Last fact-checked: 1 Aug 2024 

Have you been delaying a visit to the dentist due to rising costs in the US? Here’s some good news: you can save 50%-70% on dental treatments at our quality-checked dentists in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Also known as ‘La Puerta de México’ (or ‘Mexico’s Door’) due to the large number of people who enter the country through this border city, Piedras Negras is conveniently located across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass in Texas.

Whether you’re seeking a routine check-up, braces, implants, or full-mouth restoration like All-on-4, Piedras Negras offers reliable care at a fraction of the price you’d pay in the US or Canada. Clinics here combine modern technology with experienced, often US-trained dentists, making it a preferred destination for dental tourists. 

Beyond dental treatment, Piedras Negras’s welcoming atmosphere, short travel time for Americans, and authentic cultural scene add extra appeal. Many patients also enjoy the opportunity to relax and explore local cuisine and attractions, turning a dental trip into a worthwhile getaway. 

With a growing demand for cross-border dental care, Piedras Negras continues to prove itself as a safe and budget-friendly destination for high-quality dental care.

Named after the ‘black rock’ (anthracite coal) found in the area, it is a modern city with a well-established infrastructure for businesses and tourists. Piedras Negras also offers visitors a taste of authentic Mexican culture, extending back as far as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec civilizations. You will also discover a plethora of modern hotels, restaurants, and–of course, affordable dental care.

The town’s main square is situated directly opposite the international bridge after crossing the border. The square may look familiar, having been featured in the 2007 movie No Country for Old Men. Piedras Negras has also served as a backdrop for several other movies over the years—including the acclaimed 1993 film Like Water for Chocolate.

Piedras Negras is generally known to be a quiet and quaint town–rather than a bustling city–with most businesses temporarily closing up shop between 2 pm and 4 pm for siesta.

One of the key advantages of choosing Piedras Negras for dental care is its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place to undergo treatment in a relaxed environment. For patients traveling from Texas and other nearby cities, it offers a highly convenient and budget-friendly alternative—providing quality dental care at savings of up to 70% compared to prices back home.

Convenience is one of the major attributes of Piedras Negras for those crossing the border, not just from Texas but from all over North America. It has an international airport providing easy access for international patients. 

While Piedras Negras may have a certain old-fashioned, unhurried charm to its way of life, the dental and medical facilities here don’t adopt such a laid-back approach. Our partner dentists in Piedras Negras have a wealth of experience in treating patients from north of the border, with facilities, training, and expertise on par with dentists back in the US or Canada.

It is not unusual for dentists in Mexico to carry out training in the US and hold membership in professional organizations in the United States, such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For American patients, in particular, this provides some much-needed reassurance that treatment will meet the standards required by a US professional body.

Many patients are choosing to travel abroad for their dental care because of the enormous savings–some out of necessity, but others are making an informed decision and actually prefer to have their dental care abroad. While quality is the number one reason for traveling dental care (plus the chance to check out a new destination), the savings on treatments make it all the more worthwhile. For example:

• The average cost of an All-on-4 (per arch) in the US is  $25,000 compared to $8,000 in Piedras Negras.

• The average cost of a root canal with crown in the US is $3,000 compared to $700 in Piedras Negras.

• The average cost of a dental implant and crown in the US is $3,900 compared to $1,000 in Piedras Negras.

Long gone are the days when visiting a dentist in Mexico was considered to be risky due to substandard or unqualified dentists–or that facilities weren’t up-to-date, and cheaper materials were used to cut costs.

In these days of globalization, where the same brands are seen in every major town and city throughout the world, it is becoming more the norm for dentists to have undergone the same intensive training and follow the same best practices globally. 

That is not to say that all dentists everywhere are totally reliable, as there are always the unscrupulous who will take advantage. The key is finding one whom you can rely on, which isn’t always that easy.

So, what are the indicators to look out for when assessing quality and reliability? Start by researching qualifications, years of experience, specializations, and professional memberships. For instance, if a dentist is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), you can trust that they likely adhere to the same practice guidelines as other ADA members.

Some of this information may be quite difficult to come by, which is where Dental Departures comes in to help. We do background checks on all our verified dentists by checking criminal and malpractice records, verifying qualifications, and physically making onsite visits. We take high-resolution photos and virtual tours of the clinics along with real patient reviews, and post this information on our site.

>>Check out our top dentists in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

>>Learn more about top dentists in Mexico.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Does My Dental Care Have Guarantees?

Guarantees are not something your dentist at home will necessarily offer as standard–but with our dentists, they are. All our dentists provide guarantees on their work; in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, it will be put right.

Our dentists’ guarantees cover treatment and any materials they use–this does not include additional travel or accommodation expenses. If you want to have total peace of mind that all your expenses will be met (should you have to travel back to your dentist in Piedras Negras), we recommend you take out additional low-cost insurance cover for any travel or accommodation expenses you may incur. 

This is especially advisable for those heading to Mexico multiple times for more complex work, such as dental implants.

Accommodation

You will find no shortage of quality, brand-name hotel options in Piedras Negras, as well as over the border in and around Eagle Pass or elsewhere in Texas.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish?

Our dentists are proficient in English; you won’t need to know Spanish. You will also find that most border towns, thanks to their proximity to the US, have many English-speaking residents.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted by Our Clinics?

