Guide to Dental Implants in Colombia
Everything you need to know about getting dental implants in Colombia is right here.
We'll walk through the entire process, from understanding the different dental implant procedures, getting a free personalized quote, planning your trip to Colombia, to aftercare.
Table of Contents
Officially Schedule Your Dental Appointment With Dental Tourism Colombia
Complete Your New Patient Medical Information Before Coming To Colombia
We'll Pick You Up From The Airport When You Land In Colombia
Waiting Period: Let Your Dental Implants Settle Before Returning To Colombia
Dental Implants Phase 2: Return To Colombia For Permanent Crowns
Types Of Dental Implants In Colombia
Dental implants are a durable and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. There are various types of dental implants available, each catering to different needs. Here’s a breakdown of these options, followed by a list of prices.
Endosteal Dental Implants
This is the most common type of dental implant. Endosteal implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. They are typically made of titanium and resemble small screws. Once the implant is placed, the surrounding bone gradually fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. After healing, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant, and a prosthetic tooth (crown) is then placed onto the abutment.
Immediate Load Dental Implants (Same-Day Dental Implants)
In traditional implant procedures, a healing period is required before attaching the final restoration. Immediate load implants, on the other hand, allow for the placement of a temporary crown or denture on the same day as implant surgery. Not all cases are suitable for immediate loading, as it depends on factors like bone quality and implant stability.
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
These implants are used when there isn't enough healthy jawbone to support traditional endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are placed on or above the jawbone but beneath the gum tissue. A metal frame is positioned onto the bone, and as the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed. Prosthetic teeth are then attached to the posts that extend from the frame.
All-On Dental Implants
These are implant-supported dentures designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. The "All-on" concept involves strategically placing four (All-on-4) to ten (All-on-10) implants in the jawbone to support a full set of teeth.
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic implants are used in cases where there is minimal bone in the upper jaw. Instead of being anchored in the jawbone, zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone (zygoma). This approach allows for secure implant placement even in cases of severe bone loss.
Mini Dental Implants
These are smaller and narrower than traditional implants. They are used when there isn't enough space or bone for regular implants. Mini implants are often used to stabilize dentures or for less complex cases.
Zirconia Dental Implants
While most implants are made of titanium, these newer implants are made of zirconia. They are preferred by some patients due to being metal-free. However, zirconia implants are less common and may have certain limitations compared to titanium implants. Long term studies have yet to be done.
Cost of Dental Implants in Colombia (USD)
| Standard Titanium Dental Implant (implant only) | $790 |
| Standard Implant Porcelain Crown (including abutment) | $595 |
| Titanium Implant, Abutment, with Porcelain Crown | $1,385 |
| Zirconia Implant, Abutment, with Zirconia Crown | $1,500 |
| "All-on-4" Fixed Acrylic Bridge | $6,900 |
| "All-on-4" Fixed Porcelain Bridge | $10,300 |
| "All-on-5" Fixed Acrylic Bridge | $8,790 |
| "All-on-5" Fixed Porcelain Bridge | $11,090 |
| "All-on-6" Fixed Acrylic Bridge | $9,580 |
| "All-on-6" Fixed Porcelain Bridge | $11,880 |
| "All-on-7" Fixed Acrylic Bridge | $10,370 |
| "All-on-7" Fixed Porcelain Bridge | $12,670 |
| "All-on-8" Fixed Acrylic Bridge | $11,160 |
| "All-on-8" Fixed Porcelain Bridge | $13,460 |
| Total Mouth Restoration (All On 4 bottom, All On 6 top, acrylic) | $14,000 |
| Snap On Removable Overdenture (2 implants) | $2,600 |
| Snap On Removable Overdenture (4 implants) | $3,725 |
| Bone Graft (per gram) | $230 |
| Membrane | $190 |
| Sinus Lift (bilateral) | $810 |
| Sinus Lift (unilateral) | $405 |
| Temporary Crown (Immediate) | $200 |
How To Get A Free Dental Implant Quote
Get a free dental implant quote by sharing five photos of your teeth along with any existing treatment plans or x-rays you might have.
