Ignacio de la Vega, DDS

I was pretty nervous about going across the border to have dental work, but I had a group of crowns that were pushing 40 years old and knew they needed attention. One of my friends has gone to Dr. de la Vega for years and other friends have taken her recommendation for a wide variety of services (crowns, deep cleaning, root canals, bridges and implants). So I took the plunge and I’m so glad I did! He explained what he was doing and why every step of the way, worked both carefully and efficiently to remove and replace 5 crowns. My «new mouth» feels terrific! Other patients in the waiting room had been seeing him for years, coming from as far away as Alberta, CA, and had great examples of his caring and skill. He’s outstanding as a dentist and a person…

I have had a lot of troubled teeth due to me not taking good care of them in the past. I needed to get some major work done and heard that there are some very good dentists in Tijuana. It is about a 2 hour ride from Los Angeles.
I started searching online for a number of weeks and finally narrowed it down to Dr Ignacio. (Due to all the positive reviews he had)
I made a total of 3 trips and all the trips were just awesome. I had some extensive work done and my teeth feel fabulous.
Dr Ignacio is truly obsessed with making your teeth look beautiful. A very talented artist. His son Dr Carlos is also a very nice dentist. Do yourself a favor if you want to save a lot of money and make your smile beautiful then ever. His English is perfect and better than that, he is a very gentle person. I would highly recommend him without a 2^nd thought and have already told a lot of my friends and family!

It was via Unilocal that I found Dr. de la Vega and so I wanted to add my experience as well. I am currently without dental insurance for the first time in my professional career and panicked a few weeks ago when one of my molar crowns broke (for the third time). I was leery of going to TJ for dental work, but after reading all of the positive reviews here about Dr. de la Vega, I decided to give it a try. He is by far the nicest, friendliest dentist I have ever been to. On my first visit, he explained what needed to be done about the crown and recommended a night guard, which he fitted me for and I left with THAT day. A week later I returned for the permanent crown and a cleaning. Cost-​wise, the crown, cleaning, and night guard were less than what my previous copay had been for just a crown. I am very happy with his work, and again, I have never been to a nicer dentist.
The only hassle, that has nothing to do with his office, is getting back across the border. I live in San Diego, so I took the trolley to the border and walked across. It’s a 5 – 10 minute $ 5 cab ride to and from his office from the border, but crossing back into the States on foot was a 5-​hour wait the first time and a 3-​hour wait the second. Don’t let this discourage you from going — just be prepared and plan ahead. There are several websites that show the wait time — keep that in mind when you make your appointment. Also be aware that there is border control to get into Mexico now (whereas previously you just walked right in), although I didn’t wait more than 30 minutes each time. Even with all of that, I will still be returning to Dr. de la Vega for future dental work.

Perfection. Relaxing, fun, comfortable, very easy going, and most important, honest. And I mean really honest, came down expecting 3 root canals, thanks to my dentist in Washington, turns out 3 cavities. In the states this would have still run me over $ 1000, De La Vega’s cost was so low, I was able to get a bridge put in! For the cost of having 3 cavities filled in the USA I was able to get those 3 filled, deep cleaning ($ 800 in US), a full permanent bridge, food and hotel!!! I currently live in Washington state, anytime the wife and I need work done it is easier to drive down, and have Dr De La Vega do the work, it costs way way way less, the work is less painful, the work is done much sooner (a bridge in 2 days), and again price. Not sure about traveling and everything, just give him a call he will set up everything, hotel, transportation to and from, and he will tell you the best places to eat.
I can not explain how glad I am to have found Dr De La Vega, he has saved my teeth, my smile, my confidence, my health, and my wallet.

A former co-​worker of mine told me about Dr. de la Vega after I informed to her of my dissatisfaction with the La Jolla dentist that I was using. She told me about her experience with
la Vega as reassured me of his talents and genuine care for his patients. Now understand reader, for me to go to Mexico to be treated by a dentist was the equivalent of going back 50 years into the past for a week of root canals. My wife insisted, stating that the La Jolla dentist was expensive and simply incompetent. Try it!
I did and it has proven to be the most incredible dental experience of my long life with dentists. Lot’s of needed dental work and repairs of the previous dentist were preceded by explaining all of the options that were available to me. Dr. de la Vega is simply incredible.
But as all things in life, I was amazed at the callousness of some people. While there, the Dr. received a call from a furious patient that was outraged that the Dr. went on vacation and did not return his calls. He wanted his money back for a procedure that was performed and all that was needed was a simple correction.
la Vega was calm and tried to reassure the patient that it could be simply fixed with a visit to his office. The Dr. realized that there was no way to resolve this problem, but to offer the man his money. But this was not good enough. This man went on social media to denounce this talented man/​dentist.
Folks, I have been in more dentist chairs that I care to remember. This man is the most genuine human dentist that I have ever known. Please go to him and tell him that Jose, the CPA sent you. You will not regret it.

