as the dental capital of the world, this small town is a unique place that you would not regret visiting. Los Algodones, Mexico has everything dental tourists are looking for. From more than 300 dental clinics to hotels, convenience stores, and delicious Mexican food.
What city in Mexico has the best medical care? ›Centro Médico ABC Campus Santa Fe (Mexico City)
Recognized as one of the World's Best Hospitals in the 2022 roundup by Newsweek magazine, Centro Médico ABC Campus Santa Fe is home to a host of specialist doctors caring for thousands of patients.
How much does it cost to get all your teeth fixed in Mexico? ›
| Full Mouth Dental Implant Cost | Mexico Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Tooth Implant per tooth | $780 |
| Single Tooth Implant with Crown per tooth | $1,635 |
| Implant Dentures with 4 dental implants per arch | $6,020 |
| Implant Dentures with 4 dental implants full mouth | $12,040 |
How much is a full set of crowns in Mexico? In A1 Smile Design Mexico, the full set of crowns of 10 teeth is 4,500 USD, and a full set of crowns of 14 teeth is 6,300 USD.
Is Medicare good in Mexico? ›You cannot use Medicare in Mexico because Medicare coverage does not pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. This means if you are traveling in Mexico or residing there permanently, your Medicare benefits will not remain in effect.
Does Mexico accept US medical insurance? ›No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.
What is the biggest health issue in Mexico? ›The major health concern in Mexico is Obesity. In Mexico, 32.4% of the population is obese, making it the country with the 2nd highest prevalence of obesity, behind the US. The country also has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the OECD, with 15.9% of the population having diabetes.