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Written by Dr. Cheng Eng Wah
A dental implant is an artificial substitute for the root portion of your natural tooth. It is anchored into a pre-drilled socket in your jaw bone to support and secure a dental crown, dental bridge or denture firmly in place.
Implants are made from titanium that is well tolerated by bone and integrates easily with bone tissue.
At i.Dental, we offer dental implants including single tooth implants, implant support bridges, implant supported dentures and metal-free implants.
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth or to preserve the integrity of other existing teeth.
In general, these are some situations in which a dental implant may be recommended:
Note: Before starting this procedure, it is essential to ensure that there is sufficient bone in your jaw to support the implants.
In Singapore, dental implants are often the preferred method for replacing missing or damaged teeth due to their wide range of benefits. Here are some of the main advantages of dental implants.
Dental implants offer a more natural look as compared to regular dental bridges or dentures as they are inserted into the jaw.
Furthermore, implant-support dentures are often more comfortable than normal ones as they are less likely to shift.
For normal dentures, your jawbone may shrink due to the absence of tooth roots. This can cause the dentures to shift while chewing.
Using a dental implant can help to prevent this and improve your chewing ability.
When you have missing teeth, pronouncing certain words and alphabets can be challenging.
Dental implants, which help to replace missing teeth, allow you to speak clearly and with more confidence.
Dental implants can aid in bone retention and prevent the loss of natural tooth tissue. It can also reduce the chances of bone resorption and deterioration.
This subsequently helps to retain the structure of your jawbone and possibly improves your appearance.
Dental implants can last for a long time with proper care. As such, you are less likely to need to replace them over time.
To take proper care of your implants, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist for a check-up.
As dentures supported by implants are fixed onto the jawbone, wearers no longer have to feel conscious about their dentures coming loose when they speak.
Dental implants can also make you feel more confident as they help to fill the gaps left by missing teeth.
The prosthesis is the uppermost section of the dental implant. It resembles your natural tooth’s crown and can come in the form of a
The abutment is a tiny piece that is connected to the fixture. It serves as the support for the prosthesis.
The fixture is the section of the dental implant that is inserted into your jaw during surgery. It serves to replace the roots of your teeth and is typically made of ceramic or medical-grade titanium.
These are full, regular sized implants that can help to achieve close contact between the outer surface of the implant and the surrounding bone tissue.
The objective is to “fuse” them together (osseointegration) to create a stable support for the new teeth.
MDIs are a great alternative for patients who are uncomfortable with a full implant or are worried about the cost.
They are the most
The mini implant is about two times smaller than the normal sized implant. It is commonly used as a temporary measure, replacement for small teeth or incisors or a means of stabilising the lower denture, especially in older patients.
It comprises of a slim titanium rod that has a retaining fixture which can be incorporated into a denture.
Its head is shaped like a ball and the retaining attachment contains a rubber ‘O-ring’ that acts like a socket.
These are full, regular sized implants that can help to achieve close contact between the outer surface of the implant and the surrounding bone tissue.
The objective is to “fuse” them together (osseointegration) to create a stable support for the new teeth.
MDIs are a great alternative for patients who are uncomfortable with a full implant or are worried about the cost.
They are the most
The mini implant is about two times smaller than the normal sized implant. It is commonly used as a temporary measure, replacement for small teeth or incisors or a means of stabilising the lower denture, especially in older patients.
It comprises of a slim titanium rod that has a retaining fixture which can be incorporated into a denture.
Its head is shaped like a ball and the retaining attachment contains a rubber ‘O-ring’ that acts like a socket.
There are various types of dental implants and your dentist will make a recommendation based on your condition and needs. The time taken for the procedure may differ depending on the type of implant chosen.
Used when: Patient is only missing one or a few teeth
Single tooth implants replace the roots of a single tooth and do not affect surrounding teeth. This is the most common type of implant.
Used when: Patient is missing several teeth (up to 6)
An implant supported bridge may be recommended for patients who are missing several teeth. Up to 6 teeth in a row can be supported using 2 implants.
This is typically more affordable than single tooth implants and does not require support from neighbouring teeth, unlike that of regular dental bridges.
