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Most dental treatments for international patients are completed in one or two trips to Barranquilla. Conventional implants usually require two trips because the bone takes between four and six months to heal before the final crown is placed. The number of days depends on your case and is defined with your treatment plan, before you buy the flights.
This is the step-by-step guide to organizing the trip.
How many trips does each treatment require?
This table summarizes the timeframes we use at the clinic. It's a guideline; your schedule will depend on your diagnosis.
| Treatment | Regular trips | What happens at each stage |
|---|---|---|
| Single implant or implant-supported bridge | Two | First visit: digital diagnosis and guided surgery (30 to 45 minutes per single implant). Then, 4 to 6 months for bone integration. Second visit: final crown in 2 or 3 appointments. |
| Full arch (All-on-4 or All-on-6) | One or two, depending on the case | Surgery and, if the case allows, temporary teeth. The timeline for the final prosthesis is determined according to your plan. |
| Porcelain veneers | It's defined by your plan. | Assessment, design, mouth trial, preparation, laboratory fabrication and cementation, in several appointments. |
| Resin veneers | One | One or two appointments, depending on the case. |
| Ceramic crowns and restorations with CEREC | One | Design, manufacture and installation in a single visit, when the case allows. |
If your treatment combines several things, for example implants and smile design, the plan organizes them to make the most of each trip.
Why is an implant almost never resolved in a single trip?
Because the bone needs time to fuse with the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and in our protocols, it takes between 4 and 6 months. FDA As explained in their patient guide: the healing of the implant can take several months or more.
In the meantime, a temporary crown can be used, depending on the case. When you return, the final crown will be designed and manufactured in our laboratory in 2 or 3 appointments.
Before traveling: what should you take care of first?
What is the purpose of a virtual consultation?
This is the first step, conducted via Google Meet, and costs USD 70. A dentist from our team will listen to your case, review your photos and X-rays, guide you through the treatment options, and provide an estimated price. You'll receive the exact price during your in-person consultation, as it depends on the CT scan and 3D scan we perform at the clinic. You can schedule your consultation on our website. virtual consultation.
To make the most of it, have the following on hand:
- Photographs of your smile and teeth. We'll prepare a Guide to taking photos with your cell phone.
- Recent X-rays or CT scans, if you have them.
- Your list of medications and your health conditions.
- What have other dentists suggested to you, and what doubts do you still have?
What should you be clear about before buying flights?
- The treatment plan and its stages.
- The estimated cost of the virtual consultation and how you will pay.
- How many days should I book for each trip, with some leeway?
- The date agreed with the clinic.
- How will the follow-up be handled when you return?
Purchase the flights later and choose a fare that allows changes.
Should you talk to your doctor first?
Yes. The CDC recommends A pre-travel consultation with your doctor is recommended, ideally four to six weeks beforehand, especially if you have a condition such as diabetes or hypertension, or if you take anticoagulants. Please also let us know so we can take this into account when evaluating your case.
How to get to Barranquilla?
Barranquilla is on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and its airport is Ernesto Cortissoz.
- From the United States: there is a direct flight from Miami, about 3 hours. From other cities, a connection is usually required.
- From Aruba: there is a direct flight, just over an hour long.
- From other countries: usually you can get there with a connection.
Routes and frequencies change, so confirm with the airline. Also check the current entry requirements for your passport at [website address missing]. Migration Colombia before traveling.
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Tu lista para el viaje, en un minuto
Dinos qué tratamiento te interesa y desde dónde viajas, y te armamos la lista de pasos, en orden, para copiarla y guardarla.
Empezar el testInteractive quiz
Your trip to-do list, in one minute
Tell us which treatment you want and where you are flying from, and get your steps, in order, to copy and keep.
Start the quizWhere to stay and how to get around?
Our office is located at Calle 106 No. 50-67, Local 405, Gran Boulevard Shopping Center, in Barranquilla. There are hotels near the clinic in the area.
Once you have your dates, if you wish, we can coordinate the hotel and other travel details. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, Colombian time.
What are the treatment days like?
The first day is for diagnosis: 3D scan, CT scan, and planning. This confirms in person what was discussed in the virtual consultation, and you receive an exact quote. Once you approve it, the treatment begins.
If your treatment includes implant surgery, this is the usual procedure:
- First 24 to 48 hours: local cold, soft diet and relative rest.
- Between days 7 and 10: the stitches are removed and the healing process is checked. If you are already back in your country by then, we will tell you how to schedule this check-up.
