Not sure how to fix your teeth or where to start? This guide walks you through the first steps, from identifying your goals to exploring treatment options and finding affordable, trusted care. Take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile.

Thinking about fixing your teeth can feel overwhelming. Maybe you've been living with a missing tooth, dental work that’s worn down, or just a smile that doesn’t make you feel confident anymore. You're not alone—and you’re not stuck. The good news is that modern dentistry offers a wide range of solutions, and the first step is often easier than you think.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of getting started. Whether you need minor cosmetic work or a full-mouth restoration, this step-by-step approach will help you understand your options and feel empowered to take action. Let's break it down.

Step 1: Identify What You Want to Fix

Start by asking yourself:

• What bothers me about my teeth or smile?
• Is it pain, appearance, missing teeth, or old dental work?
• Do I want a cosmetic improvement, or do I need something functional?

Write it down—even a short list can help clarify what you're looking for.

Step 2: Get a Professional Evaluation

Once you know what you want, the next step is a dental evaluation. A good dentist will help assess your oral health and give you treatment options based on your goals and budget.

At Aleriom, for example, we work with top dentists in Bogotá who can do a virtual or in-person consultation. This step usually includes:

• A review of your dental history
• Dental scans or X-rays
• A customized treatment plan with cost estimates

Step 3: Understand Your Treatment Options

Depending on your needs, here are some common ways to fix your teeth:

• Whitening for stains and discoloration
• Veneers for chipped or uneven teeth
• Implants for missing teeth
• All-on-4 for full-mouth restoration
• Crowns or bridges for broken or weak teeth
• Orthodontics (like Invisalign) for misalignment

Your dentist will help you compare short-term fixes and long-term solutions.

Step 4: Set a Budget and Explore Affordable Care

Many people delay treatment because of cost. But fixing your teeth doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Consider:

• Payment plans
• Dental tourism (Colombia can save you up to 60%)
• Phased treatment, done over time

If cost is a concern, Aleriom specializes in coordinating high-quality care in Colombia at a fraction of U.S. prices.

Interested in starting to financially plan for your dental care? Check out our blog How to Budget for Your Dental Travel Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 5: Plan Your Treatment Timeline

Once you choose a path, your dentist will give you a treatment timeline. This helps you:

• Book time off work
• Arrange travel (if you’re doing dental tourism)
• Understand how long healing or recovery may take

Even major procedures like All-on-4 often require just 6 nights in Bogotá.

Step 6: Start Small If You Need To

If the idea of a full makeover feels like too much, start with one issue—maybe replacing a visible missing tooth or fixing a chipped front tooth. Once you take that first step, the rest becomes easier.

Step 7: Choose a Trusted Dental Provider

This is key. You want someone with experience, clear communication, and a strong reputation. Ask:

• How many cases like mine have you done?
• Do you use high-quality materials?
• Can I see before-and-after photos?

Aleriom only works with trusted providers in Colombia that meet international standards—and we manage all the logistics.

Wondering what sort of questions to ask your dentist before getting your dental treatment? Check out our blog Essential Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before a Dental Procedure

You Deserve to Smile Again

It’s never too late to fix your teeth. Whether you’ve waited months or years, today is a good day to take that first step. Start by writing down your concerns and reaching out for a consultation. Fixing your teeth isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about confidence, comfort, and quality of life.

Need help finding the right dentist or exploring dental tourism? Contact Aleriom and let’s start planning your smile transformation.

Tooth extraction recovery plays a key role in your oral health. Learn how to reduce pain, prevent complications like dry socket, and support proper healing. Follow these expert tips for a safer, more comfortable recovery.

Having a tooth pulled might sound daunting, but it’s often a necessary and beneficial step toward improving your dental and oral health. Whether you're removing a wisdom tooth, making room for orthodontics, or preparing for implants or dentures, understanding how to recover properly is just as important as the procedure itself.

Your recovery after tooth extraction plays a vital role in how well your mouth heals and how comfortable you feel in the days that follow. While most extractions are routine, the days after surgery require care and attention to avoid discomfort or serious complications—like infection or dry socket.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect after an extraction and offer practical tips to ensure a safe, smooth, and successful healing process.

1. Take It Easy the First 24 Hours

Your body needs time to heal—so rest is crucial. Avoid heavy physical activity for at least the first 24 hours. Bending, lifting, or strenuous exercise can increase bleeding or disrupt the clot forming at the extraction site.

Plan ahead by taking a day or two off work or school and preparing soft meals ahead of time. Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated while resting to reduce swelling and bleeding.

2. Control Bleeding and Support Clot Formation

Bleeding is normal during the first few hours post-extraction. Your dentist or surgeon will place gauze over the site—bite down firmly to help stop the bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form. Change the gauze every 30 to 60 minutes until bleeding slows and follow your dentists recommendations to a T.