Used when: Patient is missing all of their teeth
Implant supported dentures may be offered to patients who are missing all of their teeth as an alternative to normal dentures. In this solution, a few implants are used to support the denture.
This is often more comfortable than regular dentures as it is less likely to shift while eating and chewing.
Used when: Patients have thin or receding gums and prefer a more aesthetic option to metal implants
Metal-free dental implants are made of ceramic and tend to be more aesthetically pleasing as they are tooth-coloured. As such, they may be the preferred choice among those with thin or receding gums as metal implants may be more noticeable.
The pre-procedure consultation would include a thorough assessment of your gum and jaw bone health. The dentist will also get to know your medical history and point out any potential challenges for the implant.
This is important as it indicates the success rate of the procedure.
Usually, the procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia.
The part of the gum in which the implant is to be placed is cut and lifted. A small hole is drilled in the jawbone at the precise location of the intended implant.
The implant is then tightly fitted into this socket before the gum is stitched back over the implant.
Once the implant has been inserted, the bone tissue will be left to grow and anchor itself into the microscopic rough surface of the implant.
During this ‘healing’ period, patients will be given dental bridges (temporary teeth) or dentures to wear.
After this period, the gum is lifted again and a post is attached to the implant with a temporary dental crown.
Once the surrounding tissue has matured, the final permanent restoration will be fitted to the implant.
Price:
(Inclusive of GST)
A dental implant can cost $3,745 to $6,955 per tooth (includes GST) and is inclusive of the prosthesis (crown).
The initial consultation is chargeable from $21.40 to $53.50 (includes GST). If diagnostic records such as X-ray scans are required, they will be charged separately.
This procedure is claimable under MediSave for up to $1,250 per tooth.
At i.Dental, we understand that every patient has different dental needs. Therefore, we urge you to book an appointment with us to have a detailed analysis and tailored treatment.
Anyone with missing teeth can get a dental implant. This applies to the elderly as well. However, individuals who are still in their growing years are typically not recommended to undergo this procedure.
Furthermore, individuals with connective tissue disorders or uncontrolled diabetes and those undergoing steroid therapy are to be evaluated for their suitability for dental implant surgery.
One of the factors affecting the success of a dental implant is the ability of the implant to osseointegrate with the surrounding jawbone.
As such, bone grafts may be recommended for those with a weak or thin jawbone while sinus lifts may be required for those with insufficient bone mass in the upper jaw. These procedures allow the dental implants to be secured firmly to the jaw.
The procedure, if done professionally, is safe.
There are, however, several factors that may affect its success rate. The only way to find out is to go for a consultation for a detailed review.
The duration of a dental implant procedure depends on your rate of recovery and condition.
On average, it will take 3 to 6 months to complete, taking into account the healing time after surgery. If a bone graft or sinus lift is required, the procedure can take up to a year. This is inclusive of the consultation, surgery and placement of the crown.
Yes, dental implant surgery is claimable under MediSave if you have sufficient funds. You can claim up to $1,250 per tooth, subject to approval by the CPF Board.
For example, if the cost of a dental implant is $3,750 per tooth (includes GST), the payable amount after MediSave will be $2,500 per tooth (includes GST). Thereafter, the amount will be split into 2 payments ($1,250 each), made payable upon the placement of the implant and the crown respectively.
The possibility of getting infections during or post-surgery increases if you smoke or have bad oral hygiene.
This is a result of an unstable dental implant which usually happens after an immediate tooth replacement.
This is bound to happen if the surgeon carries out the procedure when bone support is inadequate. This means that the implant will not be able to fuse with the jaw.
If you have a titanium allergy, please inform your surgeon so that a replacement material can be offered.
Typically, if you have an experienced dentist and follow through with healing instructions, the procedure will be fine.
For better results, avoid sticky and hard foods, and cleaning the area around the implants daily while you get adjusted.
Yes! Regular dental checkups are still required after the surgery to monitor your dental health and ensure that your implants are in good condition.
Proper care can help to extend the life of your dental implant. You are recommended to adopt a soft diet and avoid smoking throughout the duration of the procedure, from the insertion of the implant to the fitting of the crown.
Here are some additional tips on how to maintain your dental implant:
