Dental Implant Singapore: The 2025 Guide (Without Losing Your Teeth or Your CPF)
So you lost a tooth. Maybe from a fight with Singapore chilli crabs, maybe from too much bubble tea and not enough flossing.
You think, “Aiya, just one tooth. I still can eat what” But hor, here’s the thing: your jawbone is quietly dying.
Once you lose a tooth, your jawbone in that area starts to resorb –basically shrink like agar-agar left out too long. Within months, your face can sag, your bite goes off, and your nearby teeth start drifting like MRT passengers during braking.
Moral of the story: The earlier you get your dental implant treatment (dental implant Singapore), the better the outcome and the less damage control needed.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Replace a Missing Tooth
TL;DR: Got missing tooth? Don’t wait until boh geh then panic. The longer you wait, the more complex (and expensive) the dental implant surgery becomes. Here’s everything you need to know – pain level, cost, risks, lobangs, and where to go.
So… What Are Dental Implants, Exactly?
Think of a dental implant treatment like a HDB renovation, but for your mouth
Dental Crown (The Tooth You See) – Custom-made to look exactly like your natural tooth.
Tooth Implant (Foundation) – A titanium (or ceramic) screw
that’s surgically drilled into your jawbone.
Abutment (Connector) – The “plug” between implant and
crown.
No, it won’t make you beep at the airport. Yes, you can eat steak after it heals.
Why Implants > Dentures or Bridges (Long-Term)
Let’s break it down, kopi-style:
Pro tip: Dental implants treatment preserve bone. Dentures don’t.
Long-term, tooth implants are like investing in ETF. Safe, stable, and makes you look good.
Not Just for Ah Ma or Ah Gong
Dental implants used to be something people do after retirement. Not anymore. More Singaporeans in their 30s and 40s are getting dental implant surgery after accidents, extractions, or just for a better selfie smile.
Bonus: An implant also helps keep your other teeth aligned, so your smile don’t suddenly look like Orchard Road MRT at rush hour – packed, crooked, and chaotic.
Where to Get Dental Implants in Singapore?
Public Sector
- NHG/SingHealth hospitals
- Subsidised but long wait
Private Clinics
- Faster appointments
- Nicer ambience, more personalised care
- Subsidies available for CHAS/Merdeka/Pioneer cardholders
GentleSmile Dental Studio (Yes, us lah)
- Our dental clinic use Straumann dental implants (Swiss-made, sibei reliable)
- 3D scans + surgical guide = accurate placement
- Titanium, ceramic, and Roxolid material options
- We are an accredited dental clinic by MOH, CHAS and CPF board – all subsidies apply as long as you are eligible
- We don’t upsell or judge your gums
Dental Implant Cost in Singapore (And How to
Claim from CPF)
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect per tooth:
| Item | Price Range |
| CBCT (3D X-ray) | $350 |
| Titanium Implant Surgery | $2000-$3500 |
| Dental crown and Abutment | $1000-$3000 |
| Total | $3000-$6500 |
Can Use MediSave or Not?
Yes, can! For surgical implant procedures, MediSave can cover:
- $1,120 per implant inserted (Table 2C)
- $490 per implant removed (Table 1C)
- Plus miscellaneous surgical fees, bringing total claimable
amount up to $1,950 ($1500-$1850) per implant surgery
Note: The crown and abutment portion is not MediSave-claimable – that part you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.
How to Claim from MediSave (No Blur, No Hassle)
Want to use MediSave for your dental implant surgery? No problem we’ll walk you through it, and handle most of the paperwork for you. Here’s how it works at GentleSmile Dental Studio:
- Let us know early – just tell us you’d like to use MediSave
when you decide to proceed. - We handle the forms – we’ll prepare the official Medical Claims
Authorisation Form (MCAF) for you (or your family member, if they’re the account holder) to sign. - Bring the NRIC of the MediSave account holder for verification
– that’s an MOH requirement, not our rule. - Show proof of available funds – you can either:
- Log in to cpf.gov.sg on your phone and show us the balance,
or - Bring a printout of the account summary page.
That’s it from you – we’ll do the rest. After your procedure, we’ll submit the MediSave claim on your behalf via the CPF portal.
You’ll receive a MediSave Claims Statement once CPF processed the deduction.
No guesswork. No running around. We’ll keep it transparent and guide you every step of the way.
Payment Options Available
- Installment plans: Many clinics offer in-house or third-party
installment schemes (e.g. 0% with credit card). - Credit card promotions: Look out for dental clinic tie-ups with
banks, especially during health months. - CHAS / Pioneer Generation subsidies: Apply to basic services
at approved clinics, not implants. - MediSave: Covers up to $1,950 per implant inserted
- Insurance claims: Some integrated shield plans or corporate
dental benefits may cover part of the cost.
Pro tip: Usually need to pay first, then submit receipts for
reimbursement. Check with your insurer for pre-approvals or
exclusions.
What’s the Implant Process Like?
- Consultation: Scan your mouth, plan your surgery.
- Implant Surgery: 1-2 hours, local anaesthesia.
- Healing Time: 3-6 (2-3) months (bone must jio the dental tooth
implant). - Final Crown: Screw or cemented in.
Pain level? Not too bad. Most say it’s like wisdom tooth extraction (normal tooth extraction) – got some soreness, but Panadol can settle.
True or False? Dental Implant Myths
Implants will rust?
False. Made from medical-grade titanium or ceramic. Won’t oxidise.
Implants can fall out?
Rare, but possible if you smoke or don’t clean properly.
Will it feel fake?
Not at all. After healing, it feels like your own tooth.
Implants are painful?
