Dr Samintharaj Kumar

Case 1: The Hidden Dangers of Dental Tourism — When Cheaper Dentistry Becomes Costlier Dental tourism has grown rapidly over the years, with many patients travelling to neighbouring countries in search of cheaper dental care. But while the initial price tag may appear attractive, the risks are often poorly understood. At Nuffield Dental, we increasingly treat patients who return to Singapore with complications arising from overseas dental treatment—complications that could ha

The Minamata Convention’s decision to set 2034 as the global end-date for amalgam may appear slow, especially to dentists and patients who already prefer mercury-free options. But the delayed timeline reflects political, economic, manufacturing, and logistical realities—not scientific uncertainty. Here’s what is happening behind the scenes. ⸻ 1. Global healthcare systems need time to transition Many countries—especially developing nations—still rely on amalgam because it is:

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a legally binding international treaty, adopted in 2013 and now ratified by more than 140 countries, designed to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution. It is the world’s primary framework for reducing mercury use, emissions, and contamination across industries. It is named after Minamata City in Japan, the site of one of the worst industrial poisonings in history. For decades, a chemical factory discharged methyl

Dental amalgam has been used for more than 150 years, and for much of that time it was considered a durable, practical material. However, over the past two decades, a more detailed understanding of mercury exposure, environmental behaviour, and systemic effects has emerged. Importantly, many governments and scientific bodies now take a precautionary approach—not necessarily because amalgam is conclusively harmful for everyone, but because safer alternatives exist, and the env

Have you ever wondered what it have cost your health for this finally to announced after years of thought leaders pushing for non toxic alternatives and safe removal. A global policy shift has finally recognised what many in biological and holistic dentistry have highlighted for years: mercury-based amalgam fillings pose important health and environmental considerations. Today’s Straits Times article (8 November 2025) reflects the growing international consensus on the need t

Every now and then, I come across dental implant cases that make me pause and reflect — not out of criticism, but curiosity. I recently saw an implant that raised the question: Was this really necessary?  Was it placed in the most beneficial position for the patient? It’s not about casting judgement on another clinician’s work. Rather, it’s a reminder of how much insight and discernment come only through experience. Implant dentistry is not simply about technical skill or tex

A teenage patient came to Nuffield Dental with persistent jaw pain on the right side, episodes of jaw locking, and a faint ringing in the ears (tinnitus). These are classic warning signs of Temporomandibular Joint (TM J) dysfunction , often linked to excessive jaw clenching or grinding (known as bruxism ). Understanding the Condition On clinical and radiographic assessment, several findings became clear: Stress-related changes in the jaw joint consistent with overloading. Sin

Dental implants are designed to be strong, stable, and long-lasting. For many people, they feel just like natural teeth — allowing you to eat, smile, and speak with confidence.However, just like any part of the body or any mechanical system, implants can experience wear and tear over time . One of the most common long-term issues we see is something called implant fatigue . What Is Implant Fatigue? Every time you chew, bite, or clench, small forces are transferred to your imp

A 42-year-old female patient presented to another dental clinic after having a tooth extracted and a bone graft placed elsewhere. Upon review, we found that despite the graft, her bone remained deficient in the affected area. During consultation, I asked about her medical background. She revealed a history of secondary amenorrhea  for which she had been on oestrogen replacement therapy for the past nine years . In addition, she had a recent diagnosis of Graves’ disease  and w

When most people think about dental implant complications, they imagine the implant itself failing. In reality, one of the most complex...

At Nuffield Dental, we sometimes meet patients whose journeys remind us how deeply oral health connects with overall health. Recently, a...

When it comes to oral health, some conditions aren’t immediately painful but can have a significant impact on daily comfort and overall...

The mouth is home to a thriving microbiome: a community of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that usually coexist in balance. Healthy...

The immune system is designed to respond to threats quickly. But when gums recede and the natural keratinised seal around the teeth is...

When gums recede, the body loses one of its most important natural barriers: keratinised gingival tissue. This specialised gum tissue is...

The immune system is constantly on alert, protecting the body against infections. When gums recede, however, bacteria gain easier access...

Your mouth is home to one of the body’s most diverse ecosystems, the oral microbiome , made up of over 700 bacterial species. When in...

Gingival recession is one of the most common oral health concerns among adults, often presenting as teeth that look “longer” or more...

The Hidden Danger of Receded Gums What many treat as a cosmetic concern — gums that make teeth look long, roots exposed — has less...