“I couldn’t be happier with both these doctors, the work they carried out, the detailed care they took, and the friendliness they showed towards me was above and beyond.” - Anne Howe
Anne played golf and tennis regularly and listed scuba diving and sky diving as some of her outdoor activities. Based on Norfolk Island, she actively volunteered for the past 20 years in rescuing and raising injured or orphaned Australian native birds and animals. She also volunteered for an organization that cared for children with cancer.
When it came to her dental well-being, Anne decided to take matters into her own hands after being told by her Australian dentist that her jaw was going out of alignment. She consulted with an Australian specialist and obtained a quote for the treatment involved. Finding the fee rather steep, she researched the internet for dentists in Asia after hearing that high quality dental work could be done less expensively there.
After comparing information on dental surgeons in Thailand, India and Singapore, she finally decided on Dr Myra Elliot, an oral maxillofacial surgeon based at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore. Anne had visited Singapore several times previously and felt safe in the country. Singapore also had a reputation for high standards of work and honesty. Dr Elliot, in turn, recommended Dr Neo Tee Khin, prosthodontist at Specialist Dental Group (SDG) to assist with the prosthesis treatment for Anne.
Anne’s treatment involved having teeth removed and dental implants placed to support a bridge. She also had general dental treatment. According to Anne, the overall cost of her dental treatment was about the same as having the work done in Sydney by the time she paid for airfares, accommodation and sundry expenses. However, she enjoyed 3 excellent trips to Singapore, which was starting to feel like a second home, and that was a bonus.
Specialist Dental Group’s Comments:
Dental implant treatment has been long documented to be an effective and lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Teamwork and coordination between the oral surgeon and the prosthodontist is important for a successful outcome. Implant teeth can be supported with dentures, crowns or bridges.
The best treatment option will be recommended after a thorough examination and consultation with the dental specialist. Many patients have reported significant changes in their confidence level after completion of dental implant treatment and are able to enjoy a wider variety of food and social activities. The new teeth look, feel and function just like natural teeth, and should be cared for in the same way as one’s natural teeth
Dr Marzella, Dr Neo Tee Khin, Richard Soh, Dr Ansgar Cheng and Dr Ho Kok Sen
A team of dentists from Specialist Dental Group and Universitas Trisakti performed the NobelGuide Teeth-in-an-Hour Live Surgery procedure before a group of approximately 200 dentists in Jakarta on Saturday, February 20, 2010. This revolutionary procedure enables dental implants to be placed in one hour, and was the first time that this procedure was performed in Indonesia.
According to Dr Neo Tee Khin, Prosthodontist with Specialist Dental Group, “With this Nobelguide Teeth-in-an-Hour procedure, people who have missing teeth can get new teeth that look, feel and function just their natural teeth – all in an hour.”
The Live Surgery event was part of a workshop organized by the Indonesian Society of Implant Dentistry with the collaboration of Universitas Trisakti and sponsored by NobelBiocare. Dr Neo and Dr Ho Kok Sen, Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group, were instrumental in planning and providing clinical expertise for the procedure together with Dr Marzella Mega Lestari from Universitas Trisakti.
The patient, Richard Soh, 56, is from Singapore and previously lived in Jakarta for a few years. Mr Soh had been wearing dentures for many years on both his upper and lower jaw. He found the dentures uncomfortable and he could not fully enjoy his food. After the NobelGuide Teeth-in-an-Hour procedure, Mr Soh was able to eat almost immediately – and he enjoyed a full lunch that afternoon and was able to eat as normal the rest of the time.
Patient eating watermelon minutes after the surgery
“The NobelGuide Teeth-in-an-Hour procedure is minimally invasive – there is no swelling or pain, and the recovery is very quick,” added Dr Ho Kok Sen.
Professor Ansgar Cheng of Specialist Dental Group also provided a briefing on the NobelGuide Teeth-in-an-Hour procedure. “Our clinical experience shows that the success rate of this procedure is about 99%”, said Dr Cheng.
Nobel Biocare is the world leader in innovative restorative and aesthetic dental solutions. It has the largest share of the global dental market and has developed numerous advancements in dental implants over the past 40 years. The company is the leading innovator of computer-aided design and manufacturing as well as computer-aided implant treatment planning and guided implant installation. For more information, visit www.nobelbiocare.com
Specialist Dental Group is the leading multi-specialist dental clinic in Singapore. Based at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, the clinic celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2009. Its founder, Dr Henry Lee, placed the first dental implants in Singapore over 25 years ago. The dental team consists of 7 internationally trained/qualified specialists in different areas of dentistry. Specialist Dental Group offers comprehensive specialist dental solutions under one roof. For more information visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com
Specialist Dental Group was recently featured in a Kaltim Post article (newspaper based in Kalimantan, Indonesia) about healthcare in Singapore. You can read the full article in Bahasa Indonesia by clicking here.
