Dental implants
A strong, natural-looking solution for missing teeth
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth—restoring your smile and confidence with long-lasting results.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into your jawbone, where it acts as a secure foundation for a replacement tooth (crown), bridge, or denture. It fuses naturally with your bone, providing robust stability.
Benefits of Implants:
Permanent and secure
Prevent bone loss and protect facial structure
Look and feel natural
Let you eat, speak, and smile with confidence
Easy to care for—just brush and floss like normal
Ideal for:
Single missing teeth
Multiple missing teeth (using bridges or implant-supported dentures)
Patients wanting a fixed, long-term alternative to removable dentures
Dental implants don’t just replace teeth—they help restore your lifestyle and confidence.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant
Getting a dental implant is a safe, well-established treatment completed over several stages. Each step is carefully designed to prioritise your comfort, health, and long-term success.
Step 1: Consultation & Planning
We start with a thorough assessment, including digital X-rays or a referral for 3D scans, to evaluate your jawbone health and ensure implants are right for you. You'll receive a clear explanation of your options and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals and budget.
Step 2: Implant Placement
A small titanium post is gently placed into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure, performed under local anaesthetic (with sedation available if needed). Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quick and comfortable this step is.
Healing time: Expect mild discomfort for 7–10 days.
Implant placement is completed either onsite or through referral to our trusted oral surgeons in Tauranga, depending on the complexity of your case.
Step 3: Healing & Integration
Over the next 3–6 months, the implant integrates naturally with your bone in a process called osseointegration. A temporary tooth may be provided to maintain your smile, or the implant may be protected with a healing cap.
Step 4: Abutment Placement
After healing, a small connector (called an impression coping or scan body) is attached to the implant. This is scanned to create a 3D digital model used by our dental lab to craft your custom crown or bridge.
Step 5: Final Tooth Placement
Your permanent restoration is carefully designed to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and function. It is securely attached with an internal screw, your bite is adjusted, and the final tooth is polished for a strong, confident smile.
Total Treatment Time:
Approximately 4 to 8 months from start to finish—depending on your individual healing and treatment needs.