Dental Implants in Colombia
Consider dental implants in Colombia, if you want a cheaper and good quality treatment from recognized dental clinics. The clinics here assure you of the best treatment in just one-third of the price you pay back home.
Cost of Dental Implants in Colombia
The cost of dental implant treatment in Colombia is just a fraction of what you spend in your country. A single titanium implant may cost up to 2000 US dollars in the USA, but it costs only 700 US dollars in Colombia.
The table below compares the costs of dental implant treatment in Colombia to that in the USA and Canada.
| Implant type | Costs in USD | ||
| USA | Canada | Colombia | |
| Single Implant (Titanium) | |||
| 1,500 – 2,000 | 1,200 – 1,400 | 700 - 800 | |
| Single Titanium Implant [Implant (screw) + Abutment + Crown] | |||
| 3,000 – 4,500 | 2,000 – 6,000 | 1,300 – 1,500 | |
| All-on-4 Dental Implants | |||
| 24,000 | 22,000 | 7,000 – 11,000 | |
| All-on-6/8 Dental Implants | |||
| 24,000 | 40,000 | 9,000 – 10,000 | |
| Zygomatic Implants | |||
| 32,000 | 42,000 | ||
Costs of treatment in the USA and Canada have been taken from different online sources.
Why should you consider Colombia for Dental Implant Treatment?
You should consider Colombia for your dental implant treatment for various reasons, some of these are:
Cost
The low cost of the treatment is the main reason to consider dental implants in Colombia. You can be assured to save up to 65 percent to 75 percent of what you need to spend in the USA or Canada.
Also, since the cost of a hotel stay and taxi is low[1] you can plan for a family vacation.
Qualified and Experienced Dentists
Colombia is known for the best universities in South America that offer good dental education[2]Some dentists in Colombia have done their dental training in the USA.
Better Healthcare System than the USA and Canada
Colombia’s healthcare system is ranked at no. 22. The rank is out of the 191 countries that the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed for their healthcare systems.
In the same review, WHO has ranked Canada at no. 30 and the USA at no. 37.[3]
Location and Surroundings
Colombia is just three to six hours of flight journey from the USA or Canada. It has four seasons. The seasons generally do not change throughout the year.[4]
For nature lovers, Colombia has snow-capped mountains, warm sea beaches, and tropical rainforest.
Dental Clinics Run by English-Speaking Dentists
The dentists that we suggest are all English-speaking or bilingual. You will not face any problem speaking about your dental concerns to them.
Some clinics also have a fully bilingual patient coordinator, so that patient and dentist's talking is easy. This also ensures the patient is offered the best possible care.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implant Anatomy
Dental implants are prostheses that look like your real and natural teeth. They are an option for those who have lost one tooth or several teeth, because of gross dental caries, periodontal disease, or any kind of trauma to teeth.
A dental implant is a metallic tooth root that is fixed into the jawbone. It holds the replacement tooth. Some also refer to the implant as a “screw”. The replacement tooth is called the “crown”.
The implant and the crown are connected by a connector called “abutment”.
What Material is Dental Implant made from?
Dental implants are generally made from titanium. Titanium is light-weight, non-magnetic, and non-corrosive material. Once it is in the jawbone, bone growth occurs around the titanium screw. This process is called “osseointegration”.
In recent years, another material “zirconium” has been in use. This is a metal-free crystal material. Zirconium implants are tooth-colored, unlike titanium, as well as compatible with the oral tissues.
Types of Dental Implants
Depending on where the implant is placed, there are two main types:
Endosseous Dental Implants
- Cylindrical or screw-like in shape
- Placed in the jawbone
- Most commonly used implants, but needs enough depth and width of the jawbone where the implant has to be fixed
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
- Not fixed in the jawbone, but lies on the top of it, and under the tissue between the gums and the bone
- Ideal for a patient with more jawbone loss. However, with modern techniques such as bone grafting, subperiosteal implants are not generally used nowadays
Techniques in Dental Implants
Bone augmentation, sinus lift, and alveolar ridge expansion are different techniques that dentists use when the available jawbone is not able to support dental implants.
- Bone augmentation – Improving the jawbone by adding bone tissue and growth factors
Dental Implant in Bone After Grafting
- Sinus lift – Adding bone below the sinus (air cavities in the bone of the face) where the natural bone has receded because of missing upper back teeth.
- Ridge expansion – When the jaw is not wide enough to support dental implants, dentists expand the ridge. They do this by adding bone graft material along the top of the jaw.
Such techniques help to rebuild the jawbone, restore the natural jawline, and provide a strong base for support of the implant.
Procedures for Dental Implants in Colombia
Depending upon the health of the jawbone and several other factors, the dentist may suggest some implant treatments that include options such as:
All-on-4® Dental Implants
The All-on-4® treatment concept by Nobel Biocare is a cost-efficient solution to restore all the missing teeth in a jaw. Prof. Paulo Malo invented the concept. He successfully treated the first patient in 1998.
