What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is essentially a sophisticated titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth.
The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw, allowed to bond with the bone and serves as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. They preserve the integrity of the facial structure and reduce the inconveniences associated with tooth loss.
Who is a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, gum disease, or decay may be a candidate for dental implants.
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Implant supported Dentures
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. Your surgeon will determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history. At this time all your questions can be answered.
How will I benefit from the dental implants?
- Improved appearance: When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone begins to resorb, making the face look older. Dental implants can stop this process.
- Improved speech: With ill-fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the denture in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. The implant supported replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.
- Convenience: Dental implants can eliminate the embarrassing inconveniences of removal partial and full dentures. There is no need for gooey denture adhesives that must be applied throughout the day. You will no longer need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile or fear that the dentures may fall out.
- Improved self-esteem: Dental implants will improve your self-esteem and you will feel better about yourself. Many of the patients already treated with dental implants have experienced this. You can regain nearly all your capabilities you had with natural teeth, giving you renewed confidence.
- Eat Better: The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As the jawbone shrinks, your chewing efficiency is reduced even more, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants, on the other hand, can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Great value: Although dental implant treatment may initially be more expensive than other treatment methods it often turns out to be the best investment from a long term perspective since most patients can expect them to last a life time. Other treatment methods like bridges and dentures often requires regular alterations and replacements over time.
- Lifelong tooth replacement: Naturally, every treatment case presents unique conditions that can affect the longevity of a dental implant and no man-made product lasts forever. However, most patients who are treated with dental implants should be able to expect lifelong replacement for their lost teeth.
How long do implants last?
Implants are not susceptible to cavities, but they can develop gum disease if not cared for properly. Just like natural teeth, the implant needs to be kept clean and checked by your dentist at regular intervals. If cared for properly, most implants (the titanium screw portion) will provide a lifetime of service, although the crown or appliance attached to the implant may need to be replaced from wear and tear.
As a cost comparison, if you have a missing tooth and decide to have it replaced with a bridge, you can assume that the bridge will need to be replaced every 15 years (which is a conservative estimate). Compared to the cost of placing an implant, replacing the bridge several times over the course of a lifetime could cost four or five times as much as having the implant done. This does not even take into consideration the fact that the teeth used to support a bridge will very likely develop problems of their own over time
How long does the treatment take to complete?
The complete implant reconstruction process may take from 4 to 9 months and in some cases longer. Time is needed for your jawbone to grow around the implant and for your replacement teeth to be made. Procedures vary, but it usually includes a surgical procedure and then the restoration is fabricated.
How is the treatment carried out?
STEP 1: IMPLANT PLACEMENT
Using regular dental anesthetic, the surgeon lifts the gum tissue away and performs a precise and gentle technique to place the dental implant fixture into the jawbone. The gum is repositioned and sutured. Most patients experience no major discomfort after the procedure.
STEP 2: OSSEOINTEGRATION PERIOD
The dental implant fixture will be left undisturbed in the jawbone for a period of four to six months. During this time, the bone attaches to the implant and OSSEOINTEGRATION takes place. Depending on the case type, a temporary removable denture may be worn to preserve cosmetics.
STEP 3: ABUTMENT CONNECTION
Once osseointegration of the implant is complete, the surgeon exposes the top of the implant and attaches a post or abutment. This abutment passes through the gum and ultimately supports the new tooth.
STEP 4: FINAL PROSTHETIC RESTORATION
An impression of the implant will be taken and the dental surgeon will work with the lab technician to make the new implant-supported tooth. The final prosthetic tooth can be screwed to place or cemented. The new tooth is firmly anchored into the bone and gums, and will look and feel just like a natural tooth.
What can I expect after the surgery?
The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant is done under local anesthesia and is generally not at all painful. When the anesthesia wears off about three or four hours later, you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems. Some patients do have varying degrees of pain or discomfort which may last for several days. Swelling and bruising may also develop.
