Single Tooth Implant · Head of Implantology Dr. Tran Thanh Phong · Last reviewed May 2026
One Missing Tooth, One Permanent Solution.
Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Osstem and Neodent, every fixture carries the manufacturer's original warranty and a verifiable serial number. No grinding of healthy neighbouring teeth, no removable plate, no gap in your smile. Implantology at Picasso is led by Dr. Tran Thanh Phong, our Head of Implantology and most senior implantologist (15,000+ implants since 2001). Single-tooth placement and surgical work is supported by Dr. Hung Le Ba Gia (Dr. Evans, 1,000+ implants). CBCT-guided surgery across six branches, two of them inside accredited hospitals.
The Economics
Same Brand. Same Protocols. Roughly One Third the Price.
Indicative ranges for a single tooth implant + abutment + porcelain crown in private practice. Sources: ADA, BDA and AusDent published surveys; Picasso published rate card. Your case may vary; we send a written, itemised quote within 24 hours of seeing your CBCT or a photo.
| Country | Typical Single Implant (USD, all-in) | What You'd Save |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,500 – $6,500 | ~65–75% |
| Australia | $4,500 – $7,000 AUD | ~65–75% |
| United Kingdom | £2,200 – £3,500 | ~60–70% |
| Canada | $3,000 – $6,000 CAD | ~60–70% |
| New Zealand | $5,000 – $7,500 NZD | ~65–75% |
| Picasso Dental, Vietnam | Osstem to Straumann tiers, see cost guide | — |
Full itemised pricing on the implant cost guide. Combo (fixture + abutment + crown) and fixture-only options available, including fixture-only for patients staging treatment across two countries.
What It Is
What is a Single Tooth Implant?
A single tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with a small titanium screw placed into the jawbone, topped with a custom abutment and porcelain crown. The result looks, feels and bites exactly like a natural tooth, and it does so without grinding down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a process called osseointegration that takes 3–4 months, it carries a normal bite load and routinely lasts 25 years or more.
Why Picasso
Why Picasso for Single Implants
Three claims that should be true of any implant clinic you trust. Here is exactly how we deliver each one.
Genuine brand implants, serial-verified.
Every fixture leaves Picasso with the manufacturer's original warranty and a serial number you can verify with the maker. No grey-market stock, no off-brand substitutions, no surprises a year later. Your home dentist can service the implant anywhere in the world.
CBCT-guided surgery, planned in 3D before the first incision.
Cone Beam CT imaging maps your jawbone in 3D before any surgery. We plan implant position, angle and depth digitally, then execute against that plan. Lower surgical risk, better long-term bone outcomes, and a clinical record you can take home for your dentist.
Hospital-grade options for complex single-tooth cases.
Two of our six branches operate inside accredited hospitals with full emergency medical support on site. For anxious patients, anterior aesthetic-zone work, or anyone with significant medical history, you have the option of a hospital setting at no premium.
Cone Beam CT scan. 15 minutes, taken on day one, the foundation for every single implant plan.
iTero digital impression. No more goopy moulds for your final implant crown.
The Comparison
Single Implant vs the Alternatives
Four options exist for one missing tooth. Here is the honest comparison, including when an implant is not the right choice.
| Option | Healthy Teeth Affected? | Bone Preservation | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Implant | None | Yes | 25+ years |
| 3-Unit Bridge | 2 (ground down as anchors) | No | 10–15 years |
| Removable Partial Denture | 1–2 (clasps) | No | 5–7 years |
| No Replacement | None initially | No, bone shrinks over time | n/a |
An implant is the right answer for most adults missing one tooth. We will tell you honestly when a bridge or denture fits your case better.
Front vs Back
Front Tooth vs Back Tooth: Different Priorities
Single implants in the front of the mouth and the back of the mouth are technically the same procedure, but the priorities, materials and recovery look different.
| Anterior (Front Tooth) | Posterior (Molar / Back Tooth) | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Aesthetics, shade matching, gum architecture | Bite force, 4× the chewing load of front teeth |
| Brand we usually recommend | Nobel Biocare or Straumann (most documented aesthetic-zone evidence) | Osstem, Neodent or Straumann, all proven in posterior loading |
| Crown material | Layered zirconia or e.max for natural translucency | Monolithic zirconia for maximum strength |
| Temporary tooth during healing | Always provided | Often optional, not visible |
| Typical timeline | 5–6 months | 4–5 months |
Candidacy
Who Is, and Isn't, a Good Candidate?
Single implants suit most adults missing one tooth. They are not the right answer for everyone. Here's the honest version, decided after your CBCT scan and medical history review.
You're a strong candidate if
- You're an adult (~18+) in generally good health with one missing or failing tooth.
- You have adequate jawbone, or are willing to undergo minor grafting if needed.
- Your gums are healthy, or any active gum disease has been treated first.