For the convenience of our blog readers who do not understand Bahasa Indonesia, we have summarized the relevant portion of the article in English below.
ACCURACY: 3D X-rays are used to ensure that the installation of dental implants is accurate at Specialist Dental Group
Apart from visiting the restructured hospitals in Singapore, we also visited several private hospitals in Singapore, such as Raffles Hospital, Thomson Medical Center, Specialist Dental Group in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, and Pacific Healthcare at Paragon Mall. In Singapore, the hospital is not just a place for treatment but also to beautify yourself or as a lifestyle enhancer.
At Specialist Dental Group, there is a method to straighten your teeth by using transparent aligners (Invisalign). According to Dr. Ansgar C Cheng, these aligners are very useful especially for those who may feel shy in wearing braces. Invisalign uses 3-dimensional computer technology to plan a comprehensive treatment, and consisting of a series of specially personalized aligners for the patient. Each aligner is used approximately 2 weeks before being replaced by the next, and gradually straightening your teeth until the final pair of aligners are used.
“You will not know that a person is wearing the aligners, because Invisalign is transparent (clear),” he said.
Invisalign treatment takes about 1-3 years to complete, and may require an average of 10-50 pairs of aligners. Invisalign treatment is suitable to close gaps between teeth, or teeth that are mild to moderately crowded. “The benefits of using Invisalign, are because the aligners are not as obvious as conventional metal braces, and it is very easy to install and remove, which makes it easy to clean the aligners and the teeth,” said Dr. Cheng.
In addition, Specialist Dental Group also provides dental implants in a single day. “Most dental implants take weeks, while it just takes a day here,” he said.
More people are becoming aware that correcting their smile will have a major impact on their overall appearance. Solutions to imperfect smiles can be found by visiting the dentist…and in some cases, achieved in just one hour !
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening brightens discoloured or stained teeth caused by food, coffee or smoking. It is a painless procedure which can be completed in less than one hour. A consultation and examination is first done to ensure that the patient is a good candidate, and to rule out existing gum problems or decayed teeth which may affect the treatment outcome. .
It is also important to keep in mind that daily oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining teeth whitening results. Depending on one’s lifestyle and dietary habits, the whitening can last for as long as two years.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made high strength porcelain or composite resin shells designed to fit discreetly over the teeth. It is another option available for discoloured teeth, worn down teeth, broken or chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, and uneven, misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth.
In addition to aesthetic benefits, veneers also have a functional purpose as they protect the surface of a damaged tooth. They may even replace the need for a crown in certain situations, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation.
This is a good alternative treatment to braces, for moderately misaligned teeth that fulfil certain clinical requirements, as it can be completed in shorter period of time – as short as two visits to the dentist.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is another option in treating teeth with small chips or gaps or dark stains that do not respond to bleaching. This procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured polymeric resin to the tooth and moulding it into the proper shape. This is a painless procedure and typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
Crowns
Crowns are restorations that cover or cap teeth, restoring them to their natural size, shape, and color. Crowns are indicated when there is a need to strengthen teeth that are mechanically weakened (e.g. teeth with large cavities). Our clinic usually uses zirconium crowns.
Zirconium-based dental crowns are superior in structural strength reinforcement and aesthetic quality. Instead of relying on a dental technician alone, well-fitting crowns could be robotically made using CAD-CAM technology with significantly reduced human intervention. Research has shown that the fit of these CAD-CAM crowns are excellent even at a sub-microscopic level.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with natural-looking teeth that look, feel and function just like your own teeth. Conventional implants take between three to nine months for treatment to be completed as time is needed for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. With Instant Implants™ and Teeth-in-an-Hour implants, the time to complete treatment is much shorter, due to the skill of the dentist and the technology used.
Braces / Invisalign
Braces function to straighten crooked teeth or close the gap between teeth. Aesthetic braces such as ceramic (tooth coloured) braces and invisible braces (lingual braces) are gaining popularity. Invisalign, a series of removable clear aligners are also a discreet, aesthetic and comfortable way of perfecting your smile….almost without anyone knowing.