I wrote review on Dr De La Vega saying he did bad work and he over charged me. Two weeks later he contacts me apologizing and told me he did over charge me. He would fix my crown for the third time for free and return the money. I told him I was interested in a third time but I did want my money that he over charged me. I asked if he could wire or mail me the money. he said the mail works slow and that he couldn’t do a western union because tax reasons. But if i was to comes across the boarder and delete my bad review he would be happy to give me my money back. I told him that he was a crook and i would never delete my review because it was true. I told him the should be shamed of his business practices and that i would makes sure everybody knew how his son operates. I had a root canal and a crown, with in 7 months the crown fell out along with the post for the root canal. i called him and he admitted later that should have charge me $ 40,he charger me $ 380. I paid it. *8 months later the crown fall out again and that’s where we are now. Dr. De La Vega and his son are not to be trusted. Beware

Dr. De La Vega is the best in Tijuana. He speaks English, he explains everything you need in detail. He is calm, personable and knowledgeable. He is not pushy or tried to sell me extra. He did a fantastic job on my dental work. I have gone to horrible dentists in LA (the valley and Hollywood) and Dr. De La Vega explained what they did wrong, and fixed my problem. I will never go to any other dentist again.

Well, how can I start? First, I am from Spain and live in San Diego. As many of you, I was scared of going to Mexico to do any kind of dentist issues. However, after visiting Ignacio de la Vega office, I realized how many times our misconceptions can guide us wrong. Which is the most important thing about a doctor? Honestly. Dr. De la Vega talked to me about how to do the best for me instead of how to make the most economic benefit for himself (like dentists do in the US). Also, he went straight to the point and was clear about the procedure. The fact that he is a musician and an artist makes a difference. He is able to explain everything in a visual and emotional way. He told me I would have a rolls royce in my mouth and that is what I have right now. I drive it with pride but with humility, following Dr. De La Vega values. Thank you Nacho!

Had a great dentist in the Santa Monica for years, but he retired, and i went in search of another good. Was referred to one in one of the small cities surrounding L.A. The dentist did terrible work. I remember the last time I was in his office, he did something that had me in the type of pain that makes people afraid of dentists. I should have known that he would be a problem on my first couple of visits. The dentist would start work on me, and I wouldn’t see him for another 45 minutes to an hour. I’ve traveled many times over the years to Mexico, so there was no fear in going for dental work. A co-​worker gave me a referral, and I began going to Dr. de la Vega late last year. The earlier mentioned dentist had done considerable damage to my mouth. Also, my disgust with what I’d been through, and the costs that other dentists in L.A. were asking had me neglecting work that definitely needed to be done. Letting your mouth deteriorate can lead to heart problems. I made three trips to this office, and they fixed everything. The office is clean, everyone in the office is friendly and professional, and lastly, they saved me several thousand dollars. It’s a $ 5 taxi ride to get there, and the same going back. The pharmacy is at the corner. I highly recommend this office. The only problem I had was the 2 – 4 hour wait to get out of Tijuana because of the long customs lines. A customs officer told me to get a passport card. I got one from the State Department, and on my last trip I was out in 15 minutes.

Wow… can i give 10 stars?
I have Dental Insurance in the states — and my HMO will not cover Mexico but this guy is the real deal. My copay was nearly twice as much for 2 crowns and a filling — nevermind what UnitedHealthCare would have contributed too.
He’s bilingual, SUPER PROFESSIONAL and very clean office, and don’t forget the 10% discount if cash used.
VERY, VERY happy… thnx Dr. Nacho!!!

I know you’re scared to go to Mexico to get your teeth fixed. I was too. But how does saving at least 6,000 and having a guy who LOVES being a dentist help you sound?
Dr. de la Vega and his son Carlos are awesome. My husband and I both had a bunch of stuff done including cavities filled, top of the line crowns, cleaning, and my husband was even fitted for a nightguard. It was not only smooth, it was kind of fun!
We parked in the $ 8 lot on the San Diego side across from Jack in the Box and then walked across the border. Then you walk over the bridge and there are a bunch of taxis. It’s $ 5 to get to his office which is super fast and easy. We were there a long time because we had so much stuff done, but hey, why not bang it all out? They were funny, kind, patient and passionate about what they do.
He also LOVES Tijuana, his home town, and he can give you lots of great recommendations of places to eat, stuff to do, etc.
I had to go back a second time to get my crowns put on and I was so comfortable the first trip that I went alone. Yeah, it’s that easy.
Do it.

