1) Are dental implants safe? How long can it last in my mouth?

Ans: Dental implants are generally safe and do not pose much risk to patients. They are made of titanium which is traditionally used in hip and knee replacement surgeries. Many of the older implant designs, introduced in the early 1960s are still functioning well in patients worldwide.

2) What are mini implants? Are they better than conventional implants?

Ans: Mini implants are smaller diameter implants as compared to the conventional sizes of "3.75mm, 4.3mm". They are usually less than 3mm in diameter and are used generally as transitional fixtures.

3) How long does it take to do a dental implant?

Ans: Restoring missing teeth with dental implants require 2 stages. Firstly, a surgery is needed to insert the dental implant into the gums. The dental implant is left undisturbed for a period of 2 to 3 months for healing to take place. A second procedure is then performed to connect an abutment to the dental implant followed by fabrication of a dental crown over the abutment.

4) My dentist told me that I have insufficient bone to have my missing tooth replaced by a dental implant. What should I do?

Ans: Bone grafting procedures to augment the deficient bone can be considered as a possible solution. However, bone grafting requires a surgery and usually increases the treatment duration, costs and morbidity of the patient. Alternatively, other replacement options like dentures and dental bridges can be considered.

5) Can I use my Medisave to claim for my implant surgery?

Ans: In Singapore, citizens can claim a proportion of their implant surgery from their Medisave accounts. Please check that the dental clinic you are with is a Medisave approved healthcare institution.