I searched on the internet for 4 months looking for a dentist in Tijuana, that I could trust with my teeth. After reading the reviews here from Marilou; Claudia; and Cynthia, I decided on PACIFIC DENTAL CLINIC. Boy, I am so glad that I took their advise. With confidence, I packed my bag and flew to San Diego.
My first visit with Dr. Nathan Lutz was on a Monday. He did an exam and reviewed the 2 dental plans that I had brought with me, from my 2 dentists here in Spokane, Washington. He listened to all my concerns. (During the past year I had lost 4 molars and I was tired of chewing all my food like a chipmunk). But, much more than that, he interacted with me as a professional. With his advise and vast knowledge of what would be best; with a total exchange of ideas, WE decided on the best dental plan moving forward. He immediately got to work. That day I had a crown removed; decay removed and build up; a temporary crown installed; a mold made for my permanent crown; and deep cleaning of 3 teeth in that quadrant; and, he filled 3 (of my 7) cavities. I used the free van service to go back to my room at the Best Western Americana Inn in San Ysidro; and, walked across the parking lot to Coco's to have dinner. No pain, didn't even need an aspirin.
The next day, the last van to Tijuana leaves at 9 am. But, unfortunately my appointment was not until 2:30. That's when my permanent crown would be ready. So, (after another poster's advise) I walked up the street to La Fogata restaurant for breakfast. WOW, they really do serve the greatest breakfast! But, brush up on your Spanish. Many of the wait staff do not speak English. Having trouble with this one word, the waitress literally brought me a piece of bacon. :) And, if you are a smoker like me, the beautiful patio opens at 11 am. You can even have a bloody Mary. Also, going nuts trying to figure out how many paco's = $1? Don't worry, your bill will have both paco's and USD. After several hours of Sudoku, I walked the 1 block back up to my dental appointment.
Tues. was a busy day. I had upper right and lower right quadrants numbed. I had 4 cavities filled; both upper and lower right quadrants deep cleaned; my permanent crown installed; complete x-rays taken for bite placement and bone location for my partial dentures; impressions made for my partials; and complete scaling and polishing of my whole mouth. With my pearly whites, (well, as I said...I'm a smoker, so their were more like pearly off-whites) I went back to Coco's for dinner. (Aspirin? Aspirin, we don't need no stinking aspirin, lol). And besides, Coco's makes heavenly pies!
Thursday was the big day. I went in for my upper and lower partials. The fit is spot on. I was told that I could use denture creme if they get loose. No need to, they fit like a glove. Although they do have more "gum" line/area than I'm used to. It is hard getting used to a new "appliance" in your mouth. I never thought of that. But, I am totally happy with them. With the partials, Dr. Lutz replaced 5 missing teeth on the top partial; and, 4 missing teeth on the bottom.
Sure, you go outside the U.S. to save money, I get it. But, that's not the reason I chose Dr. Lutz. At least, that's not the only reason. I have refused to have a "deep cleaning" here at home, because the last time they did that 15 years ago I vomited blood when I got home; and, my gums hurt for 3 days. Last time I had 2 teeth pulled here at home, (last May) the dentist refused to take out the stitches for 5 weeks. I finally had to go to another dentist to pull out the infected stitches; and, he put me on antibiotics and steroids to reduce the swelling. I looked like I had a golf ball in my cheek. I went to PACIFIC DENTAL CLINIC to get quality dental work. And, that is exactly what Dr. Lutz gave me! They have their own lab. The work is fast and professional. They are all licensed in the U.S. and in Mexico. They use the same sanitation procedures as you would get in the States. I had my whole mouth done and it only took 3 visits over a span of 4 days. The cost? Yea, of course it's a factor. I saved 75% on my first dentist bid (like I'd ever go back to him ever, even again, even if it were free!); and, over 60% on my second dentists bid.
Dr. Nathan Lutz is my "forever" dentist, and Pacific Dental Clinic in Tijuana, is my dental home. read more