Later, Nobel BioCare launched it in 2004.
The full-arch restoration uses only four implants. It consists of two straight front-side implants and two tilted implants in the back region of the jaw.
Clinical studies on real patients show about 95 percent of patients to be satisfied with their new artificial teeth. Studies also show about 98 percent suggesting this treatment.[5]
All-on-4 Dental Implants
Advantages
- Back-side implants are titled at 45 degrees, so bone grafting is avoided
- Immediate loading of teeth
- Patients fully satisfied because of function, natural looks, and clear speech
Discover the All-on-4® Treatment Concept by Nobel Biocare in this video
Video courtesy: Nobel Biocare
All–on-6 and All-on-8 Dental Implants in Colombia
These are full-mouth restoration techniques carried out in patients who have lost all of their teeth in any jaw. This type of restoration involves inserting six or eight implants in the jawbone.
Advantages
- Immediate function and esthetics that satisfies the patient
- Minimal discomfort and high success rate
- Additional techniques such as bone grafting are not required
All–on-6 Dental Implants
Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic implants replace teeth in the upper jaw only. They are meant for patients who have a receded upper jawbone, and in whom regular dental implants cannot be placed.
In the receded upper back jawbone, one zygomatic implant places on each side. Two to four regular implants are placed in the front region.
Picture: Zygomatic Implants - Implants placed in the cheekbone
Advantages
- Immediate loading of teeth
- Performed when conventional implants or techniques have failed
- The survival rate is 96% after 12 years[6]
Video courtesy: Greater Connecticut Oral & Dental Implant Surgery
Immediate Loading Implants
As the name implies, immediate loading dental implants allow placement of a temporary tooth on the same day you get your dental implant/ screw placed.
Therefore, this type of implant is also called the “Same Day Implant” or “Teeth-in-a-Day®”. Immediate implants are a good option for patients who have enough natural jawbone.
Advantages
- More predictable and successful than before[7]
- Reduced overall treatment time
- Fewer surgical interventions
- Reduced soft and hard tissue loss
- Patient feels satisfied that missing tooth is replaced on the same day
Disadvantages
- The approach cannot be applied to patients with low jaw bone structure.
- The procedure requires more chair-side time for the patient.
Video courtesy: Dr. David Scharf
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are:
- Toothpick-sized and narrower than the regular implants
- Used mainly in the lower denture
- Placed through less-invasive technique (reference/video for less invasive technique)
Regular implants are 3.4 to 5.8 mm in width, but mini implants are only 1.8 to 3.3 mm wide. They consist of a titanium screw with a ball on the end. It has a socket that attaches the tooth to the screw.
Mini Implants vs Standard Implants
Why are Dental Implants Effective in Replacing Missing Teeth?
In dental implant treatment, the implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone. The placement of the implant preserves the jawbone and prevents its recession.
It does not need the trimming down of the adjacent tooth. Moreover, it does not cause any inconvenience to the wearer.
Video courtesy: Insider
Are You the Right Patient for Receiving a Dental Implant Treatment?
If you answer “yes” to some of the following questions, then you may be the right patient for receiving dental implants treatment:
- Have you lost one or more teeth?
- Did you have bridgework done earlier that you think needs to be replaced now with a better solution?
- Is your denture bothering you by slipping while speaking/ eating?
- Are you on liquid or semi-solid foods because you cannot chew due to the absence of teeth?
- Are you looking for natural-looking artificial teeth for your missing teeth?
Poor Candidate for Dental Implant Treatment
One may not be an ideal candidate for receiving dental implant treatment if they have:
- Lost jawbone due to gum and periodontal diseases
- Had radiation therapy in the mouth as a part of cancer treatment
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus
- Are a young kid (because young kids do not have fully developed jawbones)
- Heavy smoker
- Drugs and alcohol addict
Full Mouth Restoration
Why choose Implants over Dentures?
Choosing dental implants over dentures or bridgework is preferable for several reasons:
- Prevention of Bone Loss: Dental implants preserve natural jawbone, but jawbone recedes in those wearing dentures
- Pleasant Natural-looking Teeth: Implants look like natural teeth, while dentures do not.
- Permanent and Long-lasting Solution: Implant lasts longer, but dentures need to be replaced every seven to 10 years.
- Preserve Healthy Structures: Bridgework needs cutting of adjacent teeth for support, but an implant can stand on its own.
- Easy Care and Maintenance: Implants can be brushed and flossed, but maintaining dentures is not easy.
- Low Maintenance Cost: Dental implant is a permanent solution with no maintenance cost, but dentures involve ongoing expense for fixatives and adhesives. Therefore, at first, though dentures may seem cheaper, their full cost can be higher than implants.
