How 10 dental implants changed one patient’s life at FV Hospital

After years of tooth loss led to severe jawbone resorption and difficulty eating, specialists at FV Hospital restored the patient’s smile by placing 10 dental implants in one procedure.

How years of tooth loss lead to jawbone loss

For many years, Mr Lam Quang Kieu Phong (55, Ho Chi Minh City) experienced tooth loss. Some teeth remained in the upper jaw, but most were missing in the lower jaw, making effective chewing nearly impossible. Beyond affecting his appearance, the long-term tooth loss significantly affected his quality of life and daily eating habits.

Screening and imaging at FV Hospital revealed significant jawbone resorption due to years without tooth replacement. The few remaining teeth were unevenly distributed, further reducing chewing efficiency.

Mr Phong had considered various options for restoring his teeth but was reluctant to use removable dentures. In cases of severe tooth loss and jawbone resorption, dentures often do not provide the desired comfort, stability, or chewing function.

After assessing Mr Phong’s oral health, jawbone condition and general medical history, Dr Cao Thi Thu Trang, MSc, from FV Hospital’s Oral and Maxillofacial Department, recommended full-arch implant rehabilitation.

The treatment plan involved placing four implants in the upper jaw to support a 12-tooth bridge and six implants in the lower jaw to restore a further 12 teeth, all during a single procedure.

“Before I Knew It, Everything Was Done”

While placing a single dental implant is relatively straightforward, full-arch rehabilitation requires meticulous planning. The position and angle of each implant must be carefully calculated according to the patient’s bone structure and the amount of available jawbone.

In Mr Phong’s case, the two front implants were placed vertically, while the posterior implants were angled strategically to avoid the maxillary sinus and important nerve structures. This approach provided sufficient support for a full-arch bridge without requiring additional surgical procedures.

Because Mr Phong also had cardiovascular disease and diabetes, his case was reviewed by both cardiology and endocrinology specialists before surgery. Treatment only proceeded once his medical conditions were well controlled.

The procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic in a sterile operating theatre. In just three hours, surgeons successfully placed all 10 implants in a single operation, and Mr Phong was discharged later that same day.

“I went to sleep and when I woke up, everything was finished,” Mr Phong recalled. “After resting briefly, I was able to go home. I hardly felt any discomfort and didn’t even need the prescribed pain medication.”

Three days after surgery, once the initial swelling had subsided, Dr Trang checked his bite and fitted a temporary prosthesis. This allowed him to eat comfortably while his gums healed and stabilized before the final restoration.

During the healing period, Mr Phong attended monthly follow-up appointments to monitor and adjust his bite as needed. This helps prevent uneven chewing forces from placing excessive pressure on the new implants.

Once his gums had healed, he was advised on cleaning around the temporary bridge with a water flosser, especially in areas prone to food debris. Careful oral hygiene is essential to prevent complications and promote long-term implant success.

Three months after surgery, Mr Phong received his permanent prosthesis and continued attending routine review appointments every three months.

At his latest follow-up, he said that his new teeth felt stable, eating was much easier, and he felt more confident in daily social interactions.

Full-arch implants: A long-term solution for severe tooth loss

According to Dr Cao Thi Thu Trang, full-arch implant rehabilitation can be an excellent option for patients who have experienced extensive tooth loss and significant jawbone resorption, particularly when removable dentures no longer provide satisfactory function or comfort. Unlike removable prostheses, full-arch implants offer a fixed solution that restores both chewing ability and confidence.

Dr Trang encourages everyone to prioritise oral health through regular dental examinations. Don’t ignore symptoms such as gum inflammation, bleeding, or loose teeth. Seeking early treatment can prevent more serious dental problems, reduce the risk of tooth loss, and help preserve jawbone health long term.

To learn more about diagnostic and treatment services provided by FV Hospital’s Oral and Maxillofacial Department, patients can visit 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, or call (028) 3511 3333. FV Hospital also supports patients with combined Social Health Insurance, private insurance arrangements, and 0% interest instalment payment options.