A comprehensive guide to understanding
dental implant treatment for tooth restoration
Single Tooth Dental Implants
Overview
A dental implant is a surgical procedure that replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth supported by a titanium post anchored directly into the jawbone. This approach provides a durable, natural-looking restoration that functions like your original tooth.
Treatment Approach
The timing and technique of implant placement depend on the clinical presentation of your case:
- Immediate Implant Placement: For cases where tooth extraction is straightforward and there is no active infection, we can place the implant immediately following extraction. This minimizes healing time and preserves bone structure.
- Delayed Implant Placement: If there is evidence of infection at the extraction site, we recommend waiting approximately 3 months to allow the infection to resolve and bone to heal properly before implant placement.
- Consultation for Late Tooth Loss: For patients who have lost their teeth more than 3 months ago, we encourage a consultation to evaluate bone quantity and quality, and to determine your suitability for implant treatment.
Treatment Cost
Our single tooth dental implant treatment is offered on a transparent, itemized basis. The total payment is SGD $3,200 (nett), structured as follows:
| Component | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visit 1: Implant Placement & Surgery | SGD $1,950 (Medisave payable) | Surgical placement for implant fixture |
| Visit 2: Healing Abutment Placement | SGD $450 | Mucosa sculpting and healing |
| Visit 3: 3D Scan | SGD $400 | Impression taking for fabrication of crown |
| Visit 4: Crown Issue | SGD $400 | Treatment completion |
| Total Payment | SGD $3,200 | - |
Note: Prices shown are nett inclusive of GST.
Treatment Timeline
The dental implant process unfolds over several months. Here is what to expect:
Visit 1 (Day 0): Implant Placement Surgery
The damaged or missing tooth is extracted (if necessary), and the implant fixture is surgically placed into the jawbone. The surgical site is then closed.
1 - 7 Days: Initial Healing
Mild discomfort and swelling are normal during the first week. Most patients manage this with prescribed pain relief and ice application. Detailed post-operative care instructions will be provided.
Visit 2 (3 - 4 Months): Osseointegration
The implant undergoes osseointegration—a process where bone cells bond with the implant surface. During this visit, we assess integration and place the abutment (the connector between implant and crown).
Visit 3 (2 - 3 Weeks): 3D Scan
At this stage the gingival is sculpted and ready for impression taking.
Visit 4 (2 - 3 Weeks): Crown Issue
The crown is now ready and attached to the implant. The implant is now fully functional and ready for normal use.
Long-Term Care & Follow-up
Complimentary 1-Year Follow-up Program
All single tooth dental implants include 1 year of complimentary follow-up visits to monitor implant integration, ensure proper healing, and support the long-term success and adaptation of your new tooth.
During these follow-ups, we will:
- Assess implant stability and osseointegration
- Evaluate the health of surrounding tissues
- Check bite alignment and crown fit
- Address any concerns or adjustments needed
- Provide guidance on ongoing care
Ongoing Care After 1 Year
After the complimentary follow-up period, maintaining your implant requires the same care as a natural tooth:
- Daily Cleaning: Brush and floss around the implant twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine check-ups and professional cleanings every 6 months.
- Avoid Trauma: Protect your implant from excessive force (avoid chewing on hard objects).
- Manage Systemic Conditions: Keep diabetes, osteoporosis, and other health conditions well-controlled.
- Avoid Smoking: Continued smoking significantly increases the risk of peri-implantitis and implant failure.
With proper care, dental implants can provide decades of successful function and a natural-looking smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience mild discomfort and swelling for the first 1–7 days, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief and ice application. Complete bone integration (osseointegration) takes 5–6 months, during which the implant becomes firmly anchored. You will return for your second visit after this healing period.
The complete treatment typically takes 3–4 months. This allows sufficient time for osseointegration before the crown is placed. The exact timeline may vary depending on individual healing and bone quality.
Insufficient bone is no longer a limiting factor. Several options are available:
- Bone Grafting: We can perform bone grafting procedures to augment the jawbone, allowing for subsequent implant placement.
- Alternative Restorations: A dental bridge or other prosthetic solutions may be considered depending on your clinical situation.
- Conservative Approach: In some cases, preserving the natural tooth with root canal treatment and a crown may be preferable to extraction and implant placement.
A consultation will help determine the most suitable treatment path for your individual needs.
Straightforward implant placement is typically a routine, uneventful procedure performed under local anesthesia. During surgery, you should not experience pain, though you may feel pressure or vibration. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and manageable with pain relief medication. Most patients report that the experience is less uncomfortable than they anticipated.
Very few absolute contraindications exist. However, certain conditions require careful evaluation:
- Uncontrolled Diabetes: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes (fasting blood sugar >250 mg/dL) have significantly higher risk of implant failure due to impaired wound healing. However, controlled diabetes is not a contraindication. Special precautions, stress reduction, and antibiotics may be recommended.
- Osteoporosis: Modern evidence indicates that osteoporosis alone does not contraindicate implant placement. Studies show high survival rates (93.8–100%) in osteoporotic patients. Careful bone density evaluation and surgical technique are important.
- Periodontitis (Gum Disease): Active periodontitis must be treated and controlled before implant placement. Patients with a history of untreated periodontal disease have lower implant survival rates. We will ensure your gums are healthy before proceeding.
A comprehensive medical history and clinical evaluation will help us determine your suitability for treatment.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for implant failure.
Current clinical evidence demonstrates:
- Non-smokers have implant success rates around 95%
- Smokers have success rates of 85–90%, with higher complication rates
- Heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/day) have substantially worse outcomes
Smoking impairs bone healing, reduces blood flow, and increases infection risk
We strongly recommend smoking cessation beginning before surgery and continuing for at least 2 months after implant placement to allow optimal bone healing and osseointegration.
Quitting smoking prior to or immediately after treatment significantly improves success rates (up to 92% in some studies).
Other important precautions include following all post-operative care instructions, taking prescribed antibiotics, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and attending all follow-up appointments.
Testimonials From Our Patients
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Amazing experience! Dr Shaun and his assistant were really polite, warm and made me feel less nervous. He explained every step of the … More procedure as it happened, so there were no surprises. He was very transparent with the pricing, and tried …More -
All my life living in India I always had subpar dental care. I was fearful of visiting dentists and would always be hesitant to get … More my dental problems addressed. Since I moved to Singapore, I have gotten a root canal done here under Dr. Ong's care.
Two days ago, I developed intense pain in my back tooth and there was swelling in my left cheek due to the infection. I visited Dr. Omg for an extraction and I am so happy to be able to say that I found the best dentist and dental care. I feel grateful for the way he has performed the tooth extraction very gently to the point that I did not even know that the extraction was completed! I'm happy I choose Toothsmith dental as my dentist for all my dental needs, now and in the future! 🙂 -
My 3rd scaling and polishing appt here and so far it has been very good. The staff are professional and helpful.
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I recently had a premolar implant and filing procedure performed by Dr. Ong, followed by a routine cleaning. From the initial consultation … More to the final check-up, Dr. Ong demonstrated exceptional professionalism and skill. He took the time to thoroughly explain each step of the process, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed throughout.
I’ve had a few dental issues in the past, but after visiting Dr. Ong, I feel confident that my dental health is in great hands and will definitely be returning for my next appointment! -
They followed on time surgery, while doing procedures doctor gave me step by step explanation. Dr. shuan ng rui so cool and friendly … More handling to patients. clinic 100% trusted one
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I stopped smoking recently and decided to get rid of the unsightly tobacco stains on my teeth. …More
Transform Your Smile
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation to determine your suitability for dental implant treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help you restore your smile with evidence-based, professional care.