US cash is accepted by our dentists, and other methods, such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and personal/traveler checks, are also accepted by many. There is usually a small processing fee of between 3 and 4% for credit card transactions. You can find out how to pay by viewing individual clinic listings on our website. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit One of Our Dentists?

You can visit any time as Piedras Negras dentists are open all year round. You may have preferences on when to visit depending on the weather. This part of the world has a semi-arid climate, which means it can get very hot in the summer–it can reach well over 100°F (38°C)–with average temperatures between May and September between 79°F (26°C) and 88°F (31°C). If you’re based in Texas, you’ll know exactly what to expect!

Many of our patients from North America prefer to escape the winter cold, so you may find it busier during those months.

Getting There

The nearest international airports are in Piedras Negras and Laredo in Mexico, and San Antonio, Texas, in the United States.

When driving, take Highway 57 South, which brings you straight to Piedras Negras.

Distances from Other Metropolitan Areas:

• Piedras Negras International Airport: 5 miles (9 km), 11 mins

• Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas: 110 miles (177 km), 2 hours

• Saltillo: 292 miles (470 km), 5 hours

• Torreon: 377 miles (606 km), 7 hours

Is Piedras Negras Safe?

The most recent US travel advisory makes the provision that while there are millions of US citizens who travel to Mexico every day without any safety issues, there are places where violent crime is a concern. The highways between Piedras Negras and Nuevo Laredo are a continuing concern, and it is recommended to avoid traveling along these routes, particularly at night.

If you are planning a trip, be sure to check the most recent information from the US travel advisory or your own country’s official advice. Many Piedras Negras dentists offer airport transportation to and from the clinic, as well as a hotel shuttle.

What Else Should I Know about Visiting? 

The favored method of pain relief in Mexico is a local anesthetic, rather than sedation dentistry, which is commonplace at home. While it is not offered as standard in Mexico, many of our dentists will provide sedation, but you will need to make arrangements in advance and pay an additional charge of around $400.

Our dentists are not usually able to accept your dental insurance. However, if your provider allows for ‘out-of-network care’, you may be able to claim your expenses back once you return home. Be sure to bring any paperwork with you for your dentist in Piedras Negras to complete.

History lovers and shopaholics alike will find plenty to enjoy in Piedras Negras. While it is often viewed as a gateway to Saltillo, the city itself boasts numerous historical landmarks. Highlights include the 18th-century ruins of the San Bernadino Mission, the Caverns of de la Ventana, and the Museum of Handicrafts.

The Mercado Municipal Zaragoza is the primary tourist market where you’ll find handmade goods and crafts from Piedras Negras’s artisans, known for their beautiful creations. Look out for silverware and ceramics, not to mention good-quality leatherwork.

Fairs and festivals are very much part of the annual calendar of events in Piedras Negras. The main one is La Feria del Sol (Festival of the Sun), which takes place in the second week of July and in mid-October. As the birthplace of the much-loved snack, Piedras Negras hosts the two-day Nacho Festival.

The Plaza de las Culturas (Cultural Plaza) pays its respects to the indigenous cultures of Mexico, including the Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec, featuring replica pyramids and monuments representing the design of each culture.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is in the center of the town, cutting an imposing figure with tall spires that can be seen from across the Rio Grande. Originally built in 1859, it was remodeled in 1935, and construction of the towers began in 1950.

1. Is it safe to get dental treatment in Piedras Negras?
Yes. While travelers should always follow current travel advisories, Piedras Negras is generally safe and welcoming, especially for dental tourists crossing from Texas.

2. Do dentists in Piedras Negras speak English?
Yes. Many dentists here speak fluent English and are experienced in treating international patients, especially from the US and Canada.

3. What kinds of dental procedures are available?
You can access a full range of services, including cleanings, veneers, crowns, root canals, implants, and All-on-4 treatments.

4. How much can I save on dental work in Piedras Negras?
Patients typically save 50%–70% compared to US prices. For example, dental implants that cost $3,900 in the US may cost around $1,000 here.

5. Will I need a passport to cross the border?
US citizens will need a valid passport to re-enter the United States after visiting Piedras Negras. Check with your local authorities for the most up-to-date entry requirements.

To book your appointment with one of our Piedras Negras dentists, just call our toll-free number or book online via our clinic listings. 

You can book your appointment online right here or by getting in touch with Dental Departures’ Customer Care Team. We are available any time of the day or night to assist you.

Sources:

Piedras Negras. Encyclopedia Britannica. Website accessed: 1 July 2025. https://www.britannica.com/place/Piedras-Negras

American Dental Association (ADA). Website accessed: 1 July 2025. https://www.ada.org/

“Dental Access Is an American ‘Crisis’: Here's How Vulnerable People Are Shut Out.” USA Today, 14 July 2024, www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/07/14/dental-access-is-an-american-crisis-how-the-vulnerable-are-shut-out/74125834007/.

US Department of State. Website accessed: 30 June 2025. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

Mandal, Ananya. “Dental Implants: What You Need to Know.” Medical News Today, Healthline Media UK Ltd, 18 Jan. 2024, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265689.

Visiting Piedras Negras. Barrokas. Website accessed: 30 June 2025. http://www.barrokas.com/en/visit-piedras-negras-mexico

Piedras Negras Hotels and Places to Stay. Website accessed: 30 June 2025. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g499439-Piedras_Negras_Northern_Mexico-Hotels.html