Dental Implants

Dental implants are a time tested solution to restoring missing teeth.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a lost tooth. They mimic natural teeth and are surgically anchored into place on top of the jawbone. As a permanent fixture in your mouth, they cannot be taken out at night, unlike dentures, which will need to be removed before bed time.

Bone grafting may be required if there is bone loss or low bone density in the jaw. Having a bone graft can help to stimulate bone growth and prepare the jaw bone for dental implants.

Dental Implant structure

Prosthesis (Crown)
Custom-made caps that restore the appearance and function of damaged or missing teeth. Designed to match the shape, size, and colour of your teeth.

Abutment (Connector)
A connector that attaches to the implant and extends through the gums

Implant (Screw)
A titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the tooth root. Made of biocompatible materials that fuse with the bone over time.

What to expect

The whole process takes about 6 months to a year on average.

Our dentist will assess your overall health and ability to accept the implant before starting the treatment plan. In some cases, a bone or gum graft may also be done on the site of the implant to ensure there is enough support before inserting the implant.

Once the implant is placed in the bone, it is left to heal for about 4 to 6 more months. A crown will then be created, installed, and you will be ready to show off your brand new tooth.

How much do Dental Implants cost?

At Denticare, a single dental implant will cost from $1,700* with a general dentist, or $2,100* with a specialist, depending on the complexity of the case. An implant crown will cost from $1,800 onwards.

A number of factors will determine how much a dental implant costs and what you should expect from the timeline. These factors include but are not limited to:

Number of missing teeth (single tooth replacement or multiple teeth replacement)
Type of missing tooth that you want replaced (incisor teeth, canine teeth or molar teeth)
Type of surgical procedure required (surgery to lift the sinus cavities, bone grafting surgery, gum surgery prior to beginning treatment)
Brand of implant used
Type of material used for the restorative crown
Dentist’s level of experience

Patients who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents may be able to claim a portion of their dental implant surgery expenses from their Medisave Account.

Do note that dental implant procedures are not subsidised under CHAS, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation discounts.

Procedure process

Consultation: Your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for implants.
Surgical Placement: A minor surgical procedure is performed to place the implant into your jawbone.
Healing Period: This can take several months, typically 2-3 months before affixing an attachment (abutment) with a crown
Crown Placement: The final step involves attaching the custom made crown to the abutment.
Post-Operative Care: Pain medication will be prescribed to manage any discomfort during the healing process. Our specialist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, with additional pain relief options available. Speak to your specialist to discuss other available options before proceeding with the treatment.

FAQ

Are dental implant treatments painful?

You should not experience pain as the series of treatments for dental implants will be done under general or local anaesthesia. Post-surgery swelling and discomfort can be managed by medication provided by our dentist. However, should you experience persistent pain or infection, call us at 6336 6222.

Do dental implants feel natural?

A dental implant looks and functions just like natural teeth, but may not feel exactly the same. Natural teeth have nerves in its roots that pick up sensations of pressure and temperature when you chew on food. A dental implant does not have roots or nerves. Therefore, any sensations you feel will come from the nerves in the surrounding gums and not the tooth itself.

Are titanium dental implants safe?

Titanium dental implants are safe and have been used in dentistry for many years due to the low chance of complications. They are less reactive to physical and chemical corrosion than other metals and last for long periods of time. However, like all implants, there are still small risks of reaction with other metals in the mouth.

Are dental implants safe for seniors?

In general, dental implants are safe for seniors who are in good health, have healthy gums and sufficient bone quality to place an implant. As always, please consult your nearest Denticare dentist to assess if you are suitable for dental implants.

What can I eat after dental implant surgery?

Right after dental implant surgery, you should follow our care tips for post-oral surgery. Some tips include avoiding food with extremely cold or hot temperatures, and eating soft food such as mashed potatoes, yogurts and smoothies. Try to chew on the side of the mouth that is not operated on.

You should also avoid hot, spicy or hard food that may irritate the surgery site and stay away from coffee and alcohol that may affect the healing process.

How do I maintain my teeth after getting dental implants?

The most straightforward way to care for the dental implant is to treat it as you would any other tooth – with diligent care. Maintain excellent oral health habits and regular dentist visits with Denticare.

What is the difference between dental implants and dental bridges?

Dental bridges will require preparation of adjacent teeth beside the gap to accept a dental crown. The crowns are linked to each other via a metal or zirconia framework spanning across the space, with a ceramic tooth built over it to cover the gap.

A dental implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone and does not require preparation of the neighbouring teeth which may still be in good condition.