Avoid actions that may dislodge the clot, such as:

• Spitting
• Drinking through straws
• Smoking or vaping
• Rinsing your mouth aggressively

The clot is your body’s natural bandage—protecting it is key to a healthy recovery.

3. Manage Pain and Swelling

Pain and swelling often peak within 48 hours of the extraction. To manage discomfort:

• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your dentist.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals.
• Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid anything hot or spicy.

If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, make sure to complete the full course to prevent infection and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Do this even if you think it's been a couple of days and are already feeling better. 

4. Eat Soft, Nourishing Foods

For the first few days, eat soft, lukewarm foods that don’t require chewing near the extraction site. Great options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Smoothies (without a straw!)
• Scrambled eggs
• Broths and soups (cooled)

Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods, as well as anything that could get lodged in the socket.

5. Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene

Good hygiene prevents infection but must be done carefully:

• Brush your teeth remaining teeth gently, avoiding the surgical site.
• After 24 hours, begin rinsing gently with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz water) after meals and before bed.
• Avoid commercial mouthwashes unless advised by your dentist.

Keeping your mouth clean helps promote healing while reducing your risk of complications.

6. Watch for Warning Signs

While most recoveries go smoothly, be alert for symptoms that could indicate a problem:

• Severe or worsening pain after day three
• A bad taste or odor from the site
• Swelling that worsens or doesn’t improve
• Pus or fever

These could be signs of dry socket or infection. Contact your dentist immediately if any of these symptoms appear.

7. Planning for Dental Implants After Extraction

If your extraction is part of a larger treatment plan—like replacing a tooth with a dental implant—it’s essential to follow your dentist’s healing timeline. Your provider may recommend:

• Bone grafting to preserve jaw structure
• A waiting period of several weeks before implant placement
• Temporary solutions like flippers or partial dentures

The better your healing, the smoother your next steps will be.

Tooth Extraction Recovery: You’ve Got This

Recovery doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just follow a few key steps and listen to your body. With proper rest, good hygiene, and a soft-food diet, most people heal quickly and without complications.

At Aleriom, we guide patients every step of the way—before, during, and after treatment. If your extraction is part of a bigger dental plan, like All-on-4 implants or a smile makeover in Colombia, we’re here to coordinate everything from logistics to post-op care.

Have questions about extractions or implant planning? Reach out to us—we’re happy to help.

When deciding between a root canal vs extraction, saving your tooth is usually the healthier long-term choice. Root canals help preserve bone, maintain your bite, and avoid future dental complications. Extractions can lead to more complex—and costly—treatments if not replaced.

When a tooth becomes severely damaged or infected, patients are often faced with a big decision: root canal vs extraction. The temptation to "just pull it" can be strong—especially if you're in pain, worried about costs, or fearful of dental procedures. After all, removing the tooth seems quicker and easier, right?

But here’s the truth: while extractions have their place, preserving your natural tooth through a root canal is usually the smarter and healthier long-term choice. Dentistry has evolved tremendously over the years, and today’s root canal treatments are faster, more comfortable, and more predictable than ever before. In many cases, keeping your tooth can protect your bite, preserve your jawbone, and help you avoid a costly chain reaction of future dental work.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between a root canal vs extraction, what’s really involved in each procedure, and why choosing to save your tooth—when possible—is an investment in your long-term oral health.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of a tooth. Your dentist cleans and disinfects the root canals, then fills and seals them to prevent future infection. Finally, a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth's strength and function.

Contrary to its reputation, modern root canals are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. They can be completed in one or two appointments and offer a high success rate for saving teeth.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction involves removing the entire tooth from its socket. While it might seem like a quick fix, it comes with consequences: changes to your bite, shifting of nearby teeth, and loss of jawbone in the area. If the extracted tooth isn’t replaced with an implant or bridge, these issues can cascade into more complex problems down the line.

Why Saving Your Tooth Is Usually the Better Choice

Here’s why a root canal is often preferable to an extraction:

• Preserves Your Natural Bite
  Keeping your tooth helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth and the natural structure of your bite. Once a tooth is removed, nearby teeth may shift, creating gaps and functional problems.
• Prevents Bone Loss
  Your jawbone needs stimulation from a tooth root to stay healthy. When a tooth is extracted and not replaced with an implant, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate—something a root canal can help you avoid.
• Maintains Facial Appearance
  Tooth and bone loss can contribute to a sunken or aged facial appearance over time. Saving your tooth with a root canal helps preserve the underlying bone and facial structure.
• Fewer Complications and Follow-ups
  Extractions often require more long-term care if the tooth is not replaced. Implants, bridges, or dentures all come with added costs and procedures, whereas a root canal may restore your tooth for good.

When Extraction Might Be the Right Call

While root canals are ideal in many cases, there are times when extraction is necessary or more practical—for example, if the tooth is too severely damaged, fractured below the gumline, or unable to be restored.

In these cases, your dentist will guide you through replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to restore both appearance and function.

