Here’s What You Need To Know About Dental Implants In Singapore

Our teeth play an important role in our overall quality of life. In addition to helping us chew our food, our teeth also contribute to our speech and self-confidence. However, it is possible to lose or damage one’s teeth to tooth decay, gum disease or even blunt force trauma.

While losing one’s teeth is certainly a cause for concern, there are now modern methods of permanent teeth replacement to restore one’s smile. One of these methods include dental implants, which is what we will be taking a closer look at today.

What are dental implants?

Fundamentally, dental implants involve implanting screws into the jaw bone to create a sturdy support structure for a crown. Here, the screw acts as a new artificial tooth root while the crown is the artificial tooth. Normally, the screw is either made of medical-grade ceramic or titanium. Although ceramic implants are more expensive, they are more comfortable and look more natural.

Depending on the complexity of each case, a dental implant procedure is usually spread out over the course of several months. Although dentures or crown bridges are more affordable options to replace missing teeth, dental implants are more permanent and secure in nature. Besides, dentures can feel uncomfortable when one is chewing and a dental bridge presents the risk of tooth decay if not fitted properly.

The structure of a dental implant

A dental implant consists of 3 key components – a screw, an abutment and a crown. After implanting a screw into the jaw bone, the bone will eventually fuse with the implant. Essentially, this process is known as osseointegration. Moreover, it can take anywhere between 2 to 6 months for the implant site to heal properly.

During this time, a healing abutment (aka a healing cap) can aid with the healing of surrounding gum tissue until it is ready for crowning. Once healing is complete, a final abutment is put in place to help secure the artificial tooth. Since the healing stage is crucial to the success of the implants, the importance of oral hygiene cannot be overstated.

The 2 different types of dental implants

Currently, there are 2 different types of dental implants – endosteal and sub-periosteal. Because of its natural fit and feel, patients tend to opt for the former more than the latter. Hence, endosteal implants involve the classic implanting of screws into the jawbone and subsequent fitting of artificial teeth. On the other hand, sub-periosteal implants is secured above the jawbone and under the gum. Typically, this method is more for patients who do not have sufficient natural jaw bone for regular dental implants. Despite not being as stable as endosteal implants, the sub-periosteal procedure is much shorter in duration. Additionally, a dental surgeon may suggest other procedures like a sinus lift or bone augmentation if a patient’s jawbone cannot support dental implants.

What is the procedure like?

First and foremost, proper preparation is key when undergoing a dental implant procedure. Hence, it is important that you do a thorough background check about the procedure and the dental clinics that offer this procedure. Also, it is crucial that you understand the pros, cons and costs that entail dental implants before jumping into a decision. During the initial consultation, a dental surgeon will address your concerns and assess your needs and medical records.

Before implant surgery, your dental surgeon will provide antibiotics, painkillers and sterilize the implant site before administering local anesthesia to the implant site. Once the area is numb, the dental surgeon will form an incision on the gum to expose the jawbone before securing the implant in place. Finally, stitches help to close the gum and an X-ray is done to check the position of the implant. After 2 weeks, the patient will get a post-treatment checkup to ensure that everything is in order. Overall, implant surgery takes anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the case.

Possible risks of dental implants

Although a dental implant is a long term solution for missing teeth, it is not without its risks. Usually, a patient may experience some mild bruising and swelling immediately after the procedure. However, these symptoms should subside gradually after 2 to 3 days. During this time, the patient would be given painkillers to manage any discomfort during the healing process.

Although dental implants have about a 98% success rate, there is a risk that the jawbone may reject the implants. In severe cases, some patients may experience shooting and electrifying sensations after getting metal implants. Normally, this indicates that the implants are not a good fit and ceramic replacements would become an alternative.

Who are dental implants for?

Generally, anyone with good gum health, jaw bone structure and no chronic medical conditions is eligible for a dental implant. However, it is crucial that you receive a proper assessment from a licensed dental surgeon to determine your suitability for treatment. Additionally, here is a checklist of conditions that can adversely impact the healing process of a patient’s dental implants:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Poor gum health and oral hygiene
• Deficiencies in calcium and Vitamins C and D
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) or bruxism

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most common questions pertaining to dental implant procedures in Singapore.

1. Do I need to follow any aftercare procedures after getting dental implants?

After a dental implant procedure, you will need to rest for about 1 to 2 weeks before getting back to your regular routine. Also, your dental surgeon will also ask you to avoid any strenuous exercises and solid foods that can hamper the healing of your implant site.

