Implants

Hawke’s Bay’s Dental Implant Experts

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants.

Five Stages of Tooth Implant Procedure

Stage 1

A scanning x-ray is obtained to assess your existing teeth and bone. This will be used along with the clinical examination to provide you with an overview of what is required including timings and the cost of your treatment.

Stage 2

If there is an infected or cracked tooth to be removed this will be done now and a temporary tooth fitted in the form of a small temporary denture or adhesive bridge. Healing will take 4-6 weeks.

Stage 3

The titanium implant will then be placed. Titanium is a unique material and has a special surface that allows bone to adhere or bond to its surface. The integrated implant is extremely strong, more solid than an actual tooth. Sometimes a healing cap can be placed at this stage, which means skipping the next stage. The healing period for the implant takes 2-6 months.

Stage 4

The implant is uncovered and a temporary titanium healing cap is placed which allows the tissue to heal and create the correct shape.

Your temporary tooth can still be worn

At least another 6 weeks of healing is required.

Stage 5

An impression is then taken of the implant so that an implant post and crown can be constructed. Because these are long-term placements we take a great deal of time and trouble to ensure a perfect match.