Dental Implants
Dental implants must be part of the plan when there are missing teeth. We will discuss with patients fully about the different options to replace missing teeth. Patients are choosing dental implants over the traditional options of dentures and bridges. Convenience, comfort and lifestyle improvements are the benefits.
What are dental implants?
1 A dental implant is a man-made structure made of titanium that is inserted into the jaw.
2 A crown is made that is screw-retained or cemented over this fixture.
3 The dental implant integrates or fuses with the bone over a period of 3 months or more depending on the upper or lower jaw
4 It is a very popular option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. An implant bridge is a series of crowns joined together over the integrated implant fixtures inserted in the jaws.
For some jaws, a bone graft is required due to resorption in which case the final prosthesis will be delayed. But a temporary one can be issued.
Effects of tooth loss
When bone graft becomes necessary
Assessment before the dental implant procedure
With today's digital technology, one is able to ascertain from the scan whether a bone graft is needed to increase the volume as some jaws would have thinned bone due to resorption overtime after the loss of teeth. A bone graft is also needed if the bone height is too close to the sinus.
Implants have a high rate of success and all systems integrate with the bone.
FAQ
1 Are dental implants painful ?
From our cases, most patients do not feel pain. Some patients may feel discomfort which is easily managed with painkillers
2 Are dental implants safe?
Implants are safe as careful planning is done to select the best size for the jaw. A bone graft may or may not be required.
3 How long is the recovery?
a) Sometimes Implant placement may be less troublesome than wisdom tooth removal.
b) We will discuss with patients what to expect. You could treat it as an extraction treatment for straightforward cases.
c) The procedure may take from 30 minutes to an hour or more depending on the complexity of the case.
d) The whole process till crown or bridge placement may be as early as 3 months to 6 months or more.
4 How is the payment like?
You may claim the surgery expense through Medisave with any top-up explained prior to the procedure.
The restorative part ie crown or bridge cannot be claimed through Chas but may be settled in a few payments.
an upper molar implant crown
an upper premolar implant crown
Case of a patient who could not tolerate dentures. Restoration of missing teeth in upper and lower right jaws with implant bridges. The patient is advised to also restore the left side to prevent unilateral biting.
