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If you're looking into a tooth implant in Wellington for the first time, you probably want to know one thing before anything else: what actually happens? In short, a dental implant replaces a missing tooth with a small titanium post that sits in your jaw, topped with a crown that looks and works like a real tooth. It's done over a few appointments, under local anaesthetic, with healing time in between. Here's each step, in plain English, so you know what you're walking into.
A dental implant has three parts. There's the implant itself, a small titanium post that takes the place of the tooth root. On top of that sits an abutment, a connector. And on top of that goes the crown, the part you see and chew with.
The post is placed into your jawbone, and over a few months the bone grows around it and holds it firm. That's what makes an implant different from a bridge or a denture: it's anchored in the bone, so it doesn't move, and it doesn't rely on the teeth next to it. Once it's done, most people forget which tooth is the implant.
Most healthy adults are. The two things that matter most are enough healthy bone to hold the implant, and healthy gums around it. General health plays a part too. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, or smoking, can slow healing, so we'll talk that through with you honestly.
Here's the part worth knowing early: if you've been missing a tooth for a while, the bone in that spot can shrink. That doesn't rule you out. It just means we might suggest a bone graft first, or a different approach. If there isn't much bone to work with, mini dental implants can be an option, because they're narrower and need less bone.
The honest answer is that we can't tell you for certain from a website. We take a scan, you see your own jaw on the screen, and we work out together whether an implant is the right call for you.
Every mouth is different, but the path to a single tooth implant usually runs like this.
We start by looking, not deciding. We take a digital scan and X-rays, and you see them on the screen with us. We check the bone, the gum, and the teeth around the gap. If an implant makes sense, we'll show you why. If something simpler would do the job, we'll tell you that too.
Using the scan, we plan exactly where the implant goes: the right spot, the right angle, the right depth. For cosmetic areas near the front, we can use Digital Smile Design to show you how the finished tooth will sit before anything starts. You get to see the plan and ask questions before you commit.
This is the surgery, and it's more straightforward than most people expect. You're numbed with local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during it. You'll notice pressure and movement, but not pain. We place the titanium post into the jaw and close the gum over or around it. A single implant usually takes under an hour. Many people drive themselves home afterwards.
This is the part that takes patience. Over roughly three to six months, your bone grows around the post and locks it in place. It's called osseointegration, and it's what gives an implant its strength. During this time you'll often wear a temporary tooth so there's no visible gap. We'll ask you to stick to softer foods around the area while it settles.
Once the implant has fused, we attach the abutment and take a final scan. Your crown is made to match your other teeth in shape and shade, then fitted onto the implant. This is the appointment where the gap disappears and it just looks like your tooth again.
An implant is looked after much like a natural tooth: brush, floss, and come in for regular check-ups. We'll usually check the implant once a year to make sure everything's solid. Cared for well, it's built to last a very long time.
During the procedure you won't feel pain, because the area is fully numbed. Afterwards, it's normal to have some tenderness, a little swelling, and maybe a bit of bruising for a few days. Most people manage it with ordinary over-the-counter pain relief and are back to their day fairly soon.
We won't tell you it's nothing. It's minor surgery, and everyone heals a bit differently. What we will do is tell you honestly what to expect for your situation, and be reachable if you've got questions while you heal.
From first consult to final crown, a single tooth implant usually takes three to six months. Most of that is healing time while the bone fuses to the post. The appointments themselves are short and spaced out. If you need a bone graft first, it can take longer. It's a slower path than a bridge, but the result is built to last far longer, which is the trade most people are happy to make.
If you're missing most or all of your teeth, implants can help there too. Rather than one implant per tooth, a small number of implants can support a full arch of fixed teeth, an approach often called All-on-4. For others, mini implants that hold a denture firmly in place are a better fit.
Full mouth dental implants are one option among several, and the right one depends entirely on your bone, your health and what you're after. If that's your situation, the honest next step is a conversation where we look at your mouth and lay out the choices, rather than pointing you at one answer.
We think you should see real numbers before you book, not "contact us for a quote."
As a guide, a single tooth implant in Wellington typically runs from around $5,200 to $6,500, covering the implant, the abutment and the crown. Full arch options like All-on-4 are a bigger piece of work and generally start in the $30,000 to $40,000 range per arch. If a bone graft is needed, that's an added cost we'd talk through up front.
Those are ranges, because the exact figure depends on your mouth. We'll give you a clear, itemised cost after your consult: the same fair price for everyone, with payment options available so it can be spread out. Your own number might land higher or lower, but you won't be surprised by it.
We've been looking after Wellington mouths for around 35 years, and we work the same way with implants as with everything else: we show you what's going on, tell you the truth about your options, and leave the decision with you. No pressure, no judgement if it's been a while since your last visit.
If you'd like to see whether an implant is right for you, the first step is a consult where we scan, look, and talk it through. You can book online, or call our Wellington clinic on 04 801 6228. And if you'd rather ask a few questions first, that's fine too. We're here when you're ready.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care, an implant post can last decades, and often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing at some point after years of use, much like a natural tooth can need work over time.
Is an implant better than a bridge?
Each has its place. An implant stands on its own and doesn't touch the neighbouring teeth, while a bridge relies on the teeth either side. An implant usually lasts longer, but a bridge can be the better choice in some situations. We'll show you both and let you decide.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes. Implants have been used in dentistry for decades and are well proven. As with any procedure there are things to be aware of, and we'll go over them with you honestly before you go ahead.
Can I eat normally with a dental implant?
Once it's fully healed, yes. An implant lets you eat much like you would with a natural tooth. During the healing months we'll ask you to go a bit gentler on that side.
How do I get started?
Book a consult at our Wellington clinic, either online or by calling 04 801 6228. We'll take a scan, show you your own mouth, and talk through whether an implant's the right fit. No obligation to go ahead.
Written by the team at Supreme Dental Concepts. Honest, judgement-free dentistry in Wellington and Lower Hutt. We listen, care and explain.
At Supreme Dental Concepts, we provide a comprehensive selection of cosmetic dentistry services designed to give you the confident smile you desire.
Our commitment extends to ensuring you look your absolute best.
As dentists, our training in injection techniques and facial anatomy during dental school equips us to preserve your youthful appearance, complementing your beautiful teeth.
