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Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Implants are dental devices used to replace the roots of missing teeth. The dental implant procedure consists of three parts: the small titanium screw, the abutment and the replacement teeth. The small titanium screw is inserted into the jaw bone vie surgery, and the abutment is inserted into the screw. After the implant is in place, the replacement tooth (e.g. crown, bridge or denture) will be placed over the implant.

At Neo Smiles, you can use Medisave to claim for  your dental implant surgery.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Natural Feeling

Gives a more natural feeling to your teeth as the implant is embedded into your jaw bone and allowed to fused together 

Better Chewing & Speech

Restores normal functioning of your teeth for chewing and speech. Regular dentures affect your speech and self-confidence. 

Durable

Dental implants can last for a long time with proper care and leads to better overall value.

Convenient

More convenient, you won’t need to use denture adhesives.  As dental implants are permanent, they are less likely to be lost or damaged

Am I Suitable for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are not suitable for young children as the jaw bone is still developing. There is no upper age limit for dental implant treatment in healthy adults.

Smokers experience a lower success rate of dental implant treatments, and patients with chronic gum diseases should ensure the diseases are under control prior to starting implant treatment.  Some patients with long-term tooth loss may require additional site preparation such as bone grafts or sinus lists prior to implant treatment. 

dental-implants
This photo shows a single dental implant.

What happens during treatment?

Initial Consultation

Our dentist will assess the area under consideration for the implant visually, with X-rays and teeth impressions.  We will discuss the various options available to you, and the related costs and risks.  

Implant Procedure

When proceeding, our dentist will use a special dental drill to remove the core of the bone. The titanium implant is embedded into the jaw bone under local anaesthesia.  The incision on the gum is stitched and allowed to heal, and for the implant to fuse with the bone.  This may take 2 - 3 months or longer.

Implant Crown

At the follow-up session, our dentist will then surgically expose the top part of the implant to take the necessary impressions for the fabrication of the implant crown.

After Surgery

We will schedule a follow-up visit one week later, and three months to check on your implant and ensure that it is healing well, and ready for the final crown.  

Do expect some amount of discomfort (e.g. swelling, light bleeding) initially.  We advise you to rest, avoid exercise and hot food/beverages within the first two days after surgery.  Painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed as needed.  Antiseptic mouthwash will also be provided to keep the surgery area clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Medisave to claim?

medisave

Yes, Medisave can be used for the dental implant surgery.  Crowns are not covered by Medisave.

Please click here to view the necessary documents needed to use your Medisave for your dental implant surgery.

Why is it better to replace missing teeth instead of leaving a gap?

There are many detriments to leaving a gap:

  1. Irreversible loss of bone in areas without a teeth
  2. Shifts in remaining teeth, leading to crookedness or misalignment
  3. Difficulties in speaking
  4. Poor chewing habits
  5. Aesthetic purposes (e.g. if front teeth is missing)/ change in smiles

Please seek advice from any of our dentists at Neo Smiles Dental Studios if you have a gap between your teeth to prevent the above from occurring.

What is the difference between an implant and a crown/bridge?

An implant involves a titanium screw to be inserted into the jaw bone so as to replace the roots of the teeth. An artificial teeth will then be attached to the titanium base.  This is required if the roots of the tooth have already decayed and have been extracted.

A crown/ bridge is simply a 'cap' over your teeth with healthy roots. There is no surgery required.

What are the risks of undergoing such a procedure?

This a relatively safe and viable procedure for people looking to replace a missing tooth. The risks vary from person to person depending on your medical conditions or whether you are a smoker. There is no upper age limit for dental implants, so we would also suggest this as an option to the elderly with tooth loss.

However, a dental implant cannot be inserted for a patient who is too young (under the age of eighteen years approximately). It is crucial that the jaw is fully developed.

Is the procedure painful?

The insertion of implants is performed under local anaesthesia and the procedure is completely painless.
Potential post-operative pain can be alleviated with painkillers.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are more durable than dentures, but care is also required post-procedure such as maintaining good oral hygiene and having frequent check-ups  to ensure that the implants can last for the long term.

In the case of insufficient oral hygiene, the implants are more vulnerable to infections than natural teeth.

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