Initially, I was incredibly nervous about having surgery overseas. Australian dentists were absolutely scathing of anything overseas, but the Australian costs were ridiculously prohibitive. In truth, I had also had my fair share of some pretty miserable Australian dentists, so I was open to consider an overseas option.
In a recent October 2017 holiday visit to Ho Chi Minh, My wife and I met an Australian couple, over a hotel breakfast in Nha Trang, who had already, researched extensively, dental work worldwide. The husband had been offered dental work in Australia for $75000 - $90000AUD. He was extremely motivated to find a more satisfactory solution. In their research, they struggled to abide the hype around Thailand “Tourist” surgery and through continual research, at last, found the genuine and relaxed professionalism of Anna and her Platinum dental surgery, here in Vietnam.
We were lucky to initially meet them, during their surgery recovery, the initial results were certainly impressive, but since returning to Australia and now five months later, their total dental experience has been a complete and overwhelming success – With competence, care, patience and skill their Vietnamese dental work had gone as smooth as silk, and five months later everything had healed and the new teeth were comfortable and working as promised.
We were impressed and decided to take the Platinum dental plunge. We were lucky and already had had an initial consultation with Anna in her office in Ho Chi Minh, in Oct 2017, introduced by our new friends. We were X-rayed, examined (had a broken filling replaced, $36AUD) a complete quotation was prepared and we were given a complete tour of her dental facilities, prior to leaving her building. Other than the tooth repair there were no charges.
Anna recommended 4 implants, 1 tooth extraction, 2 sinus lifts and potentially 3 bone grafts. All of this was to be completed in her state of the art surgery building. This diagnosis was, unbeknown to Anna, almost a complete copy of my Australian dentist. My Australian quotation (not guaranteed as the total) was already over $35000AUD, Anna’s Vietnam quotation was $6721AUD. After our friend's experience, I, with trepidation but growing trust in Dr. Anna, I agreed to undertake the surgery. We traveled to Vietnam in March 2018 (Ho Chi Minh) 8.5 hours from Australia. Caught a cab to Platinum Dental, to stay in their accommodation, housed above the surgeries.
My first day was 3D X-rays and final consulting, the following day was my surgery. The total of my dental works were completed in one 3 hour surgery, I was sedated and literally felt nothing. I was released to my room, suffering nothing more than a mild headache. I was stunned. I stayed on Panadol for the evening and went to sleep, actually having a restful night. The next day I actually forgot to start my day with Panadol, but to be careful, I started Panadol about 10 am.
I found I could eat, my gums were tender, so I stayed with Pho and other softer dishes for the day, Stayed off Ban Mi (Crunchy Pork rolls) for 2 days, haha! But I really felt amazingly well. In our convalescence time, my wife and I walked and traveled so many of Ho Chi Minh streets and interesting sites. Most people fly in and out of Ho Chi Minh and have no time to appreciate it, but my convalescence time of one full week really opened to me a wonderful warmth and sincerity to this vibrant city. (If you want to know more about Ho Chi Minh, the city, follow my “TripAdvisor” reviews).
Overall my Vietnam surgery and Ho Chi Minh experience have been so life changing for me. After 35 years with missing or fragile teeth, constant dental pain and expense, I am completely pain-free & will now have a full set of teeth!
I cried, sincerely cried when I met with Anna after my surgery, everything felt so good, I am sure her work and care will change my life. I am so glad I made the effort to visit Anna and her Platinum Dental Clinic.