How to build a schedule when you come from abroad for treatment

The question most often asked by patients coming from abroad is "how many days do I need to stay?" The answer depends not on the type of treatment but on healing biology: some procedures are limited only by laboratory time and are finished in a single visit; others wait for the bone or tissue to heal and require a second visit.

What can be completed in a single visit

Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns, smile design with veneers and most restorative procedures generally fit into a single visit of 5–10 days, because of the laboratory time. The first days of this period are set aside for examination, imaging, preparation and impression, and the last days for try-in and cementation. Because a weekend falling in between can lengthen the time, the laboratory days are taken into account when planning the flight.

What requires two visits

In implant treatment, the fusion of the implant with the bone (osseointegration) takes 2–3 months in the lower jaw and 3–4 months in the upper jaw. For this reason the plan is mostly arranged as follows:

1. First visit (3–5 days): examination, tomography, surgery and, if needed, a temporary solution.
2. Waiting period (2–4 months): you return to your country; progress is followed remotely with check-up photographs.
3. Second visit (5–8 days): impression, try-in and delivery of the definitive prosthesis.

If bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed, the waiting period may be extended by a few months. When All-on-4 is planned in a fully edentulous jaw, the first visit extends to 7–10 days, because a temporary fixed prosthesis is also made in the same period.

Which documents are needed before you come?

• A panoramic X-ray (if possible taken within the last 6 months) and, if you have one, a three-dimensional tomography scan
• Clear photographs taken while smiling and intra-oral photographs
• A list of the medicines you take and any systemic conditions you have
• Information or a discharge summary for any treatment carried out previously

The remote preliminary assessment made with these documents is intended to anticipate the possible options and the time required; the definitive plan is confirmed after the examination at the clinic. A gum problem or a bite finding that is not visible on the images may change the plan.

Arranging the travel plan around the treatment

For visits that include surgery, booking the return flight at least 2–3 days after the procedure leaves room for possible swelling and the need for a check-up. The flight itself does not affect implant healing; what limits you is the swelling and the diet in the first days. Arrangements such as accommodation, transfer and interpreter are handled not by the clinic but through our travel partner — details are on the international patients page.

After you return

When you return to your country, a treatment summary, the details of the implant or material used and care recommendations are given in writing. This document is important so that your local dentist can follow up; you are expected to have your check-ups there, and when there is a problem you can reach us with photographs and X-rays.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the implant and the tooth in a single visit?

If bone quality and the initial stability of the implant are suitable, a temporary fixed tooth can be made at the same visit; the definitive prosthesis is completed at the second visit after fusion.

Can I extend the time between the two visits?

Yes, there is flexibility of a few months once the fusion period has been completed. With very long delays, gum overgrowth may occur around the healing abutment; it is monitored with check-up photographs.

How soon do I get the result of the assessment?

After you send your X-rays and photographs, the preliminary assessment is generally shared in writing within 1–2 working days.

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The information on this site is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment require an examination by a dentist.