For a dental specialist, choosing the right type of dental implant for each patient is not a straightforward procedure.
This month, we sat down with T32 prosthodontic specialist, Dr Valerie Tey Hwee Shinn, to learn more about the factors involved when choosing the right type of dental implant and how we can better our decision as an implant patient.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
Dental implants are very flexible and can be used in various ways. You can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or even all your teeth with implants. That being said, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need one implant for every missing tooth!
As few as two implants can support a removable lower denture, and four implants can provide a full, permanent set of top or bottom teeth. The suitability of these choices will depend on the configuration of your missing teeth, site specific bone factors, and general health.
What are the factors that you consider when assessing a patient on suitable implant solutions?
Some of the main factors taken into consideration include:
- General health and medical conditions
- Bone quality and quantity
There will also be specific considerations relating to the individual. These include his or her preferences and amenability of other treatment options.
Is there an age limit to get dental implants?
No, there is no age limit!
Rather than age, overall health is the key determinant. We frequently have patients in their 70s and 80s seeking and receiving dental implant treatment from us. To know whether you are suitable for dental implants, we highly advise that you get assessed at a trusted dental clinic.
How do I care for dental implants?
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. Along with daily brushing and flossing, you will also need to go for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
Although tooth implants will never decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected if they are not properly cared for. Adequately maintained dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime.
How do I choose a dental implant?
When choosing a dental implant, it is important to choose a trusted brand with a good track record. The brand should be backed by quality research and development and have robust research studies that evaluate and support its performance.
Some implant brands do provide warranty coverage so make sure to ask the dental professional about it. Although how long dental implant lasts will depend on whether the patient takes proper care of it, knowing what is covered by warranty can provide you a peace of mind.
With a trusted implant brand, you will also need a trained dental professional whom you can trust to carry out your dental implant treatment.
About Dr Valerie Tey Hwee Shinn
Dr Valerie Tey Hwee Shinn graduated with a Bachelor in Dental Surgery degree and a Masters in Dental Surgery (Prosthodontics), both from the National University of Singapore.
Dr Tey is accredited as a Specialist in Prosthodontics registered with the Singapore Dental Council. She also obtained her Membership in Prosthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
While her research interests lie in the field of dental implants, she has extensive practical experience in all areas of Restorative dentistry. Dr Tey’s clinical interests include, but are not limited to, oral and full mouth rehabilitation through dental implants, crowns and bridges, and dentures, as well as smile enhancement procedures.
Choosing T32 Dental for Your Implant Treatment
At T32 Dental, we put our hearts into your smile.
With a dedicated implant team and our own digital dental lab, our implant centre aims to provide you with the highest quality of care. Contact us for a consultation with our implant specialists today.