My Encounter with Dr. Johanna Calderón: An Expert in Dental Tourism in Colombia

After weeks of research, I contacted several clinics specializing in dental tourism in Colombia. What ultimately inclined me toward Dr. Johanna Calderón was her personalized approach from the very first email.

The doctor, specialized in oral rehabilitation and implantology at a prestigious Colombian university, offered me a free virtual consultation. During this 45-minute session, she analyzed my X-rays, explained my situation in detail, and presented me with a complete treatment plan with clear options and budgets.

The Treatment Plan: Dental Implants in Colombia and More

My case required comprehensive treatment:

• 7 dental implants
• 6 root canals (endodontic treatments)
• 6 crowns over roots after root canals
• 10 dental veneers
• Dental whitening
• Deep cleaning

In Canada, this complete treatment would have cost approximately $60,000 CAD. The budget in Colombia: only a third of that amount, which represented an extraordinary saving.

What impressed me most was Dr. Calderón’s suggestion to use the strategic implantology technique with immediate loading, a procedure that, as she explained, would allow me to return home with temporary fixed teeth on the implants during my first visit, something that wasn’t available in Canada.

Current Prices for Dental Implants in Colombia (2025)

Part of my research included an exhaustive analysis of prices. Here I share updated information on the cost of the most popular dental treatments in Colombia during 2025:

Costs of Dental Implants in Colombia

Costs of Dental Veneers in Colombia

Other Dental Treatments

These prices may vary depending on the city, clinic, and specialist, but they represent a realistic average according to my research and experience.

My Journey: Strategic Implantology and Dental Tourism in Colombia

First Visit (7 days): Immediate Loading Implants

I landed at El Dorado, Bogotá’s international airport, where a representative from the clinic was waiting for me with a sign bearing my name. This pickup service was included in my dental tourism package.

Modern Bogotá welcomed me with its unique blend of colonial history and contemporary architecture. My first consultation with Dr. Calderón was the day after my arrival. The clinic, located in an exclusive area of the city, had nothing to envy of the best in Montreal or Toronto.

The team performed a 3D scan of my mouth, blood tests, and a complete evaluation. The doctor confirmed the treatment plan but explained in detail the strategic implantology technique, its advantages, and why it was ideal for my case.

Unlike conventional implantology that requires months of waiting between implant placement and the crown, strategic implantology with immediate loading would allow me to:

1. Place implants and temporary fixed teeth in a single visit
2. Avoid additional bone grafts, taking advantage of available bone
3. Less invasive procedure with faster recovery
4. Less inflammation and practically no bruising

The most surprising thing was that during the procedure I experienced no pain whatsoever, despite not using conscious sedation. The local anesthesia was perfectly administered, and the minimally invasive surgical technique fulfilled its promise.

By the third day of my arrival, I already had my seven implants placed and fixed temporary crowns on them. I could smile, talk, and eat normally (although following a soft diet as recommended by the doctor).

I spent the remaining days of my first visit exploring Cartagena, a colonial jewel on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With my new temporary smile, I enjoyed:

• Walks through the walled city
• The vibrant nightlife
• Delicious Caribbean cuisine
• Excursions to nearby islands

Second Visit (10 days): Complete Dental Transformation

Eight months after my first visit, I returned to Colombia to complete my treatment. By then, my implants were perfectly osseointegrated with the bone, which allowed us to proceed with:

1. Replacement of temporary crowns over implants with definitive zirconia crowns
2. Completion of root canal treatments on six teeth
3. Placement of zirconia crowns on these treated teeth
4. Installation of ten dental veneers on the remaining teeth
5. Dental whitening to harmonize the color
6. Polishing and final adjustments

The result was a total transformation. The difference between how I arrived in Colombia on my first visit and how I looked now was impressive. Not only had I regained full functionality of my teeth, but I now had a natural, harmonious, and radiant smile.

Why Strategic Implantology Makes the Difference

One of the great advantages of dental tourism in Colombia is access to advanced techniques such as strategic implantology. This technique, compared to conventional implantology, offers:

For international patients like me, being able to complete the surgical phase and obtain functional teeth in a single visit represents an extraordinary advantage.

Colombia: Much More Than Dental Implants

Between my two visits to complete my dental treatment, I had the opportunity to explore Colombia and discovered a country that defies all stereotypes:

The Magic of Cartagena

During my first visit, after the placement of the implants, I enjoyed Cartagena de Indias, a colonial jewel of the Caribbean:

• Its cobblestone streets and flowered balconies
• The imposing wall surrounding the historic center
• White sand beaches and crystal-clear waters
• A unique gastronomic fusion of Caribbean, African, and Spanish flavors

Bogotá: Cosmopolitan Capital

On my second visit, I explored Bogotá more thoroughly:

• The historic La Candelaria district
• The Gold Museum, with its impressive pre-Columbian collection
• The cable car to Monserrate, with panoramic views of the city
• The vibrant gastronomic and cultural scene

What impressed me most was how I could combine a highly complex dental treatment with enriching tourist experiences, all at a significantly lower cost than what I would have spent on dental treatment alone in Canada.

