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[Nov 08, 2024, 04:00 AM] Anchored into the jawbone, they also help prevent further bone loss and damage to surrounding teeth, say specialists at Specialist Dental Group
Impaired speech, difficulties in chewing, and loss of bone density in the jaw – these are just some ways that missing teeth can affect one’s daily life.
“Any missing tooth can have a major impact on your quality of life,” says Dr Tan Kian Meng, dental specialist in prosthodontics at Specialist Dental Group. The consequences extend beyond aesthetics, affecting your ability to communicate clearly and enjoy your favourite foods.
Hence, replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining oral and overall health. Tooth replacement restores proper oral function and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting. Dr Tan notes that there are several options, such as traditional removable dentures and dental implants.
Dental implants offer more advantages over traditional dentures. According to Dr Tan, the main reason is that implants are able to function like natural teeth and offer a permanent and fixed solution. Unlike dentures, which may shift during speech or while you’re eating, implants are firmly anchored into the jawbone, providing more stability and comfort.
Dental implants also do not rely on adjacent healthy teeth for support, which means there is no need to alter or damage the surrounding teeth to anchor the implants in place. The implants’ firm integration with the jawbone also prevents further bone loss, a common issue with missing teeth that dentures do not address, adds Dr Tan.
Types of dental implants available
You can choose from a single tooth implant, multiple implants, or full jaw implants, which is a complete set of teeth supported by a minimum of four dental implants. Knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and dental health.
- Single tooth implants
These are often recommended for patients with just one missing tooth. Dr Tan explains: “The procedure replaces the lost tooth and its root while leaving the neighbouring teeth unaffected.”
In such cases, a dental crown placed on a dental implant is an ideal option, with the implant serving as a stable foundation. “The crown is attached to the implant and matches the shade and contour of your natural teeth, so no one can tell the difference,” he adds.
- Multiple implants
These can support bridges or removable dentures. Dr Tan notes: “Bridges on implants, where two implants replace three missing teeth, and removable implant overdentures supported by two or more dental implants are options available for these cases.”
- Full jaw implants
For patients who have lost many teeth or do not have enough bone in their jaw to support regular dental implants, a full set of teeth replacement might be needed. In these cases, a minimum of four implants may be recommended.
Dr Tan says this method reduces the need for bone grafting. He explains: “This method utilises four or more dental implants to support a complete set of teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics within a shorter timeframe.”
The choice of dental implant brand can also impact the overall outcome, says Dr Tan.
At Specialist Dental Group, patients can choose from various dental implant brands, including Anthogyr. Established in 1947, Anthogyr utilises medical-grade titanium alloy, known for its strength, biocompatibility, and durability.
What to consider when opting for dental implants
Health matters: According to Dr Tan Kian Meng, dental specialist in prosthodontics at Specialist Dental Group, “good health is a primary deciding factor” in determining suitability for the procedure.
Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer and severe gum disease can affect the suitability of having dental implants. It is important to discuss your medical history and any medications you are currently taking with your dental specialist to ensure the best possible outcome.
The right age: “Typically, dental implants are not placed in children or teenagers under 18 years old as their jawbones have not fully developed,” says Dr Tan. However, dental implants are suitable for adults of all ages, including older individuals. Dr Tan also points out that “there is no maximum age for the placement of dental implants – indeed, one of our most senior patients was almost a century old”.
Work with a specialist: Expertise also matters when choosing who will perform the procedure. Dr Tan emphasises that “dental specialists have advanced training, giving them the experience of handling complex cases”.
Dental specialists undergo rigorous training and are assessed by the Dental Specialists Accreditation Board under the Ministry of Health before receiving their credentials.
What to expect during the dental implant procedure
During the initial consultation for dental implants, your dental specialist will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your overall dental health and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
“People who grind their teeth at night must also undertake a careful evaluation with their dental specialist to prevent premature damage to their dental implant crown,” says Dr Tan.
Dr Tan says that “thanks to the availability of various anaesthetic options, most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure”. There is also an option for intravenous sedation.
The timing of dental implant placement depends on the condition of the extraction site. Dr Tan says dental implants can either be placed immediately after a tooth extraction, six to eight weeks later, or after a delayed period of three to six months to allow the site to fully heal.
“The decision is based on clinical and radiographic assessments,” he says, with factors such as bone availability and aesthetic considerations also influencing the timing. Once the implant is placed, a healing period of about three months is generally required for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Temporary crowns may be used during this period to maintain functionality and appearance.
After surgery, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine with regular dental check-ups every six months to monitor the health of your implants and address any potential issues early on.
In addition to good oral hygiene, lifestyle factors can also influence the long-term durability of your dental implants. Dr Tan advises against heavy alcohol consumption, smoking and poor diet choices that could lead to poor health, uncontrolled diabetes, and oral infection. These factors can interfere with the implant integration process and its long-term durability.
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Specialist Dental Group (SDG) is an award-winning specialty dental practice located at Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard) and Gleneagles Medical Centre. Established since 1979, the company’s team of 13 dental specialists/dental surgeons covers 6 specialty areas of dentistry and have a collective experience of more than 200 years.
TSD Dental Group (TSD) is a group of dental clinics serving the heartland areas of Tampines, Hougang, Yishun and Choa Chu Kang. The team of 18 qualified and experienced dentists provide a range of general and specialty dental services.
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For media queries, please contact:
Ms Jolene Lee, Business Affairs, Specialist Dental Group
Tel: (65) 6733 7883 | Email: jolene@specialistdentalgroup.com
