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Dental Implants wellington dentists

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Your guide to dental implants and the procedure at Wellington Dentists Limited

What are Dental implants?

A dental implant is really a very simple metal screw which is designed to thread into the bone of the jaw and to allow for the attachment of a (prosthetic) tooth at the top. Teeth Implants are made of Medical grade Titanium or Titanium Alloy. Your dentist will purchase the implants in sterile packaging and place them in a small hole in the bone which he or she has prepared as part of the implant placement procedure. The bone will fuse to the implant over a short period of time in a process referred to as ‘osseointegration’ and once this process is successfully completed (3 to 6 months) the implant is permanently in place. Studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. Many other studies have shown 5 year success rates in the high nineties.
We restore Nobel Biocare dental implants, Straumann dental implants and Southern dental implants.

Single Tooth Replacement

A single tooth implant is used to replace a single tooth, can be used both in the front of the mouth and the back of the mouth. The images below are an example of a single central incisor implant.

Multiple tooth Replacement

Teeth implants can be used to replace teeth in the form of a Bridge (teeth joined together) or with multiple individual teeth. The images below are examples of multiple teeth replacements.

Advantages of Implant Dentistry

• More attractive appearance. • Great comfort. • Don’t need to drill into the teeth on either side. • Helps prevent bone loss due to tooth removal. • Greater ability to chew food. • No rubbing, clacking, or pain. • No cream or adhesives. • Not having to take out at night. • Not overnight soaking in a glass.

Dental Implants at Wellington Dentists

Strong, durable, and natural in appearance, implants are among the most successful dental procedures performed. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none has proven to be as functionally effective and aesthetically natural as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

The Dental Implant Procedure at wellington dentists

1. Initial Consultation
The implant process involves three professionals: a surgeon who places the implant, a dental technician who makes the tooth, and a dentist who attaches the tooth and oversees treatment. The first step is an examination and consultation, including X-rays and sometimes impressions of your teeth. Additional X-rays may be needed if there has been significant bone loss. During the assessment, we evaluate the implant site, available bone, suitable replacement options, and your medical history to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate for you.
3. Abutment Attachment Procedure
Following the appropriate bone healing and remodeling period, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to each dental implant. The abutment acts as a link between the implant and the replacement tooth, providing support and stability. Once the abutment is in place, the permanent replacement tooth, bridge, or denture can be securely attached, restoring both function and appearance.
5. Completion of Dental Implants
2. Dental Implant Placement Procedure
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone using a precise surgical technique. The surgeon first creates a small pilot hole in the area where the tooth is missing to guide the titanium implant. Great care is taken to avoid important structures such as nerves and surrounding bone. The hole is gradually widened before the implant is inserted. A protective cover is then placed over the implant to allow the area to heal and for the implant to fuse securely with the bone through a process called osseointegration.
4. Fabrication of Replacement Teeth
A series of appointments will be needed to take impressions of your teeth and the implant abutments; place temporary replacement teeth; select the appropriate shade for your replacement teeth and try them for proper fit. In between these appointments, the laboratory technician will fabricate your replacement teeth and the underlying structures that will be attached to the dental implants.
6. Ongoing After Care
Once the healing and restoration phases are complete, your new replacement teeth will be securely attached to the abutments. These custom-made restorations are carefully designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural appearance. The result is a strong, stable, and long-lasting solution that restores your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Regular check-ups are important to monitor and maintain your implants, helping to identify any issues early and maximise their lifespan. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth because they bond directly with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. After the implant is placed, it typically takes 3–6 months for the bone to heal and fuse with the implant. Once this process is complete, an artificial tooth is attached. If osseointegration does not occur, the implant may fail.

What are the risks of dental implants

1. In rare circumstances Implants have been known to fail and they will have to be removed through a subsequent procedure. (usually just unwinding them by hand ) 2. It is possible that implant superstructure may fracture during the implant’s life cycle, and in the event a fracture were to occur, the fractured implant may be removed or left in the jaw if its causing no problem, determined by professional judgment. 3. If the patient keep good oral hygiene and does not return for return for appropriate post-operative care including plaque removal, Implants can fail.
4. The use of tobacco, including cigarette smoking as well as excessive alcohol consumption can cause failure of the dental implants. 5. Swelling, infection, bleeding and/or pain may be associated with any surgical procedure, including Implants and the said conditions may occur during the life of the implants. 6. Temporary or permanent numbness may occur in my tongue, lip(s), chin, or jaws as a result of this procedure as well as the possibility of sinus involvement in my upper jaw. Although cases occurring with Mini Implants are extremely rare

Wellington Dentists Location

124A Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PMSaturday 8AM to 1PM Phone 04 499 1091 Email reception@info.wellingtondentist.co.nz