Dental Implants

Dentistry is no longer a sunset profession. Every couple of years, something truly new or even revolutionary emerges in the field of implant dentistry. More and more, these replacement teeth are becoming as good as the real thing. In fact, they are getting better than the real thing. Even though implants are vulnerable to gum problems, they are even more firmly anchored in bone than natural teeth and your implants will never require any root canal treatment as they have no pulpal liabilities.

In the more developed countries, patients have sued their dentists for not offering implants as an alternative. Indeed, implants can be superior to other forms of treatment like dentures and bridges. The failure to offer and suggest implants is seen as a disservice to the patient. Yes, we do get patients asking about implants every now and then. However, it’s going to take quite a while before the general population in Singapore learns that implants are not just a more expensive treatment option pushed by dentists for economic reasons only.

At the other end of the spectrum, are patients or even dentists who are “advertisement-educated”. Information they received is often biased or hyped. This may result in problems for both patients and dentists. It’s a long learning curve for dentists and patients alike. Experience and scepticism make all the difference.