What If Something Goes Wrong?

Let's address the elephant in the room: what happens if your dental work has problems after you fly home? It's a legitimate concern, and ignoring it doesn't make it go away. Here's an honest look at what can go wrong, how likely it is, and exactly what to do if it happens.

First: Some Perspective

Complications happen in dentistry everywhere—including at your local American dentist. A 2022 British Dental Association survey found that 86% of UK dentists had treated complications from overseas dental work. That sounds scary until you realize:

1. Dentists see complications; they don't see the thousands of successful cases
2. The survey included all overseas work, including from low-quality providers
3. Many "complications" were minor adjustments, not failures

Academic studies on dental implants in Colombia show success rates of 93-100%—matching global standards. The risk isn't zero, but it's not dramatically higher than getting work done at home.

Normal vs. Concerning Symptoms

First, know what's normal healing versus actual problems:

Step-by-Step: If Something Goes Wrong

Step 1: Contact Your Colombian Clinic Immediately

This is why you chose a clinic with WhatsApp communication and English-speaking staff. Message them with:

• Clear description of the problem
• When it started
• Photos and/or videos of the affected area
• Any relevant symptoms (pain level, fever, etc.)

Good clinics respond within hours, often faster. They'll either reassure you it's normal healing or provide specific instructions.

Step 2: Document Everything

• Take dated photos daily
• Keep a symptom diary
• Save all WhatsApp conversations
• Keep your original treatment plan and receipts

Step 3: For Emergencies, See a Local Dentist

If you have signs of infection (fever, spreading swelling, pus) or severe pain, don't wait for Colombia to respond. See an emergency dentist or go to urgent care. Common sense applies—treat the emergency first.

Get documentation of the visit for potential warranty claims.

Step 4: Understand Your Warranty

Reputable Medellín clinics offer warranties:

Warranty typically covers: Defects in materials or workmanship, premature failure, necessary adjustments

Warranty typically doesn't cover: Damage from accidents, failure to follow aftercare instructions, normal wear over time

Step 5: Returning to Colombia (If Necessary)

For warranty work that requires in-person treatment, you'll need to return to the clinic. This is the trade-off of dental tourism. The clinic will typically:

• Cover the cost of corrective dental work
• NOT cover your flights or accommodation

This is why the savings need to be substantial enough to justify the small risk of a return trip.

Can a US Dentist Fix It?

Yes, with caveats. Some US dentists are hesitant to work on overseas dental work due to:

• Unfamiliar materials or techniques
• Unknown implant brands (this is why recognized brands matter)
• Liability concerns
• General bias against "foreign" work

How to find a willing dentist:

1. Ask upfront: "Do you work on patients who had dental work abroad?"
2. Bring all documentation (X-rays, treatment plan, materials used)
3. If you have implants, bring the implant passport/card showing brand and specifications
4. Look for prosthodontists or implant specialists—they're more accustomed to complex cases

Prevention: Minimizing Risk

The best way to handle complications is preventing them:

Before you go:

• Choose clinics with verifiable reviews from international patients
• Ensure they use recognized implant brands (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, etc.)
• Get warranty terms in writing before treatment
• Confirm English-speaking staff for ongoing communication

During treatment:

• Follow all pre-procedure instructions
• Ask questions—good clinics welcome them
• Get copies of X-rays and treatment records
• For implants, get the implant passport with brand/specifications

After treatment:

• Follow aftercare instructions exactly
• Attend all follow-up appointments before flying home
• Don't rush back—stay the full recommended time
• Keep the clinic's contact information readily accessible
• Start follow-up communication if anything seems off

Common Minor Issues and Solutions

Veneer sensitivity: Normal for first 2-4 weeks. Use sensitivity toothpaste. Contact clinic if severe or lasting beyond 6 weeks.

Bite feels high: Common after crowns/veneers. Can often be adjusted by local dentist if you don't want to return. Minor grinding fixes it.

Crown came loose: If it's within warranty period, contact clinic. A local dentist can re-cement temporarily while you arrange return if needed.

Implant area sore months later: Could be peri-implantitis (inflammation). Contact clinic with photos. Often manageable with antibiotics and cleaning without a return trip.

Travel Insurance Considerations

Standard travel insurance covers emergency dental treatment for unexpected problems (like a tooth breaking on your trip). It does NOT cover:

• Elective procedures you traveled for
• Complications from planned dental work
• Follow-up trips for warranty work

Some specialized medical tourism insurance exists but is rarely cost-effective for dental procedures. Your best protection is choosing a reputable clinic and understanding their warranty.

The Bottom Line

Complications from dental work happen everywhere. The difference with dental tourism is that your provider is 2,500 miles away instead of across town. This makes communication, documentation, and choosing the right clinic from the start even more important.

Most issues are minor and resolvable via WhatsApp. Major issues requiring a return trip are rare at reputable clinics. The savings you're achieving—often $10,000-30,000—provide a substantial buffer even if you needed to make an additional trip.

Go in with eyes open, choose wisely, follow instructions, and maintain communication. That's how you minimize risk and maximize the odds of a smooth experience.