About Implants Generally

1. What exactly is a dental implant? A dental implant is a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant fuses with bone (osseointegration), a ceramic crown is attached on top. The result looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

2. What’s the difference between an implant and a dental bridge? A bridge uses adjacent teeth as support — requiring those teeth to be ground down significantly, even if healthy. An implant stands alone, preserving neighboring teeth and the underlying bone. Implants are generally the preferred option when bone is sufficient.

3. How long do implants last? Straumann implants at Vinmec Picasso: the implant body (titanium root) is designed to last 20+ years with proper care. The crown on top may need replacement after 10–15 years depending on wear. See: Implant Warranty at Vinmec

4. Is everyone a candidate for implants? Not everyone immediately — but the list of absolute contraindications is shorter than most people expect. Most “can’t have implants” situations are actually “need preparation first.” See: Implant Contraindications

About the Procedure

5. How many appointments does an implant take? Standard timeline:

  • Appointment 1: Assessment, CBCT scan, treatment planning
  • Appointment 2: Implant surgery (the placement)
  • Waiting period: 6–12 weeks (osseointegration)
  • Appointment 3: Crown placement

For international patients, we coordinate to minimize trips where possible.

6. Is the implant surgery painful? The surgery is performed under local anesthesia — you feel pressure but not pain. Post-operative discomfort is typically 3–5 days, manageable with standard pain medication (ibuprofen).

7. What is osseointegration and why does it take so long? Osseointegration is the biological process where bone cells grow onto and around the titanium surface — creating a direct structural bond. It cannot be rushed. Straumann SLActive surface achieves stable osseointegration in 3–4 weeks vs 6–8 weeks for standard surfaces.

8. What is All-on-4? A full arch of teeth supported by only 4 strategically placed implants. Allows same-day teeth (temporary prosthesis placed within hours of surgery). Final ceramic bridge placed after 3–6 months. Cost-effective alternative to placing 6–8 individual implants.

9. What’s the difference between All-on-4 and All-on-6? All-on-6 adds 2 more implants for greater stability — typically recommended for the upper jaw (bone density lower than lower jaw) or when bone anatomy is challenging. See: All-on-4 vs All-on-6

10. Do I need bone grafting before an implant? Only if there isn’t sufficient bone volume or density at the implant site. CBCT 3D scanning determines this before planning. See: Bone Grafting Before Implants

About Vinmec Picasso Specifically

11. What implant brand does Vinmec Picasso use? Primarily Straumann (Switzerland) — one of the world’s most researched implant systems with 30+ years of clinical data. Also Nobel Biocare and Osstem for specific cases. All sourced through authorized distributors with full traceability.

12. Is Straumann the same as what I’d get in Australia/US? Yes — it is the identical Straumann system used by top dental clinics in Sydney, Los Angeles, or London. The brand does not vary by market.

13. Does Vinmec Picasso have the technology for complex cases? Yes. CBCT 3D imaging, surgical guides (guided implant placement), CAD/CAM prosthetics, and iTero digital scanning are all available. For cases requiring general anesthesia, Vinmec Picasso operates within the Vinmec Hospital system with full anesthesia and ICU support.

14. Can patients with diabetes or heart disease get implants at Vinmec? Often yes, with appropriate preparation. Vinmec Picasso can collaborate directly with Vinmec’s endocrinology and cardiology departments — an advantage unique to a hospital-based dental clinic.

About Costs

15. How much do implants cost at Vinmec Picasso? For a detailed price reference, see: Dental Implant Prices Vietnam 2026

16. How does this compare to Australia, the US, or UK? Typical savings: 60–75% for the same Straumann implant system. A single implant that costs $4,000–6,000 AUD in Australia is available at Vinmec Picasso at a fraction of that — using the same brand.

17. What’s included in the quoted price? Full breakdown provided in writing: consultation, CBCT scan, surgery, implant component, healing cap, final crown. Ask for itemized quote at consultation.

18. Are there payment plans available? Contact Vinmec Picasso directly for current payment options.

About Healing and Aftercare

19. What are the do’s and don’ts immediately after surgery? First 24 hours: bite on gauze, ice packs on cheek, soft cool foods only, no smoking, no alcohol, no strenuous exercise. Full details: Post-Implant Care Guide

20. When can I eat normally? Soft foods for the first 2 weeks. Gradual return to normal diet by weeks 3–4 on the temporary prosthesis. Full normal eating after the final crown is placed (3–6 months post-surgery).

21. I’m flying home a week after surgery. Is that okay? Generally yes — air travel is not contraindicated after dental implant surgery. Most post-surgical complications present within the first 72 hours. Ensure you have the complete treatment record to show your local dentist if needed.

22. How do I care for implants long-term? Daily: brush twice, use interdental brushes or floss around the implant, water flosser optional. Every 6 months: professional cleaning + implant check. Annual: X-ray to monitor bone levels around the implant.

About Risks and Complications

23. What is the implant failure rate? Straumann implants: 95–98% survival at 10 years in published research. Failure risk is higher with: smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, insufficient bone.

24. What is peri-implantitis? Bacterial infection around the implant — similar to gum disease around natural teeth. Causes bone loss and ultimately implant failure if untreated. Prevented by excellent oral hygiene and regular professional monitoring.

25. What happens if an implant fails? In most cases, the implant can be removed, the site healed, and a new implant placed after a waiting period. Straumann warranty applies to manufacturing defects — discuss specifics at consultation.

For International Patients Specifically

26. Can I complete implant treatment in one visit to Vietnam? For single implants: not in one visit (osseointegration requires time). For All-on-4: you can receive the temporary teeth on day 1 — then return for final crowns 3–6 months later. For immediate-load single implants in ideal cases: possible in select situations.

27. What documentation will I receive for my dentist at home? Complete treatment records: CBCT scan data, surgical report, implant specifications (brand, model, dimensions), radiographs, and care instructions — provided in English.

28. How do I start planning treatment from overseas? Send photos and any existing X-rays to Vinmec Picasso for a preliminary remote assessment. Receive a treatment plan outline and cost estimate before booking travel. See: How to Book Dental Treatment in Vietnam