Dental Implants in Singapore

Your dentist will review the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination, and take an x-ray of your teeth and jaws to ascertain your suitability for dental implants. Your dental specialist will then consider factors such as oral health, bone density, and the need for potential preparatory procedures like bone grafting.

Once the necessary information is gathered, your dentist will explain all findings, address your queries, and provide professional recommendations. This process will be as informative and comfortable as possible, ensuring you feel confident about the decisions you’re making for your dental health.

During dental implant procedures, various types of anaesthetic options may be employed depending on your comfort, overall health, and the complexity of the treatment. The most commonly used are local anaesthesia (which numbs the surgical area) and intravenous sedation (which provides a deeper level of sedation).

Your dental specialist will determine the appropriate method during your consultation and tailor it to your needs to ensure optimal comfort during the implant procedure.

An integral part of the dental implant procedure involves the placement of a titanium screw – the dental implant. This is a customised device that is placed into your jawbone and serves as a replacement for the root of your missing tooth.

Unlike other materials, titanium has a unique property that helps it to fuse with your bone through a process known as osseointegration. This can make the implant stable and secure, becoming part of your jaw. The implant then serves as an anchor for your new tooth/teeth. Temporary replacement teeth will be fabricated and fitted on the same day as your implant placement so you can leave your dental clinic with teeth.

After the tooth implant procedure, the surgical site usually stays numb for approximately 2 hours. Bite onto the provided gauze for an hour. Avoid spitting, rinsing, or brushing on the post-surgery day to prevent dislodging the blood clots. Consume only cold or room-temperature food and drinks, ideally on the untreated side of your mouth. If you experience any discomfort post-procedure, you may seek advice from your dental implant specialist for prescribed medication.

After two to six months, once the bond is formed between the implant(s) and your bone (a process called osseointegration), new permanent teeth (implant crowns) can be firmly attached to the implant(s).

The dentist will take a precise impression of your teeth and fabricate the replacement teeth (dental crowns) to attach to the dental implants. Creating these permanent teeth is a meticulous and personalised process, as this dental mould will be a replica of your mouth, capturing every detail, contour, and alignment of your existing teeth. This helps ensure that your new tooth or teeth will fit perfectly within your bite and match your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour.

The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where the technicians fabricate the final replacement teeth or dental crowns. These crowns are made with high-quality, durable materials designed to be visually appealing and withstand the functional demands of daily chewing and speaking. Once completed, your new teeth will look, feel and function like your original teeth.

Dental implants, a preferred solution for missing teeth in Singapore, require meticulous aftercare to ensure longevity and functionality. As dental implants function similarly to your original teeth, it is advisable for you to adhere to a thorough dental care routine. This involves:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day. Your dental specialist may recommend using specialised toothbrushes or floss designed for dental implants to ensure optimal cleaning.
• Commit to regular dental check-ups with a dental specialist in Singapore every six months for a thorough assessment and professional cleaning is crucial.

For optimal longevity of your dental implants, avoid chewing or biting on hard and sticky foods to prevent damage. In addition, limiting or avoiding the consumption of acidic or sugary foods and beverages is advisable. With proper care, your dental implants can last a significant time. However, individual factors and oral health habits can impact the lifespan of implants.

On the contrary, failing to maintain your dental implants properly may lead to complications such as infection, implant failure, and gum disease. Hence, the key to long-lasting results lies in routine care, regular check-ups, and open communication with your dental implant specialist. Proper post-procedural care not only ensures the health of your implant but also the overall well-being of your oral cavity.