Dental implants are part of the plan whenever there are missing teeth. We discuss the different options with patients fully. More and more patients choose dental implants over the traditional options of dentures and bridges – for the convenience, comfort and lifestyle improvements they bring.
What are dental implants
A dental implant is a man-made structure made of titanium that is inserted into the jaw.
A crown is then made that is screw-retained or cemented over this fixture.
The implant integrates, or fuses, with the bone over three months or more, depending on whether it is the upper or lower jaw.
It is a very popular way to replace a missing tooth or teeth. An implant bridge is a series of crowns joined together over the integrated fixtures.
For some jaws a bone graft is required due to bone resorption, in which case the final prosthesis is delayed – though a temporary one can be issued.
An upper premolar implant crown
Missing teeth in the upper and lower right jaws restored with implant bridges for a patient who could not tolerate dentures
Assessment before the procedure
With today’s digital technology, the scan shows whether a bone graft is needed to increase bone volume, as some jaws thin from resorption after teeth are lost. A graft is also needed when the bone height is too close to the sinus. Implants have a high rate of success, and all systems integrate with the bone.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental implants painful?
From our cases, generally, the patients feel no pain. Any initial discomfort after implant surgery is easily managed with painkillers.
Are dental implants safe?
Implants are safe. Careful planning selects the optimum implant size and length for the missing tooth area, and a bone graft may or may not be required.
How long is the recovery?
Implant placement is sometimes less troublesome than wisdom tooth removal.
For straightforward cases you can think of it as an extraction. We will discuss what to expect.
The procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on complexity.
The whole process up to crown or bridge placement can be as short as three months or up to five months if bone graft is used
How does payment work?
The surgery expense may be claimed through Medisave, with any top-up explained before the procedure. The restorative part – the crown or bridge – cannot be claimed through CHAS but may be settled over two payments.
