What is a dental implant?
It is a small post, usually made of titanium, placed in the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over a few months, the bone usually bonds to it. A crown is then fixed onto the implant to replace the part of the tooth you see.
Implants can replace one tooth or several, or help hold a denture in place.
Am I suitable for an implant?
Implants can suit adults with healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold the implant. Your dentist checks this before suggesting one.
Gum disease, smoking, some health conditions and medicines, and the amount of bone can all affect whether an implant is right for you. If a bridge or a denture would suit you better, your dentist will say so.
What are the stages of implant treatment?
- Assessment. Your dentist examines your mouth, asks about your health and takes X-rays or a scan.
- Plan. They explain the options, the steps, the risks and the cost. You decide whether to go ahead.
- Placing the implant. The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic. The implant is placed in the jawbone and the gum is closed over or around it.
- Healing. The bone is given time to bond to the implant. You may have a temporary tooth during this time.
- The crown. Once the area has healed, a mould or scan is taken, and the crown is made and fixed onto the implant.
- Follow-up. You come back for checks, then keep up regular check-ups.
Some people need extra steps first, such as an extraction or a bone graft. You will know at the assessment if you do.
How long does implant treatment take?
Usually about three to six months from start to finish, over about three to five visits. The surgery visit usually takes about one to two hours. These are estimates; the time and number of visits depend on your mouth, healing and whether extra steps are needed. Your dentist will explain the plan after assessing your needs.
Does having an implant placed hurt?
The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic before the implant is placed. Afterwards, soreness and swelling for a few days are common, and your dentist gives you after-care advice.
How do I look after an implant?
Much as you look after your own teeth: brush, clean between your teeth as your dentist shows you, and keep up your check-ups. Gum disease around an implant can cause it to fail, so cleaning well matters.
How long does an implant last?
That depends on your general health, how well you clean around it, whether you smoke and whether you keep up your check-ups.
Can I use MediSave for a dental implant?
MOH has said that MediSave can be used for the surgical placement of dental implants. Limits apply, and other parts of the treatment may not be covered. See the CPF website and the MOH website for current rules.
All three of our clinics can make MediSave claims for implant surgery.
How much does an implant cost?
It depends on how many implants you need and whether extra steps, such as a bone graft, are needed first. Your dentist gives you the cost of each stage when you plan the treatment together, and you can also ask when you book.
How do I book?
Start with an assessment. WhatsApp or call the clinic nearest you: Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Ang Mo Kio (Central) or Clementi. Each clinic’s numbers are on our clinics page, or you can send a booking request.