Nah. Most people say the scariest part is paying.
Usually local anaesthesia enough. But sedation options are available.
Implants are for vain people only?
Of course not. Eating properly and avoiding bone loss is not vanity it’s health.
Time is Bone: The Jawbone Truth
Here’s the kicker: if you wait too long after losing a tooth, your jawbone disappears.
This means:
- More difficult surgery
- Might need bone graft
- Higher cost
- Longer timeline
So yes, this is one of those “don’t procrastinate” situations. The longer you wait, the more complex the implant.
Is it Halal / Safe / Worth It?
Halal? Yes. Most implants are permissible in Islam. (Check with MUIS or Muslim.sg for details.)
Safe? With an experienced dentist, yes. Just like how you wouldn’t go to random $5 haircut auntie for perm, don’t go to sketchy clinics for surgery.
Worth it? If you value chewing, smiling, and not looking like a pirate, yes.
When Dental Implants are NOT Suitable
Not everyone is a good candidate. You may not qualify if:
- Your jawbone too chui (already resorbed)
- You smoke heavily
- You got diabetes that’s poorly controlled
- You don’t brush your teeth (yes, really)
But even then, dentists may recommend bone graft or other prep steps to make implant placement possible.
Come for a consultation first before self-diagnosing.
Maintenance Tips After Implants
- Brush twice a day (same dental care like real teeth)
- Floss or use interdental brushes
- Avoid biting crab shells or opening beer bottles with teeth (yes, you)
- Come back for check-ups regularly
Implants don’t get cavities – but your gums still need love.
Summary: Should You Get a Dental Implant in Singapore?
If you…
- Lost a tooth (or more)
- Want to makan properly
- Don’t want dentures flying out
- Care about jaw health and smile aesthetics … then yes. Dental implants are the gold standard.
But the longer you wait, the more your jawbone runs away. So don’t be paiseh – just book the consultation already.
Where to Go? Try GentleSmile Dental Studio
Located conveniently, superfriendly dental surgeons, and use Straumann implants (the atas Swiss kind).
Contact us today for a personalised consultation and X-ray.
Final Word
A missing tooth may not seem like a big deal today. But give it 6 months, and suddenly your jaw sag, your teeth shift, and makan become not shiok. Don’t wait until everything chui then panic search for “dental implants Singapore”.
Book early, heal early, smile early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants in Singapore (Updated 2025)
- What are dental implants and how do they work in
Singapore?
Dental implants are titanium or ceramic fixtures placed into the jawbone to
replace missing teeth. In Singapore, dental clinics use advanced
technology like CBCT scans and surgical guides for safe, precise placement. Once integrated with your bone, a crown is added on top for a natural-looking and durable replacement tooth. - How much do dental implants cost in Singapore?
Dental implants in Singapore typically cost between $3,000 to $5,000 ($3000 – $6500) per tooth, which includes the implant fixture, abutment, and crown. The final amount depends on the complexity of the case, materials used, and clinic fees. - Can I use MediSave to pay for dental implants in
Singapore?
Yes, you can – but only for the surgical portion of the procedure.
MediSave can be used to pay for:
– $1,120 per implant inserted
– $490 per implant removed
– Plus miscellaneous surgical fees, bringing the total claimable amount up to $1,950 ($1500- $1850) per implant in some cases. Crown and abutment costs are not MediSave-claimable, as they’re considered non-surgical. - How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last 10 to 20 years or longer with proper care.
Clinics in Singapore that use high-quality implants, such as Straumann, often provide lifetime warranties on the implant component. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene can significantly extend the life of your implant. - Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Most patients in Singapore report minimal discomfort during and after the dental implant procedure. Local anaesthesia is commonly used, and some clinics offer sedation for anxious patients. Post-surgical soreness can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. - How long is the recovery process for dental implants?
The full dental implant process in Singapore typically takes around 3 to 6
months (2 to 3 months). This includes:
– Surgical placement of the implant
– Healing period for bone integration (osseointegration)
– Final placement of the crown - Can I get same-day dental implants in Singapore?
Some clinics in Singapore offer immediate implants for select cases, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Factors such as bone quality, gum health, and infection risk are evaluated. Most patients require a healing phase before the final crown is placed. - Who is a suitable candidate for dental implants in
Singapore?
You may be suitable for dental implants if you have:
– One or more missing teeth
– Good oral hygiene
– Healthy gums and sufficient jawbone
No uncontrolled chronic illnesses (like diabetes)A consultation with a dental implant specialist in Singapore will confirm your eligibility. - Are dental implants better than dentures or bridges?
Yes, for many patients in Singapore, dental implants are considered the most durable and natural-looking solution. Unlike dentures, they are fixed and don’t shift. Unlike bridges, they don’t rely on nearby teeth for support. Implants also help preserve jawbone density, which other options don’t. - Which is the best material for dental implants in
Singapore?
Titanium is the most commonly used implant material in Singapore due to its strength and compatibility with bone. Ceramic (zirconia) is a metalfree alternative for those with allergies or aesthetic preferences. Brands like Straumann also offer Roxolid, a titanium-zirconium blend for higher strength and reduced invasiveness. - Can I use MediSave for the crown or abutment of my
No – MediSave only covers the surgical portion of dental implant procedures (i.e. insertion/removal of the implant fixture). The crown and abutment are considered non-surgical and will need to be pain out-of pocket. - Are dental implants better than dentures or bridges?
Yes, for many patients in Singapore, dental implants are considered the most durable and natural-looking solution. Unlike dentures, they are fixed and don’t shift. Unlike bridges, they don’t rely on nearby teeth for support. Implants also help preserve jawbone density, which other options don’t.
