Dental Implants

These terms can be confusing, so we’ve written an article that explains each of them. See our article about all-on-4, all-on-6 and all-on-8.

Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed in your jaw bone to replace missing tooth roots. Once the implants are in place, engineered ceramic or porcelain teeth can be attached to them to replace missing teeth. The best part is that dental implants are suitable for almost everyone who needs teeth replaced, whether they’ve lost one tooth or all their teeth.

Although there are other methods of tooth replacement – such as dentures and bridges – dental implants are the recommended option. This is because they closely resemble natural teeth and have a longer lifespan than other replacement options.

You might think that dental implants are a new technology, but they’ve actually been in use since 1965 with excellent success rates of over 95%. When carried out by the experts at Dental Artistry, dental implant surgery is a simple and comfortable process.

If you’re curious about how dental implants can transform your smile, check out our before and after galleries for single tooth replacement, multiple teeth replacement and full mouth replacement. We’re confident you’ll be impressed by the results.

The cost of dental implants varies in New Zealand, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. Also, every mouth is different, which adds to a variation in costs. For example, some people require tooth extraction and others need bone grafts into the jaw. The complexity of the surgery, and therefore the cost, depends on your situation.

If you need more than one tooth replaced, it’s not always a case of multiplying the cost for a single implant. For instance, three teeth in a row at the top need two implants and an implant-retained bridge, which costs between NZ$11,000 and N$13,000. In the lower jaw, it may be between NZ$5000 and $6000.

Here’s an approximate guide to the cost of dental implants at Dental Artistry (in NZD):

• A single dental implant can cost between $5000 and $6000
• Two to three teeth can cost between $11,000 and $13,000
• Full set of upper or lower teeth can cost between $18,000 and $30,000
• The cost of full dental implants is approximately twice that of a full set (see above)

For more information, see our article about dental implants cost in NZ.

At Dental Artistry, we also offer finance options. Please speak to us about how we can make it easier for you to pay for the dental implants you need. We want you to have amazing teeth!

Dental implants are titanium screws which can be placed into the jaw bone to replace missing tooth roots. Crowns, bridges and dentures can then be attached to the implants to replace the missing teeth. Dental implants are a treatment option for nearly every patient who needs teeth replaced – from patients who have lost one tooth, to patients with no teeth.

There are other methods by which lost teeth can be replaced, including dentures and bridges. Dental implants are however widely recognised as the optimal method of tooth replacement, due to the fact that they most closely approximate the natural tooth/teeth which have been lost. Dental implants also have the longest lifespan of any of the replacement options.

Most people consider dental implants to be a ‘new technology’, however dental implants have been used since 1965, and have excellent long term success rates of over 95%. The tooth or teeth placed on dental implants are usually indistinguishable from natural teeth in appearance and function.

In our dentists’ hands implant dentistry is a simple process, and much easier and more comfortable than most of our patients expect. To view our amazing results, click on our before and after galleries for single tooth replacement, multiple teeth replacement or all teeth replacement.

A dental implant (aka tooth implant) consists of two main components. The first part, known as the ‘root’ implant, is made of titanium, which is exceptionally strong, resistant to corrosion, lightweight and biocompatible. This root implant is crucial for promoting bone fusion and forming a strong bond with the jawbone.

The second part is the visible tooth section, which is typically crafted from ceramic or porcelain materials that closely resemble the density and structure of natural teeth.

When the implants have been inserted correctly, they are incredibly strong. While there are variations due to the density of the jawbone and the existing teeth around them, implants should be able to withstand more pressure than your natural teeth.

Dental implants installed by Dental Artistry have a remarkable success rate of 98%. With proper care and cleaning, they can last for up to 25 years or longer. To get the best lifespan from implants we recommend daily flossing and brushing, regular dental appointments and never using your teeth as tools. More about the lifespan of dental implants.

The actual procedure itself is not painful, as there will be full local anaesthetic. After the procedure, you will be advised to take over-the-counter pain relief. Most people report only mild discomfort. If you follow our post-surgery care guidelines, don’t smoke and stick to soft foods, recovery should be quick.

The entire process, from start to finish, can take as little as a few months.

The initial consultation will be with your dentist, who will examine your teeth and run through the process with you. This is a quick visit.

The next visit is the implant insertion, which takes up to two hours. The mouth is anaesthetised, and some of the gum area is removed so the surgeon can access the jawbone. A hole is drilled in the jawbone. The implant is inserted, a healing cap placed over the top, and the gum stitched to encourage quick healing.

The bone then fuses with the titanium post. This takes several months, and you’ll be fitted with a temporary restoration, so you won’t be missing any teeth in the interim.

The third visit is when the healing cap is removed, and an abutment is installed. The tooth is then attached to the abutment and the process is complete. This visit will take one to two hours.

Compared to removable dentures and other forms of false teeth, dental implants offer many benefits. They are:

• Durable and hard-wearing
• Natural looking, for a beautiful smile
• Strong and stable, allowing you to eat what you want
• Effective for maintaining oral and jaw health by holding your other teeth in position and stopping jawbone erosion
• Solidly implanted, so there’s no slipping and you can talk clearly
• Highly convenient, because you clean them just like natural teeth
• A long-lasting solution, instead of a series of temporary ones

See if dental implants are right for you.

The actual procedure itself is not painful as there will be full local anaesthetic. After the procedure, you will be advised to take over-the-counter pain relief. Most people report mild discomfort but if you follow post-surgery care, don’t smoke and stick to soft foods, the recovery should be quick.

For full-mouth tooth replacement, the main alternative is dentures. The technology for these is better than in the past, but they are still an imperfect solution. They can move around in your mouth, especially as they age and wear away. This can cause sores, ulcers and pain. Dentures also mean some foods are off-limits. Apples and steak, for instance, may be impossible to eat.

For single-tooth replacements, you can get partial dentures or fixed bridges. However, they aren’t as permanent or hard wearing as dental implants.

Another lower cost dental implant option is snap-on dentures. These implant-retained over-dentures involve titanium rods inserted in your jaw, but the dentures are clip-in. This solution is superior to traditional dentures, but not as easy-care and natural feeling as dental implants.

At Dental Artistry we provide a wide range of dental treatments under one roof. From annual examinations and hygienist treatments to complex and demanding procedures, our expert team are able to do it all. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure you benefit from top-of-the-line technology throughout your treatment.

We’re proud to have a proven track record of successful tooth implants that have changed our patients’ lives. Our specialised clinicians have helped countless people feel confident again by enabling them to smile and eat without any discomfort. Dental implants are truly life-changing and we’d love to help you experience the positive benefits.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants and discovering the best option for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have. Just give us a call at 09 524 4541 or drop us a message.