Why dental technology matters for international patients

When you travel for implants (trồng răng implant), you fit treatment into short trips. Digital records help in two ways: they let the clinic plan carefully before surgery, and they give you files you can take home. A scan file can be sent to another dentist for review; a putty impression cannot.

For the wider picture, see the Hanoi destination page or the complete guide to dental implants in Hanoi.

What is CBCT and how is it different from a panoramic X-ray?

CBCT stands for cone-beam computed tomography. A panoramic X-ray gives one flat image of the jaws. A CBCT scan rotates around your head and builds a 3D picture.

What that means for implant planning:

• Bone height and width can be measured at the planned implant site.
• The nerve in the lower jaw can be located in 3D, which matters because damaging it can cause numbness.
• The sinus floor above the upper back teeth can be seen, showing whether a sinus lift may be needed.
• Other findings, such as cysts or leftover roots, may show up.
• Surgical guides are designed from the scan.

CBCT radiation and safety

CBCT uses X-rays, so the usual principle applies: keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. In practice that means a scan only when there is a clinical reason, covering only the area needed. If you have had a recent scan at home, bring the file; Picasso asks for DICOM files to be sent to [email protected].

Intraoral scanners: goodbye to gagging impressions

Traditional impressions mean a tray of putty held in your mouth. An intraoral scanner is a hand-held wand that records your teeth as a 3D digital model instead. It is more comfortable for most people, and the file can be sent straight to the lab and kept for later.

Picasso lists an iTero intraoral scanner at every branch. iTero is also the scanner used for Invisalign planning, and Picasso says it is an Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider. For crowns and veneers, see our veneers vs crowns in Hanoi guide.

Digital smile design: previewing your result before treatment

Digital smile design combines photos and scans into a preview of the planned result, so you can see and discuss it before any tooth is changed. It is most useful for veneers, crowns in the smile zone and full-arch work. Picasso lists digital smile design at its Westlake Square branch; ask whether it is part of your plan and whether it costs extra.

CAD/CAM: digitally designed crowns

CAD/CAM means computer-aided design and manufacturing: a crown or bridge is designed on screen from your scan and then milled or printed. Picasso's ceramics include zirconia, Cercon HT, Ceramill Zolid, Emax, Lisi and Lava. Ask where your crown will be made and how many days it takes; Picasso gives 5 to 7 days for a crowns and bridges trip.

Guided surgery vs freehand: why it can matter

In guided surgery, the implant position is planned on the 3D scan, and a guide that fits over your teeth or gums directs the drill along that plan. It can be most useful where the implant is close to the nerve or sinus, and in full-arch cases where implants are angled.

Digital treatment planning

In planning software, the dentist merges the CBCT with the intraoral scan, places the implant virtually, checks the bone and nerves, and designs the guide. The software brand matters less than whether it is used for your case. Ask the clinic to talk you through your plan, ideally on a video consultation before you travel; Picasso offers these by Google Meet or Zoom. For Straumann systems, see our Straumann implants in Hanoi guide.

The Hanoi clinics SmileJet lists and their equipment

SmileJet lists two dental clinics in Hanoi, both branches of Picasso Dental Clinic (Nha khoa Picasso). Both are featured partners, a commercial listing relationship and not a clinical endorsement. SmileJet has not inspected the equipment; the details below are what the clinic says.

Pricing: CBCT, X-rays and digital scans in Hanoi

Picasso's published Hanoi prices ("Updated July 2026", read 26 Oct 2026). For prices at home, compare with a written quote from your own dentist.

Picasso no longer publishes any waiver of these fees. Prices are indicative; only a written quote for your case applies.

What to ask a Hanoi clinic about its technology

For the full list covering dentists, warranties and aftercare, see 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Hanoi Dental Clinic.

1. Will you take a CBCT scan before my implant?
2. Is the scanner on site?
3. Can I have my scan files (DICOM) afterwards?
4. Will you scan my teeth digitally rather than with putty?
5. Will my implant be placed with a surgical guide, and is it in the quote?
6. Where is my crown or bridge made, and how long does it take?
7. Can I see a preview of a cosmetic result before treatment starts?
8. Can another dentist review my scan and plan?

FAQs