- If diabetic, your HbA1c is well-controlled (ideally below 7%).
- You don't smoke, or are willing to stop at least 2 weeks before surgery and 8 weeks afterward.
- You can attend a basic 6-month recall visit, locally or with us.
An implant may not be right if
- You have uncontrolled diabetes (significantly higher failure and infection risk).
- You have active, untreated periodontal disease, must be resolved first.
- You've recently received IV bisphosphonate therapy (typically for cancer treatment).
- You're a heavy smoker unwilling to stop or significantly cut down, failure rates roughly double.
- Your jaw is still growing (typically under 18).
- You're pregnant, we postpone elective implant surgery until after delivery.
If any of these apply, we'll tell you, and recommend a bridge, a partial denture, or treatment elsewhere if that's the right answer for you.
The Procedure
The Procedure, Step by Step
From your first consultation to your final crown, exactly what to expect at each stage. Total timeline for a standard single tooth implant: 4–6 months.
Day 1 · 60 min
Consultation & CBCT Scan
Clinical exam, medical history review, and Cone Beam CT 3D scan of the implant site in one visit. We map bone height, width and nerve proximity, then prepare your digital surgical plan, all in your preferred language.
Day 2 · 30–45 min
Implant Placement
Single titanium fixture placed under local anaesthetic, guided by your CBCT-based surgical plan. If the failing tooth is still present, atraumatic extraction and immediate placement may be possible. Most patients return to work the next day.
3–4 months
Osseointegration
Healing period during which the implant fuses with your bone. Temporary tooth provided if the implant is in the visible smile zone. We check in over WhatsApp throughout.
2–3 visits · 7–10 days
Final Crown
Digital impression with iTero, custom abutment fitted, porcelain crown fabricated to match your neighbouring teeth in shade and shape, and bonded onto the implant. You leave with the implant ready for normal use.
Your CBCT-guided plan, before the first incision. 3D bone analysis, digital implant positioning, and bone density mapping, all reviewed against your surgical guide.
Real Cases
Single Tooth Implants, Documented.
Real Picasso patients, ETK fixtures with zirconia crowns, published with written consent. Lower right molar (Hanoi), upper right molar with custom titanium abutment (Da Nang), and a medically complex multi-implant upper arch under IV sedation (Thao Dien).
Single Implant, Lower Right Molar (Tooth 46)
- Material ETK (France) implant + Zirconia crown
- Scope Single implant on tooth 46 with CBCT planning and healing cap protocol
- Duration 5 visits over ~5 months (osseointegration + final crown)
- Branch Hanoi Old Quarter
Single Implant, Upper Right Molar (Tooth 16)
- Material ETK (France) implant + customized titanium abutment + zirconia crown
- Scope Single implant on tooth 16 with root tip extraction, custom abutment and zirconia-on-implant restoration
- Duration 6 implant-phase visits over ~13 months (Feb 2023 to Mar 2024)
- Branch Da Nang
Single Implants + Full-Arch Restoration (Medically Complex)
- Material ETK (France) + Osstem (Korea) implants + Zirconia crowns and bridge
- Scope Multiple single implants, sinus lift, bone graft, root canals and full upper zirconia restoration under IV sedation
- Duration 9 visits over ~5 weeks (intensive plan for a medically complex case)
- Branch HCMC Thao Dien
Brand Comparison
Implant Brand Comparison
Every brand we offer is internationally certified with manufacturer warranties. Here's how to choose the right one for a single tooth.
| Brand | Origin | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osstem | South Korea | Manufacturer-backed | Standard cases · Best value |
| Neodent | Brazil (Straumann Group) | Manufacturer-backed | Straumann technology, accessible tier |
| Nobel Biocare | Switzerland | Manufacturer-backed | Anterior aesthetic zone · narrow ridges · premium |
| Straumann | Switzerland | Manufacturer-backed | World #1 by volume · premium |
| Straumann BLX | Switzerland | Manufacturer-backed | Immediate-load protocols when bone permits |
For an itemised quote, see the implant cost guide. Combo and fixture-only options available.
The Team
Who Will Place Your Implant
Implantology at Picasso Dental is led by Dr. Tran Thanh Phong, our Head of Implantology and most senior implantologist, placing implants since 2001 with 15,000+ to date. Day-to-day surgical placement, including single-tooth cases, is performed by Dr. Hung Le Ba Gia (Dr. Evans), our Lead Implant Specialist, with 1,000+ implants placed. Clinical standards group-wide are set by founding director Dr. Emily Nguyen.
Head of Implantology
Dr. Tran Thanh Phong
The most senior implantologist at Picasso Dental, placing implants since 2001 (25+ years). Roughly 600 implants per year, 15,000+ total. First Vietnamese dentist to perform All-on-4 full-arch immediate loading (2010), with 1,000+ All-on-4 cases since. Zygomatic implants since 2017, 400+ cases. Loma Linda University-trained, Nobel Biocare's clinical representative in Vietnam since 2007.