I am a professional musician and marketing consultant, and my smile is important. After a dentist in San Diego botched a routine filling repair, I remembered a friend’s recommendation for a Tijuana-​based dentist named Dr. Ignacio de la Vega. I called him and set up a consultation.
I have to confess, I was skeptical about using a Tijuana-​based dentist until I met Dr. de la Vega in person, saw his modern office, spoke with his team and learned about his 30+ years experience in the field.
It was only a 40 minute metro ride direct from San Diego to Tijuana on the BLUE LINE and I reached the San Ysidro station. Then it was a 2 minute walk across the U.S./Mexico border into Tijuana. From there I found a $ 5 taxi to Dr. de la Vega’s office. It’s really easy.
Dr. de la Vega and his staff were very welcoming. All my appointments started promptly. During the visits I had his full attention. He evaluated my situation and provided a clear plan and a budget for addressing my issues. We looked at several solutions and agreed on the best approach forward. He was aiming for a perfect job and I think we achieved it!
Weeks later I’m thrilled with my smile. Dentistry is very expensive. I was able to exceed my goals at a fraction of the cost of a U.S.-based dentist.
Dr. de la Vega has proven himself a true professional and an artist in his field. If he was a dentist working in San Diego, I would consider him the best in the city.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. de la Vega to anyone considering dental work.

The recommendation came to me from in an 8 year client of doctor della Vega and I couldn’t be happier. I have had an extraction a bridge crowns a teeth cleaning and several xrays and all we’re done with the most professional approach. I find doctor della Vega to be very professional skillful and knowledgeable with an excellent bedside manner. he is very practical and accommodating and works in an efficient manner. all of this said he is also very reasonably priced and in a location that can be walked to from the Tijuana border crossing. I recommend doctor della Vega and his practice to anyone who will listen I feel lucky to have found him. Thank you Steve parks winter resident of San Diego full time RV person.

Referred by a friend in L.A. Estimates in L.A. had been several thousands. Drove to San Ysidro, walked over the border, took a taxi. Great people, great office, saved me over $ 2,000. I am very happy with the work and have recommended his office to many. Just brig your music with you, takes 2 plus hours to get back across the border. It was was more than well worth it.

I have had many wonderful Dentists in my life. This is the only Dentist I have traveled to outside of the United States. And this one is the best.
When I first entered the waiting room of Dr. Ignacio de la Vega it was packed. A few minutes of conversation quickly revealed that everyone there had traveled from a country outside of Mexico to see him. There were people from Canada, Europe, Ireland, and the US. Everyone raved about what a wonderful Dentist he is. One man was so happy with him he gave the Doctor a big hug before he left.
In the video series I mention below a women talks about crying in his office because she was so happy (I imagine the fact that he saved her $ 23,000 in going to see him also contributed to her emotional release).
If you are like me, you have great reservations about going to Tijuana (for anything). When I decided to travel to Tijuana to find a Dentist I made the decision that I would research it to the very best of my ability. Thanks to Ilene Little of «Travel for health and retirement», and author of «How to plan a Successful Medical Tourism Trip», I feel my research efforts paid off. I highly recommend you watch the YouTube video series done by Ilene Little (see links below). In it she talks about some of the excellent Doctors in Tijuana. Dr. Ignacio de la Vega is the only one she actually mentions by name.
What makes this Doctor so special isn’t just that fact that he is committed to and loves his trade (which I am convinced he does). More important to me is that this Doctor genuinely loves people.
Here are the links to the video series mentioned above.
I recommend starting with this to get ideas on researching a Dentist.

In this series a client of Dr. de la Vega describes her experience in going to Tijuana and working with this wonderful Doctor.

