You might not need dental implants

Book an appointment with Dr Gerald Tan to find out more about your suitability for dental implants as a teeth replacement option.

    Do I really need dental implants or can my natural teeth be saved?

    Ask Dr Gerald Tan for general advice or send us an enquiry here

    What are dental implants?

    Dental implants are a long-term and permanent teeth replacement option. They can help you chew properly, smile without embarrassment and support removable dentures. 

     

    How do I know whether dental implants are really for me?

    Missing Teeth

    Missing teeth can cause tilting and/or severe wear of remaining teeth. It can also cause bite imbalances, bite shifting or bite collaspe.

    missing-teeth-elite-dental-group

    Teeth Replacement Needed

    There might be instances where teeth cannot be salvaged. This might be a result of several reasons such as, accidental injury, severe cracks, severe decay, severe gum disease or a failed root canal treatment procedure.

    gap-in-teeth-elite-dental-group

    Unable to Chew Properly

    In some cases, it is possible that you have removable dentures on and that you feel that they are uncomfortable and unstable.

    You might not be able to chew properly or have the confidence to smile.

    replace-removable-dentures-elite-dental-group

    Dental Implant Costs

    Dental Implants - Elite Dental Group

    Dental Implants Brands

    Dental Implants
    Cost Breakdown

    dental-implant-elite-dental-group

    Dental Surgeon Fees

    Lab Costs

    Implant Materials

    Operation Complexity

     

    Detailed Diagnosis

    Extensive Treatment planning

     

    Are you in good hands?

    How do I have peace of mind?

    Find an experienced dental surgeon

    An experienced dental surgeon will advise you against procedures that are not suitable for you. They will be able to give you well-balanced advice that is tailored to your unique circumstances and concerns. 

    Ask about the treatment process

    Find out whether the dental implant process is suitable for your lifestyle and timeline. Your overall health, budget and concerns are taken into consideration. 

    Ask for previous case studies during the consultation

    Previous dental implants work done is always the best way to determine the capabilities of the dental surgeon. A surgeon who is able to handle complications will be able to help navigate your dental implant surgery calmly.

    Look for previous patient testimonials

    Reading the testimonials of many satisfied genuine patients could help you come to a reasonable conclusion about the level of professionalism and reputation of the dental implant surgeon. 

    Why choose Elite Dental Group?

    We do not recommend unnecessary procedures.

    We give balanced and measured treatment advice.

    We combine digital technology with the artistry of craftsmanship.

    We believe in detailed informed consent where all potential downsides and alternative options are explained.

    We believe in minimal invasiveness in all our treatment planning.

    We are trained to work with severe dental fear, phobia and anxiety.

    We will always work to meet your budget and unique circumstances and needs.

    We always endeavour to make your dental implant experience is as comfortable as possible.

    Elite Dental Group has served more than 8,500 patients since 2013, and is committed to offering an ethical, professional and comfortable dental experience.

    A Consultation With Dr Gerald Tan

    Dr Gerald Tan, Dental Surgeon at Elite Dental Group

    B.D.S (Singapore)

    F.R.A.C.D.S. (Australia)

    M.J.D.F.R.C.S. (England)

    GRAD. DIP. DENTAL IMPLANTOLOGY (Singapore)

    Dr Gerald Tan has more than 21 years of experience performing dental implant surgery on simple to complex cases.

    Non-obligatory consultation 

    Detailed consultation, assessment and diagnosis

    Treatment planning and informed consent

    Showcase of previous dental implants work during consultation

    Transparent financial counselling

    Treatment scheduling that works with your availability

    Step 1: Detailed consultation

    A detailed professional examination and consultation with us typically involves a physical examination, 2D and 3D Dental X-rays, intra-oral digital scans and high-res dental photography to determine the current state of your oral health and to start a discussion about your suitability for dental implant treatment.

    A detailed discussion about your dental history, medical history and overall health, drug allergies, medications that you may be taking as well as a deep understanding of your concerns, values and preferences will be taken into account.

    We then end off with a diagnosis of your dental condition and a formulation of treatment plan options and suggestions. 

    Step 3: Transparent Financial Counselling

    We are committed to being upfront with our patients about professional fees so that misunderstandings are prevented. 

    Financial consent and information will always have to be agreed upon prior to the commencement of any treatment with a clear description of any potential hidden fees.

