U.S. dentists warn of Los Algodones dental risks
CBS 13's April Hettinger examines the downside of low-cost dental care
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Los Algodones, Mexico is a popular destination for getting dental work done at a discounted price.
Although there are patients who are very satisfied with their treatment, there are also patients overcoming permanent complications.
Chase Thompson is an endodontist with Yuma Endodontics and Dental Implants and the Vice President of the Yuma Dental Study Club.
"Some of it is good work. Some of it's very good, and some of it, unfortunately, is not very good, and we have to fix it," Thompson explained. "Whether it's surgically or sometimes it's, unfortunately, beyond repair."
Many local residents travel to the other side of the border to get dental work done, mainly for the big discount.
"Cost is one factor, but it should not be the factor," Thompson stated.
But, dentists in Yuma say paying a little more for good quality work is critical for your health.
Asham Kaur, owner of The Yuma Dentist says it's critical to do research before hopping across the border.
"When you're saving the money, you're putting your life at risk. You don't know the safety and quality that the Mexico dental offices are using," Kaur said. "What kind of water are they using? Are they using filtered water? Cause when you're drilling in the mouth, the blood is coming out. You know, that water has to be of super quality."
Dentists say using contaminated water during surgery can lead to pain, spending more money to fix and in some rare cases even death.
"We've seen some serious infections that require hospitalization," Thompson stated.
The dentists say Mexico does not have the same federal and state mandates like one that requires dental malpractice insurance.
"If they're not using the right material in the mouth, for example, when they're doing fillings or root canals, if they're not using the proper material, you're going to get metal poisoning," Kaur explained.
However, they do admit their perspective is skewed because patient only seek help from U.S. dentists when they are in pain or the procedure went wrong.
"Nobody comes to me and says 'I just had dental work done in Mexico, and it feels perfect, but would you please look at it?' People come to us when they have a problem," Thompson said.
They say not everyone has had complications in Algodones, but when a problem does occur, fixing it can be an even bigger problem.
The bottom line is, if you're looking to get some dental work done, whether in the U.S. or Mexico, do your research. Ask the dentist what accreditations they have and how they clean and sanitize their materials. Don't let any of your questions go unanswered.
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