Dental implants in Bedok

At Happy Tooth Dental in Bedok Central, Dr Patricia Ong (BDSc, University of Melbourne) plans and places dental implants and fits the final teeth herself. We offer single tooth implants, implant bridges and implant-supported dentures, with bone grafting in the clinic when it is needed.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone. Once the bone has healed around it, a connector and a crown are fitted on top, so the new tooth is fixed in place and does not need to be removed for cleaning.

Implants do not rely on the neighbouring teeth for support, so those teeth do not need to be filed down, as they would for a conventional bridge.

Implant options at Happy Tooth Dental

Single tooth implant

One implant and one crown to replace a single missing tooth.

Implant bridge

Two or more implants support a bridge to replace several missing teeth in a row, without using your natural teeth as supports.

Implant-supported denture

A denture that clips onto implants, so it stays steady when you eat and speak. This can suit people who have lost most or all of their teeth, or whose dentures feel loose.

Bone grafting

If there is not enough bone to hold an implant, Dr Ong can add bone graft material in the clinic, either at the same visit as the implant or beforehand. This may add some time to your treatment.

Is a dental implant suitable for you?

Most adults with a missing tooth can be considered for an implant. Dr Ong will check:

• the health of your gums and remaining teeth
• whether there is enough bone, or whether a bone graft is needed
• your general health, including conditions such as diabetes and any medicines you take
• whether you smoke, as smoking slows healing

An implant is not the only way to replace a tooth. Dr Ong will also explain other options, such as a bridge or a denture, so you can choose what suits you.

Why see Dr Patricia Ong for dental implants

Your dental implant treatment, step by step

1. Consultation and X-ray

Dr Ong examines your mouth and takes an X-ray in the clinic to check the bone and the space for the implant.

2. Treatment plan and cost

She explains the options, the steps, the timeline, the cost and how much Medisave can cover. You decide when you are ready.

3. Implant placement

Under local anaesthetic, Dr Ong places the implant in the jawbone. If a bone graft is needed, it may be done at the same visit or beforehand.

4. Healing

The bone grows around the implant over the next few months. If the gap is visible when you smile, Dr Ong will discuss options for a temporary tooth.

5. Your new tooth is fitted

Once healing is complete, Dr Ong fits the crown, bridge or denture on the implant. The whole process usually takes about 3 to 6 months.

6. Regular reviews

Regular check-ups and cleaning help keep the implant and the gum around it healthy.

After implant surgery

• Some swelling and soreness for a few days is normal.
• Eat soft food and chew on the other side until Dr Ong advises otherwise.
• Take any medicine exactly as prescribed.
• Avoid smoking, as it slows healing.
• Once the final tooth is fitted, brush twice a day and clean around the implant with floss or small interdental brushes.

Contact us if you have bleeding that does not stop, pain that gets worse after a few days, fever, or swelling that keeps spreading. Call 6441 1882 or WhatsApp 8181 1755 during clinic hours. Outside clinic hours, go to the nearest A&E if symptoms are severe.

Cost and Medisave

The cost depends on how many implants you need, whether a bone graft is needed, and whether the final tooth is a crown, bridge or denture. Dr Ong will explain the full cost after your consultation and X-ray, before any treatment begins.

Medisave can be used for the surgical part of implant treatment, subject to MOH withdrawal limits. Our team will explain which parts can be claimed and help with the paperwork.

Dental implants: frequently asked questions

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some soreness for a few days afterwards is normal, and Dr Ong will advise you on pain relief.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

Usually about 3 to 6 months from placing the implant to fitting the final tooth. It can take longer if a bone graft is needed first.

Can I use Medisave for dental implants?

Yes, for the surgical part of the treatment, subject to MOH withdrawal limits. Happy Tooth Dental is a Medisave-accredited clinic, and our team will help with your claim.

How long do dental implants last?

With good brushing, cleaning around the implant and regular check-ups, implants can last many years. Smoking and gum disease can shorten their life.

What if I do not have enough bone?

Dr Ong can often add bone with a bone graft in the clinic, either before or at the same time as the implant. She will explain this after looking at your X-ray.

Am I too old for a dental implant?

Age alone is usually not a barrier. What matters more is your general health, your gums and the bone in your jaw.

Should I choose an implant, a bridge or a denture?

Each has advantages. An implant does not involve the neighbouring teeth, a bridge is usually quicker, and a denture can replace many teeth at a lower cost. Dr Ong will explain which options suit your situation.

Which languages does Dr Ong speak?

Dr Ong speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien. Our nurses speak Malay.