10 things to consider before having dental implants

by | June 12, 2013

Dental implants can be a heaven-sent for those with missing teeth, however, there are some points to take note.

 

BY: Dr Ang Chee Wan

 

For those with missing teeth, dental implants can bring back the joy of simple activities such as eating and chewing food with ease and comfort. It also protects against damage to adjacent teeth.

The treatment process begins with an examination and treatment planning to determine if the foundation is suitable to receive an implant. Thereafter is the implant placement, where a titanium-alloy implant is inserted without load for a healing period of two to three months. The final stage involves the placement of the crown over the implant, which is made to match to the neighbouring teeth as close as possible to achieve a good aesthetic outcome.

So before you consider having such a procedure, here are 10 things to keep in mind:

 

1. Don’t rush into implant treatment – Implant treatment requires careful planning and thorough discussion between the patient and specialist, which requires time. During the discussion, find out if there are other options that don’t require implants.

 

2. Discuss if technology will be used to ensure the safety of implant treatment – There are many technological advances that can be applied to ensure that the implant treatment is safe. These include low-dose, in-office 3D CT scan to avoid placement of implants into nerves and other important structures.
• Low-dose radiation is also important and the latest digital X-ray machines produce lower dose of radiation compared to older machines.
• Computer planning software can be used to better predict the final outcome of the implant treatment even before the surgery.
• Lasers can be used for certain procedures to reduce post-op discomfort.
• Microscope and fine instruments can also be helpful in reducing post-op discomfort.

 

3. Discuss the implant brand and type of crown material to be used – Reputable implant manufacturers produce components that have been tested in research and have been functioning for decades. Hence, patients should always choose implant components from reputable implant manufacturers that have a long history because these components have stood the test of time. Also keep in mind that some materials used for the crown are stronger and should be used in the back teeth. However, some materials are more aesthetically appealing and should be used in the front teeth.

 

4. Take time to discuss if the bone, gum and other teeth are healthy enough for implants to be placed – The specialist should check if the bone, gum and other teeth are healthy enough before implant treatment. If the bone and gum at the implant site are not healthy or sufficient, addition of bone and gum may be required. Only by doing that, can the implants be safely placed to ensure their longevity. The patient’s other teeth and gums should not be infected. If decay and gum infections are not treated first, the infection can spread to the implants.

 

5. Find out if the dentist has relevant post-graduate qualifications – Implant training is not done in most undergraduate programmes. Some structured post-graduate training in implant dentistry is necessary. Regular attendance of lectures and hands-on course is also important for constant upgrading of the specialist’s skills and knowledge.

 

6. Ask to see before and after photos of work performed by the dentist – These photos will provide an idea of the possible final outcome and can be used to gauge the dentist’s experience in the specific clinical situation.

 

7. Discuss the cost of treatment after you have thoroughly understood the various treatment options – After a comprehensive examination and discussion of the various treatment options, find out the reason for the high- or low-cost of treatment. Difference in implant brands, materials used and the specialist’s skills and experience will account for the difference in treatment fees.

 

8. Be aware of potential failure of implants – As with all procedures in medicine and dentistry, not all implant procedures will be fail-proof. In general, the success rate of implants is about 90 percent to 95 percent.

 

9. Discuss the post-treatment maintenance regime – After the completion of the implant treatment, there should be a plan for the maintenance of the implant and the teeth. Implants function just like natural teeth, and like natural teeth, infections can occur around the implants if they are not regularly checked and cleaned.

 

10. Seek a second- or third-opinion if in doubt – Always seek a second- or third-opinion because different specialists may be able to provide different options for consideration.

 

Dr Ang Chee Wan is a dental specialist in periodontics. He is a clinical director at T32 Dental Centre and a visiting faculty at the National University of Singapore. This article first appeared on T32 Dental Centre’s website and it has been updated with permission.

 

(** PHOTO CREDIT: T32 Dental Centre)


 

33 Comments

  1. Stephen Teng

    Any difference/advantage btw mini & normal implants, other than the costs?

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks, Stephen for your comment. I will check with Dr Ang on your query.

      Reply
  2. Dr Ang Chee Wan

    Hi Stephen,
    Thank you for your question. Mini-implants are US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved to retain lower full dentures and to replace lower front teeth. They have smaller diameters compared to conventional implants. Hence, their strength is lower compared to conventional implants and may not be able to support molars and premolars. Also, with smaller diameters, they have food trap when used to replace bigger teeth such as molars.

    Reply
    • Stephen Teng

      I see. Tks.

      Reply
  3. Yeun Tay

    I am thinking of extracting my lower left 2nd premolar and 1st molar which had done Root canal treatment (1 is completed, 1 half done) many years ago, replacing them with implants (or mini implants). Is mini implants getting more better/reliable since year 2013?

    Please advise which is a best option (or any other feasible options for long term?), the cost for implants (or mini implants), and much can be deducted through my Medisave? Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thank you for your comment, Yeun. I have since e-mailed the dental clinic to see if they can answer your query.

      Reply
      • agelessadmin

        Hi, Yeun, I have e-mailed you their reply as they responded.

        Reply
  4. Dr. Sachin P. Desai

    You have described good points on dental implants. Everyone should consider these guidelines before choosing dental implant treatment.

