Dental Implants
A permanent, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth and restore full chewing function.
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What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are medical-grade devices that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Unlike removable dentures, which rest on the gums, implants integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a firm anchorage that helps restore normal chewing, speech, and aesthetics.
Implant treatment is considered a long-term restorative option that aims to replicate both the function and appearance of natural teeth while supporting oral and bone health. They may be considered for medically fit patients who have adequate bone support and prefer a fixed alternative to removable dentures or conventional bridges. For those with certain health conditions or limited bone availability, other restorative solutions may be recommended after a full dental assessment.
Structure of a Dental Implant
Fixture (Implant)
The fixture functions as the artificial root of the tooth. It is typically made of medical-grade titanium, a biocompatible material that encourages bone growth around the implant. Some systems use zirconia or ceramic alternatives, which may be chosen based on aesthetic or medical considerations.
Once inserted into the jawbone, the fixture gradually bonds with the surrounding bone tissue over several months. This process creates a stable foundation for the rest of the restoration.
All dental implant systems used at Elite Dental Group are approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to ensure patient safety and quality standards.
Abutment (Connector)
The abutment serves as the connecting piece between the implant fixture and the prosthesis. It is attached using a small internal screw and can be either pre-manufactured or custom-made to fit the patient’s gum contour.
Abutments can be fabricated from titanium, gold alloy, or ceramic, depending on the implant type and desired appearance. A well-fitted abutment helps ensure that the prosthesis sits correctly and evenly distributes biting forces.
Prosthesis (Crown, Bridge, or Denture)
The prosthesis is the visible portion that replaces the missing tooth or teeth. It is designed in a dental laboratory based on digital scans or impressions, ensuring that it matches the size, colour, and shape of surrounding natural teeth.
Depending on the extent of tooth loss, the prosthesis may take different forms:
Crown:
Replaces a single tooth
Short-span bridge:
Replaces 3–4 teeth
Long-span bridge:
Replaces 5 or more teeth
Full denture:
Replaces a complete arch of missing teeth
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implant treatment is carried out in several stages. Each step is carefully planned to ensure that the implant can be placed securely and restored with a crown.
1st Visit: Consultation and Case Assessment
During your first visit, a comprehensive examination will be conducted to determine whether dental implants are suitable for you. This includes:
- Evaluation of gum health and bone condition
- Measurement of available bone height and width
- Assessment of the spacing and position of missing teeth
- Review of medical history and systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or smoking habits
Diagnostic tools like digital X-rays, 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scans, and intraoral scans help visualise bone anatomy, nerves, and sinuses, guiding treatment planning and implant positioning.
Before surgery, patients may be advised to undergo a professional dental cleaning to reduce bacterial levels in the mouth.
2nd Visit: Treatment Plan Discussion
Once your treatment plan is complete, we will schedule a second visit to discuss the details with you.
During this appointment, our dentist will walk you through the proposed treatment, explaining each step of the process and answering any questions you may have. We will also discuss the cost of treatment, financing options, and any necessary preparations for your surgery.
This visit is an opportunity for you to fully understand the benefits and risks of guided implant surgery and make an informed decision about your care. We encourage you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have, as we are committed to ensuring your comfort and confidence throughout your journey.
3rd Visit: Dental Implant Surgery
On the day of your guided implant surgery, our dental team will ensure you are comfortable and well cared for throughout the procedure. Sedation options are available for patients who prefer additional support in managing anxiety or discomfort.
Your implant dentist will begin by placing a custom-made surgical guide in your mouth. This guide acts as a template, enabling control over the position, angle, and depth of each implant. Using the guide, the dentist will make small incisions in the gum and place the implants in the pre-planned locations.
Once the implants are in place, the sites are carefully closed (sometimes without the need for sutures), and you will receive clear post-operative instructions to support healing and recovery at home.
Implant Review and Crown Placement
After placement, a healing period of 3 to 6 months allows the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone. During this time, patients are monitored closely through follow-up visits.
Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment and custom-made crown or bridge are attached to restore full function and aesthetics. In certain cases, a temporary prosthesis may be placed during the healing phase to maintain appearance and comfort.
Why You Should Consider Dental Implant Treatment
Resembles Natural Teeth
Since dental implants are osseointegrated into the jawbone, they create a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. The prosthesis is also custom-made in a dental laboratory to resemble the shape, size, and colour of the surrounding teeth. Once fitted, implants allow most patients to bite, chew, and speak with comfort.
