8 Must-Know Details About Dental Implants in Singapore

Missing a tooth and came here while searching for "dental implant Singapore"? This is a follow-up to my initial article about dental implant costs in Singapore.

I'll reveal:

• Who can do your dental implants in Singapore?

• Are tiny dental implants any good?

• Which dental implant brands are acknowledged among dentists as reliable?

• Most importantly, how to choose a reputable dentist for your dental implant in Singapore.

1. Are Mini Dental Implants Good?

I chose to start by addressing the elephant in the room, as many of my patients have asked me if they are a good candidate for a mini dental implant.

It's easy to see why, as mini dental implants sound "less scary" and are often less expensive.

Mini dental implants, on the other hand, should only be utilized in extremely specific instances because they are significantly weaker than standard dental implants. As a result, they are incapable of supporting larger teeth such as molars.

Using tiny dental implants in the incorrect settings is a recipe for disaster!

Although the FDA in the United States has approved mini dental implants to replace lower front teeth, there is a dearth of research on their long-term durability.

2. Does the Brand of Dental Implant Make a Difference?

Yes, because certain dental implant brands are known by dentists to break more easily. Consider asking your dentist which implant brand he will use and how long it has been in use.

Some brands have a far better track record than others. Non-exhaustive examples of dependable dental implant brands in Singapore include:

• Straumann Implants (Switzerland)

• Nobel Implants (Switzerland)

• Astra Implants (Sweden)

• Ankylos Implants (Germany)

• Dentium Implants (United States)

Dental implants cost anywhere from $1,250 to $15,000 for a single tooth, while mini dental implant surgery costs between $700 and $1,500 on average.

A cheaper dental implant brand does not imply inferiority; in some cases, one type of implant is required over another.

It is up to your dentist's skill to determine which dental implant is ideal for you.

3. Are There Any Dental Implant Specialists in Singapore?

No, there are no dental implant specialists anywhere in the globe. The Ministry of Health does not classify dental implant surgery as a dental specialty.

Dentists who specialize in dental implant surgery often learn it through postgraduate training.

Choosing a dentist based solely on qualifications is not recommended, as the quality of these courses can vary greatly.

For example:

• Some seminars organized by dental implant brands may only last a few weekends and do not include any actual patient cases.

• On the other side, NUS offers a part-time diploma that lasts two years and includes actual dental implant surgery on patients.

• There are also "dental implant marathon" courses in countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia, where a dentist can complete up to 50 dental implant cases in a short period of time.

4. What Dental Specialties in Singapore Receive Official Implant Training?

There are three dental specialties in Singapore that receive organized training in dental implant surgery as part of their specialty program.

The three specialties are:

• Periodontists (gum experts)

• Prosthodontists ("missing teeth" specialists)

• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dentists sometimes refer more challenging dental implant cases to specialized professionals. In the most difficult circumstances, a team of specialists may be required to provide the best results.

5. Can Students Execute My Dental Implant for a Lower Cost in Singapore?

Dental implantology is only briefly covered in the undergraduate NUS dentistry curriculum, and students are not permitted to perform dental implant surgery.

However, qualified dentists enrolled in dental implant training courses can occasionally conduct your dental implant surgery for a 50% or greater discount.

The main disadvantages:

• Inconvenience – Treatment may take substantially longer.

• Loss of privacy – Other course participants may be viewing you.

6. Why Do Lab Fees for Dental Implants in Singapore Vary So Much?

A dental lab develops and customizes a wide range of products to help with dental implant surgery.

Lab prices might range from $50 for a basic case to over $5,000 for complex situations.

Some examples of lab cost services:

• 3D representation of the dental implant surgery

• Creating the dental implant materials and crowns

Dentists choose labs based on:

• Equipment, capability, and reputation

• Lab technician training and experience – The technician's expertise impacts how well the dental implant material fits and how natural it seems.

We can submit dental implant cases to any lab across the world. Naturally, the most in-demand dental technicians will be more expensive.

7. How Can You Find a Reputable Dentist for Your Dental Implant?

It is beneficial if your dentist has the necessary qualifications or specialty training, but this does not provide the complete picture. The greatest method for finding a trustworthy dentist is:

• Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and relatives

• Personal referrals from other physicians and dentists

Schedule a consultation visit:

• Dentists can show you before/after photos of past patients, which can give you a sense of their experience.

• Feel free to inquire about the number of implant cases they have performed!

• Finally, choose a dentist you feel fully comfortable with.

8. How Can You Negotiate Dental Implant Expenses with Your Dentist to Stay Within Your Budget?

I always begin by discussing the most "ideal" treatment plan with my patient, one in which money is not a concern.

From there, I consult with my patient about how we may adjust the strategy to his budget and expectations.

Some cost considerations:

• Faster turnaround time – Special software allows for the creation of same-day implant crowns.

• Pain Relief – General anesthesia is significantly more expensive than IV sedation or local anesthesia.

• Natural-looking crowns – Some patients are willing to splurge on high-end porcelain crowns.

Based on these considerations, I am able to eliminate some surgical procedures and costs.

You can also request a free quote estimate from many dentists to get a sense of the costs involved.