Dental Implants: Are They Worth The Cost?
The more you know about getting dental implants, the more you can make an informed decision that's right for you....
Dental implants
Our gentle team of dentists can help you restore the look and function of a missing tooth with a dental implant. Dental implants are a natural looking, permanent solution for tooth loss.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are used to replace a missing or damaged tooth. Unlike dental bridges or dentures, dental implants don’t need to be anchored to other teeth.
This makes implants a more permanent solution for fixing the gaps in your smile. During surgery, a titanium ‘root’ is placed into the jawbone. Once healed, the implant can support a dental crown or be used to secure a bridge or dentures in place.
Why choose dental implants?
Dental implants take a longer time to heal than many other treatments. While you’ll need more downtime than with dental crowns or a bridge, the benefits are also far greater.
Dental implants are strong and look and feel just like a natural tooth. They have very high success rates and if looked after can last a lifetime. Many people never need their dental implants replaced.
What you need to know
At your consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine whether an implant is right for you. Dental implants are fitted over two appointments. During the dental implant procedure, our dentists will fit you with a dental implant to replace the root of your missing tooth. This surgery usually takes between one and two hours. The healing process can take between four and six weeks. At your follow-up appointment our dentists will fit you with a crown.
Our gentle approach to implants
Our Wellington clinics are equipped with digital dentistry and use computer-guided implant surgery for more accurate, long-lasting results and less downtime.
Using 3D software and printers, we can virtually plan your surgery and reduce the risk of human error and complications. Your titanium implant will be precisely positioned into the jawbone, decreasing the chance of unnecessary damage to healthy gums or neighbouring teeth or making soft tissue incisions. Computer guided surgery also improves healing times.
What to expect at your dental implant appointment
01
30-minute consultation to confirm if an implant is right for you
02
Implants fitted over two appointments, several months apart
03
Sedation and anesthetic options during surgery
04
Guidance on how to care for your implant following surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of a dental implant?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth and a lnger-lasting solution than dentures or a dental bridge. A dental implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone and once healed, functions the same as a natural tooth. They offer many benefits, including durability, functionality and improved aesthetics.
Are there alternatives to getting a dental implant?
Dental implants may be the best option for a missing tooth. However, there are alternative options that don’t require surgery. These include a dental bridge, a partial denture or simply doing nothing. The reason dentists may recommend an implant over a bridge is that a dental bridge can trap bacteria under the apparatus. Denture attachments also need to be carefully cleaned. A dentist will usually recommend replacing a missing tooth as the gap can cause the neighbouring teeth to lean inwards.
How do I care for my dental implant?
Clean your dental implant the same way you care for your natural teeth. Make sure you are brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing between each tooth.
