Dental implants
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a titanium post placed in the jawbone, which supports a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. This page explains the cost, how MediSave applies, the timeline and who is suitable.
Reviewed by Dr Samuel Ong Jien Woon, BDS (Singapore), Clinic DirectorLast reviewed 4 November 2026General information, not a diagnosis
In brief: $3,200 for a single-tooth implant including the crown · Surgery visit ($1,950) fully MediSave-claimable · 4 visits over about 4–6 months · Not CHAS-claimable.
Cost of a single-tooth implant
| Visit | What happens | Fee (incl. GST) | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Implant placement surgery (and extraction of the failing tooth if still present) | $1,950 | MediSave-claimable: up to $1,120 operation limit + up to $830 day-surgery charges per implant |
| 2 | Healing abutment placed; gum shaped around it | $450 | Cash, NETS, card |
| 3 | Digital 3D scan to design the crown | $400 | Cash, NETS, card |
| 4 | Crown fitted | $400 | Cash, NETS, card |
| Total | $3,200 |
If bone grafting is needed, it is quoted separately after assessment. For patients replacing several teeth, or considering implant-supported dentures, we prepare an individual treatment plan and quotation.
When can the implant be placed?
- Immediately after extraction, when the tooth can be removed without complication and there is no active infection. This shortens overall treatment time and helps preserve bone.
- After healing (about 3 months), when there is infection at the site. The infection is cleared and the bone allowed to heal first.
- Long-standing gaps: if the tooth was lost months or years ago, we assess bone volume with an X-ray or 3D scan. Bone shrinks after a tooth is lost, so grafting is more likely to be needed.
Timeline
| Stage | When | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Visit 1: surgery | Day 0 | Local anaesthetic. Implant placed in the bone and the gum closed over or around it. About 60–90 minutes. |
| Early healing | Days 1–7 | Mild swelling and soreness, controlled with prescribed medication and cold compresses. Soft diet. Stitches removed or dissolve in 1–2 weeks. |
| Osseointegration | 3–4 months | Bone grows onto the implant surface. Nothing is visible in the mouth during this period. A temporary tooth can be discussed for front teeth. |
| Visit 2: healing abutment | Month 3–4 | Integration is checked and a healing abutment placed to shape the gum. |
| Visit 3: scan | 2–3 weeks later | Digital scan of the implant position and neighbouring teeth for the laboratory to make the crown. |
| Visit 4: crown | 2–3 weeks later | Crown fitted and bite checked. The implant is ready for normal use. |
Who is suitable?
Most healthy adults with a missing tooth are candidates. Before recommending an implant we check:
- Bone volume at the site, on X-ray or 3D scan.
- Gum health. Active gum disease is treated before implant surgery, because it raises the risk of infection around the implant.
- Medical history, including diabetes control, bisphosphonate or anti-resorptive medication for osteoporosis, blood thinners, previous head and neck radiotherapy, and smoking.
- Alternatives. Sometimes keeping the natural tooth with root canal treatment and a crown, or a bridge, is the better choice. We will say so if it is.
Aftercare
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush and clean between the implant and neighbouring teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Attend check-ups and scaling every 6 months so the gum around the implant is monitored.
- Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, bones, pen caps).
- Keep diabetes and other medical conditions well controlled.
- Do not smoke for at least eight weeks after surgery (and at least one week before). Smoking during the healing period is a recognised risk factor for implant failure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental implant cost at Toothsmith?
A single-tooth implant is $3,200 in total, inclusive of GST: $1,950 for the implant surgery, $450 for the healing abutment, $400 for the 3D scan and $400 for the crown. Bone grafting, if required, is quoted separately after assessment.
Can I use MediSave for a dental implant?
Yes, for the surgical placement. CPF allows MediSave withdrawal of up to $1,120 per implant for the operation plus up to $830 per day for day-surgery charges, so the $1,950 surgical visit can be paid with MediSave if you have sufficient balance. The abutment, scan and crown visits ($1,250 in total) are not MediSave-claimable. CHAS does not subsidise implants.
How long does the whole implant process take?
Usually 4 to 6 months from surgery to final crown. The implant needs about 3 to 4 months to fuse with the bone (osseointegration) before the healing abutment is placed, followed by 2 to 3 weeks each for the scan and crown fitting. Healing time varies with bone quality and general health.
Is implant surgery painful?
The surgery is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure and vibration but not pain. Afterwards, mild swelling and soreness for a few days is normal and is managed with the pain relief we prescribe. Most patients return to work the next day.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Bone can often be rebuilt with a bone graft, either at the time of implant placement or as a separate procedure before it. Where grafting is not suitable, a bridge or denture may be a better option. We assess bone volume on an X-ray or 3D scan before recommending anything.
Can I have an implant if I have diabetes or osteoporosis?
Often yes. Well-controlled diabetes is not a barrier, although poorly controlled blood sugar increases the risk of the implant failing to heal. Osteoporosis alone does not rule out implants, but please tell us about any bisphosphonate or anti-resorptive medication you take, as this affects planning. Active gum disease must be treated first.
Does smoking affect implants?
Yes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and bone, slows healing and is a recognised risk factor for implant failure and peri-implantitis (infection around the implant). Smoking is not an absolute bar to implants, but we follow the standard cessation protocol: stop smoking at least one week before surgery and do not smoke for at least eight weeks afterwards, which covers the early bone-healing period. Stopping for good gives the implant the best long-term outlook, and we can refer you to smoking-cessation support.
How long do implants last?
With daily cleaning, regular check-ups and healthy gums, implants can last many years. The crown on top may need replacing over time. Implants are not immune to gum disease, so maintenance matters.
Questions about your teeth?
Book a check-up. You will hear what we find, the options and the fee before anything is done.