We have offices in Cartagena (Dr. Julio Oliver), Medellin (Dr. Johana Ossa), Cali (Dr. Juan Fernando Uribe), and Bogota (Dr. Liliana Porras). You can choose a preferred city and/or dentist, or our main office in Cartagena.
What's Inside Your Dental Implant Quote
Your quote encompasses various elements, including trips, how many days we’ll need, procedures, materials, manufacturers, and our guarantee.
Transparent Pricing: We offer transparent pricing for procedures such as 3D X-Rays, IV Sedation, Extractions, Bone Grafts, Dental Implants, and Temporary Crowns. We'll break down the costs and details by trip, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what's included.
Days Needed: Dental implant procedures are typically done in two phases. Depending on the procedure done, we typically need 5-8 business days for the first phase and 4-12 business days for the second phase. Cartagena, Medellin, Cali, and Bogota require similar durations.
Top Dental Manufacturers: Like the best dentists back home, we proudly use top American and European manufacturers Biohorizons, Zimmer Biomet, and Straumann.
Additional Important Details: Every implant procedure is different and each treatment plan will have details specific to your case.
Get Answers To All Of Your Dental Implant Questions
Before you finalize your plans, we're here to answer any questions you might have. Dental implant procedures can feel intricate, and we want to ensure you're fully informed and comfortable before booking anything.
Email, call, text, or message us on any of our available platforms and we will be happy to answer your questions. We speak English fluently.
Free Dental Transportation In Colombia
We prioritize your convenience by offering free dental transportation services. From airport pick-up, x-rays, appointments to airport drop-off, we've got you covered. We ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
Confirm Dates Before Booking Your Trip To Colombia
To make sure that we have availability for you, please confirm your dates before booking.
Book Your Flights To Colombia
You need a valid passport to travel to Colombia. Check if a visa is required based on your nationality (no visa required for US citizens).
The airports for our offices are as follows:
Cartagena: Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).
Medellín: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE).
Cali: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO).
Bogotá: El Dorado International Airport (BOG).
Reserve Your Hotel For Colombia
Your hotel or Airbnb should be located in the city you've chosen for your dental care, ideally as close to the office as possible.
We recommend the following hotels:
Cartagena: Intercontinental or Holiday Inn Express.
Medellín: Holiday Day Inn Express in El Poblado.
Cali: The Marriot or Hotel Karlo.
Bogotá: Residence Inn by Marriott.
Officially Schedule Your Dental Appointment With Dental Tourism Colombia
The best part? No deposit is needed to secure your dental appointment. After we approve your dates, all we need is your flight and hotel information. We've streamlined the process to make it as hassle-free as possible.
Complete Your New Patient Medical Information Before Coming To Colombia
Prior to your appointment, complete your new patient medical information. This helps our team provide you with the best care tailored to your needs. This is especially true for patients who are getting IV sedation.
Travel Tips For Colombia
To make your time in Colombia as easy as possible, we recommend the following travel tips:
Download the WhatsApp, Google Translate, and Google Maps apps to your phone.
Let your bank know that you will be traveling ahead of time.
Though Wi-Fi is available at the dental office and your hotel, consider getting an international data plan.
Tipping is appreciated in Colombia. Bring 20 $1 USD bills.
We'll Pick You Up From The Airport When You Land In Colombia
Your driver will meet you when you exit the airport. They’ll have your name on a sign. Your driver will then take you to your hotel to get you checked in.
Dental Implants Phase 1: Preliminary Procedures
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to your dental appointments. The first dental appointment includes a thorough examination to confirm the accuracy of your quote. If any adjustments are needed, we'll address them at this point. This phase may involve procedures like 3D X-Rays, IV Sedation, Extractions, Bone Grafts, Dental Implants, and Temporary Crowns.