In cases where there is prolonged pain, you should see your dentist right away. Prolonged pain is not a good sign with dental implants and although it does not always mean failure, the cause of the pain should be determined as soon as possible. If an implant is not properly integrating into the adjacent bone or if an infection develops, the implant may have to be removed.
How do I maintain the implants?
Long-term success of implants depends on how well they are maintained. Periodontal disease can strike when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned. If left untreated bone loss, which weakens supporting structures, can lead to loss of dental implants as well as tooth loss.
- Brushing: Your dentist may recommend a cordless electric toothbrush. Whether you use a standard brush or electric toothbrush, your dentist and hygienist will review your brushing techniques to ensure that you are cleaning the area properly.
- Oral Irrigation Systems: Research has shown that oral irrigation is effective in reducing plaque accumulation around dental implants and natural teeth. Your dentist may also suggest that you use a special mouth rinse.
- Flossing: Good home care includes daily flossing. Floss threaders are very helpful in allowing you to reach around implants, under bridges and bars so these areas can be easily cleaned.
- Interproximal Brushes: These small dental brushes, also called “Proxy Brushes”, are specifically designed to clean between the teeth and implants. While not a replacement for dental floss they are helpful in cleaning hard to reach areas.
- Dental Visits: It is typically recommended that patients visit their dentist for professional cleanings every 3-6 months. However, your dentist will design a dental visit program specifically for you.
Written by:
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Dr Juliet Tay | Dental Surgeon
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Hello Dr Tay
My wife has been going through the Dental Implants with a local dentist and she has encountered the following issues:
With the advanced technology in dental, she expects the tooth implant to be common nowadays and successful. However, towards the end of the process, she was told by the dentist that due to the lack of gum tissue on her lost teeth, she was advised to go for ceramic teeth, meaning the teeth is white throughout into the gum. In this case, when she smiles, the 2 implanted teeth will be very distinct from the rest of the teeth. It does not satisfy her in terms of aesthetics at all but there is very little the dentist could do. Otherwise, she would need to use dentures, which defeats the purpose of implant. The point here is that she has gone through a period of 1 year plus and spent thousands of dollars with expectation, but she is disappointed with the kind of advice by her dentist towards the end of the process. Moreover, she was mentally stressed by the issue. I wonder if there are other solutions which could achieve what implants can, for her case, that is aesthetically they look natural alongside with other teeth. Kindly advise and help on this case if possible. Thank you very much.
Hi,i have few lost teeth .May i know where to check or any contact nos for me to make appoitment ? And may i know how per teeth for implant ? Thank You
Hi Sam,
Please call 64748468 if you would like a consultation appointment at The Implant and Oral Surgery Centre or you may wish to email me at juliet@iosc.com.sg.
Kind regards
Juliet
I have lost 13 teeth due to gum infection, can you advice where got the cheaper implant clinic in singapore. If i implant 13 teeth together will it cost cheaper and how much will be the esitmation
Hi Angie,
it may not be necessary to replace all 13 teeth with individual dental implants. We are often able to strategically place fewer number of implants but restore the same number of teeth using a bridge design. If you are keen for a consultation, please contact me at enquiry@iosc.com.sg or call 64748468. Let us know that you made an enquiry through mysingaporedentist.com as consultation fees are waived for these patients. I usually give some discounts for full mouth complex cases, otherwise most patients wont be able to afford treatment ! Kind regards
Hi Angie,
Gum infection is a silent killer affecting a large percentage of Singaporean without them even knowing it. This is due also to people generally having an unhealthy fear of dentist that makes them shy away from seeing any.
Besides Dr Juliet, there is a list of Dental Implant Surgeons featured that you might want to consider. Understand that they are very experience in their field and charges reasonable.
It too would be wise to call them up and find out for yourself some of the factors like experience, how many implant they do per week, fees charged and lastly if the entire implant process (surgery + implant crown) will be done in the clinic or you would have to be referred out to another dental clinic to do so; that can be quite a hassle.