Supports Long-Term Function
Peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that dental implants generally achieve a high rate of long-term stability when placed under suitable conditions and maintained with good oral hygiene. Generally, the lifespan of an implant depends on several factors, including:
- Quality of oral hygiene and plaque control
- Attendance for routine dental reviews and maintenance
- Bone density and gum health
- Lifestyle habits such as smoking
- Bite alignment and distribution of chewing forces
Patients should also note that the visible prosthetic component, such as the crown or the bridge, may experience normal wear from daily biting and chewing forces. These may eventually need to be replaced after several years.
Preserves Neighbouring Teeth
Traditional bridges require reshaping the adjacent teeth to support the artificial replacement. Dental implants, by contrast, are self-supporting and do not rely on neighbouring teeth for stability. This helps maintain the natural structure of surrounding teeth and reduces the need for future restorative procedures.
Helps Maintain Jawbone and Facial Structure
After tooth loss, the jawbone in the affected area may gradually shrink due to a lack of stimulation. This process, known as bone resorption, can affect the shape of the jaw and overall facial profile over time.
Implants help transmit chewing forces to the bone, which may help slow this resorption process and preserve facial contours. This can be particularly crucial in areas where teeth provide support to the lips and cheeks.
Restores Chewing Efficiency and Speech
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food and may affect pronunciation. By replacing the lost tooth structure, dental implants can restore normal biting patterns and improve articulation.
Due to the stability of dental implants, patients often experience fewer issues with movement or instability during eating or speaking compared to removable dentures. This can help restore their confidence in everyday activities, such as talking, laughing, or eating in social settings.
Straightforward Daily Maintenance
For most patients, caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are important for maintaining gum health and preventing inflammation around the implant site.
For patients with multiple implants or full-arch restorations, additional cleaning tools such as interdental brushes, super floss, or water flossers may be recommended. Your dentist or hygienist will provide individualised guidance on maintaining your implants and schedule regular reviews to monitor their condition over time.
Our Approach to Dental Implants
At Elite Dental Group, dental implant treatment is carried out with a focus on careful planning, patient safety, and clear communication. Here are some key aspects of our approach:
Clinical training:
Our dentists are trained in guided implant techniques and use digital planning and AI tools to assist in implant placement.
Individualised planning:
Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s systemic and oral health, anatomy, and needs, with options discussed during consultation.
Patient-centred process:
We recognise that some patients may feel nervous about implant surgery, so extra steps are taken to explain the process clearly and provide strategies to help reduce anxiety. Sedation options are available for those who prefer additional support during procedures.
Team-based care:
Where cases are more complex, our dentists collaborate with specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics.
Ongoing follow-up:
After implant placement, regular reviews and maintenance are encouraged to monitor healing and support your long-term oral health.
How Much Does Dental Implant Treatment Cost in Singapore?
For a routine, non-complex case, dental implant costs typically range between $3,500 and $6,000 for a single implant (before Medisave claims and GST). However, the total cost varies depending on case complexity, the number of procedures required, and the type of materials used.
Here is an example of the cost components that may be included in implant treatment:
Procedure | Cost (SGD) |
| Consultation | $40 – $80 |
| 2D X-rays | $80 – $120 |
| 3D CT scan (if required) | $350 – $500 |
| Study models / diagnostic wax-ups | $100 – $250 |
| Surgical guides / CT planning | $350 – $800 |
| Bone or gum grafting (if required) | $800 – $2,500 |
| Sinus lift (if required) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Dental implant crown | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Implant surgery | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Medication and post-op reviews | $35 – $150 |
Treatment goals:
Some patients prioritise natural aesthetics and customised design, while others may prefer a simpler, functional restoration. The level of customisation affects laboratory and material costs.Clinical expertise required:
Fees may differ based on the complexity of the case and the qualifications or experience of the dentist who performs the procedure.Laboratory work:
The use of premium materials or fully customised, hand-crafted prostheses can increase laboratory fees.Anaesthesia and comfort options:
The choice between local anaesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anaesthesia will influence the total treatment cost.
Financing Options
We also offer several ways to manage the cost of treatment:
Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from most major banks.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms, like Atome, Pace, Hoolah and Grab PayLater, to help reduce the upfront expenditure of your dental treatments.
Dental, Corporate, Personal Accident and Hospitalisation Insurance
We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible dental care to you.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ section for common inquiries and helpful information to guide you.
Do dental implants hurt?
Pain levels during and after dental implant surgery vary from person to person and depend on several factors, such as:
- Individual pain threshold
- General medical health
- Whether a minimally invasive or guided approach can be used to reduce surgical trauma
- The presence of anatomical structures near the implant site, such as major nerves, blood vessels, or the maxillary sinus
- The need for additional procedures, such as bone or gum grafting
- Patient response to local anaesthesia
- Degree of dental anxiety
- The number of implants being placed in one session
- Overall complexity of the surgery
Due to these variables, it is not possible to guarantee that all implant surgeries will be completely free of discomfort for every patient. However, modern techniques and anaesthesia options have made implant procedures generally well-tolerated.
