What You Need To Know About Dental Implants In Singapore
Dental implants have been used for years to remedy missing teeth due to periodontal diseases, tooth decay, or injuries. Getting one has benefits such as:
- Improved speech
- Ease in eating
- Improved comfort
- Better oral health
- Durability
If you are considering a dental implant, book a consultation with any of our trained dentists in Singapore to explore your options. Unsure if dental implants are the right choice for you? Here’s what you need to know before going ahead with the procedure:
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth replacement option that is used to replace missing teeth. Your oral surgeon would place an implant into the jawbone where there is no natural tooth root. This allows the bone to grow around the implant and secure it firmly in place, allowing you to eat normally again without having to worry about food getting stuck in your gums or causing discomfort while chewing.
After securing the implant, a dental crown will be attached on top of it. Crowns are similar to caps that cover the tops of natural teeth. When the crown is attached, it looks and feels like a real tooth. Apart from covering your dental implants, dental crowns are suitable for:
- Discoloured or asymmetrical teeth
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Preventing weak teeth from fracturing
- Protecting teeth after a root canal treatment
- Holding together parts of a cracked tooth
Types of Dental Implants in Singapore
Today, there are a variety of implant options available in Singapore, each with unique features. The main types include single-tooth replacement, implant-supported bridge, and implant overdenture.
1. Single Tooth Replacement
When only a single tooth needs fixing, a single tooth replacement implant is recommended. A fixture is placed, and the prosthetics are made for the individual tooth.
2. Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported dental bridge is an effective implant option for people who are missing several teeth. Aside from providing stability, the dental bridge links the prosthetics together. The benefits of an implant-supported bridge include:
- Uphold the shape of your face
- Enabling you to chew and bite properly
- Ensuring that your remaining teeth do not drift out of their normal position
3. Implant Overdenture
In this procedure, two or more dental implants will be inserted in order to stabilise the denture and protect the supporting bone. Benefits of an implant overdenture include:
- Promoting better digestion
- Helping to retain your facial features and structure
- Slowing down bone loss by stimulating the bone in your jaw
- Increased comfort for dentures worn on the upper and lower jaws
Dental Implant Procedure And What To Expect
In Singapore, the whole process from procedure to recovery takes about 4 to 9 months on average, depending on how healthy your teeth are and what needs to be fixed. We’ll first perform an evaluation to see if implants are a good solution for your dental problems.
If you have enough bone density and length, it will take you approximately 3 to 4 months to achieve full recovery after the implant is inserted.
In the case that you have decreased bone height and thickness, either mineral-based synthetic bone or your own bone from another part of your body may be placed onto the implant’s insert to promote bone growth and bone fusion between the titanium and your existing bone. It can take 6 to 9 months to achieve full recovery after this type of procedure.
The actual dental implant procedure is typically done under local or general anesthesia to avoid pain and discomfort. However you may still experience some soreness in the days following the implant.
Restore Your Complete Smile with FDC
If you are thinking about getting a dental implant, get in touch with Family Dental Centre (FDC) for more information. Prior to advising on implant option for your needs, our dentists can conduct teleconsultations or in-person dental appointments in Singapore.
FDC offers affordable dental implants, dental crown cleaning, and other dental and oral care services at our dental clinics across Singapore.