3D X-Ray For Dental Implants
A 3D X-ray, also known as a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, is a critical tool in the field of dentistry, especially for planning and placing dental implants. It provides a comprehensive and detailed three-dimensional view of your oral structures, allowing dentists and oral surgeons to plan and execute dental implant procedures with exceptional accuracy. Here's how a 3D X-ray is used specifically in the context of dental implants:
Pre-Treatment Evaluation: Before proceeding with dental implant placement, a comprehensive evaluation of your oral anatomy is essential. A 3D X-ray provides an intricate view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, sinuses, and adjacent structures. This information helps the dentist assess whether you’re a suitable candidate for implants and aids in planning the entire procedure.
Bone Quality and Quantity Assessment: One of the crucial factors for successful dental implant placement is the quality and quantity of the jawbone in the intended implant site. A 3D X-ray allows the dentist to measure bone density, thickness, and height accurately. This information helps determine the optimal size and position of your dental implant for the best stability and integration.
Choosing Dental Implant Size and Type: Based on the information from the 3D X-ray, the dentist can select the appropriate size and type of dental implant. They can choose implants with different lengths and widths to match your anatomy, ensuring a secure and stable fit.
Avoiding Critical Structures: The 3D X-ray enables precise visualization of nerves, blood vessels, and other critical structures in the oral region. This helps the dentist plan the implant placement to avoid damaging these structures and reducing the risk of complications.
Virtual Dental Implant Placement: Using specialized software, the dentist can virtually place the implant in the 3D model of your jawbone. This virtual planning allows them to visualize the entire procedure beforehand, adjusting the implant's position and angle for optimal aesthetics and function.
Surgical Guide Creation: Based on the virtual implant placement, a surgical guide can be created. This guide is a template that directs the exact location and angle for implant placement during the actual surgery, ensuring precision and minimizing surgical time.
Minimizing Complications: The detailed information provided by the 3D X-ray reduces the risk of complications during the surgery, such as accidental damage to adjacent structures or improper implant positioning.
Post-Treatment Assessment: After the implant placement, a 3D X-ray can be used for post-treatment evaluation. This helps the dentist confirm proper implant integration and monitor the healing process.
IV Sedation For Dental Implants
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a method of anesthesia used in some dental implant procedures to induce deep relaxation and reduced awareness. Sedative medications are administered through a vein, causing a state of calmness and drowsiness while maintaining your consciousness. During the procedure, your vital signs are closely monitored by an anesthesia provider. IV sedation effectively controls pain, anxiety, and discomfort, and patients often have little memory of the procedure due to its amnesic effect.
IV sedation offers several benefits for dental implant surgery. It ensures your comfort and can be especially useful for patients with dental anxiety or a sensitive gag reflex. Additionally, it allows dentists to perform procedures more efficiently and is suitable for multiple implants or complex procedures. However, careful patient screening and adherence to pre-sedation guidelines are essential for safety. After the procedure, you may experience residual drowsiness, necessitating assistance for transportation.
Tooth Extractions For Dental Implants
Dental extractions are commonly performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or poses a risk to oral health. The process typically involves the following steps:
Numbing: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
Loosening the Tooth: The dentist uses specialized instruments to gently loosen the tooth from its socket. Sometimes, the tooth might need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Extraction: Once the tooth is sufficiently loosened, the dentist uses forceps to carefully and gently extract it from the socket. In some cases, a surgical extraction might be necessary if the tooth is impacted or has complex roots.
Bone and Tissue Care: After the extraction, the socket is often cleaned to remove any debris or infection. Sometimes, the dentist might place bone grafting material into the socket to preserve the surrounding bone and prepare for future dental implant placement.
Bone Grafts For Dental Implants
Bone grafts might be needed if the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth has experienced significant deterioration, making it inadequate to support a dental implant. In this case, bone grafting is performed before implant placement. Here's an overview of the process:
Assessment: The dentist assesses the condition of your jawbone using X-rays or 3D scans. If there's insufficient bone, a bone graft might be recommended.
Graft Material: Bone graft material, which can be synthetic, donated, or taken from another part of your body, is placed into the deficient area of the jawbone. In most cases however, we use a bovine bone graft.
Integration: Over time, the graft material integrates with the existing bone, promoting new bone growth and strengthening the jawbone.