Why Colombia Surpasses Other Dental Tourism Destinations

Having researched extensively before my trip, I can share why Colombia has become a premium destination for dental tourism:

1. Advanced and Innovative Techniques

Colombia has adopted cutting-edge techniques such as strategic implantology with immediate loading, which are not widely available in North America or Europe, or have prohibitive costs.

2. Qualifications of Colombian Dentists

Colombian dentists typically complete 5 years of university education, followed by 2-3 additional years of specialization. Many complement their training with constant international education.

Dr. Johanna Calderón, for example, completed her specialization at a prestigious Colombian university and regularly attends international conferences to stay updated with the latest techniques.

3. Cutting-Edge Technology

Clinics oriented toward dental tourism invest in state-of-the-art technology:

• 3D intraoral scanners that eliminate the need for traditional molds
• CAD/CAM systems for digital prosthesis manufacturing
• Digital X-ray equipment that minimizes radiation exposure
• Computer-guided surgical planning systems

  4. Complete Dental Tourism Packages in Colombia

What truly distinguishes Colombia is the complete integration of services:

• Coordination of medical appointments prior to arrival
• Assistance with flight and accommodation reservations
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Interpreters for non-Spanish speaking patients
• Tourist activities between procedures
• Post-treatment follow-up even after returning home

Comparison: Dental Implants in Colombia vs. Other Countries

As part of my research, I created a comparison between the main dental tourism destinations:

Tips For Those Considering Veneers in Colombia or Dental Implants

Based on my experience, I share these tips for those contemplating traveling to Colombia for dental treatment:

1. Thorough Research

• Request virtual consultations with at least three different clinics
• Verify credentials and review testimonials from other international patients
• Ask specifically about available techniques, such as strategic implantology
• Verify brands of implants or materials used

2. Adequate Time Planning

• With strategic implantology, plan a first visit of 7-10 days for implant placement and temporary teeth
• The second visit (generally 6-8 months later) requires approximately 10 days for placement of definitive prostheses
• Consider the possibility of combining several procedures in a single trip

3. Realistic Budget

• In addition to treatment, consider expenses for flights, accommodation, and food
• Reserve an additional 10-15% for possible contingencies or additional treatments
• Check with your insurance if it covers any part of treatment abroad

4. Clear Communication

• Confirm that the clinic has staff who speak your language
• Establish clear expectations about results and recovery times
• Request a detailed follow-up plan for when you return home

My Final Experience with Dental Tourism in Colombia

My experience with dental tourism in Colombia transformed not only my smile but also my quality of life. In total, I was in Colombia for just 17 days (7 on the first visit and 10 on the second), and I managed to complete a dental treatment that in Canada would have required many more months, multiple procedures, and three times the cost.

The total cost, including all dental procedures, flights, accommodation, food, and tourist activities was approximately one-third of what I would have paid for dental treatment alone in Canada, an extraordinary saving.

The possibility of accessing advanced techniques such as strategic implantology with immediate loading, which allowed me to have fixed teeth the same day as surgery and without the need for bone grafts, made a crucial difference in my experience.

The most surprising thing was the absence of significant pain and inflammation. Recovery was quick, and I was able to enjoy tourist activities almost immediately after the procedures.

Conclusion: Is Dental Tourism in Colombia Worth It?

Without hesitation: yes. Colombia offers a perfect combination of medical excellence, advanced techniques, affordable prices, and enriching tourist experiences. Whether you need dental implants in Colombia, veneers, or any other dental treatment, you will find trained professionals working with the highest international standards.

My experience with Dr. Johanna Calderón not only transformed my smile but also my perspective on international dental care. The radical change in my appearance, going from deteriorated teeth to a perfect and natural smile, has had a profound impact on my self-esteem and quality of life.

Since then, I have recommended dental tourism in Colombia to family and friends, several of whom have already followed in my footsteps with equally satisfactory results.

If you are considering significant dental treatment and the cost in your country seems prohibitive, I invite you to explore this alternative. Colombia will not only save your smile but will also offer you an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Richard Desbiens is a financial consultant from Quebec, Canada, who after his personal experience with dental tourism in Colombia, has become an enthusiastic advocate for this option for Canadians and Americans seeking quality alternatives for expensive dental treatments.