Walk Out with that Beautiful Smile
While there are many options available for smile makeovers, your teeth are there to reflect your inner well-being. The most important consideration for a lasting and healthy smile is to have regular check-ups, brush/floss well, and maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle. This is the real secret to looking great, at any age!
Specialist Dental Group™ has been established at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore since 1979 and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The Group is one of the largest multi-specialty dental clinics in Singapore and has nine treatment rooms in two clinics served by a team of seven leading dental specialists.
“Not many dental practices in Singapore have the distinction of being around for such a long time,” says Dr Neo Tee Khin, Managing Partner of Specialist Dental Group™. The late Dr. Henry Lee, founder of the clinic, was a well established oral surgeon who placed the first titanium dental implants in Singapore more than 20 years ago. This strong foundation in dental implants has continued today with Specialist Dental Group™ being one of the leading dental implant providers in Singapore.
According to Dr Ansgar C Cheng, Co-Managing Partner of the Group, the clinic was renamed Specialist Dental Group™ in 2008 to reflect the breadth and depth of the comprehensive dental solutions under one roof provided by its internationally trained/ qualified multi-specialty team.
“The idea of a multi-specialty practice arose due to the higher demand and expectation of our patients. Having all our specialists in one place improves communication among them resulting in an excellent standard of care and convenience for our patients,” adds Dr. Neo. Patients benefit with reduced waiting times and can access dentists from different specialty areas with one appointment.
Another convenience is that due to the location of the clinic in a premier medical centre, patients can also schedule their medical and dental visits on the same day in the same building, minimizing the need to take extra time off their busy schedules.
The dental team at Specialist Dental Group™ is also experienced in treating patients with medical conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart problems. One of the services offered to patients prior to undergoing cancer treatment (e.g., radiation or chemotherapy) or a major medical procedure (e.g. organ transplantation or heart surgery) is a Dental Assessment. Dental Assessments minimize the risk of oral complications developing in the middle of cancer treatment or post-surgery as a result of a pre-existing dental condition such as an infected tooth or gum disease. The significant cost savings and avoidance of physical and emotional trauma are some of the benefits of having a dental assessment.
Contribution to the Professional Community and to Public Awareness
Most of the dentists at Specialist Dental Group™ have taught or are currently teaching at the National University of Singapore and other international universities. They are also active contributors to international scientific journals and sit on the editorial boards of such publications. As opinion leaders in their respective specialty areas, they are regularly invited to speak at local and international dental conferences.
On the public awareness front, the dental team at Specialist Dental Group™ is passionate about educating the public about oral health, innovations in dentistry and the connection between good oral health and a healthy body. In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of Specialist Dental Group™’ this year, the clinic organized a public seminar with Channel NewsAsia – Putting the Sparkle Back Into Your Smile – A Dental Seminar that Bridges Function & Aesthetics, which was very well received with an audience of almost 600 people attending to learn more about oral health.
Getting Connected
In addition to the comprehensive information on dental procedures on the Specialist Dental Group™ website, patients are also able to make appointment bookings and enquiries as well as view videos. Specialist Dental Group™ also has a Blog, Facebook Fan Page and a Twitter account in order to be more accessible to patients.
Here is more information about an innovative technology for dental implants that enables you to have your new teeth and implants in an hour’s visit to the dentist.
Conventional Dental Implants
Conventional dental implant treatment requires the dental implants to be placed several months before the functional teeth are replaced. Thus, there is usually a time lapse between the time that the implant(s) are placed and the time that the patient has his or her final functional teeth.
The three dimensional software that maps out the placement of the implants before surgery
Advanced Imaging and Computer Design Technology
Teeth-in-an-Hour™ from Nobelbiocare utilizes advanced imaging and computer design technology to enable implants and teeth to be placed at the same time. The implants are placed using a minimally invasive procedure under local anesthesia. No surgical incision or cut is required in the gum. This allows speedy healing and little post-treatment discomfort. It is not uncommon for patients to walk out of the clinic after surgery and carry on their normal daily activities immediately. Interruption of one’s usual routine is rare.
The surgical guide used for the placement of the dental implants
Benefits of Teeth-in-an-Hour implants
Fast Conventional implant procedures take four to nine months and may require multiple surgeries to complete. Teeth-in-an-Hour™ allows up to 28 teeth to be implanted at one time within a short clinical session. There is also minimal disruption to normal lifestyle.