Hi,
I lost most of my upper teeth when I was young and have been using denture for about 30 years. Is it possible to do inplants to replace the missing teeth? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Will there be enough bone to do it? Moreover, my lower face has lost substantial height which make me look older. What is your recommendation to rectify this? Would appreciate your kind advice. Thanks
Hi MaryAnn,
Implants are now the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth. If you have had extractions 30 years ago, the tooth bearing area of the jaws would have undergone disuse atrophy, meaning that due to lack of stimulation, there would have been a reduction in bone volume. Majority of patients with long term tooth loss will require some sort of bone augmentation to restore the bone volume back to its original status and to create an ideal platform for implant placement.
Loss of vertical dimension or height is also common with loss of posterior teeth. When we create a new set of teeth with dental implants, we are able to restore the lost vertical dimension and hence regain a more youthful look. If you would like to have a look at some before and after cases, you may contact me at enquiry@iosc.com.sg.
kind regards
Hi, a local heartland dentist had recommended to do a tooth implant (beside the wisdom tooth) cos it had
cracked during a recent surgery to remove the wisdom tooth and was thus extracted. My wisdom tooth was growing diagonally, hitting and grinding off the middle portion of the tooth beside it, therefore weakened and cracked, thus unsavable. Please advise whether the cost quoted by my dentist for that tooth implant at $4,900+GST
was reasonable? And i was told that only $600 is claimable from medisave. I saw the implant costs shown in the Health Ministry website ranges from 1,350-2,800
YOUR KIND ADVISE PLS..
Hi Bobby,
The cost of a dental implant can range from $3500 to $5000 depending on the brand, the material you choose for your crown (precious metal, all porcelain etc ), the skill of the dr etc. The quotation of $4900 is still within the normal range.
Since June 2009 however, the medisave limits for dental implants has been increased, so you should be able to offset about $1250 for your treatment.
The amount of $1350 - $2800 which you see on the MOH website is limited only to the surgery portion ie, the placement of the implant in the bone. It does not include the crown installation.
i have copied the fineprint from the MOH website for you, as below :
*Average fee for the period 1 June 2008 to 31 May 2009. Fee for surgical procedure and implant. Includes GST. Excludes prosthesis, consultation, OT consumables and x-ray fees. The procedure is performed by clinicians with advanced specialty qualifications.
kind regards
I am currently living in US and will be back for vacation sometime next year in March 2010. I had recently done implant to the two lower back teeth (#18 and #31)and waiting for to install abutment and final prosthetic tooth (aka step 3 and 4 in your site)in about six months time. The implant was NobelReplace Tapered Groovy.
I always find that I had a hard time in looking up info and whether the dentist is trained or has the tools on the NobelReplace system esp in SG (I do find much more info from BKK dentist). I do have a very good friend who is a dentist in SG but was not trained in this brand for implant.
Hence, I was wondering if you can assist some questions :
1) What is the rough estimate (range) for installing the abutment and final prosthetic tooth (I know this will depends on the material)
2) What is the lead time from first visit (since I will only be in SG for two weeks) and whether I have sufficient time to get it done …
3) What is the warranty (typical) in SG for the “work” done ?
Thanks !
Hi, miss julie,
Can i check with u about my condition? I have xtract all my uppr jaw teeth and tot of gettin dentures but i realised i could not get used to the dentures. I just recently extracted all upper jaw teeth a month ago. I tot of doib implants or implants dentures. But i could not afford too high of a cost.
Do u mind providin some advise as me and my hubby feel that ur quite good and detailed in all ur comments.
Thanks alot!!!
Dear Danny,
Nobel Replace Groovy is a widely used implant brand and you should have no problems getting the final crown fitted back in Singapore. The cost at our clinic The Implant and Oral Surgery Centre ranges from $2000 to $2200 depending on whether you prefer to have a cemented version (which cannot be removed) or a screw retained version (which allows us to retrieve for repairs).
