Last fact-checked: 22 February 2020

If you are looking for a cost-effective way of saving an infected tooth, here is some much-needed good news: root canal treatment in Bogota, Colombia costs around a quarter of the price back home. So, instead of racking up a dentist bill of over $2,000 in the US or elsewhere, a trip to Bogota could be a much better option.

Colombia is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world. It is rich in flora and fauna and there is plenty to explore in the countryside if you want to get back to nature.

Bogota is Colombia’s booming capital with a newfound entrepreneurial spirit bursting at the seams with new ideas. It’s a great starting point if you are planning to visit elsewhere in the country as the transport links are excellent. Down-at-heel neighborhoods have been transformed to artsy, cool places with craft breweries, trendy cafes, artisan shops and interactive events that are bringing communities together.

Check out one of the Graffiti tours or hike (or take a cable car) up Monserrate—the mountain that overlooks the city—for amazing views and to exercise your lungs. Having experienced a huge turnaround over the course of just a couple of decades, Bogota is still on the up and is a great place to go for your dental care.

A root canal treatment is a restorative procedure that repairs badly decayed or infected teeth. An endodontist or a specialist in root canal performs the procedure, which is carried out when the nerve becomes infected or the pulp is damaged. An infected nerve or damaged pulp creates a breeding ground for bacteria to grow and multiply, which can lead to infection or an abscessed tooth. You may experience one of these symptoms if you need root canal treatment:

? Swelling of the gum tissue

? A “boil” that contains pus

? An unpleasant taste in the mouth

? Tooth discoloration

? Minimal to severe pain

? Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold beverages/food

? Swelling that may extend to the face, head, and neck

If you’re fortunate, you may experience no symptoms at all, but that’s not typically the case for most people who have an infection in the pulp cavity. A visit to the dentist can usually confirm the necessity for root canal procedure—and it is at this point the shock sets in of how much it costs.

Unfortunately, the only alternative to a root canal is to have the tooth removed to prevent further infections.

Although many people think the root canal procedure is painful, these days it's no moreso than having a filling. While you may well be in a lot of pain before visiting the dentist, the procedure itself is painless (thanks to anesthetics and modern techniques) and any previous discomfort should quickly fade, providing the infection has been cleared up. Root canal treatment is actually no worse than a filling, except it takes a little longer to complete.

The dentist begins the process by numbing your gums and surrounding soft tissue. After a local anesthetic is administered, the dentist will keep the area dry by placing a rubber dam around the tooth. Using special tools and equipment, the damaged nerve and pulp, along with any buildup of bacteria and debris, are removed. The tooth is then sealed and cleaned with a temporary filling material.

You will need to return in a day or two to get the permanent filling, provided there is no sign of the infection. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may also need to have a crown to strengthen the tooth.

After the procedure, continue with your daily oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing regularly. Always visit the dentist for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning.

The price of a root canal in Bogota is around a quarter of the price you’ll pay at home. Prices do vary between our listed clinics, although the table below gives an idea as to the average costs in the Colombian capital:

Dental Departures lists quality-checked clinics that have all been thoroughly pre-screened. The dentists are verified based on their qualifications and professional memberships. We also conduct onsite visits, publish real patient reviews, clinic photos, maps and prices.

The facilities provide modern and comfortable environments, perfect for patients who need tooth restorations. The dental teams are often comprised of specialists in different fields, such as restorative treatments and oral & maxillofacial surgery. Many of these professionals are affiliated with respected organizations, like the Colombian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Clinics treating international patients are modern and equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, such as digital x-rays, 3D/CT scanning and CAD/CAM (computer-aided manufacture/computer-aided design). This allows your dentist to design and mill a new crown onsite, while you wait, rather than having to send it out to an outside lab and you having to come back in several days time to have it fitted.

Some of the leading clinics to consider for your root canal in Bogota include:

? Dentica by Cristina Suaza

? Natural Design

? Estética Dental Avanzada Bogota

For more information about root canals in Bogota speak to our Customer Care Team who will be happy to assist or talk you through insurance, finance and other services we offer. You can also ask about exclusive discounts and our Best Price Guarantee to ensure you pay the lowest rates around.

Sources:

Megadiverse Countries. Biodiversity A-Z. Website accessed 19 January 2019. http://www.biodiversitya-z.org/content/megadiverse-countries

Zaino, Lori. 9 Reasons Bogota Should be on Your Travel Bucket List. The Points Guy. 14 October 2017 https://thepointsguy.com/2017/10/reasons-to-visit-bogota-colombia/

Wulfhart, Nell McShane. 36 Hours in Bogota. New York Times. 5 November 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/05/travel/what-to-do-in-36-hours-in-bogota colombia.html?mtrref=www.google.com&gwh=CF7268EB672AE52441ECBBFB34EF4387&gwt=pay

Burhenne, Mark. Know Before You Go: Root Canals. Ask the Dentist. 7 January 2019. https://askthedentist.com/root-canals-know-before-you-go/

Are there alternatives to a root canal? ShareCare. Website Accessed: 25 February 2019. https://www.sharecare.com/health/root-canal-therapy/are-there-alternatives-to-a-root-canal

Galan, Nicole. How long will pain last after root canal? Medical News Today. 20 February 2018. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320978.php