At Smile 4 Ever Mexico, most patients can restore their smile with the All-on-4 procedure in a single 3-to-5-day trip, thanks to our in-house dental lab. However, patients requiring extensive bone grafting may need a two-stage process to ensure safety and long-term success.
If you are considering crossing the border for dental care, understanding the timeline is crucial for planning your trip to Tijuana. Here is the honest breakdown of speed, biology, and logistics.
The Short Answer: Timelines by Procedure
Unlike U.S. clinics that may drag the process out over months due to off-site lab delays, our streamlined workflow allows for significantly faster turnarounds.
Procedure |
Typical Timeline in Tijuana |
Trips Required |
|---|---|---|
All-on-4 Dental Implants |
3–5 Days (Surgery + Prosthesis) |
1 Trip (for immediate load) |
Single Dental Implant |
2 Stages (Healing period varies) |
2 Trips |
Full Mouth Reconstruction |
5–7 Days per stage |
1–2 Trips |
Bone Grafting Recovery |
Adds healing time (if required) |
Additional healing time |
The “Smile 4 Ever” Advantage: Why We Are Faster
Many patients ask: “How can you do in days what my local dentist does in months?” The answer isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about eliminating logistical bottlenecks.
1. The Power of the In-House Lab
Most dental delays happen because the clinic has to ship your molds to an outside laboratory and wait for them to return. We removed this obstacle.
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On-Site Creation: Our state-of-the-art dental lab is located inside our clinic.
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Zero Shipping Time: Your new smile is designed and finished while you rest at your hotel.
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Immediate Adjustments: If a fit isn’t perfect, our technicians adjust it instantly. Unlike other clinics that rely on outside labs (adding days to the process), our team controls the entire workflow.
2. Streamlined Logistics (The “Concierge” Effect)
Time isn’t just about surgery; it’s about travel. We optimize your schedule from the moment you land.
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Airport Pickup: We pick you up from the San Diego International Airport or the border and take you directly to our clinic.
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All-in-One Diagnostics: We dive right into initial exams—CT scans, blood tests, and X-rays—immediately upon arrival to get the full picture of your dental health.
The Honest Truth: When Does It Take Longer?
We believe in honest pricing and honest timelines. While we specialize in “Immediate Load” (Same-Day) implants, biology dictates the speed.
The “Bone Quality” Factor
Your jawbone is the foundation. If you have suffered significant bone loss, placing an implant immediately could lead to failure.
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Bone Grafts: If you lack sufficient bone density, our specialists may perform a bone graft. This requires a healing period of 3 to 6 months before the implant can be safely placed.
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Safety First: While some competitors promise “instant” results regardless of health, we prioritize the longevity of your investment. We will not rush a procedure if it compromises your safety.
Detailed Timeline: Your All-on-4 Trip to Tijuana
For our most popular All-on-4 package ($6,998 USD), here is what your schedule typically looks like:
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Day 1: Arrival & Diagnostics. We collect you from San Diego. You undergo 3D Scans and a consultation with the doctor who will perform your procedure.
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Day 2: Surgery. The implants (using premium NeoDent by Straumann titanium posts) are placed under sedation. If viable, we take impressions for your immediate teeth.
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Day 3: Recovery & Lab Work. While you rest at your hotel, our in-house lab crafts your high-impact acrylic prosthesis.
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Day 4/5: Final Fitting & Smile. We fit your new teeth. You leave with a functional, beautiful smile and the confidence to go home.
Comparing the Wait: USA vs Mexico
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In the USA: You often face multiple referrals (one doctor for surgery, another for crowns) and weeks of waiting between appointments.
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In Mexico: We offer a complete dental care experience under one roof. No driving between different offices; we are your one-stop dental solution.
FAQ: Planning Your Time
Do I need to stay in the hospital?
No. Most patients stay in a nearby hotel in the Zona Río area (where we are located), which is safe and tourist-friendly.
What if I need to come back?
For the All-on-4, you will leave with a fixed provisional or final acrylic set. After the bone fully heals (4-6 months), many patients choose to return for a final upgrade to Zirconia, though your initial set is durable and aesthetic.
Are the savings worth the time?
Absolutely. Patients like Vonell saved $36,000, and Simone saved $39,000 compared to U.S. prices. The few days you spend in Tijuana pay for themselves instantly.