- 4 to 6 months: the bone integrates with the implant.
Plan your days after surgery calmly. Save the beach, strong sunlight, and long walks for before the procedure or for another trip.
When can you fly back?
The specialist will determine when you can fly based on the procedure you had and how you're recovering. It's best to wait one or two days after your last appointment and avoid flying on the same day as a procedure. The CDC reminds us that flying shortly after major surgery increases the risk of blood clots. Dental procedures are different, but ask us when you can fly and plan accordingly.
What is the tracking process like when you return to your country?
Before you leave, this is settled:
- Your recommendations: at the end we will give you sheets with the recommendations and the medications you should take.
- Your records: the CDC recommends Go home with a copy of your records. If you have implants, keep the brand name as well.
- Your follow-up: we do it remotely, by chat and by call.
We recommend having a trusted dentist in your city for routine hygiene and checkups. Most treatments come with up to a 5-year guarantee, provided you maintain proper care and follow-up appointments.
Common mistakes when planning a trip
- Buy the flights before you have the plan and the date.
- Traveling with the exact dates, with no margin for adjustment.
- Scheduling surgery at the end of an intense vacation, or a long flight right after.
- Do not bring the x-rays or the list of medications.
- Do not include the second trip in the total budget when implants are involved.
- Return without keeping the recommendation sheets or the brand of your implants.
Why Barranquilla?
Because the flight is short and the clinic has the diagnostic services, specialists, and laboratory all in one location. At Carlos Acevedo Dentistry, we are a team of nine specialists led by Dr. Carlos Acevedo, with 20 years of experience since 2006. We have our own radiology center with tomography, 3D intraoral scanner, computer-guided surgery, CEREC, and our own dental laboratory, which helps you make the most of your travel time. We are a fully licensed clinic that complies with Colombian regulations. We provide services in Spanish and English and have a 5.0 rating on Google with over 380 reviews.
Learn more about each treatment on our pages. Dental implants in Barranquilla and of smile design in BarranquillaTo begin, schedule your virtual consultation or write to us via WhatsApp from the page of contact.
Key takeaways
- Smile restorations and designs: these are combined into one appointment. Conventional implants: typically two, with 4 to 6 months between each.
- It starts with a virtual consultation via Google Meet: there you receive an estimated budget, and in the face-to-face assessment, the exact one.
- Purchase flights after you have a plan and date, with a flexible fare and extra days.
- From Miami there is a direct flight of about 3 hours; from Aruba, a little over an hour.
- The first day at the clinic is for 3D diagnosis, and that's where the plan is confirmed.
- At the end we give you sheets with the recommendations and medications, and we follow up on your case by chat and by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to stay in Barranquilla?
It depends on the treatment and your specific case, which is why we don't give a general price. A check-up or restoration can be done in one visit. A porcelain smile makeover requires several appointments. Implant surgery also requires follow-up care. We'll discuss this with you before you book your flights.
Can I get everything done in one trip?
With resin veneers and many restorations, usually yes. With conventional implants, usually no, because the bone takes between 4 and 6 months to integrate before the final crown is placed. In full-arch treatments, it depends on the case.
Do I need to travel with someone?
For a smile assessment or design, it's usually not necessary. For surgery involving multiple implants or a full arch, it may be advisable to have someone accompany you for the first few days. We'll let you know this when you receive your treatment plan.
Can you assist me in English?
Yes. We provide services in Spanish and English, starting with the virtual consultation.
What should I wear on my first date?
Your passport or document, any x-rays or CT scans you have, a list of your medications and health conditions, and the estimated budget for the virtual consultation.
How do I pay for the treatment if I live abroad?
We accept all major credit cards. If you live in the United States, you can finance your treatment through our partnership program starting at $200 USD per month: check availability. financing in the U.S.If you have any questions, please contact us via WhatsApp.
What happens if I need an adjustment when I'm already back in my country?
Write to us first: we follow up via chat and phone, and many questions can be answered remotely with photos. If an in-person check-up is needed, your local dentist can do it, and if the adjustment requires a return visit, we'll coordinate it with you.
Sources
- FDA, Dental Implants: What You Should Know: fda.gov
- CDC Travelers' Health, Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care: wwwnc.cdc.gov
- CDC Yellow Book 2026, Medical Tourism: cdc.gov/yellow-book
- Migration Colombia: migracioncolombia.gov.co
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a clinical evaluation. The times indicated are guidelines: the diagnosis, treatment plan, length of stay, and flight date will be determined by a specialist after examining you.
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