    Interest free payment schemes, Medisave,CHAS and government subsidies, corporate insurance claims, hospitalization or personal accidental insurance claims and a myriad of other payment options will also be discussed with you.

    This is to ensure that you can afford the treatment that you need and would benefit from. 

    Step 2: Treatment Plan and Informed Consent

    Treatment plan options and suggestions will be discussed with you, to cater to your unique needs and budget. You will be advised on the pros and cons of the treatment, as well as treatment alternatives.

    The intended benefits of any treatment option suggestion will also be discussed with you, as well as a discussion about success and failure rates, rare and common complications that could occur with any procedure, and what to do if such complications do occur.

    All this is necessary so that you can make the most informed decision about how to proceed. 

    Step 4: Appointment Scheduling

    Our patient experience specialists will then take into account your schedule , work and family commitments and travel plans to ensure that your dental appointments with us are managed in the most efficient manner.

    We understand that life gets busy, and receiving dental care with convenient scheduling is something that all of our patients would appreciate.

    Still interested in dental implants?

    Book an appointment with Dr Gerald Tan to find out more about your suitability for dental implants as a teeth replacement option.

      Book an appointment with Dr Gerald Tan

      FAQ

      How do I know whether I am suitable for dental implants?

      Dental implants are suitable for you if you meet the following conditions:

      • No presence of active and uncontrolled gum disease or active dental decay
      • Are a healthy individual with no uncontrolled acute systemic disease
      • Have adequate bone and thickness of gums in the area that you intend to place dental implants
      • Do not have an unstable bite
      • Are not taking long-term medications for chronic disease management or blood thinning medication.

      If you are taking long term medications for chronic disease management, or blood thinning medication, your medical physician will have to clear you for dental implant surgery with all the necessary precautions

      We highly recommend heading to an experienced dental surgeon for a proper professional consultation to evaluate your suitability for the dental implants procedure.

      What influences the cost of dental implants?

      The cost of dental implant treatment is often influenced by the following factors:

      • The skill and experience of the dentist or dental specialist
      • The reputation of the dentist or dental specialist 
      • Whether or not the dental professional has received post-graduate training and qualifications ( specifically in dental implantology)  
      • Whether the dental surgeon and the supporting clinical team is trained to meet the needs of the patient looking for dental implants
      • The complexity of the dental implant case
      • The brand of dental implants used during the procedure
      • The material of the dental implant ( titanium vs ceramic implants)
      • The quality of the dental laboratory used to fabricate the dental implant prosthesis and the cost of such materials
      • Whether or not advanced technology such as computer guided surgical planning and plasma activation of dental implants are employed
      • Whether or not there is sedation such as IV sedation or GA sedation needed
      • Whether or not there is a need for bone grafting, gum grafting or sinus lifting either before or during the dental implant procedure
      • The geographical location of the dental practice

      The dental implant procedure often requires careful and detailed clinical examination, diagnosis and treatment planning. This also means that technical skill and expertise is needed to ensure that this advanced procedure goes smoothly. 

      As such, the cost of dental implant treatment is very often more expensive than other basic dental procedures.

      How much do dental implants typically cost?

      The costs of dental implants can range from SGD2,000 – SGD6,000 before Medisave subsidy. The costs can vary depending on the following factors:

      • How experienced the dental surgeon is
      • How complex the dental implant case is
      • The brand and material of the implant used

      Dental implants can be a huge financial decision, especially when multiple dental implants are required.

      Before splurging on dental implants, it might be wise to book a consultation to find out whether you are suitable for dental implants.

      Is there a dental implant specialist that I can go to?

      Globally, there is no such thing as a dental implant specialist.

      There is no dental implant specialist in Singapore or anywhere else in the world.

      There are however, dental surgeons or dental specialists who have additional training or have gone for rigorous two-years postgrad implantology training from the Faculty of Dentistry, NUS.

      Dental surgeons or specialists who complete the program obtain post graduate qualifications in Dental implantology that is displayable and registrable with the Singapore Dental Council as proof of higher training in Dental implant therapy. 

      In addition, a dental surgeon can attend a myriad of short dental implant training courses/lectures, hands-on workshops and conferences to keep up to date in the latest developments in the field. These trainings act as a form of continual dental education and training.

      It is interesting to note that the Singapore Dental Council does not recognize the vast majority of such short post grad dental implant courses as a registrable additional qualification

      Dental implantology and dental implant surgery is not recognized as a dental specialty anywhere in the world for reasons too complex to explain in this short article. 

