Dental Implants

Implants are small titanium screws similar in size to a tooth root.  They are placed into the jaw bone in placement of a missing tooth or teeth.  Implants are then covered with a crown which is made of Ceramic or Porcelain materials to simulate a tooth.

Benefits of dental implants

• Maintain the integrity of bone structure after tooth loss

• Preserve the health of adjacent teeth, since there is no need for bridgework

• Function and feel like natural teeth

• Improve speaking ability when bulky dentures are eliminated

• Improve facial appearance by preventing bone loss

• Distribute bite forces evenly throughout the mouth

• Can be used to replace loose-fitting dentures

More benefits of dental implants

• Look and feel completely natural, improving your appearance and confidence

• Don’t irritate the gums the way dentures can

• Are stable and secure for improved eating and speech

• Are convenient and reliable—and can’t be lost or misplaced like dentures

• Help protect remaining teeth from shifting and becoming loose by filling in the gap left by missing teeth

• Help maintain fullness of the facial tissues for a more youthful look

• Can stimulate bone growth, helping prevent the unattractive “bite collapse” that denture wearers can suffer

• Are strong enough to support other dental appliances, making bridgework or dentures more secure and comfortable

• Can last a lifetime with proper care

The process of placing an implant

Recommendation for an Implant

The condition of your whole mouth will be considered when recommending an implant so a general dental consultation is often the first step in this process.  Placing an implant is a complex process and best performed by a specialist in this field.  That is what we are.  However, as good as we are, sometimes the patient has an issue so complex that there is a need for an actual oral surgeon.  In these very rare situations, we have a special relationship with Auckland’s premier implant surgeon.  

Assessment and planning for implant placement

Once your general dentist has recommended you as a candidate for an implant you will then be referred to a specialist in this field.  As this is a niche field the specialist will require an assessment appointment where they will take further records and plan a case for you.  As with most dental treatment each individual will require a different treatment plan and so this is only a guideline to what your plan may look like.

Placement of the implant

The implant will either be placed in your jaw at either the same time as removing a tooth or alternatively, it will be surgically placed.  This is dependent on many factors such as the current state of the tooth being replaced, its surrounding tissue and your general health.  Once the implant has been placed there is a healing period of normally up to 6 months.  In instances where there is not a lot of bone support remaining a bone graft may be required.  This normally occurs when many teeth in the same area have been removed or there has been extensive dental decay which has affected the surrounding bone.  A cover known as a healing cap is placed over the implant for a few weeks.

Placement of the implant abutment (Dental Crown)

The healing cap will be removed and replaced with an abutment which is what the tooth like crown will be placed over.

The average treatment time is 3 – 6 months and the end result is the same: permanent, functional and natural-looking teeth.

Are dental implants in Auckland affordable?

The price of a dental implants deal is not always what it seems, because …

An implant needs a dental crown placed on top of it which means, together, the implant + crown in Auckland will usually cost $6,000+

We can usually do it for much less than that.  It is dependent on many things, mostly the health of your gums.  If your gums are not strong enough to hold implants, we won’t do your implants.  First, you will have to go elsewhere for periodontal (gum) treatment. This increases your cost.

Call us right now on 09-585 0205  or enter your details in the form. Come in to see us for a consultation because we first have to see if you are suitable - as not every body is. For example, if your gums are not healthy and strong, implants may not be possible.