Healing: It takes several months for the graft to fully integrate and create a suitable foundation for a dental implant.
Dental Implants
The actual implant placement involves several steps:
Creating an Incision: The gum tissue at the implant site is gently opened to expose the jawbone.
Drilling the Pilot Hole: A small hole is carefully drilled into the jawbone at the designated location for the implant.
Implant Placement: The implant, resembling a small screw, is inserted into the pilot hole. The implant serves as an artificial tooth root and will eventually fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration.
Closing the Incision: The gum tissue is stitched back over the implant site.
Temporary Dental Implant Crowns
Temporary crowns play a crucial role in the dental implant process by providing several benefits during the healing period between different phases of implant treatment.
Aesthetic and Functional Continuity: After the initial implant surgery, there is a healing period during which the implant needs to integrate with your jawbone (osseointegration). This process can take several months. During this time, a temporary crown is placed over the implant site. This maintains the appearance of your smile and allows you to speak and chew normally while the implant heals beneath the gum line.
Gum Tissue Shaping: The gum tissue around the implant site might undergo changes during the healing process. Temporary crowns help shape the surrounding gum tissue and encourage it to heal in a way that will provide an optimal foundation for the permanent crown.
Bite and Jaw Alignment: Temporary crowns ensure that your bite and jaw alignment remain stable during the healing period. This is important to prevent any undesirable changes in your bite that could affect your overall oral health and comfort.
Evaluation of Aesthetics: Temporary crowns provide an opportunity to assess the appearance and aesthetics of the future permanent crown. Any adjustments needed for color, shape, or alignment can be made at this stage to ensure the final result matches your natural teeth.
Protection and Preservation: Temporary crowns protect the implant site from potential damage, such as external forces or food particles, while it heals. They also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and interfering with the future placement of the permanent crown.
Patient Comfort: Having a temporary crown in place maintains your comfort during the healing process. It allows you to resume your daily activities without the inconvenience of a missing tooth.
Easy Transition: When it's time to place the permanent crown, having a temporary crown already in place ensures a smooth transition. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is attached to the implant abutment without causing any disruption to the implant site.
Waiting Period: Let Your Dental Implants Settle Before Returning To Colombia
After Phase 1, allow 4-6 months for your jawbone to fuse naturally with the dental implant. This ensures a strong foundation for your new smile.
The waiting period of 4-6 months between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of dental implant treatment is primarily attributed to a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration is crucial for the long-term success and stability of dental implants.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the biological process where the dental implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone. This integration provides a solid foundation for the implant to support the prosthetic tooth or crown. During this process, bone cells grow and adhere to the surface of the implant, creating a strong bond.
Stability and Strength
For a dental implant to function effectively as a replacement for a natural tooth root, it needs to be stable and firmly anchored in the jawbone. Osseointegration ensures that the implant becomes an integral part of the bone structure, mimicking the stability of a natural tooth root.
Healing and Bone Remodeling
After the implant placement in Phase 1, the area around the implant undergoes healing and bone remodeling. The surgical site needs time to recover and for any minor bone trauma from the implantation process to heal. This healing period allows the bone to adapt to the presence of the implant and to establish a strong bond.
Load-Bearing Capacity
While dental implants are incredibly strong and durable, they need sufficient time to integrate with the bone before they can bear the full force of chewing and biting. Premature loading or placing excessive stress on the implant before osseointegration is complete could lead to implant failure or complications.
Success and Longevity
The success and longevity of dental implants are closely linked to the quality of osseointegration. Allowing ample time for the implant to integrate properly minimizes the risk of implant failure and maximizes the chances of a successful, long-lasting restoration.
Customization and Accuracy
During the waiting period, your dentist has the opportunity to assess the healing process, monitor your oral health, and plan the next phase of treatment with precision. This ensures that the permanent crowns are placed on a stable foundation, enhancing the overall outcome of the procedure.
In some cases, immediate loading implants (same-day implants) may be suitable for certain patients and specific situations. However, the 4-6 month waiting period is a standard practice in many implant cases to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize the risk of complications.