Implant surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area. Sedation options, such as IV sedation or general anaesthesia, may also be considered for patients with dental anxiety or for more complex procedures.
In general, the less invasive the surgery, the lower the likelihood of post-operative discomfort. Most patients undergoing straightforward implant placement report only minor or short-lived soreness following the procedure. These can usually be managed with prescribed medication, cold compresses, and adequate rest.
Can dental implants be done in one day?
Some clinics may advertise treatments such as “dental implants in a day”, “teeth in a day”, or “same-day All-on-4 implants”. These terms refer to treatment protocols where implants and temporary replacement teeth are placed within a single appointment.
- Fully edentulous cases: Multiple implants are placed in the upper and/or lower jaw, followed by attaching a temporary implant-supported denture or bridge on the same day.
- Partially edentulous cases: The remaining teeth are extracted and several implants are placed on the same day, with provisional restorations fitted shortly after.
While same-day implant treatments can be successful for certain patients, they are not suitable for everyone and are not considered the standard approach for implant therapy. These procedures also require comprehensive pre-surgical planning, precise digital imaging, and careful case selection. They may involve more extensive surgery and often require additional consideration for long-term maintenance and prosthetic adjustments.
If you are interested in same-day dental implants, it is best to undergo a thorough dental and radiographic assessment at our dental clinic in Orchard. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and suitability for this treatment, and explain alternative options that may provide similar results.
Is it better to get dentures or dental implants?
Both dentures and dental implants are established methods of replacing missing teeth. The choice depends on several factors, including oral health, bone condition, budget, and personal preference.
Dentures are removable appliances that rest on the gums and can replace several or all missing teeth. They are often more affordable and may be suitable for patients who have limited bone support or health conditions that make surgery less ideal. However, because dentures sit on the gum surface, they may require periodic adjustments or relining to maintain fit over time.
Implants, on the other hand, are surgically placed into the jawbone and serve as artificial tooth roots. They can provide a fixed, more stable alternative to dentures, especially for patients with sufficient bone quality and good general health.
For older adults, implants can be an option when general health and bone quality are suitable. Healing may take longer, so careful planning and medical coordination are essential to ensure that the potential benefits outweigh the risks and recovery requirements.
A thorough clinical and radiographic assessment is necessary to determine whether implants, dentures, or a combination of both would best meet the patient’s needs and long-term oral health goals.
What is an immediate dental implant, and how long does it take?
An immediate dental implant is placed into the jawbone during the same appointment as a tooth extraction, instead of waiting for the site to heal first. This approach can help preserve bone height and gum shape, reducing the number of surgical appointments needed.
The suitability of immediate implant placement depends on factors such as:
- Presence or absence of infection at the extraction site
- Quantity and quality of the surrounding bone
- Gum condition and overall oral hygiene
- Patient’s systemic health and healing ability
If these conditions are favourable, the implant fixture can be placed immediately after the tooth is removed. In some cases, a temporary crown or bridge may also be attached for appearance while the implant integrates with the bone.
The duration of the procedure varies:
Single implant:
approximately one hour
Multiple implants:
several hours, depending on complexity
After placement, a healing period of three to six months is usually required before the final crown is fitted. Your dentist will advise whether immediate placement is suitable after a detailed clinical and radiographic assessment.
How long do I have to wait after tooth extraction to get dental implants?
The timing depends on your individual case. In some situations, an implant can be placed immediately after a tooth is removed. In other cases, it may be recommended to wait about 3 to 6 months for the site to heal and the bone to regenerate before placing the implant. Your dentist will advise based on your oral health and treatment needs.
How do mini dental implants differ from traditional implants?
Mini dental implants (MDIs) are smaller versions of conventional implants, typically less than 3 millimetres in diameter. Their compact size allows them to be placed in areas with limited bone volume or where a less invasive procedure is preferred.
Mini implants are often made as a single-piece design, combining the implant fixture and abutment in one unit. They can sometimes be placed and restored within a shorter timeframe, particularly for stabilising lower dentures or replacing small teeth.
While these may offer advantages such as smaller surgical sites and faster recovery, they are not suitable for every case. Their reduced diameter may limit load-bearing capacity and make them less ideal for areas subject to strong chewing forces.
A comprehensive examination, including 3D imaging and bone density assessment, is necessary to determine whether mini or traditional implants are more appropriate for your specific needs.
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