IMPLANT TREATMENT IN VIETNAM – THE FINAL CHOICE AFTER YEARS OF SEARCHING OF AN INTERNATIONAL PATIENT

Having lost almost all of his teeth, and after considering implant treatment, a foreign customer decided to receive care in Vietnam following extensive consultation with numerous dental clinics in various countries. Michael Swan – 54 years old – from Australia, had lost nearly all his upper teeth, severely affecting both aesthetics and chewing function. After thorough research and comparison of multiple international dental centers, he chose Herident as the clinic to undergo full-mouth rehabilitation with dental implants. The case not only required advanced interdisciplinary expertise but also high demands on aesthetics, safety, and a seamless treatment experience. So, what convinced a foreign patient to entrust his smile to a Vietnamese dentist?

1. Overview of the case

A sophisticated gentleman from Australia, Mr. Michael Swan had traveled to many countries and consulted various major dental centers abroad (Japan, Thailand, Malaysia…) in search of a solution to restore his upper dentition. After years of living with tooth loss that seriously affected his function, appearance, and quality of life, he finally chose to begin his smile restoration journey at Herident – Vietnam.

Michael came to Herident through recommendations from international friends living in Vietnam. At the time of examination, he had lost nearly all of his upper teeth, retaining only a few loose teeth and residual roots. His lower arch also presented several issues, including gingivitis, crowding of the anterior teeth, and large molars with fractures and worn amalgam fillings.
The case was directly handled by Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, who spent considerable time discussing in detail with the patient to understand his expectations, daily habits, overall health condition, and concerns after years of unsuccessful attempts at finding a satisfactory solution.

2. Initial Condition

Attending doctor: Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, PhD

Initial findings upon examination:
Upper jaw:
- Nearly all upper teeth missing
– Remaining teeth: 14, 24, 26 (with 14 and 24 being mobile)
– Residual roots at positions 17, 13, 11, 23
• Lower jaw:
– Gingivitis
– Significant crowding of lower front teeth
– Teeth 36, 37, 46, 47 had amalgam fillings; tooth 36 showed a large distal fracture

Upon examination and history taking, Dr. Hung determined that this was a highly suitable case for implant placement due to the following factors:
– The patient had experienced upper tooth loss for many years and did not want removable dentures
– He was comfortable with surgical procedures, showing no signs of anxiety
– No history of systemic illness or ongoing medication
– Former smoker, currently quit

3. Treatment Plan

After a detailed consultation, the patient fully agreed with the proposed plan.After a thorough examination and analysis using Cone Beam CT, Dr. Hung proposed a multi-disciplinary treatment plan to restore function and aesthetics while preserving remaining teeth:
- Extract retained roots and loose upper teeth (#14 and #24)
– Place 5 implants in the upper jaw and restore with an implant-supported prosthesis
– Treat gingivitis and periodontitis in the lower arch
– Restore 14 lower teeth with porcelain crowns to align the arch, repair fractured teeth, and improve aesthetics
After a detailed consultation, the patient fully agreed with the proposed plan.

4. Treatment Steps

Step 1: Digital oral scan, clinical photographs, and radiographs.

Step 2: Conduct a detailed analysis of the patient's dental condition using Conebeam CT to assess both upper and lower jawbone structures as well as the status of remaining teeth.

Step 3: Consult with the patient, revise the treatment plan based on overall health, teeth condition, and the patient’s preferences.

Step 4: Extract residual roots in the upper jaw

Step 5: Place 5 upper implants – each procedure conducted in a sterile operating room. The patient was closely monitored for vital signs, especially heart rate and blood pressure, and received IV analgesics during surgery

Step 6: Remove amalgam fillings, prepare teeth, and place 10 lower porcelain crowns

Step 7: Take impressions, vertical dimension check, and fabricate implant-supported upper prosthesis

Step 8: After 3 months, reassess treatment outcomes.

5. Outcome

After the initial 10-day treatment phase, most of the patient’s major concerns were addressed:
* 5 upper implants successfully placed with good healing. The patient experienced no pain and felt comfortable thanks to attentive pre- and post-operative care
• Lower arch was realigned; decayed and broken teeth were restored with porcelain crowns
• Upper implant-supported prosthesis was stable. The patient reported good chewing ability, no discomfort, and was satisfied with the aesthetics of both arches

Throughout the treatment at Herident Dental Clinic, the patient received meticulous care and reported complete relaxation and satisfaction with the final results.

After installing the upper denture, the customer's smile has changed significantly. The customer will return to Vietnam after three months to check the results of the treatment.

Herident Dental - the choice of discerning international clients

Mr. Michael’s case was not only a complex treatment but also a testament to the international-standard care available in Vietnam. As the dental sector in the country continues to advance, Herident is proud to be a trusted destination for foreign patients who have previously experienced healthcare in developed countries like Singapore, Australia, and Europe.