Dental Implants Phase 2: Return To Colombia For Permanent Crowns
In this phase, your permanent crowns will be placed on the dental implants. This marks the completion of your dental implant journey in Colombia. We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your appointments just as last time.
Abutment Placement
Before attaching the permanent prosthetic tooth, an abutment is placed on each implant. The abutment is a connector piece that protrudes above the gumline and provides a platform to attach the final restoration.
Impression and Prosthesis Fabrication
An impression of the abutments and surrounding teeth is taken. This impression serves as a mold to create a custom-made prosthetic tooth or teeth that will perfectly fit your mouth. The prosthetic can be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on your specific dental implant needs and the number of missing teeth.
Color and Shape Matching
During the impression-taking process, the dentist also records details about the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. This information ensures that the final prosthetic tooth will blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, creating a natural-looking smile.
Fabrication of the Prosthetic
A dental laboratory fabricates the prosthetic based on the impressions and specifications provided by the dentist. The prosthetic is crafted with precision to achieve optimal aesthetics and functionality.
Permanent Prosthetic Placement
Once the prosthetic is ready, it is attached to the abutments. The dentist will ensure a proper fit, alignment, and bite before securing the prosthetic in place.
Final Adjustments
The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort, proper occlusion (bite), and aesthetic satisfaction. This step ensures that the final restoration functions and looks just like a natural tooth.
Caring For The Dental Implants You Got In Colombia
Maintaining your dental implants is crucial for their longevity. It’s normal to experience some pain, swelling, and/or bruising after dental implant surgery, peaking 2-3 days later and naturally subsiding after that.
Follow these guidelines to minimize discomfort and avoid possible complications.
Do not eat until the local anesthetic has worn off.
Swelling can be reduced with ice packs on the cheek. Only have cold drinks for the first couple of days. Avoid hot drinks/food and external heat sources. Only after 48 hours is gentle heat beneficial.
Soft food and liquids should be eaten for as long as your dentist recommends. This can vary depending on the patient and surgery done.
Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately following surgery. No strenuous exercise (running/gym) for the first 3 days.
Pain can be managed with simple painkillers (ibuprofen and paracetamol). After the local anesthetic has worn off, take these regularly at the maximum stated dose for the first 2 days after your surgery.
Sleep propped up to ease with pain and swelling.
Do not disturb the area with your tongue or fingers.
Avoid spitting, sucking, using straws or creating any pressure inside your mouth. After a Sinus Lift, avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully, as this might cause the graft to shift.
Keep your mouth as clean as possible. Starting the evening after surgery, begin brushing your teeth as you normally would. Avoid the surgical site for the first few days, but then begin to carefully clean this area as when tenderness permits. Avoid mouthwashes except those given by your dentist.
If you have been given antibiotics to take after your surgery, complete the entire treatment.
Do not smoke for 3 months.
Avoid alcohol for the first 2-3 days after getting your dental implants. Alcohol can hinder the healing process.
If you have a prosthesis placed over the implants, such as dentures, wear it as little as possible for the first week of surgery or until the surgical wound has healed.
Stitches normally dissolve after 2-3 weeks. Minor bleeding after surgery in the mouth is normal. If the bleeding persists, apply pressure by biting firmly down over the area on a dampened gauze swab for 20 minutes while sitting upright. Contact us if bleeding persists for any reason after applying pressure in this way. Contact us if swelling and pain does not improve after 72 hours. If after a week or two, the stitches are still there and it’s bothering you, you can go to a local dentist to have them removed.
If the membrane begins to come out, try gently pulling it out. Do not force it. If you meet resistance, stop. If you’re not comfortable or unable to remove the membrane, then please see a local dentist. At this point, the membrane must come out or risk infection.
Our Dental Implants Guarantee
Assuming you take proper care of your teeth, our dental work is guaranteed through an industry standard warranty of 1 year for the prosthetic and 3 years for implants. This ensures work is properly manufactured and installed. In the rare case of an issue, we will redo the work for free. We will not pay for return airfare or hotel. We will not reimburse work done by another dentist.