Additionally, it is crucial that you uphold good oral hygiene to prevent any infections and inflammation. If it is difficult to reach certain areas between the teeth, water-flossing is an effective method of preventing tartar buildup. On top of it all, remember to follow your dental surgeon’s aftercare instructions and follow through with your post-treatment checkups.

2. What are costs of getting dental implants in Singapore?

Normally, dental implants in Singapore can cost anywhere between $2,200 to $8,000 depending on the complexity of your case, type of implant and implant materials. Since dental implants can be rather costly, it helps to know that you can claim part of it under your MediSave scheme.

3. Do I need to replace my dental implants?

Since dental implants are of a permanent nature, they do not require replacement over time. Hence, oral care and hygiene play an important role in upholding the longevity of your implants. However, some dental implants may call for replacement in the unfortunate event of blunt force trauma or inflammation that can loosen these implants.

14 Dental clinics in Singapore to get dental implants

Here is a list of dental clinics in Singapore that currently provide dental implant procedures.

1. AJ Warren Dental Clinic

Specializing in implants and other dental procedures, AJ Warren is set up in a comfortable loft space with a calming resort spa atmosphere. In addition to being a 24 hour clinic, AJ Warren also features a team of experienced dentists and the latest in dental equipment.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Casa Dental

Home to a team of 10 dental surgeons, Casa Dental is an award-winning clinic that prioritizes safety and comfort. Additionally, all of their dental surgeons have gotten extensive training in dental implant surgery. They also continue to stay up to date on the latest in dental implant techniques and equipment.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Dr. Seah Root Canal + Implant Surgical Clinic

Next, we have a dental clinic that focuses mainly on dental implant and root canal procedures. Because they also offer 24 hour emergency care, you won’t have to worry about battling a toothache throughout the night. On top of their 24 hour dental services. Dr. Seah himself offers a calm and assuring presence to his patients.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Elite Dental Group

With a vision to alleviate fears around dental procedures, Elite Dental Group is led by founder and Managing Director Dr. Gerald Tan. Specializing in aesthetic dentistry and dental implantology, Dr. Tan is also the past president the Aesthetic Dentistry Society Singapore. Currently, he is one out of only 10 surgeons who has a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

The Dental Implant Centre

Besides their affordable dental care services, The Dental Implant Centre devotes its attention to a variety of dental implant procedures. In addition to same day and single tooth implants, the clinic also provides multiple teeth implants, bone augmentation and gum recession treatments.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Singapore Dental Implant Centre

Just like The Dental Implant Centre, the Singapore Dental Implant Centre also mainly focuses on teeth restoration via dental implant surgery. However, they also do provide other dental care services such as dental bridges, root canal and gum therapy.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Specialist Dental Group

Specialist Dental Group houses a team of internationally qualified dental specialists and over 200 years of collective dental care experience. Formerly known as Henry Lee Dental Surgery, the group has since rebranded to reflect their multi-specialty team. On top of dental implants, they also offer other tooth replacement procedures like dentures and bridges.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

NoFrills Dental

Here at NoFrills Dental, they are all about creating a fuss-free dental care journey. In addition to providing affordable dental care for all ages, NoFrills also offers customized dental services to deliver a holistic and comprehensive experience to their patients.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Ocean Dental

Established fairly recently in 2017, Ocean Dental is led by a team of 5 dental specialists with extensive experience in dental implant surgery. Plus, the clinic is also currently under the Community Health Assist Scheme and national MediSave scheme.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Orchard Scotts Dental

Founded by fellow dentists Dr. Jerry Lim and Dr. Ronnie Yap, Orchard Scotts Dental’s signature services include dental implants as well as teeth whitening, facelift dentistry and Invisalign.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Royce Dental

Currently, Royce Dental has 12 branches and 4 affiliated clinics under their belt. Besides offering cost-effective dental services, the group is also accredited by various medical insurance schemes including MediSave and the Community Health Assistance Scheme.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

T32 Dental Group

As an award-winning multispecialty dental care provider, T32 Dental Group provides dental implant services as well as a wide variety of other surgical and non-surgical dental care procedures.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

TP Dental Surgeons

Another clinic that offers dental implant surgery, TP Dental takes great care to invest in the latest technological equipment and materials for missing teeth restoration. Additionally, their team of seasoned professionals are committed to addressing your concerns pertaining to dental implant surgery.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

White Dental Group

Last but not least, White Dental Group also offers dental implant surgery and is passionate about educating the public on dental health and providing accessible care. Furthermore, the colour white in the clinic’s name represents their commitment to transparency, honesty, cleanliness and prestige.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always remember to do your research properly before any procedure and only consult a licensed medical professional with a proven track record in dental implant surgery.