Dental Implants

Years ago, the only way you could replace a lost tooth was by using a denture. However, nowadays, there are several tooth replacement options available. 

Dental implants have overtaken dentures and conventional bridges to become the most popular ways to replace lost or missing teeth in Singapore and worldwide.

A dental implant refers to a titanium screw or fixture placed where the lost tooth was. After several months of allowing the implant to fuse or integrate with the surrounding bone, the implant becomes “one with” your bone. It essentially becomes part of the jawbone.

At this stage, a tooth or a crown can then be placed on top of the implant. It is then ready for you to bite and chew on and is, ideally, a lifelong solution to the missing tooth.

At Ashford, the dental implant experience in Singapore is

At Ashford, the dental implant experience in Singapore is

  • Safe
  • Efficient
  • Comfortable and pain-free
  • Carried out by experienced Doctors and Nurses

We have been listed as the best dental implant clinic in Singapore by SBO in its 2023 top 10 dental implant service list.

What is a dental implant?

Another missing tooth replacement option available at our clinic in Singapore, an implant is a titanium fixture placed inside the upper or lower jaw at the site of a missing or lost tooth. The implant is completely buried in the bone and gums and cannot be seen. Only at a later stage is a Crown or “tooth” placed on top of the implant, which you can see & use for chewing.

The implant refers to the fixture in the jawbone. It essentially serves as the foundation or “root” of your new tooth.

Once placed in, your body will begin to form new bone cells around the implant. These cells will adapt closely to the implant and form a tight connection with it. This process is known as “osseointegration”.

Osseointegration can take several months for most people. This ensures the implant is firm and stable in your jaw. The more stable it is, the better, as you will be able to bite and chew hard things for a longer time.

When osseointegration is complete, a crown can either be screwed or cemented on top of the underlying implant. At this stage, you can bite, chew, and treat it like a normal tooth. It is ready to use.

Dental implants are indicated for anyone in Singapore seeking to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Specifically:

  • If you are looking for a lifelong replacement
  • If you want a replacement which does not affect other healthy teeth in your mouth
  • If you want a replacement which is fixed and does not move in your mouth

Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. They are artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone and become a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns. 

But when exactly do you need dental implants? To answer this, let’s delve into the causes and symptoms that lead to needing dental implants.

Causes leading to dental implants

There are several reasons why an individual might need dental implants. These include:

  • Tooth loss: This is the most common reason for dental implants. Tooth loss can occur due to several factors including decay, gum disease, or injury.
  • Bone loss in the jaw: Dental implants can stimulate bone growth, so they might be recommended if you’re suffering from bone loss in your jaw.
  • Failing dental work: If previous dental work such as bridges or crowns are failing or have become damaged, dental implants may be a more permanent solution.
  • Inconvenience with dentures: For those who find removable dentures uncomfortable or inconvenient, dental implants can provide a more comfortable and convenient solution.
  • Facial structure: Dental implants can help maintain the structure of the jaw and face, preventing the sagging and ageing appearance that can occur with missing teeth.

It’s important to note that while these symptoms can indicate a need for dental implants, a consultation with a dental professional is necessary to evaluate your individual case and determine the best course of treatment.

Dental implants are an investment in your oral health, and while they may require more time for the procedure and healing, they offer a more natural and long-lasting solution than many other restorative dental options.

Dental Implant Procedure at Centres in Singapore

Care for dental implants

Post-operative care is crucial to the success of dental implant surgery. Here’s a guide to what you can expect during the recovery period and how to manage it effectively.

  • Rest and recovery: After surgery, ensure you rest sufficiently and avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days. This helps prevent bleeding and aids in the healing process.
  • Pain management: Some discomfort is normal following surgery. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers to manage this, or you can use over-the-counter pain relievers. Applying an ice pack to the face in the area of the surgery can also help reduce swelling.
  • Oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth, avoiding the surgical site for the first few days. Your dentist may provide a special mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean during this period.
  • Diet: For the first few days after surgery, stick to soft foods and liquids. Avoid hot food or drinks until the local anesthetic has worn off, and avoid hard or chewy foods that could hurt the implant site.
  • No smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process and the success of the implant, so it is recommended to refrain from smoking during the healing period.

Possible risks

Dental implant surgery, while largely safe, carries potential risks like infection at the implant site, nerve damage causing numbness or tingling, sinus problems for upper jaw implants, and implant failure due to inadequate fusion with the bone. Additionally, surgical errors could damage surrounding teeth or blood vessels, and inflammation or infection could trigger bone loss around the implant (peri-implantitis). 

To mitigate risks, it’s essential to select a qualified dental surgeon, maintain proper oral hygiene, adhere to post-surgery instructions, and attend regular dental check-ups. Any unusual symptoms like prolonged pain or swelling should be reported immediately to your dental professional. Despite these potential risks, dental implants boast a high success rate and are deemed safe for most patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants In Singapore

Are dental implants painful?