Clinics for Dental Implants in Colombia
Located in Medellin, Colombia, Oralimagen Clinic offers high-quality services using state-of-the-art equipment. The clinic is led by Dr. Johana Ossa Gomez, a specialist in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry.
It is equipped with over 15 professionals and 3 care units. They ensure precise and reliable diagnoses, using top-quality products.
- 15+ Dentists
- 3+ Treatment Rooms
- CAD/CAM Technology
- The clinic is located in Medellin, a city recognized for eight of the top 42 hospitals and clinics in South America.
- The clinic caters to the dental needs of local and international patients.
- It has the experience of placing around 2000 implants. Dr. Camilo Correa is one of the qualified dentists working here.
- The clinic is close to hotels and apartments that offer both private and shared stays. You can choose from a wide range of accommodations, according to the prices, location, and amenities.
- At Oralimagen, dental implant treatment is offered via CAD-CAM technology.
Dr. Camilo Correa
Dr. Camilo Correa is an oral rehabilitator and implantologist.
He has taught at prominent universities in Colombia and Chile, including Finis Terrae.
Dr. Correa has spoken at national and international conferences in six different countries.
He has shared his expertise at events in Guatemala, Chile, Colombia, the US, and Panama.
Education
Ces University
Memberships
- Colombian Society of Prosthodontics
Oralimagen Dental Clinic in Medellin
Dentica Clinic Bogota offers comprehensive dental care with a focus on patient comfort and sustainability.
Dr. Cristina Suaza, the lead dentist is a maxillofacial surgeon with 23 years of experience. She specializes in dental implants, orthognathic surgery, and facial aesthetics.
The clinic has state-of-the-art facilities and advanced equipment. These include Profijet X, Piezoelectric, professional cameras and The Wand Anesthesia System.
- 23+ Years of Experience
- Located in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, Dentica dental clinic by Cristina Suaza offers dental implants by well-experienced dentists.
- The clinic has all modern technology.
- All dental clinicians working here are more than 10 years experienced.
Dr. Cristina Suaza
Dr. Suaza, the founder of Dentica Clinic, has a strong orthodontic background.
She advanced dentistry by participating in the Osseointegration MIS symposium while serving local and international patients.
Education
- Universidad San Martín
- International Orthodontics Mini-Implants Course (O.S.A.S.) endorsed by the Mexican Dental Association for Teaching and Research
Memberships
- AOCMF Latin America Regional Board
- Colombian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The team of dentists working here are active members of the following associations and organizations:
Dentists working at Dentica, Bogota are members of these associations
Dentica Dental Clinic in Bogota
This multi-specialty clinic is led by Dr. Juan Fernando Uribe, an internationally trained dentist with two decades of experience.
With over 2,000 implants placed, Dr. Uribe ensures the clinic delivers personalized care using state-of-the-art facilities.
- 25+ Years Dentist Experience
- State-of-the-art Technology
- Destination Dental is in Cali, which is to the south-west of the capital city of Bogota.
- In case of any problems leading to loss of the implant, the clinic offers a free treatment with a new implant.
Dr. Juan Fernando Uribe
Dr. Uribe, a specialist in dental implants and complex restorations, has placed over 2,000 implants.
He trained under Dr. Branemark, the "father of modern implantology," and further honed his skills at NYU, Zimmer Institute (California), and Ankylos Dentsply (Germany).
Education
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Pontifical Universidad Javeriana, Colombia
- Dental Implants and Rehabilitation, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
- Current Concepts in American Dentistry, NYU, USA
Memberships
- International team for implantology
- Colombian Association of Periodontics and Implantology
In case of any problems leading to loss of the implant, the clinic offers a free treatment with a new implant.
Carlos Acevedo Odontología offers comprehensive dental care, from smile design to implants.
Led by Dr. Carlos for over 20 years, the clinic serves patients worldwide with 5 dental chairs, a full lab, and tech like CEREC Omnicam.
With 250+ 5-star Google ratings, it’s a trusted dental center.
- 20+ Years of Experience
- CEREC Technology
- The clinic is in Barranquilla, the capital of Colombia’s Atlántico Department.
- Treats patients with dental implants using guided surgery. This is the newest, effective, and less invasive way of placing dental implants.
- The dental implant treatment in Dr. Acevedo’s clinic begins with an evaluation of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues. This is done with the help of CAD-CAM technology.
- Evaluation is followed by a scan of the inside of the mouth. This helps in studying the jawbone. It finds the exact location and depth for placing the implant. In this way, the complete treatment procedure is planned before starting the treatment.
Dr. Carlos Acevedo
Dr. Carlos Acevedo is the founder and manager of Carlos Acevedo Odontología in Barranquilla, Columbia.
