Guide

First-trip checklist

Last reviewed: September 2026

Before you go

• Written treatment plan from your chosen clinic — itemized, with materials named and visit count confirmed.
• Quotes from 2+ other clinics for comparison.
• Recent X-rays / panoramic scan sent to the clinic; ask if they want a CBCT done on arrival.
• Confirm total days needed and book lodging with a buffer day.
• Tell your dentist at home you're going and arrange a follow-up slot.
• Check whether your dental insurance reimburses out-of-network / international claims, and get claim forms.
• If using an HSA/FSA, confirm the treatment is eligible and keep itemized receipts.

Documents

• Passport (a passport card works for land border crossings; air travel needs the book).
• For stays over 7 days or flying in, you'll get an FMM tourist permit — keep it.
• Printed clinic address, appointment times and a contact name.
• List of your medications and any allergies; recent physician note if you have heart, blood-pressure or diabetes conditions relevant to surgery/sedation.

Crossing the border (drive-across cities)

• Park on the US side — Yuma for Los Algodones, San Ysidro lots for Tijuana, Progreso for Nuevo Progreso.
• Walk across. Bring a few dollars for parking and the pedestrian toll.
• Going back into the US: bring your passport; expect a wait (often 30–90 min in Los Algodones in season). Check the CBP Border Wait Times app.
• Don't over-buy pharmacy items; know the personal-use limits.

At the clinic

• Confirm the plan and price in writing again before any drilling.
• Ask to see the implant/ceramic packaging and get the lot documentation.
• Get every X-ray and scan copied to a USB drive or emailed to you.
• Keep the itemized invoice.

Money

• Cash (USD is accepted in border towns) or card — ask about card surcharges (often 3–5%).
• For large sums, a bank transfer or a service like Wise can beat card fees; confirm the clinic's method before you travel.
• Don't pay the full amount up front for multi-visit work — pay per stage.

Aftercare

• Follow post-op instructions exactly, especially for implants and extractions.
• Don't fly the same day as oral surgery if you can avoid it.
• See your home dentist within a few weeks; send them the records.
• Report any problem to the clinic immediately, in writing, so it's on record for the warranty.

Border wait times, permit rules and customs limits change — verify current details on official CBP and Mexican government pages before you travel.