Bangkok Smile Dental Group in Thailand [Interview]

This interview is part of our ongoing series on dental tourism. Check out this page for more interviews with patients and dentists.

Please introduce yourself.

Bangkok Smile Dental or BSDC dental group is one of the biggest dental chains in Thailand.   With 4 dental facilities in Bangkok and 3 in Patong beach, Phuket, each year we provide thousands of patients from all over the world with unparalleled and affordable dental services.    We employ a team of highly-trained, immensely-talented specialists and the most up-to-date dental technologies to change your painful problems into the most comfortable health care experience.

Our Sea Smile Dental Clinic in Phuket has met a rigorous standard set forth by prestigious international Joint Commission International, and is now recognized as the first ever JCI-accredited dental center in Phuket, the fifth in Asia, and one of the world’s eleven JCI-accredited dental centers. This JCI accreditation is a premier endorsement for our extraordinary patient care, patient safety and organization management provided at Sea Smile Dental Clinic.

How long have you been in business?

We have strived to provide our valued patients with exceptional dental services for 13 years. Our goal has always been the same; to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.

How many dental implant procedures have you done? What is your success rate?

We have placed over 10,000 dental implants over the past 13 years.   The success rate is 100% providing there is enough bone to begin with, the patient does not have medical conditions and can keep optimal oral hygiene.  Compromised hosts usually pose less success rate.

Where do most of your patients come from? How do they hear about your clinic?

The majority of our patients are from SE Asia, Hong Kong,  Japan and Oceania, while we also provide dental care to a number of patients from European countries, the United States and of course Thailand.

What procedures do you typically recommend and perform?

Dental implants are our main area of expertise.   A great number of implants we have placed over a decade have granted us a platinum partnership with AstraTech Dental / Dentsply, one of the world’s most leading pharmaceutical companies.    We provide a full range of dental implant treatment from just a single tooth implant to full jaw implants.

What type of implants does your clinic use?

We use some of the most advanced and recognized dental implant systems in the world. The versatility of these systems ensures that any clinical situation involving loss of teeth can be managed and that clients can continue routine maintenance of their implants with local dentists.   Our most used systems are AstraTech, Straumann, Zimmer and Nobel Biocare.

Please give me a summary of the steps in the process of getting an implant at your clinic.

We have developed a very efficient customer service to make it easy for overseas patients to start off their journey.   It is most convenient to contact us via email, then we may ask for OPG x-ray or photos of your teeth to be sent over.    We have partnered up with x-ray clinics in some main states of Australia.   All you have to do is send us your postcode and we will direct you to the x-ray clinic nearest to you.    The x-ray clinic will take necessary steps and directly send us your x-ray.    We will then be able to give you a tentative treatment plan and a ball park figure of the cost.

Can you please provide a quick description of the surgical procedure at your clinic?

If you wish to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth, it is best to make sure the tooth/teeth are taken out at least two months prior to your visit as the bone needs some time to grow back into the sockets and the infection needs time to clear up – in case there is any. The procedure involves a small decision then a series of bone drills in increasing diameters are used to gently prepare the site.   An implant is placed and sometimes covered with a healing abutment.  A suture may be necessary.  Local anesthesia is usually adequate throughout the procedure.

How much do your procedures cost?

The cost of installation of implant depends pretty much on the dental implant system selected as we offer a wide range of dental implants at our facilities, including AstraTech, Straumann, Zimmer and so on.  Generally it costs THB 30,000-40,000 ($882-$1177 USD) for a dental implant surgical procedure (first stage).   Then another THB 30,000-35,000 ($882-$1030 USD) for a crown on an implant (second stage).

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash in Thai Baht and also credit cards with no additional charges.   Patients can also transfer money in advance if they do not want to carry a big chunk with them.

How many trips to Thailand are required and how many days per trip are required?

Dental implant treatment usually involves two stages, 3-6 months apart.     Suppose patients have enough bone to begin with and do not need a complicated bone grafting, 2 trips in 3-6 months are required to finish the treatment.   Patients should spare 7 days each trip for the treatment including recuperation period.   In some cases, a one trip with the immediate loading implant is possible but please note that not everyone is a candidate.

How long is the healing time like for patients who get dental implants?

The healing time for the first stage is from 3 to 6 months, depending on the sites of the surgery and whether bone grafting is needed or not.   Dental implants are typically placed in a single sitting though a follow-up appointment may be needed in certain cases.

What do advise your patients to do if they have a problem with their implant?

The best way to deal with loose implants is to travel back to Thailand and have them looked at by our specialists.   Such cases will fall under our exclusive 5 year guarantee for dental implant fixtures.   Our crowns on implants also carry an exclusive 2 year guarantee.

What other costs would there be for someone travelling to your clinic from North America?

Apart from the costs for airfare, food and accommodation, you will just need to spare your money for sightseeing and other touristy activities.

Where do your patients stay while they are getting an implant done?

We recommend patients stay close to our facilities.  There are a lot of nice hotels and resorts nearby. We also help arrange hotel booking beforehand.

It it safe in Thailand?

The political tension in Thailand has cooled down for over a few years and it is generally safe in Thailand right now. However, like when travelling to any other countries in the world, general precautions should always be taken.

Does a patient need to be able to speak Thai?

All our staff speak English and we have handled international patients for over a decade so no- you do not need to speak Thai to be our patients, though basic greeting and phrases are always helpful when you contact other locals.

What is there to do in your city?

Phuket is well known for its beautiful tropical beaches.   You could just indulge yourself and relax in the beach paradise or you can enjoy other activities like snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, visiting Phuket’s big Buddha or attending Thai cooking class.   Please visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293920-Activities-Phuket.html for more ideas.

What is the best time of year to travel to Thailand?

Thailand is good to visit all year round, but the monsoon season in Phuket is between June-October.  You can expect some showers if you visit in those months, but hotels are cheaper then and it is not very crowded.

What are the best places to eat in your area? Where can a patient get authentic Thai cuisine?

Our Bangkok facilities are in Bangkok’ CBD (Sukhumvit and Silom) area and our Phuket ones are located on Patong’s main shopping street so you will find many Thai restaurants along the street to choose from.

Please note: This interview is for informational purposes only and does not represent a recommendation of the dentist mentioned. All opinions expressed are those of the interviewee.

If you’ve had dental work done by this clinic, please leave a review in the comments!