Lead Implant Specialist
Dr. Hung Le Ba Gia (Dr. Evans)
Picasso's lead implant specialist, with 1,000+ implants placed and 200+ All-on-4 full-arch cases completed. Works under the clinical direction of Dr. Phong. Single tooth implants are the daily core of his practice: anterior aesthetic-zone cases, posterior molar replacements, and immediate placement after extraction.
Founding Clinical Director
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founder of the original clinic in 2013. Sets clinical standards for implant case selection, surgical protocols and prosthetic delivery group-wide.
Aftercare
Caring for Your Implant, for Life
A single implant is not a one-time treatment. With basic maintenance, modern implants routinely last 25+ years. Here's the schedule that keeps yours that way.
Every Day · For Life
Brush, Floss, Repeat
Twice-daily brushing with a soft brush. Floss once daily, interdental brushes around the implant crown. Mouthwash optional, helpful for the first few weeks post-surgery.
Every 6 Months
Recall Visit
Professional cleaning, soft tissue check around the implant, visual inspection of the crown. Identical to a natural-tooth check-up. Local or with us.
At 12 Months
X-Ray Stability Check
One X-ray to confirm bone levels are stable around the implant. Standard practice for implant patients worldwide. We send the file; your local dentist can take it.
Years 10–15
Crown Refresh (Maybe)
The implant fixture itself is permanent. The porcelain crown on top may eventually show wear, typically after 10–15 years, and can be replaced without touching the implant below.
What to avoid
Smoking is the single biggest threat to implant longevity. Untreated gum disease (peri-implantitis) is the second. Both are preventable. Hard objects, ice, pen caps, fingernails, are unkind to implants and natural teeth alike.
If you travel home mid-treatment
You leave with complete clinical records, X-rays, your implant serial number and surgical notes. Your home dentist can perform recalls or address concerns, and we respond to questions over WhatsApp at any time.
Patient Reviews
Implant Patients in Their Own Words
"
I had an implant on a front tooth done here, and I needed a bone graft too. Everything went very well, and the communication was always clear and prompt. I've had the implant about 9 months now, and everything is still healthy and looking great. Other dentists suggested my bone was too thin to place an implant, but with a bone graft it worked out very well. I've been to dentists in 5 countries, and Dr. Emily is the best I've ever worked with.
Anonymous (front tooth)
"
I am from Australia. I got an implant done in Australia, my dentist there is fantastic, but Picasso Dental was equally great and for a quarter of the price. Highly recommend them.
Frankie 5000
"
From the day I started texting them on WhatsApp from Australia, I knew I had made the right choice getting dental implants. As soon as I arrived Vietnam I was greeted with a warm text. I can't give enough praise for Dr Evan and his wonderful nurses. Coming back in 6 months to get the Swiss Neodent Zirconium implants.
Bowie Bow
Picasso Dental inside Vinmec Da Nang. Hospital-grade facility with on-site emergency medical support, an option for anxious single-implant patients at no premium.
International Journey
The International Single Implant Journey
Two paths for patients flying in for a single tooth implant. Choose the one that fits your time, your budget and your bone biology.
Two Trips, One Healing Break.
Surgical placement on Trip 1, bone integration at home, final crown on Trip 2. The standard international path for one missing tooth.
5–7 days
Surgery in Vietnam
Consultation, CBCT scan, extraction if needed, implant placement, temporary tooth fitted if in the smile zone.
3–4 months
Healing & Osseointegration
The implant fuses with your bone. We check in over WhatsApp, and your home dentist can handle anything urgent.
5–7 days
Final Crown in Vietnam
Digital impression, abutment, custom porcelain crown shade-matched to your neighbouring teeth, final fitting, full case file delivered.
One Extended Stay, Start to Finish.
Everything from first consultation to final crown in a single trip. Healing happens in Vietnam.
Surgery
Consultation, CBCT, extraction if needed, implant placement, temporary tooth if visible.
Recover & Explore
Beach recovery in Da Nang or mountain recovery in Da Lat. Low cost of living, monthly check-ins at any branch.
Crown & Case File
Digital impression, abutment, final porcelain crown delivered before you fly home.
Risks & Success Rates
Risks & Success Rates: Honestly
No surgery is risk-free. Here's what the dental implant literature reports for single tooth implants, what can go wrong, and how Picasso minimises every avoidable risk.
Documented Success Rate
Long-term clinical literature consistently reports single implant survival in the 95–98% range over 10 years for healthy patients placed by experienced clinicians, confirmed by the systematic review of Moraschini et al. (2015) covering more than 14,000 implants across 23 studies. Picasso Dental tracks individual case outcomes for our own audit.