Dr. Carlos is an international speaker for Bicon Dental Implants from Boston. He is also a certified trainer in CEREC Solutions, specializing in CAD-CAM technology.
Having completed his further studies at New York University, Dr Carlos is a specialist in dentistry and oral health management.
He taught surgery and oral medicine at various universities in Colombia for 12 years.
Education
Oral Surgery and Implantology of the Dental College of Colombia
In his clinic, Dr. Acevedo guides a team of qualified specialists from Barranquilla. The specialists are from different branches of Dentistry, such as Oral Rehabilitation, Endodontics, and Periodontics.
Carlos Acevedo Dental Clinic in Barranquilla
Centro de Implantes de la Costa is a top clinic on Colombia's north coast, in Cartagena.
They use advanced German CEREC technology for fast, reliable results.
The clinic offers a full range of services, from general dentistry to specialized oral surgery. Certified since 1999, they bring over 25 years of trusted experience in Colombian dental care.
- 17+ Years of Experience
- 1999 CO Certification
- CEREC Technology
- This is a popular dental tourism clinic in Cartagena. Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It is also a popular beach destination.
- Dr. Julio Oliver Gonzalez is well-known dentist in Cartagena and the Atlantic Coast in Colombia.
Highlights of the Clinic
- A modern dental clinic with the latest equipment
- High-speed internet in the waiting room
Dr. Julio Oliver
Dr. Gonzalez, founder of Coastal Dental Clinic, offers expertise in everything from implants to aesthetic treatments.
As a leading dental surgeon, he serves patients across Colombia and North America.
Education
- Implantology, Universidad Veracruzana
- Endodontics, Oral Rehabilitation and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cartagena
Centro de Implantes de la Costa, Cartagena
FAQs
The cost of labor in Colombia is much cheaper than in the USA and Canada. In the USA, the costs are also increased because of insurance companies, making it very high for those patients.
In Colombia, cheaper dental implant treatment does not mean cheap quality. The clinics here use the same materials as clinics in the USA and Canada use.
The material is from the same companies that supply in the USA. Clinics here use materials from top companies such as BioHorizons and Zimmer.
You must consider the training and experience of the dentist in treating patients with dental implants. Also, look for patient testimonials to learn about their experiences with a particular dentist.
Some years back, people did not consider Colombia to be a safe place for travel. However, things stand changed now.
As per the Overseas Security Advisory Council, the attacks carried out by the People's Army (FARC) have stopped almost fully.[8]
However, as with any other new place, it is always best to be careful. You must avoid visiting places that are known to be unsafe to visit.
If you have gum disease, it needs to be treated before you receive the implants. One necessity for receiving a dental implant is that your gums should be in good health.
Generally, dental implant treatment needs two visits to the clinic. The first visit is for placing the implant or the screw. The second visit is after four to six months. This is for placing the crowns.
However, in most cases, dentists can place a temporary crown on the first visit only.
In general, roughly 10 percent of dentists in Colombia are English-speaking dentists. Some of these may speak fluent English, but some may speak basic English, so that basic speaking is understood.
But the dentists we have suggested are bilingual or English-speaking.
They cater to a large number of patients from the USA and Canada. Some clinics also have a fully bilingual patient coordinator.
This ensures that the patient receives the best experience for his treatment in Colombia.
Colombia is a big country with many places worth visiting. Which place you want to visit depends largely upon your interest!
- Bogota - Visit La Candelaria for museums, cobblestone streets, and government buildings.
- Cali - Enjoy a Salsa show. You can also visit San Antonio in the coffee region.
- Cartagena - Visit the island chain, the Islas del Rosario, nearly 100 km from Cartagena. It is known for coral reefs.
- Medellin – Visit Parque Botero, the Botanical Gardens, and the Metrocable. These are either free or very cheap.
- Barranquilla - Enjoy big funfairs and some interesting landmarks. You have lots of different dishes to try and parties to attend.
Seasons in Colombia generally remain unchanged throughout the year. So anytime during the year should be fine, but not December and January.
Avoid these months as this is the holiday season. Airfares and hotels may be more expensive.
In Colombia, the least fare for a taxi is around 2 US dollars. A good meal at a family restaurant can cost you as low as 4 US dollars.
A meal at a mid-range restaurant will not be more than 10 US dollars. You can buy your flight tickets a few weeks or a couple of months in advance. The airfares will be cheaper then.
You can make your payment using cash, cards, wire transfer, PayPal and checks. If you want to pay in cash, dentists here accept US dollars also.
Clinical studies have frequently shown the failure of implants in smokers. This may be because of the damaging effects of smoking.
If you are a smoker and want to receive dental implant treatment, your dentist may advise you to stop the habit. You may have to stop smoking one week before the implant surgery.
They may advise you to not smoke even up to two months after placing the implants.
