Published on
June 20, 2008 in
FAQ.
Tags: x-rays.
X-Rays are harmful, no two ways about it. But now there is digital X-rays that reduces as much as 90% of radiation to the patient! Now that’s something that is impressive and it is a lot safer in this health conscious society that we live in. So when you go to your dentist, be sure to ask if they use digital X-Rays or yester-millennium’s film X-rays.
A digital dental X Ray
Q: How much do X-Rays cost?
A: It cost around SGD$70 - SGD$120
Q: After I take an X-Ray from a dental clinic, can I request to take it home?
A: Absolutely. You can request the doctor to either give you a printed copy (if they have the printing facilities in the clinic) or send it to you via a jpeg file over the net.
Q: What is the use of taking an dental X-Ray?
A: There are many things that the dentist can see; cavities, holes, bleeding of gums, infection etc.
But there are more things that the dentist cannot see:
- possible bone loss associated with periodontal (gum) disease
- decay developing underneath an existing filling
- cracks or other damage to existing fillings
- root canal conditions, when the nerve becomes infected or dies
- abnormalities like cancer, cysts
- monitor tooth growth and overcrowding (in children)
Do you have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you’re not alone. In Singapore, a survey has shown that about 85% of adults suffer from some form of gum disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious gum disease resulting in bone damage. And it is estimated that 20% suffer from severe gum disease - the number one cause of tooth lost in the world.
Gums become red and swollen, in gingivitis, and can bleed easily. Most people can treat this with daily brushing & flossing coupled with regular dentist check ups.
Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis where gums pull away from teeth and form pockets that are infected. If continued non-treatment, gums, bones and connective tissue supporting the teeth are destroyed.
Common signs of Periodontal disease
- Bleeding gums during brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus from between teeth and gums (leaving a bad taste)
- Gum abscesses (boils)
- Loose or separating teeth
- Vague discomfort (e.g. dull ache)
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Changes in teeth positions when you bite
- Longer-looking teeth as a result of gums that have receded from the teeth
Q: Who performs gum surgery?
A: A specialist called a Periodontist has additional training in the field of Perio (gums) and performs this form of surgery.
Q: How much would it cost?
A: Molar area gums surgery cost around $900 onwards. This would exclude special material cost that the dentist deems the patient requires (e.g. membrane*). Gum surgery on the front portion of the teeth is from $800 onwards. *material cost e.g. membrane would be additional $150
Q: What is the cost for dentures in Singapore?
A: Partial Denture: SGD$600 Full denture (chrome): SGD$1000 - SGD$1500 per jaw
(see also Ministry of Health’s average cost for institutions)
Q: What is a denture?
A: It is a menthod of replace missing teeth. The entire denture is supported by both the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. There are 2 kinds of dentures: a complete denture and a partial denture. Complete denture: When a patient has lost all their teeth, a full/ complete denture is 1 of the many solutions to replace missing teeth. Partial denture: What a patient has lost some of their teeth, a partial denture is used to “fill in the gaps”.
Published on
June 16, 2008 in
FAQ.
Tags: veneer.
Q: How much would a veneer cost?
A: It would cost around SGD$700
Q: What is a purpose of a veneer?
A: To improve unsightly tooth surface.
Q: What is the procedure?
A: The dentist will trim the surface of the tooth, take a mould and will cement the veneer 1 week later.
Q: How long will it last?
A: It depends on the maintenance of your teeth and you must make sure not to bite anything that is too hard of the veneer might crack.
Q: How much would a crown cost?
A: It would cost around $800 - $1000 (see also Ministry of Health’s average cost for institutions)
Q: What is a crown?
A: A crown is an artificial tooth that is capped over your natural tooth.
Q: How much is a crown?
A: Depends on material: Porcelain = $800 Porcelain bonded(with gold bottom) = $900 – 1000 Gold = $1000
Q: What is a bridge?
A: A bridge is usually used when there is a missing tooth, the dentist will trim either side of your tooth slightly to make way for the bridge to cap over your natural tooth.
Q: How much is a 3 unit bridge?
A: It’s between $2400 to $3000 depending on the kind of gold used
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