Root Canal vs Extraction: Cost and Comfort

• Cost: While an extraction may seem cheaper upfront, replacing the tooth with an implant or bridge can end up being more expensive than a root canal and crown.

• Comfort: Many patients find root canals less traumatic overall. You keep your tooth and avoid additional surgeries or adjustments.

• Recovery: Root canal recovery tends to be easier and quicker than surgical extractions.

The Takeaway: Choose Preservation When Possible

When comparing a root canal vs extraction, think beyond the immediate relief. Ask yourself what’s best for your health in the long run. If your dentist says the tooth can be saved with a root canal, it’s usually worth doing. The benefits—preserving your bite, bone, and smile—often outweigh the perceived convenience of extraction.

If you're in need of dental work, feel free to reach out to Aleriom, we'll be happy to help you. 

The All-on-4 technique uses four implants to securely hold a full arch of 12 teeth. Angled placement and even force distribution make this method stable and effective. It’s a proven, efficient solution for full-mouth restoration.

Image by Maryland Sedation Dentist

If you’re exploring options for full-mouth restoration, you may have come across the All-on-4 technique and thought, “How can just four implants possibly support a full arch of 12 teeth?” It’s a fair question—and one that reveals just how far modern dental innovation has come.

Traditional implant dentistry often relied on placing one implant per missing tooth, which could mean 8–10 or more implants per arch. But thanks to advancements in biomechanics, materials, and surgical planning, the All-on-4 method uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full fixed prosthesis. The result? A more affordable, efficient, and less invasive solution for patients who need to replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth.

In this blog, we break down the science that makes All-on-4 implant support so effective, from implant angulation to force distribution—and why it’s a game-changer for patients seeking stable, long-term solutions without a full mouth of implants.

What Is the All-on-4 System?

The All-on-4 technique is a full-arch restoration method where four dental implants are placed in the jaw to anchor a bridge of 10–14 teeth. These implants act as stable roots, and the attached prosthesis (often made from acrylic, zirconia, or a hybrid material) mimics the look and function of natural teeth.

Figure 1. Diagram of All-On-4 Dental Implants Protocol

Two implants are placed vertically at the front of the jaw, where bone density is usually strongest. The other two are placed at a 30–45 degree angle toward the back of the mouth, which avoids anatomical structures like the sinus cavity or nerve canal—and provides added support and distribution of force.

Why Angled Implants Are Key

One of the revolutionary elements of All-on-4 implant support is the angulation of the posterior implants. Instead of placing more implants in the back of the jaw (where bone loss is common), angling the implants increases their contact with the bone, enhancing stability and strength.

This technique also spreads out the base of support across the entire arch. Think of it like the legs of a chair—by tilting the back legs outward, you increase balance and reduce the chance of tipping. Similarly, angled implants provide broader support for the prosthesis, making it stable during chewing and speaking.

How Do 4 Implants Hold 12 Teeth?

It’s all about distribution. The full-arch bridge is custom-designed to rest evenly across the four implants. That means the biting and chewing forces are shared across all four anchors, minimizing pressure on any one implant and extending the longevity of the restoration.

Modern materials also play a role. Today’s prosthetics are incredibly strong and lightweight, engineered to handle daily use without putting undue stress on the underlying implants. Additionally, the shape and positioning of the prosthesis are optimized to match the biomechanics of a natural bite, which reduces wear and increases comfort.

The end result: with All-on-4 implant support, patients can chew, speak, and smile confidently, with a restoration that performs like a natural set of teeth.

Benefits of the All-on-4 Approach

• Fewer Implants, Less Surgery: Only four implants are needed per arch, which means less time in the chair and fewer surgical risks.
• Immediate Function: Many patients receive a temporary set of teeth the same day as surgery, so they never go without a smile.
• Cost-Effective: Fewer implants and shorter treatment time make All-on-4 more affordable than traditional full-mouth implants.
• No Bone Grafting (in many cases): The strategic placement of implants often eliminates the need for bone grafting, even in patients with bone loss.

Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4?

This method works well for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one arch, or who have severely compromised teeth. It’s especially helpful for those with some degree of bone loss, thanks to the angled placement that maximizes bone contact.

A thorough consultation and 3D imaging will help determine if All-on-4 is right for you. At Aleriom, we work with experienced specialists who assess your bone structure, health history, and long-term goals before recommending a treatment plan.

Conclusion: All-on-4 Is Smart Science and Smart Dentistry

The idea that four implants can support 12 teeth might sound too good to be true—but it’s backed by decades of research and clinical success. The All-on-4 technique is a thoughtfully engineered solution that delivers real-world results for patients around the globe. If you’re looking for a stable, long-term replacement for missing teeth without the complexity of a dozen implants, All-on-4 could be your best option. Feel free to send us a message, we'll be happy to go over your case and send you your treatment plan and answer any of your questions.