Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are a commonly sought teeth replacement solution in Singapore. They can restore your smile’s function and appearance, whether your tooth loss is due to ageing, injury, or decay.

Let’s explore what dental implants are, their benefits, types, the procedures involved, and more to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically embedded into the jawbone to act as a tooth root. It provides a firm foundation for placing a replacement tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or complete dentures.

Over time, osseointegration occurs, which is when the implant fuses with the jawbone, ensuring it remains firmly in place. This makes dental implants a durable and reliable solution for tooth loss.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Natural look and feel: Dental implants closely mimic the look and function of natural teeth. They are made to blend seamlessly with your other teeth, giving you a confident smile.
Improved functionality: Unlike dentures, implants don’t slip or move when you eat, speak, or laugh. They function like natural teeth, making daily tasks like chewing and speaking easier.
Prevention of bone loss: With tooth loss, the jawbone can degrade due to a lack of stimulation. Implants help preserve bone density by mimicking the function of tooth roots.
Durability: With thorough care, dental implants can last for many years, making them a worthwhile investment.
Improved oral health: Unlike dental bridges, you do not need alteration of adjacent teeth with implants, which helps preserve the structure of natural teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

Endosteal implants: This is the most common type of implant, which is placed directly into the jawbone. Once the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone has healed, a second surgery is required to attach the post to the implant.
Subperiosteal implants: These implants are positioned beneath the gum but on or above the jawbone. They are used in patients with insufficient healthy jawbones to support an endosteal implant and who cannot or do not want to undergo bone augmentation procedures.

Your oral surgeon will help determine which type is best for your needs.

The Dental Implants Surgery Procedure

Before the surgery

Before the procedure, your oral surgeon will do a detailed evaluation, which may include imaging tests, to assess your jawbone and surrounding tissues. You’ll also discuss your medical history to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. Depending on your jawbone, you may need bone grafting or a sinus lift to amass enough bone for the implant to anchor securely.

During the surgery

Anaesthesia: The surgery begins with administering anaesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Implant placement: The oral surgeon makes a small cut in your gum to expose the bone, then drills a hole to embed the implant post.
Healing process: Once the dental implant is placed, the healing process begins. Osseointegration may take several months, during which the implant integrates with your jawbone.

After the surgery

Your gums may be swollen or tender post-surgery, and you may experience minor bleeding. Pain relief medication is typically prescribed to manage any discomfort. Your oral surgeon will give detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The length of dental implant surgery varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants being placed and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are necessary.

The surgery will take about 1 to 2 hours per implant. However, the entire process, including healing, can take several months. Osseointegration (the fusion of the implant with the bone) alone can take 3 to 6 months.

Aftercare Guidelines

Proper aftercare is essential to ensuring the success of your dental implant. Some essential aftercare guidelines include:

Good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss to prevent infection around the implant.
Avoid hard foods: For the first few weeks, do not chew on hard or crunchy foods that could damage the implant site.
Regular check-ups: Visit your oral surgeont regularly to track the healing progress and make sure the implant is secure.
Manage discomfort: Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for managing pain and swelling with prescribed medications.

Lifestyle Changes with Dental Implants

Dental implants don’t require any significant lifestyle changes, but there are some things to consider:

Dietary adjustments: You may need to avoid hard or sticky foods during healing.
Regular dental visits: Follow up with routine dental cleanings and check-ups to ensure your implants remain in good condition.

Cost of Dental Implants

One dental implant can cost around $3,000 to $5,000 but the final cost of dental implants will depend on the type of implant being used. Endosteal implants, which are the most commonly used and are inserted directly into the jawbone. They tend to be more affordable compared to subperiosteal implants.

Subperiosteal implants, which sit on or above the jawbone, are generally more expensive as they are typically reserved for patients with insufficient bone density who cannot undergo bone grafting.

Another factor that can drive up the cost is the need for additional procedures. If the patient does not have enough healthy bone to support the implant, they may require bone grafting or a sinus lift. These procedures add complexity and time to the treatment plan, resulting in higher costs.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With consistent care, dental implants can usually last 25 years or more. Their longevity depends on factors such as your oral hygiene routine, diet, and whether or not you smoke. Regular appointments with your oral surgeon are also important for ensuring the implant’s long-term success.

Dental Implant Surgery in Singapore

Dental implants offer a practical, long-lasting solution for tooth loss. If you’re considering the surgery, consult an oral surgeon to determine if it’s the best course of action for your needs.

Our doctors at Specialist Oral Surgeons have years of experience in handling the complexities of dental implant placement and are well-equipped to handle your queries ad1nd any special concerns you have.

To know more about dental implant surgery in Singapore, book a consultation with us today.

About Dr. Lim

Dr Lim is specially trained in advanced surgical dental implantology in Sweden. He is one of very few Singapore Oral & maxillofacial Surgeons to be given the opportunity to spend a year in Sweden to learn the finer surgical aspects of dental implant surgery. He was attached to three different Swedish hospitals to learn the intricacies of dental implant surgery from the Swedish pioneers of dental implants.

The hospitals Dr Lim spent time in were international training centres for the world’s most established and prestigious implant company, www.nobelbiocare.com. Dr Lim Kheng Ann was one of NobelBiocare’s team key opinion leaders and professional speakers. He has spoken for NobelBiocare in conferences in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and China. Dr Lim was also a professional speaker for AstraTech dental implant system and conducts regular courses for local dental surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is getting a dental implant?

Most patients have only mild discomfort during surgery thanks to anaesthesia. After the surgery, some swelling and soreness are expected, but these can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?

Initial recovery usually takes about 1-2 weeks, but complete healing, including osseointegration, can take several months. During this time, your oral surgeon will track your progress to ensure the implant is integrating properly with the bone.

How long does the tooth implant procedure take?

The actual placement of the implant takes about 1-2 hours per implant. However, the overall process, including healing, can span several months.

Are dental implants worth it?

For most patients, dental implants are worth the investment. They provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for tooth loss and improve your smile’s function and appearance.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Good candidates for dental implants are those with healthy gums and sufficient jaw bone density. Individuals with uncontrolled health conditions, heavy smokers, or those who have done radiation therapy to the head or neck may need additional evaluation.