By: 
In the past, losing teeth would mean opting for dentures or simply having to deal with missing teeth.
Not anymore – today, dental implants are the answer to permanent teeth restoration. They’re as strong as natural teeth, can last a lifetime with proper care and reduce the need for long-term dental treatments.
As with all worthy investments in life, dental implants can come with a price tag.
In this blog post, we will explain the factors that go behind dental implants cost Singapore, MediSave options and alternatives to dental implants.
Dental implants are screw-like replacements that serve as roots for missing teeth.
They are made of titanium or zirconia and surgically placed in your jawbone. Once you decide to get an implant, the entire process takes about three to six months on average:
Once the process is completed, you can expect to chew and speak normally and most importantly regain your smile.
The type of implant you require affects your Singapore dental implant cost. They include;
A full arch implant is inserted when you are missing a complete set of teeth on the lower or upper jaw.
A single tooth implant replaces a single tooth without grounding down neighboring teeth.
An overdenture implant, also known as snap-on dental implant, is a detachable prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more natural teeth, natural tooth roots, or dental implants.
As its name implies, snap-ons can be easily taken off and reattached when needed, especially during cleaning.
| Cost | Public Hospitals | Private Clinics |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Implant | $2,500 to $6,000 per dental implant | $3,500 to $6,000 per dental implant |
| Dental Crown | $700 to S$1,300 per dental crown | $3000 per dental crown |
| Root Canal | $294 to $1,114 | $400 to $1,605 |
| Braces | $2,400 to $4,870 | $4,066 to $11,000 |
| Bone Grafting | $800 to $3,000 | $800 to $3,000 |
| Consultation | $40 to $80 | $40 to $150 |
| X-ray | $80 to $120 | $80 to $120 |
| Medication | $35 to $100 | $35 to $100 |
Polyclinics in Singapore do not carry out dental implant procedures; such procedures must be carried out by a trained oral surgeon or prosthodontist.
If you wish to get dental implants at a cheaper rate, we recommend you get a referral letter from your polyclinic physician to a public hospital, where the implant procedure will be done.
Take note that the figures outlined above are just for a single implant, i.e. one missing tooth. If you require multiple implants to replace multiple missing teeth, then your overall cost would go up proportionally.
Of course, to reduce how much you spend in total, you may:
Please consult your dentist to determine the best options for your requirements.
The brand you choose for your dental implant will affect the overall price.
In Singapore, the most popular implant brands are from Korea and Switzerland. However, there are other implant brands such as:
Take note: This does not mean these implant brands are cheaper or inferior.
The ‘best’ dental implant brand really depends on your needs, preferences and condition.
The most common are:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | More aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting | Can be quite costly |
| Porcelain | Most readily available Aesthetically pleasing | Not as strong |
| Metal | Strong and durable | Not as aesthetically pleasing |
It is not uncommon to do additional dental work on top of a dental implant procedure.
These extra procedures, which will affect your total dental implants cost Singapore, include;
If you lose a tooth and do not get it replaced within a year, chances are, you’ll need bone grafting before an implant can be inserted.
This is because when a tooth is lost, gradual jaw bone loss in that area happens.
For implants to be successfully inserted, there needs to be enough density to hold and support them.
Bone grafting builds up new bone in the area of your jaw that is used to hold teeth. It is a minor surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in your gum to expose the bone beneath it, and then adding grafting material.
If your tooth is damaged, your dentist might remove the compromised tooth entirely.
Dental implant surgery is usually performed by oral surgeons or periodontists, who charge higher than regular dentists.
Generally – the more experienced the dentist is, the more they’ll charge for their services.
As stated earlier, the cost of a dental implant in Singapore can range from $2,500 to $6,000.
In the event where you are missing a complete set of teeth, be prepared to fork out quite a hefty sum.
If you are willing to sacrifice some quality, as mentioned earlier you can opt for cheaper alternatives like dental bridges or get a combination of dental implants and dentures.
Regardless, when it comes to oral health, it is best that you speak with your dentist to make an informed decision.
Yes, you can pay for your dental implant with MediSave.
MediSave dental implant coverage only finances surgical procedures including dental surgical treatments, such as;
MediSave does not cover non-surgical dental procedures such as;
For dental implants, you can claim anywhere from $350 to $2,150 per implant. The complexity of the procedure will determine the actual claim amount.
Note: If your MediSave account does not have adequate funds, you must pay the whole procedure cost upfront.
For example, if the treatment costs $950 but your MediSave account only contains $300, you will need to pay $950 in advance. The clinic will take $300 from your MediSave account and provide a $300 check refund to your account after the claim processing is complete.
Alternatively, you can use an immediate family member’s MediSave dental implant coverage, as long as they are Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents.
Most medical insurance plans in Singapore will pay for:
Note: This does not include tooth injury caused by eating or chewing.
Depending on your insurance provider in Singapore, you can consider upgrading your medical insurance to cover the entire cost for tooth implant.
A full medical insurance coverage will cover routine oral examinations, including scaling and polishing.
It may also cover complex dental procedures such as implants, braces, extractions, crowing, root canals, and fillings.
Outside of financial constraints, not every situation will call for a dental implant procedure.
You may not be suitable for a dental implant if you have:
Fortunately, in such cases, you have other options to choose from:
Unlike many cosmetic dentistry procedures that classify as wants, restorative dentistry procedures like dental implants are needs.
They keep your mouth healthy and functioning, protect you from the implications of having missing teeth and can serve you for years if well taken care of.
If money is the only factor stopping you from getting a dental implant right now, consider getting a personal loan.
At Money Kinetics, we can assist in helping you find a personal loan with flexible repayment terms so that you can pay for your dental implant procedure. To find out more, click here.
