Top 5 Dental Clinics in HCMC for Subperiosteal Implants (2026)

How Subperiosteal Implants Work

Unlike endosteal implants that are inserted directly into the jawbone through drilling, subperiosteal implants consist of a custom-made metal framework — typically titanium or a titanium alloy — that is placed on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. Here is how they function:

• Custom framework: A metal framework is designed using 3D CT scans and CAD/CAM technology to conform precisely to the contour of the patient's jawbone
• On-bone placement: The framework sits on (not in) the jawbone, held securely by the periosteum and surrounding soft tissue
• Protruding posts: Metal posts extend through the gum tissue to serve as anchor points for prosthetic teeth
• Prosthetic attachment: Crowns, bridges, or overdentures are then attached to the protruding posts

This approach avoids the need for adequate bone height and width that endosteal implants require, making it a viable option for patients who would otherwise need extensive bone grafting or might be told they are not candidates for implants at all.

Subperiosteal implants require a level of surgical skill and planning that goes well beyond standard implant placement. At Picasso Dental Clinic HCMC, the implant team has extensive experience managing the most challenging cases, including patients with severe bone atrophy, failed previous implants, and complex medical histories.

Since opening in 2013, Picasso Dental has served over 70,000 patients from 62 countries, with a significant portion being complex implant cases that other clinics turned away. This depth of experience is critical for subperiosteal implant success.

Team Credentials Include:

• Training from Nobel Biocare and Straumann implant academies
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) membership
• Advanced courses in guided surgery and complex case management
• Extensive experience with CAD/CAM-designed subperiosteal frameworks
• Specialized training in managing patients with severe bone resorption
• Regular continuing education in emerging implant technologies

The success of a subperiosteal implant depends entirely on how precisely the framework conforms to the patient's jawbone anatomy. Picasso Dental Clinic has invested in the technology stack that makes this precision possible.

The process begins with a high-resolution 3D CBCT scan that captures every contour and dimension of the jawbone. This data is used to digitally design a titanium framework that fits the bone surface with sub-millimeter accuracy. The framework is then fabricated using precision milling or casting techniques in the clinic's in-house laboratory, ensuring quality control at every stage.

This digital workflow represents a significant advancement over traditional methods, which required a surgical exposure of the bone to take a physical impression — an additional surgical step that modern technology eliminates.

For many patients with severe bone loss, the traditional path to dental implants involves one or more bone grafting procedures before implants can be placed. This adds significant time, cost, and surgical burden to the treatment plan.

The Bone Grafting Challenge

Bone grafting procedures at Picasso Dental range from $154 for a small graft (0.25cc) to $577 for a Bio-Oss block graft. Sinus augmentation — often required for upper jaw implants in bone-deficient patients — costs $269 (closed) to $538 (open). These costs, combined with 4-9 months of additional healing time, make the total treatment both expensive and prolonged.

Subperiosteal implants bypass this entire process. Because the framework sits on top of the bone rather than inside it, there is no minimum bone volume requirement. This means patients can proceed directly to implant treatment without the delays and added costs of grafting.

Dental implant treatment in Vietnam offers exceptional value compared to Western countries, and Picasso Dental Clinic HCMC provides some of the most competitive pricing in the region — without compromising on materials, technology, or clinical standards.

The cost savings extend to subperiosteal implant treatment as well. Because subperiosteal implants require custom fabrication, pricing varies by case complexity. However, even with the custom framework, total treatment costs at Picasso Dental HCMC are typically 60-70% lower than equivalent procedures in Australia, the US, or Europe.

The lower costs reflect Vietnam's economic structure — lower overhead, rent, and labor costs — not inferior quality. You receive the same medical-grade titanium, the same digital planning technology, and treatment from equally qualified surgeons.

Picasso Dental operates two clinics in Ho Chi Minh City's most accessible areas, both fully equipped for complex implant procedures including subperiosteal implant planning and placement.

Both clinics maintain the same standards of care, technology, and pricing. Choose whichever location is most convenient based on your accommodation or personal preference. Free shuttle service between branches is available upon request.

Ideal Candidates

• Severe jawbone atrophy: Patients who have lost significant bone height or width due to long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, or trauma
• Failed bone grafts: Patients who have undergone bone grafting procedures that did not achieve sufficient volume for endosteal implants
• Long-term denture wearers: Extended denture use causes progressive bone resorption, and many long-term denture wearers have insufficient bone for conventional implants
• Medical contraindications for grafting: Patients with conditions that impair bone healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications) may not be good candidates for bone grafting but may still qualify for subperiosteal implants
• Patients seeking faster treatment: Those who prefer to avoid the 6-12 month bone grafting timeline and proceed more directly to implant-supported teeth
• Anatomical limitations: Patients with proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, maxillary sinus, or other structures that preclude safe endosteal implant placement

Who Should Consider Other Options

Subperiosteal implants may not be the best choice if:

• You have adequate bone for endosteal implants (standard implants are preferred when possible)
• You are a good candidate for bone grafting followed by endosteal implants
• You have active gum disease that has not been treated (periodontal health must be established first)
• You are a heavy smoker unwilling to quit during healing (smoking significantly increases complication risk)
• You have uncontrolled systemic conditions that affect healing

Picasso Dental also offers All-on-4 dental implants as another alternative for patients with moderate bone loss, as the angled implant technique can often bypass the need for grafting in many cases.

Phase 1: Consultation and Planning (First Visit — Day 1-2)

Phase 2: Framework Design and Fabrication (2-4 Weeks)

Using the 3D CT scan data, the dental team designs a custom titanium framework using CAD/CAM software. The framework is engineered to:

• Match the exact contours of the patient's jawbone surface
• Distribute occlusal forces evenly across the bone
• Position prosthetic posts at optimal angles for tooth attachment
• Allow for proper gum tissue coverage and healing

The framework is then fabricated from medical-grade titanium using precision milling or casting. It undergoes quality inspection and sterilization before surgical placement.

Phase 3: Surgical Placement (Second Visit — Day 1-2)

Phase 4: Healing and Final Restoration (4-8 Weeks)

After surgery, the gum tissue heals around the framework over 4-8 weeks. During this period:

• Temporary teeth are functional for eating soft foods and smiling
• Regular WhatsApp check-ins with your Picasso Dental coordinator
• Post-operative care instructions provided in English
• Final impression taken once healing is confirmed
• Permanent prosthetic teeth fabricated and fitted

Potential Risks

• Infection: As with any implant surgery, there is a risk of post-operative infection. Picasso Dental follows strict infection control protocols to minimize this risk.
• Framework exposure: In some cases, the metal framework may become exposed through the gum tissue, requiring corrective treatment
• Bone resorption: Continued bone loss beneath the framework can affect long-term stability, though the framework design accounts for this
• Prosthetic complications: Posts may loosen or the prosthetic teeth may require adjustment over time
• Nerve irritation: Temporary numbness or tingling if the framework contacts nerve structures

How Picasso Dental Minimizes Risks

• 3D CT-guided design: Precise framework design reduces the risk of poor fit and complications
• Medical-grade titanium: Biocompatible materials minimize rejection and infection risk
• Experienced surgeons: Complex case experience reduces surgical complications
• Post-operative monitoring: WhatsApp follow-up and local dental coordination for international patients
• Comprehensive pre-operative assessment: Blood tests ($7-$27), detailed medical history review, and risk factor analysis