I’ve been going to Dr. De La Vega for over 5 years now, and it’s always been an amazing experience (er, as far as going to a dentist can be called an «amazing experience»). Naturally, the costs are very low when compared to US-​based dentists. Like crazy low. But frankly, that’s not where it ends. I honestly would call Dr. De La Vega the best dentist in San Diego County if in fact he was located in San Diego County. There are a few reasons for this:
Honesty
Yep. This is a major, major thing when it comes to dentists. I have had US dentists try to sell me serious, unnecessary work, and it can be a scary thing for a lot of people. Not Dr. De La Vega. He will tell you what you need to do, what can wait, and what you should watch for. He’s no BS, basically.
Speed
This guy is straight forward on everything, INCLUDING his work. That means no «waiting 3 weeks for a crown», which is pretty much standard with American Dentists. Heck, I once had a permanent crown put in the next day! It’s a fantastic thing. Plus, if you’re in pain, he will do everything in his power to get you in the chair as soon as is possible. That means now or tomorrow. Not next week sometime.
Ease Of Access
As I said, getting an appointment here is typically very, for lack of a better word, painless. Dr. De La Vega will get you in when you want. And plus, getting to his office is super easy. We’re talking about a $ 5 cab ride from the border. It’s practically door-​to-​door service here.
After your work is done, he’ll even get you a cab back to the border (if you’re walking across, which I do). Or, if you’re driving, I’m pretty sure he can get you a «medical pass» (or something) to expedite your border crossing as much as possible.
Anyway. This is critical, as most people who aren’t familiar with crossing will say, «TJ? What? Isn’t it scary? Why would I go there?»
No, it isn’t scary… and why do you ask?
Price
Dental prices in America are straight up out of control. Insane, I say. I’ve had work done in the US that I’ve regretted because I ended up paying for the work for years! It’s just not worth it. Going to Dr. De La Vega’s office is fast, easy and just plain smart.
So if you read this review and you’re still thinking about going to your US-​based dentist, well, good luck. I hope he invites you for a swim in his new in-​ground swimming pool that you’re helping to pay for :)

I predict that there will be a dental tourism boom in the next several years, especially since dental costs here are out of control and dental insurance is a joke, not to mention, if you have the misfortune of going though what these people went through just to get work done:
But it will also increase as more people tell their loved ones about their own positive experiences. In Tijuana, there are dental offices everywhere to meet this demand.
I decided to make the trek as dentists in both LA and the East Bay gave me outrageous quotes and said I needed work beyond basic fillings. I chose Dr. Ignacio De La Vega aka Nacho. Both the doctor and his son (he is also a dentist) are honest, professional, and have a wonderful bedside manner. Dr. De La Vega let me know that the water they use is filtered, and I didn’t even think about this as I was put at ease by the cleanliness & modernity of his small office. The office is across the street from a school. His son patiently fixed my fillings, and they use white composite material, no amalgam. Fillings are about $ 60 – 80 per tooth depending on how many surfaces need to be done. This is average for most of the reputable bilingual dental offices in Tijuana, but you can call ahead & ask. There is also an endodontist Dr. Carlos Camacho there too. I can’t add much more to what everyone else has already said, merely to add that I’m also satisfied as well.
Suggestions:
I strongly recommend having singles and $ 5.00 dollar bills to cover your transportation needs, as most people don’t have change, and it would be kind to tip the car and pedi cab drivers. There are numerous reasonably priced parking lots by the border. We parked at Border Station Parking. The plus is that for a few bux you can take a bicycle pedicab to the border to and from this lot. Most of the lots have their own pedicabs too.
You can also take the San Diego trolley as well.

Once you get there, you can just walk through the border. There is a McDonald’s there if you need to use the restroom prior, just be sure to have .25 cents to use it. To get to Dr. De La Vega’s office, you will need to take a taxi, and the fare should be a flat U.S. $ 5.00. If you check out his website, you can print out the map to show the cab driver. I strongly suggest eating beforehand, as obviously your mouth will be a hot mess, and if you get white fillings, you must avoid eating & drinking anything that might permanently color your teeth so sorry, no mole. Apparently, you can get amazing fish tacos on Tercera & Negrete street. Parts of Tijuana look no different than Latin neighborhoods in LA or the Mission in San Francisco– except that TJ is cleaner than SF since there are no inconsiderate dog owners plaguing the city with dog poop.
At this time, you MUST have your passport to get out. Depending on when you go, be prepared for the probability of waiting a long time in the line to get back into the U.S.