Not at all. The dental implant placement procedure is very traumatic. This means it is a very minimally invasive procedure. Local anaesthetic is given to the area, so our patients do not feel anything during the procedure.After the procedure, the site can be slightly tender for 1 or 2 days. But in most cases, it will not progress beyond this. We do provide you with medication to ensure smooth and efficient healing. However, the vast majority of our patients in Singapore do not even use the medication as they are in no discomfort after the procedure.

Are dental implants safe?

Absolutely. Dental implants have been used for decades in modern dentistry to replace a missing tooth. They are renowned for a high clinical success rate, patient satisfaction and restoring people’s quality of life in Singapore and beyond.

Why is there a range of costs for dental implants in Singapore?

The cost ultimately comes down to 2 factors:

  • The implant system being used
  • The expertise of the surgeon performing it

There are many implant systems available in the market in Singapore, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.At Ashford, we have selected implant systems based on the criteria that ensure clinical success. One of the chief criteria is that the implant system must have had a significantly long clinical history. As such, Ashford surgeons can study how long the implants have been placed and their survival and success rate.We only use implant systems which carry the longest survival rates with the fewest incidence of complications.Our dentists in Singapore have all undergone postgraduate training for dental implant placements. Thus, we understand how each implant system works and how different people will respond to it.

Are dental implants covered by Medisave?

Dental implants in Singapore are covered by Medisave. If your Medisave is insufficient, you can use the Medisave of an immediate family member, such as your spouse, parents, or child. However, this is subject to approval depending on your account balance. You or the Medisave Account holder will be required to complete and sign the Medisave Authorisation Form.

How much can I claim from Medisave for implants?

The amount you can claim for dental implants in Singapore varies between individuals. Please get in touch with us for further details.

How long will my dental implant last?

This will rely upon many different factors like the location of the implant, your medical history, your age, habits, your oral hygiene and proper maintenance.One certainty is that long term studies indicate a well-placed implant in the right conditions provides better longevity that other tooth replacement options like a bridge or dentures.

Why chose Ashford for your dental implants?

At Ashford, our dentists have undergone specific, specialised training in the surgical placement of implants and restoring them to function. Our team of dentists in Singapore are experienced and knowledgeable about the best dental implant for you.Our team in Singapore has spent many painstaking hours studying different implant types, different bone types and the many different variables that make implants successful.Our technology allows us to deliver dental implant placement with precision to facilitate a smooth, quick and pain free process.Even our nurses in Singapore have all undergone specific implant surgical training to ensure they provide the optimal care to our patients and the most efficient assistance to our doctors.Our experience lies in:

  • Diagnosing when an implant is suitable for you
  • Deciding which implant system to use
  • Being able to perform the procedure in the same appointment
  • Allowing you to recover rapidly without any complications
  • Providing you with your brand-new tooth as soon as possible
  • Dental implants are one of the most requested and most performed procedures at our dental centre in Singapore. We have consistently delivered clinical success stories time and time again for our patients.

Same-day dental implants?

If you happen to be in a situation where a tooth needs to be removed, and you are concerned that you will have a missing tooth or a gap in your mouth, we will provide you with a pleasing solution. We offer same-day missing tooth replacement services in Singapore. We are able to remove your existing tooth and place a dental implant immediately on the same day.

This means you do not have to wait as long for a new tooth, and you will never have to worry about gaps in your mouth or a diminished chewing capacity. At Ashford, we always endeavour to provide you with fast results but also, more importantly, quality results which are pleasing and long lasting.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Cost Information

The cost of dental implants varies, influenced by factors like case complexity, the number of implants, and additional procedures like bone grafting. 

In Singapore, if you are a Singaporean or a permanent resident or you have an immediate family member who is, then you may use Medisave to cover a significant portion of the cost of a dental implant. 

Ashford also has flexible interest free, in house installment plans available. Our patients enjoy specifically tailored financial plans to suit you and make you comfortable. It’s crucial to discuss cost and potential financial assistance with your dental professional, and any applicable subsidy schemes for coverage details. Please get in touch with us for further pricing details.

Visit Our Dental Clinics

Ashford Dental Centre boasts three accessible locations across Singapore, providing comprehensive dental care services, including dental implant procedures.

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With our live chat feature, you can get immediate answers to your dental queries. Alternatively, download the Ashford App for Android devices or iOS phones to schedule appointments, access patient information and more – all at your fingertips.

All clinics are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, accommodating both working professionals and those with weekend availability.

Get In Touch With Us Today

+65 6690 4691 Ashford Thomson | +65 6690 3163 Ashford Serangoon |
+65 6690 4903 Ashford Bedok