      In Singapore, the current law allows for ANY qualified dental surgeon to perform dental implant surgery. This is regardless of age, experience and post graduate training of the dental surgeon. Therefore, a fresh dental graduate could legally perform dental implant surgery for a patient, if he or she simply feels confident enough to do so (presuming informed consent has been taken properly)

      To find a dental surgeon who can fit your needs and requirements, it is highly recommended to do the following:

      • Look out for the qualifications of the dental surgeon. Has the dental surgeon undergone training to do dental implants?
      • Look out for the post- graduate qualifications of the dental surgeon. Has the dental surgeon undergone advanced training in dental implantology?
      • Look out for the experience of the dental surgeon. Has the dental surgeon been performing implant surgery for months or years?
      • Ask for previous dental implants cases that the dental surgeon has performed. Do they meet your expectations?

      Dental implant surgery should not be taken lightly. A good dental implant surgeon will be able to guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the care and long term final results that you expect, with as little long term maintenance headaches as possible.

      How long does the dental implant procedure take?

      The duration of the dental implant procedure is dependent on the complexity of the procedure. The procedure is tailored to the unique needs of the patient. 

      For a simple routine dental implant surgery that is uncomplicated, is computer guided, and does not require any grafting, the surgery can be as quick as 15 minutes (in experienced hands)! 

       This could be even quicker than going for dental scaling and polishing in some cases!

      How long do dental implants last?

      Your dental implants are designed and created to be a permanent teeth replacement solution.

      However, while the implant itself is designed to be permanent, the crown that is attached to it might need to be replaced from normal wear and tear. The lifespan will depend on the following factors:

      •  Your overall oral hygiene
      • Whether or not you are disciplined with regular maintenance visits to your dental implant surgeon
      • Your consumption and chewing habits. For example, patients who suffer from bruxism could experience more dental implant prosthesis wear and tear and prosthesis complications)

        Can I remove my mini dental implants for dental implants?

        Yes, it is possible to remove your mini dental implants if they have failed. Failed mini dental implants can be due to the following reasons:

          • Surgical incompetence or suboptimal clinical indications and treatment planning
          • Severe gum infection around the mini implant
          • Unsuccessful osseointegration around the mini implant
          • Too much biting forces and stress subjected onto the mini  implant
          • Mini-implant supported prosthesis being designed and fabricated in a sub-optimal manner

          If you suspect that your mini dental implants have failed, book a consultation with us to address them as soon as possible.

          Untreated infections around failed mini-implants could cause bone destruction and spread to neighboring teeth. 

          How do I book an appointment with Elite Dental Group?

          You can book a non-obligatory professional consultation with Dr Gerald Tan at Elite Dental Group via our clinic number or through our WhatsApp.

          All enquiries and booking appointments will be responded to within 24 hours.

          After a detailed physical and radiographic examination and consultation, Dr Tan will explain to you the following:

          1. Intended benefits of any suggested treatment plan option
          2. Common and rare complications that could occur with treatment, and how to manage these complications should they occur.
          3. Pros and cons of any alternative treatment options.
          4. Financial considerations and fees, including any potential hidden costs and interest free payment plan options
          5. Medisave as well as any dental insurance or personal accident insurance considerations
          6. Considerations to your general health and overall well-being 

          Only then will you be able to make an informed and transparent decision of which treatment plan option would be most suitable for you and what you value most.

          Can I use insurance or Medisave for my dental implants treatment?

          Yes you can!

          You are able to claim Medisave for up to SGD1,250 per tooth. To view the terms and conditions, find out more here.

          Should you be on a corporate dental plan, do let us know so that we can advise you on the maximum amount of claims you can file for.

          Elite Dental Group also accepts corporate flexi-payments. To find out more about the payment modes that we accept, check out this page or drop us a WhatsApp text.

          Find Us

          Contact Information:

           

          Opening Hours:

          Mondays – Fridays: 9am – 6pm
          Saturdays: 9am – 1pm

          • Closed on Saturday Afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays
          • Closed on certain pre-set days per year for Team Training and Skills Upgrading.

           

          Elite Dental Group Pte Ltd

          1 Grange Rd Orchard Building
          #12-03, Singapore (239693)
          Located near Somerset MRT