Safe
Safety of the procedure is enhanced due to advanced computer modeling. The placement of the dental implants is simulated in the computer using a special software and digital computer tomography scan information. This allows the operating dentist to visualize all the crucial anatomical structure digitally and it improves the predictability and safety of the procedure.
Perfect fit The use of computer tomography scan and careful pre-surgical evaluation allows for perfectly fitted implant teeth.
What does the procedure involve?
1. Initial evaluation and imaging
The dentist will examine the patient to determine whether he or she is suitable for the procedure. A computer tomography scan of patient´s jaw is performed to collect digital information about the patient´s jaw bone contour. A three-dimensional (3D) digital model of the jaw will be reformatted on the computer.
2. Measurement
Upon confirmation of a patient’s suitability, a second consultation will be needed for making measurements for the fabrication of the implant teeth. It is also possible to combine the initial evaluation and the measurement appointment into one consultation session, if necessary.
The preparation process commonly requires two visits before the surgery, from the first consultation to the time that the final teeth are placed. The process is estimated to take approximately two to three weeks. This is because part of the work is done in Sweden and it takes time for shipment from Sweden to the clinic. The clinical procedure takes approximately one hour (hence the name, Teeth-in-an-Hour™)
After The New Teeth Are In
Under a little local anesthesia, occasionally in combination with a mild general anaesthetic (called sedation), the procedures are carried out pain free. However, it is essential to take the prescribed medicine during the post-treatment period, which ensures painless recovery.
Patients can immediately resume regular activities with no restrictions. Some may choose to take it easy for a day or two – it is a matter of personal choice.
For more information on Teeth-in-an-Hour, click here.
Specialist Dental Group’s seminar, Putting the Sparkle Back into your Smile, organized together with Channel NewsAsia, was held on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the Suntec Convention Centre auditorium from 2pm to 5:30 pm.
Drs. Elvin Leong, Ansgar Cheng, Ho Kok Sen, Eugene Chan, Patricia Yeong, Neo Tee Khin and Helena Lee
Close to 600 people spent several hours listening to six dental specialists from our clinic share about the latest developments in their respective specialty areas of dentistry.
“This is the first time that Specialist Dental Group™ has embarked on such a major public education program,” said Dr. Neo Tee Khin, Director and Prosthodontist with Specialist Dental Group™.
“We thought that this was a great way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our clinic,” added Dr. Ansgar C Cheng, Director and Prosthodontist with the clinic.
Specialist Dental Group™, formerly known as Henry Lee Dental Surgery, was founded by Dr. Henry Lee, a well-respected oral surgeon. Dr. Lee also placed the first titanium dental implants in Singapore more than 20 years ago and this strength in dental implants has continued to be reflected in the multi-specialty team at Specialist Dental Group™.
Staff of Specialist Dental Group
Comprehensive Selection of Topics Covered
Almost every major aspect of dentistry was covered from the relationship between oral health and overall health, to pain and anxiety management, and the latest developments in replacing missing teeth, straightening teeth, and creating a smile makeover.
A Question and Answer Session was also held after the six presentations and the dental specialists answered questions on various topics including implants, braces, cracked teeth, whitening toothpaste, and many more.
Trailers for “Putting the Sparkle Back into your Smile: A Dental Seminar that Bridges Function & Aesthetics” started airing on Channel NewsAsia today. The seminar, organized by Specialist Dental Group™ and Channel NewsAsia, will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the Suntec Convention Centre in Singapore from 2pm to 5:30 pm. More information on the Seminar can be found at http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com/events.php. The trailer for the event can also be viewed at the link.
“This is the first time that Specialist Dental Group™ is embarking on such a major public education program. We thought that this was a great way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our clinic,” said Dr. Neo Tee Khin, Partner and Prosthodontist with Specialist Dental Group™.
Specialist Dental Group™, formerly known as Henry Lee Dental Surgery, was founded by Dr. Henry Lee, a well-respected oral surgeon. Dr. Lee also placed the first titanium dental implants in Singapore more than 20 years ago and this strength in dental implants has continued to be reflected in the multi-specialty team at Specialist Dental Group™.
According to Dr. Ansgar C. Cheng, also a Partner and Prosthodontist with the clinic, six leading specialists from the clinic will be sharing their expertise with seminar attendees on the following topics: · The Mouth & Body Connection; · Restoring your Sparkling Smile; · The Straight Truth about Braces; · Dental Surgery Now Pain-Free; and · Filling Gaps & Brightening Smiles
The three dimensional software that maps out the placement of the implants before surgery
The surgical guide used for the placement of the dental implants
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