    Reply
  5. Susie Chia

    Dear Dr Ang,
    Thank you for the valuable pointers with regard to tooth implants. The cost can vary from $3K-$6K; which may be attributable to the different implant materials used. As a layman, we would not have any knowledge as to who the reputable implant manufacturers are as mentioned in your write-up. Would appreciate if you list out a few implant manufacturers for both the implants and the crowning materials so that we would be able to make a fair comparison.
    Also, what is your take on allowing post-graduate students to perform the tooth implant. Fully appreciated that they will be guided by a specialist, are there any risks and benefits that we have to consider? Thank you.

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks, Susie for your comment. I have queried the centre and waiting for a response. When I get it, I will e-mail you directly.

      Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Sorry Susie for the late reply. Here is the response from Dr Ang: “Thank you for your enquiries. There are some reputable manufacturers who have been around for more than 30 years. Your dentist will be able to provide some recommendations during your consultation visit. There are many materials available for fabrication of crowns. Newer materials like zirconia are strong and is metal-free. These materials cost more and hence the total cost for implant treatment will be higher as a result. Even for metal-based materials, there are gold containing materials (which cost more) and there are also non-gold containing materials (lower cost). Gold containing materials produce crowns that have a better fit compared to non-gold containing materials. Hence, it is better to use zirconia or gold containing materials for fabrication of crowns.

      Having implants done by post-graduate students in NUS is a safe option. The procedures will be supervised by specialists. The implants used in NUS are from reputable implant manufacturers and the materials used for fabrication of crowns are either zirconia or gold-containing materials.

      I hope the information provided will be useful in helping you decide on the treatment of choice.”

      Reply
  6. hani yunos

    I want to have implant coz few of my tooth has drop of need to asked few more question tks

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Hi, Hani, what questions do you have?

      Reply
  7. Belle

    Hi good day what is the cost of implant per tooth in upper front area. Thanks

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks, Belle, for your query. You might want to e-mail the dental centre directly on this at: t32@t32dental.com.

      Reply
  8. Jing

    Hi, thank you for the very informative checklist. I just had my lower molar tooth tooth extracted because the endodontist suspected that there is a hairline crack on the tooth (probably due to grinding of teeth at night) and he won’t attempt root canal.

    Could you share how the habit of teeth grinding affects the choices a tooth implant? Also are there other signs to look out for to know for sure whether I do grind or clench my teeth at night? My husband says he doesn’t hear my grinding my teeth while asleep.

    Are Korean brand implants cheaper? If yes, are they included in the reputable brands?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks Jing for your comment, I have e-mailed the dental centre on this and waiting for a response back.

      Reply
  9. Steven Ang

    Where is Dr. Ang’s clinic?
    Pls provide address

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks, Steven for your comment, I have e-mailed you on this already.

      Reply
  10. Jewel

    Hi,
    I think some private dentists just make use of patients ignorance and just do whatever they feel like. I want Dr Ang’s address too for my Friend who got her root canal done and then she was supposed to get her crown done and her gums started to bleed and now her two minuscule root canal tooth which was scraped shorter got chipped off . Some dentists want to make good money in Singapore huh !

    But they forget their karma is also time bound lah !

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks, Jewel, I have already answered your e-mail directly.

      Reply
  11. Irene Fujimori

    Hi,
    I have Rheumatoid Arthritis for 15 years now.
    Is it safe to opt for tooth implant?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks, Irene, for your comment. I have e-mailed you directly.

      Reply
      • Irene Fujimori

        To Agelessadmin
        Thank you.
        Could you re-send me a reply again.
        I am sorry,I didnt get your email.
        Sorry for the incovenience caused.

        Reply
        • agelessadmin

          Hi, Irene, I sent to the e-mail and it bounced back. Please contact the clinic directly through e-mail to get your query answered. Thank you.

          Reply
  12. Mrs Soh

    Hi, is there any risk for psoriasis person doing dental implant? What is the sucessful rate?

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks for your query Mrs Soh, I have e-mailed you directly on this.

      Reply
  13. Chua hock hua

    Hi ! Since implant are costly, why dont the dentistry of Singapore allow or have-some kind of instalment plans for patients tight Budget .Not every patients could afford or have CPF decucted in full amount (like 22 k or more for an full arch) Believed it will improve the dentistry industries practices too . Lastly I do believe it will be a flourish business in future.

    Thank u

    Reply
  14. James Ho

    Dear Dr.Ang,

    I had my 1st molar extracted this morning at NDC due crack. I enquired about the implant at NDC, The cost range from $5.5k to $6.5. I did google on the other clinics, Some charge as low as $2000, and Medisave claimable up to $1250. Why is there such a big gap in cost?

    Reply
    • agelessadmin

      Thanks for your comment. I will let Dr Ang know you have a query.

      Reply
  15. Stella

    Hello, I would like to have zicornia implants but my dentist says that I have not enough bone density for the zicornia….

    Reply
  16. Lloyd Bronson

    My mother told me that she was looking to get dental implants because she has been losing teeth with age. I found it beneficial when you brought up how it was important to gauge a dental professional’s work by seeing before and after photos of their job. I’ll look into contacting a dentist who can give her mini implants, as the gaps are not too serious.

    Reply

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