Anonymous - 2-21-2004 at 07:53 PM
http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1649986&nav=168XKt...
(Feb. 17) -- Americans are pretty picky about their teeth. They'll pay a lot for a sparkly smile. But the cost of dental work can be prohibitive,
especially cosmetic work. That's why more and more and more people are "opening wide" -- south of the border.
Everyday tens of thousands of Americans cross the border at Tijuana, Mexico, just a few miles south of San Diego. Most are tourists, but an increasing
number are bargain hunters seeking cut-rate dental care.
Just off Revolution Street, upstairs from a candy store and way off the beaten path, is the inconspicuous but busy office of Mexican dentist Marco
Bogarin. Las Vegas resident Mena Nizzari heard about Dr. Bogarin from friends who had work done. She came here for bridgework because she would not
settle for what she had been told back home.
Dr. Bogarin's bridgework on Mena required that two teeth be pulled. Yet in Las Vegas, two dentists told Mena she had to have every tooth in her mouth
pulled at a cost of $30,000. Mena was more than satisfied with Dr. Bogarin's work -- and the price. She saved thousands of dollars.
But how many people would actually go all the way to Mexico for a dental procedure, even if it meant saving significant money? More than you think.
Dr. Bogarin says half of all his patients come from the States despite a persistent negative image of Tijuana.
Dr. Bogarin says, "Tijuana is a city that is well established now and there's a lot of people working, professionals, and they have the right
training. We have digital x-rays, all the cosmetics, veneers, bonding, implants. Everything is available these days."
Las Vegas businessman Hans Aareskjold, owner of The Strip Sandwich Shop, is convinced of the cost-effectiveness. He has taken several employees all
the way to Tijuana for dental work.
Hans says, "The cost of the dental work in Mexico is a fraction of the cost in the United States. And the people who I deal with in Mexico do very
good work. That's the main reason why I go down there."
Hans says he has saved thousands of dollars, but he cautions people that unless you're familiar with the Mexican culture and language -- hire a taxi.
Don't drive yourself. His own experience with traffic officers in Tijuana has been unpleasant, to say the least.
Las Vegas dentist Laurie Bloch adds another caution. Cosmetic dental procedures can lead to numerous problems, including serious gum infections, if
they're not done correctly. Bloch says you should check credentials and ask a lot of questions.
Dr. Bloch says, "I would ask if they have people that you can call that they have treated. And see how their experience was. And I'd ask for
photographs -- actual patient pictures you can see. So that it's a match for what you're expecting."
Dr. Bogarin agrees, "The best way to find out about a good dentist is by referrals. You can ask them about the experience they had, about the
treatment they were given. That is the best thing to do, go by referrals. If you find the right professional, he's going to give you the best
treatment for yourself."
Anchor Paula Francis found the interior of one dentist office to be clean and professional, and his patients had nothing but great things to say. But
you still need to do your homework. A dental procedure should not be taken lightly, especially an extensive, cosmetic procedure.