I was first recommended to Dr. Ignacio De La Vega by friends who had received remarkable dental work. We had just discovered that my son’s long-​term girlfriend needed about $ 30,000 worth of dental work and this was naturally very distressing news for a college student. Not having infinite money, but still wanting to get excellent dental care, we gathered our courage to face heading to a foreign country and I took the kids down there to meet Dr. D.
The trip was as painless as could be. Since we did have to cross the border, we all applied for passports first, but meanwhile sent all of our x-​rays and recommendations from our U.S. dentists to Dr. D. He speaks English perfectly and fluently and always responded to our texts and emails promptly, which really allayed my nervousness.
We live in the Bay Area, so chose to fly down to San Diego and stay about 15 minutes south of the airport at a nice Best Western in San Ysidro a few miles from the border. It took less than 15 minutes to drive to Dr. D’s from our motel. There was only a small daily fee to insure our rental car while in Mexico so we chose to drive.
There are many dental offices in Tijuana, but it is hard to find such great work anywhere. Our girl got an enormous amount of work done in just two trips including implants, crowns, fillings, and cleaning. All of the equipment is up to the minute, the office is small but comfy with movies playing in the waiting room and soothing music near the dental stations.
Dr. D. and Dr Camacho are kind and upbeat and very professional. At the end of the day we paid about 25% as much for first rate dentistry as we would have paid at home, so the two trips down south were well worth the cost and time off of work. I suggest paying with cash (U.S.) because my banks really resisted my trying to use my credit card in Mexico.
Just last week I went back down to visit again, getting work for myself and my sister this time. The office was freshly painted and Dr. D’s son Carlos (who is now a dentist himself and studying to be an implant specialist) was there to assist. He speaks English like a Californian and has a very gentle touch. I didn’t even feel my numbing injection.
I have a mouth full of 40-​year-​old crowns and fillings, so while I was there, in just a few days, I had three crowns replaced, a bridge put in, three fillings handled, and my teeth cleaned. My entire upper jaw looks fantastic! Best of all, an old crown that had bothered me with hot/​cold sensitivity for the last 20 years (reworked and replaced 3 times over the years by different specialists) no longer bothers me. I can finally chew on the left side of my mouth again and even drink iced tea without pain. All of this work was beautifully, professionally, and quickly done for under $ 2000. Up here that wouldn’t have even covered the bridge.
This summer I will return to replace 4 old crowns in my lower jaw and take our 9-​year-​old in to see what can be done for his under-​bite.
I now recommend everyone I know to Dr. D and his dental group. They are the best!

I’ve had a lot of bad luck with my teeth, I’ve seen many dentists, so I’m pretty good in judging who’s good and who isn’t. I decided to take a chance and try a dentist in Tijuana. I’m not someone who would just pick anyone, I’ve done a lot of research before I decided to see him, and I have to say I’m extremely happy that I did.
Not only does he treat you the way he would want to be treated (meaning he will do anything and everything to give you the best care), he’s very, very skilled, he has an excellent team, a fantastic endodontist in the same practice, a lab practically next door if you need bridges and such. He’s also an extremely nice person, speaks nearly perfect English and makes a visit fun (he has a great sense of humor).
I had a temporary bridge for over 1,5 years and it ruined another healthy tooth. This happened because I had a waiting period for bridge work with the insurance and I couldn’t afford paying thousands of dollars in the US, and my dentist there just cemented a temp bridge in there, instead of replacing it in the waiting period, so this was a huge mistake on his end.
Because of that, I lost an additional tooth and Dr. de la V. had to make a six tooth bridge with a three tooth gap in between. That alone is extremely difficult to do and the fact that it worked is due to his exceptional skill as a dentist. I also needed root canals on the teeth that carried the bridge and Dr. Camacho did this in no time and I never ever had any pain!
I think most people know this anyway, but dental work in TJ is soooo much cheaper, it’s because in the US they’re simply greedy. I know that because I also had dental work done in Europe and you never had to sell your kidney there either, to afford any dental work.
So to sum this up: You get the best care, they’re fast and very efficient in their treatment, the bridge looks great, and you save a lot of money.
Plus, going to TJ is just fine. I walked across the border, took a taxi and was there within minutes. I also should point out that I went there by myself, as a female, which I wouldn’t have done repeatedly if i felt that it’s dangerous in any way. Going back is the same, they will get you a cab and you’re at the border in minutes. The only thing I would make sure of is not to go at a busy time, meaning, not close to US holidays, school breaks or weekend, because then the lines to go back to the US are much longer. You can also drive back and fourth with a medical pass, which they will give you, in that case it’s supposed to take less time, but I’ve never tried that.
I need more dental work and I will definitely go back there. I can’t express in words how grateful I am that i found him.

I don’t often take the time to write a review.
My dental health and the care associated with it is extremely important to me.
I was down in San Diego on vacation. Heard various times from multiple sources that Dr De La Vega and his team were EXCEPTIONAL.
Parking at the border is easy. The walk across was fast (bring a water bottle). Taxis are easy to find.
The office is clean. Be sure and schedule ahead! As he is a very popular and established dentist. US citizens, I would bring cash as it is the best method of payment. There is a Bank/​ATM near
Speaking no Spanish, I loved how easy it was to communicate with him! Fluent in english. Ask the doctor any question before, during, after and expect clear and definite answer. I was stoked considering prices on my side of the Border.
I had 4 cavities and 1 crown completed for under $ 500.
Message me if you have any questions