Affordable Excellence: My $29 Emergency Dental Experience in Mexico

I had an amazing dentist visit. How often do you hear someone say that?! Because let’s face it, does anyone like going to the dentist? No one that I know of.

It’s one of those things you know you need but never look forward to. Especially when something is very wrong and it will probably be painful and expensive to fix.

I’m happy to say that my trip to the dentist last week was rather pleasant. Although the warm smile and caring bedside manner of my dentista, Dr. Miguel Poot (pronounced Pot), did put me at ease a little, the pit in my stomach remained while carrying out his assessment.

Bel Woodhouse with Dr. Miguel Poot, after receiving top-notch, affordable dental care.

Reclined in the dental chair surrounded by lights, “the bits n bobs tray of horror,” as I like to call the dental tools that always seem to be on display in every dental office worldwide, I was very impressed with the cleanliness and latest technology.

This is why dental travel is a booming industry.

Mexico offers excellent dentistry in state-of-the-art facilities at a greatly reduced price compared to the US.

My emergency visit, which included a consultation, dental X-rays, a second consultation with a specialist, and an on-the-spot procedure, cost me only $29.

Then, I was off to the pharmacy for my three-day antibiotic shots. This was to deal with the chronic infection before the tooth could be extracted. Yikes!

As you can see, it wasn’t a small thing we were dealing with. But the caring nature of the Mexican people extends to every aspect of life, including the healthcare field.

Dr. Poot kept asking if I was okay while in the chair and even put on soft music to help my nerves. Afterward, at the pharmacy, when it came time for the antibiotic injection, the nurse at the pharmacy was very sweet, calling me carina (darling). Plus, I didn’t feel a thing, It’s the best injection I’ve ever had and it cost just over a dollar.

Inside Dr. Miguel Poot's modern dental clinic in Cozumel, Mexico.

Now fast forward to a week later and the naughty molar causing me all that grief has been extracted… and the cost was just $116 for everything!

X-rays to see if the infection had gone down sufficiently, anesthetic, and the extraction which wasn’t easy. It turns out my molar had three roots, not two like normal people, so he really had to work to get it out while I lay back listening to soothing Spanish guitar.

The whole thing took less than an hour and I didn’t feel a thing. That in itself amazed me.

Dr. Poot is a true professional and the kindest dentist I’ve ever had. During the procedure, he kept checking on me, asking if I was alright as if that was the most important thing.

Overall, the experience went a lot better than I could have hoped for. So well in fact, that the next day no pain meds were needed. I forgot to take them the next day due to lack of pain. Another thing that amazed me.

Reflecting on this whole experience, I can see why dental travel is on the rise. You could have a Caribbean holiday and get your dental work done for the same price, or less, than it would cost to get the dental work done in the US.

So why not escape to the Caribbean and soak up the sun and escape the bitter cold of winter while getting your dentistry needs taken care of? I know if I have to go to the dentist, I’d prefer to recover at the beach, enjoying dips in the warm ocean.

Amazing food, beautiful, warm people, and excellent dental and healthcare for a fraction of the cost, so you can throw in a vacation as well and still save a buck. That’s a win-win if I ever saw one.