The lab needs about 7 days to finish the work, so you have ample time to fit and try out the crown and return for any adjustments if required.
You may wish to view some case studies at http://www.iosc.com.sg.
kind regards
Julet
Dear Min,
there are 2 ways you can replace your upper teeth with dental implants.
The first option is an implant retained overdenture, where 4 implants are placed into the upper jaw bone over which the denture can then be secured to. The denture is horse shoe in shape which decreases bulk and also allows you to taste your food better since the palate which contains taste buds, is not covered. The traditional denture which is not held by dental implants require full coverage of the palate.
The second option is to place a minimum of 6 implants which can then carry a full arch of teeth. This is a fixed option and best mimics nature. The feel and function of the implants closely resemble natural teeth.
You may wish to visit http://www.iosc.com.sg for more information. We have some case studies featured as well.
Kind regards
Juliet
my two upper front teeth are ‘bugs bunny teeth’. recently i lost 1tooth. i intend to do a implant for the upper two teeth(1 is gone already). may i know the time taken for the whole procedure and cost? and doctor ever told me if the bone doesnt heal well, it may have to go for bone grafting from the jaw. its another extra step more.
I would like to know where can a person gets his tooth/teeth implant by using medisave . My mum is thinking of getting her denture done by using her money from teh medisave accounts.
Coudl you please advise what is teh best ways to do it ..
Thank you
Hi Juliet, sadly to say that im in my late 20’s and already having the worst teeth like any old man. Some of my teeth are gone, and frankly speaking if i were to implant the whole set of teeth i might not be able to afford the cost.. i would like to seek your advice..
Thanks
Hi Patrick,
Dental implants are now the gold standard in replacing missing teeth, especially if you are only in your late 20s. The dental implant will prevent bone loss and feel and function exactly like your natural teeth.
You may not need to have a one for one implant replacement. It is possible to place 6 implants for the upper jaw and 5 implants for the lower jaw and restore the entire set of dentition.
Although the cost may be significant, it is a worthwhile investment in terms of your overall well being and health.
Our clinic offers interest free installments which you may like to consider.
You may wish to view http://www.iosc.com.sg for further information or call our clinic for a consultation appointment at 64748468
Kind regards
Dr Juliet Tay
Dear Miss Yuan
the total time to complete treatment will range from 4 -8 months depending on whether you will require a bone graft or not. If you have already extracted the front tooth, you may wish to consider having it replaced as soon as possible before the bone undergoes resorption or ” melts away”. Studies show that in 3-4 months time, the bone width would have decreased by 25 % and you may require a bone graft to restore the bone width.
For your other front tooth, you may wish to consider immediate implant placement where the implant is placed after the extraction is done. This procedure minimises bone loss and is very predictable giving optimum outcome. It can be done if there is no infection in the affected tooth.
Cost will range from $3500-$6000 depending on where you have the procedure done.
Kind regards
Dr Juliet Tay
Dear Doreen
Medisave is available for implant treatment, but this depends on whether the clinic itself is medisave accredited. You might want to contact the respective clinic where you intend to have the treatment done to inquire about their medisave status.
Denture treatment however is not a medisave accredited treatment and you cannot use your medisave to offset treatment fees.
Kind regards
Dr Juliet Tay
I am 45 years old and have very loose teeth due to gum problems. I want to re-do my teeth with this implants that you have written about rather than using dentures but I cannot afford the cost.I still have existing teeth upper and lower - molars only left one , how then can the implants be attached ? Would it be done after extraction right away? I have fear of pain and hope that you can help on this, thanks
Hi, if i have a crown implanted. originally the colour is already not 100% similar to my original teeth, as time goes by the colour differ more due to colour change in original teeth, so is there any solution to it?
I am having gum problem and losing my teeth. I 53 yrs. Please advise.
I having gum problem due to that my lower teeths are shaking. Please advise