Training children to practice good oral hygiene is challenging. Every parent can relate to this. There is no doubt that this has been each mom or dad’s rallying cry since the day their baby sprouted their first tooth.
Developing a habit of regularly brushing and flossing the teeth among children will take effort and persistence. When the child is only told what to do without knowing the consequences behind the failure of doing this habit, then chances are they would never come around to doing so and probably end up losing most, if not all, of their teeth. It is okay for them to lose baby teeth, but it is definitely a different story when the permanent teeth fall off.
Losing permanent teeth can bring problems to one’s health. Not only that, it can also have an effect on a person’s confidence, especially if the lost ones are part of the front teeth. Gaps will certainly be obvious, affecting your child’s smile or, in some cases, the way they speak.
Unfortunately, there is no more replacement waiting underneath the gums for missing permanent teeth. If your child struggles with the loss of a permanent tooth, you would be glad to know that there is a possible solution for that.
The article you are reading discusses information about tooth implant and its cost in Singapore. Dental Designs is a provider of this dental service and in this post they tackle questions that parents usually ask when searching for solutions to replace their teen’s fallen teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tooth Implants
What is tooth implant?
Tooth or dental implants are frames or posts made of metal that are embedded through surgery into the jawbone underneath the gums. Once installed successfully, a replacement tooth can be attached onto them.
Is my child a qualified candidate for a tooth implant?
The answer to this question is very important for parents to keep in mind. Getting tooth implant for your child or teenager will have to be put off until their jaws have reached full development. The growth of the jaws is completed between the age of 13 and 15 for females, while for males between the age of 16 and 18. However, this may not be exact for everyone as development differs per person. Your doctor can give a more accurate advice whether your child’s jawbone can be operated on and be embedded with a tooth implant or not.
What can possibly happen if my child gets tooth implant with an underdeveloped jaw?
Complications can arise if a child gets a tooth implant prior to the complete development of their jaw. The reason behind this is, as the face continues to develop certain changes happen that will affect the positioning of an implanted tooth. The jaw may either arc going forward, upward, or downward as it develops. At the same time, during the growth period, the areas surrounding the teeth, such as bone, ligaments, and tissues, shift around. With an implanted tooth stuck in place, it is unable to adapt to the change happening around it. As a result, the implant will be left behind and may end up shrinking or receding, which can look unappealing.
How much does a tooth implant cost in Singapore?
The cost of a tooth implant in Singapore varies and highly depends on whether your child gets a traditional tooth implant or a mini dental implant. For traditional tooth implant, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 to $15,000. Mini tooth implants cost cheaper with price ranging from $700 to $1,500.
Why does a traditional tooth implant cost so much?
Getting a tooth implant is not a simple procedure like pulling a bad tooth out of the mouth. It actually involves a lot of factors that contribute to its cost, such as:
- Doctor’s consultation
- Laboratory fees
- Tests (X-ray, CT Scan)
- Tooth implant crown
- Tooth implant surgery, including anaesthesia fees
- Medical prescriptions
- Other dental procedures, when needed (bone grafting, tooth models, surgical guides, sinus lifting, etc.)
Is there a way to minimise the cost of a tooth implant procedure?
Fortunately, there is a way to minimise the total amount you need to pay for your child’s tooth implant procedure. This is through Medisave. Tooth implants cost can be reduced by claiming a maximum of $1,250 for a single tooth implant procedure and up to $7,500 for 8 implants. Do note, however, that it is not an assurance that the amount filed for reimbursement will be approved by the Ministry of Health.
Are there other alternatives to replace my child’s missing tooth in case they are not yet qualified to undergo a tooth implant procedure?
If your child’s jaw is still underdeveloped, then you can opt to choose a partial denture or a bonded bridge as an alternative to replace their missing tooth or teeth.
Dental Designs
120 Telok Ayer St,
Singapore 068589
+65 6221 8284