What Can Go Wrong
Failure to integrate (the implant doesn't fuse with the bone). Peri-implantitis (gum disease around the implant). Crown chipping (replaceable). Gum recession in the aesthetic zone (more common in thin biotypes, mitigated by careful planning and connective tissue grafting).
How We Minimise Risk
CBCT 3D imaging before every implant. Autoclave sterilisation. Medical history screening (uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, bisphosphonate use are flagged). Genuine brand fixtures only. Surgical planning reviewed before any incision.
If Something Goes Wrong
If the implant fails to integrate within 6 months of placement, we re-place it at no additional cost. If a crown fractures within the warranty period, we replace it. We don't invoice you to fix our own work.
Smoking & Implants
Smoking roughly doubles implant failure risk and significantly increases peri-implantitis. Honest disclosure during consultation lets us adjust the protocol and aftercare advice, it doesn't disqualify you.
Gum Recession (Front Teeth)
In the aesthetic zone, even a perfectly placed implant can show subtle gum recession over years if the gum biotype is thin. We assess this before surgery and may recommend a connective tissue graft to thicken the gum, predictable, gentle, done under local.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a single tooth implant cost in Vietnam?
Single tooth implant pricing is tiered by implant brand: Osstem (Korea), Neodent (Brazil, Straumann Group), Nobel Biocare and Straumann (Switzerland), and Straumann BLX for immediate-load. Per-brand combo pricing is published on our implant cost guide. The combo includes the titanium fixture, the abutment and the final porcelain crown.
Is a single implant better than a dental bridge?
In most cases, yes. A traditional bridge requires grinding down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors. A single implant replaces only the missing tooth and leaves neighbouring teeth untouched. Implants also preserve jawbone, while bridges do not.
How long does a single tooth implant last?
A correctly placed and maintained single implant routinely lasts 25 years or more. Long-term studies show 95–98% survival rates over 10 years. The crown on top may need replacement after 10–15 years; the implant fixture itself rarely fails once osseointegrated.
How long does the whole process take?
For a standard single tooth case: implant placement on day one, then 3–4 months of osseointegration, then 2–3 visits over 2 weeks for the final crown. Total: roughly 4–6 months from first surgery to final crown.
Will I be missing a tooth during the healing period?
Not visibly. If the implant is in the smile zone (front teeth or premolars), we provide a temporary tooth so you are never seen with a gap. For back molars where it is not visible, a temporary is optional.
Does the surgery hurt?
The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, you feel pressure, not pain. Most patients describe the post-operative experience as comparable to a tooth extraction: 2–3 days of mild swelling, managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Sedation is available for anxious patients.
Can I get my implant on the same day as the extraction?
Often, yes. When the failing tooth is still in the mouth and bone quality is good, immediate placement is possible. The CBCT scan tells us on day one. Immediate loading (a temporary crown the same day) is more limited and depends on case-specific stability.
Will I need a bone graft?
Possibly. If the tooth has been missing for years, the jawbone in that area may have shrunk. Minor grafting (Bio-Oss with a Bio-Gide membrane) is straightforward and adds 4–6 weeks to the timeline. Your CBCT scan tells us whether grafting is needed before any surgery.
What's the difference between fixture-only and combo pricing?
The combo price includes the titanium fixture, the abutment and the final crown. Fixture-only pricing is for patients who want the surgical placement but will have their crown made elsewhere, useful for international patients staging treatment across two countries.
Is the warranty international?
Yes. Every implant brand we offer issues a manufacturer warranty recognised globally. We provide your implant serial numbers and full clinical records so any dentist anywhere can service the implant if needed.
Which brand is best for a single tooth implant?
Osstem suits standard cases at the best price. Nobel Biocare and Straumann are recommended for front teeth in the aesthetic zone, narrow ridges, and patients who want the most internationally documented brand. We recommend after seeing your CBCT scan.
Can I have a single implant if I smoke?
Yes, but smoking roughly doubles implant failure risk and significantly increases peri-implantitis. We strongly recommend stopping at least 2 weeks before surgery and remaining smoke-free for 8 weeks afterward. We do not refuse smokers, but we are honest about the trade-off.
Pricing
Itemised Implant Pricing
For published rate cards across all five brands, plus full-arch All-on-X protocols, see the dedicated implant cost guide. Combo includes fixture, abutment and final crown. Fixture-only options also available.
Missing two or more adjacent teeth? See implant bridges. Missing a full arch? See All-on-4 implants.
Start Here
Send a Photo or Your Latest CBCT. Get a Written Implant Plan in 24 Hours.
A phone photo of the gap and a sentence about what you need is enough to start, even better if you have a recent CBCT or panoramic X-ray. Dr. Evans reviews every request personally and replies with a recommended brand, a treatment plan, and a written, itemised quote, at no cost and with no obligation. Most international patients hear back within a few hours.
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