Dental Implants in Wellington – Replace Missing Teeth

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Missing one or more teeth can affect how you eat, speak and smile. Over time, gaps may also contribute to shifting teeth and changes in the jawbone.

At Real Dentistry in Kilbirnie, Wellington, we provide dental implant treatment, including surgical implant placement onsite. Whether you need to replace a single missing tooth or are exploring options for multiple missing teeth, our dental team can assess your needs and recommend a suitable treatment plan.

Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option designed to restore the appearance and function of your smile.

3D render of missing tooth

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the surrounding bone has healed and integrated with the implant, it can support a custom-made dental crown, bridge or implant-supported denture.

Unlike a removable denture, an implant-supported replacement is anchored to the jawbone, helping provide stability when eating and speaking.

At Real Dentistry, implant placement is performed onsite at our Kilbirnie dental clinic.

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several advantages for suitable patients:

Natural appearance: Custom-made restorations are designed to complement your existing teeth.

Improved chewing: A stable replacement can make eating more comfortable.

Long-term durability: With appropriate care and maintenance, dental implants can function successfully for many years.

Jawbone support: Implants help maintain bone around the implant site by providing functional stimulation.

Preservation of neighbouring teeth: A single implant can replace a tooth without requiring healthy adjacent teeth to be prepared for a conventional bridge.

Greater confidence: Replacing missing teeth can improve comfort when smiling, speaking and eating.

The best option depends on your oral health, the location of the missing teeth and your individual treatment goals.

Dental Implant Options at Real Dentistry

Single Tooth Implants

A single dental implant can replace one missing tooth without relying on neighbouring teeth for support. A custom-made crown is attached after the implant has healed.

Learn more about our single tooth replacement options.

Implant-Supported Bridges

When several neighbouring teeth are missing, dental implants may be used to support a bridge. This can provide a stable alternative to a conventional bridge supported by natural teeth.

Explore our implant-supported bridges.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For patients missing multiple teeth, implants can help secure a denture and reduce movement during everyday activities.

Read about our implant-supported dentures.

Who Is Suitable for Dental Implants?

Many adults with missing teeth may be suitable for dental implants, but a clinical assessment is essential.

Your dentist will consider:

  • The health of your teeth and gums
  • The amount and quality of available jawbone
  • Your medical history and current medications
  • Smoking and other factors that may affect healing
  • Your oral hygiene and ability to maintain the restoration

If you have gum disease or insufficient jawbone, additional treatment may be required before implant placement.

Some patients may need bone grafting to create sufficient support for an implant. Your dentist will explain whether this is necessary and discuss the appropriate treatment options.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implant treatment usually takes place over several stages.

1. Consultation and Treatment Planning

Your dentist will examine your mouth, review your medical history and assess the proposed implant site using appropriate imaging.

We will discuss your treatment options, expected timeframe and costs before proceeding.

2. Surgical Implant Placement

When treatment is suitable, the titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone at Real Dentistry.

The procedure is generally performed using local anaesthetic to numb the area. Your dentist will explain what to expect and provide postoperative instructions.

3. Healing and Integration

The implant needs time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This process, called osseointegration, commonly takes several months.

The healing period varies depending on the implant site, bone condition and individual circumstances.

4. Final Tooth Restoration

Once the implant has integrated sufficiently, the final crown, bridge or other planned restoration can be fitted.

Your dentist will check its appearance, fit and bite before completing treatment.

Healing, Recovery and Aftercare

Some swelling, tenderness or minor bleeding can occur after implant surgery.
These symptoms generally improve as healing progresses.

Your dentist may recommend softer foods initially, careful cleaning around the surgical site and avoiding smoking during recovery.

To help maintain your implant over the long term:

  • Brush twice daily and clean carefully around the implant.
  • Follow your dentist’s instructions for flossing or interdental cleaning.
  • Attend regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments.
  • Report persistent pain, swelling, bleeding or movement around an implant.

Although implants cannot develop tooth decay, the surrounding gum and bone can develop inflammation or disease without appropriate care.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Wellington?

The cost of dental implants varies according to your treatment needs.

Factors that may influence the total price include the number of implants, the type of replacement teeth, diagnostic imaging, whether additional procedures are required and the complexity of treatment.

At Real Dentistry, we can assess your needs and discuss a personalised treatment plan and associated costs.

You can also explore our payment options.

Dental Implants vs Bridges and Dentures

Dental implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth.

A conventional dental bridge may be suitable when neighbouring teeth can support the restoration. Removable dentures may be another option, particularly when several teeth are missing.

Implants offer the advantage of anchoring replacement teeth to the jawbone, but they require surgery, sufficient healing and ongoing maintenance.

Your dentist can help you compare the benefits, limitations and costs of each option.

Implant placement is generally performed under local anaesthetic, so the treatment area is numbed during surgery. Some discomfort and swelling may occur afterwards. Your dentist will discuss pain management and recovery instructions.

Treatment usually takes several months because the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone. The overall timeframe depends on your oral health, healing and whether additional procedures are necessary.

Dental implants can last for many years with appropriate oral hygiene and regular dental care. Their lifespan varies, and the attached crown or restoration may eventually require repair or replacement.

Some patients with insufficient jawbone may still be suitable for implants following additional treatment, such as bone grafting. Your dentist will assess your bone condition and explain the available options.

As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, bleeding, swelling, injury to nearby structures and failure of the implant to integrate or remain stable. Your dentist will explain the risks relevant to your individual treatment.

Yes. Real Dentistry provides surgical dental implant placement at our Kilbirnie, Wellington clinic. Your dentist will first assess whether implant treatment is appropriate for you.

Dental Implants in Wellington – Replace Missing Teeth

Ready to Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants?

If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, Real Dentistry in Kilbirnie is here to guide you through the process. Our experienced team offers professional implant placement and aftercare, ensuring you receive a solution that looks natural and functions perfectly.

Book your consultation online or call us at 04 387 9392 to discuss your dental implant options today.

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