Dental Implants
At Sweet Tooth Dental, dental implants are offered at our Christchurch, St Albans, and Rangiora clinics. We always begin with a thorough assessment of the patient’s bone density, gum health, bite alignment, and neighbouring teeth. This helps us determine whether an implant is suitable and allows us to plan treatment accordingly.
What Is the Need for Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can affect not only your appearance but also your oral health. Gaps may place additional pressure on neighbouring teeth, affect chewing ability, and contribute to gradual bone loss in the jaw. Patients who wish to replace a missing tooth without affecting neighbouring teeth, or who would like a fixed alternative to removable dentures, may benefit from dental implants. Dental implants can help:
- Restore chewing and speaking function
- Replace missing teeth with a fixed solution
- Maintain jawbone support
- Prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting
- Restore the appearance of the smile
With proper care, implants can provide stable, long-term results.
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How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a small titanium post inserted into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The surrounding bone then grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This provides a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
After healing, a dental crown is placed over the implant. The final restoration is designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Adults may be eligible for dental implants if they:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Maintain healthy gums or have treatable gum disease
- Have adequate bone density to support an implant
- Are looking for a long-term solution
- Can maintain good oral hygiene
A detailed examination and imaging are completed before treatment. If there is limited bone support, additional dental procedures or treatments may be recommended.
What to Expect During the Treatment Process
Consultation and Planning
The first step involves a dental examination, imaging, and a discussion about treatment suitability. This allows careful planning of implant placement.
Implant Placement
The implant is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Sedation options may also be discussed if appropriate.
Healing Period
Healing generally takes several months while the implant integrates with the surrounding bone. A temporary restoration may be used during this stage if required.
Crown Placement
Once healing is complete, the final crown is attached to the implant and adjusted for comfort and bite alignment.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants should be cared for just like your natural teeth.
This includes:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day
- Using interdental brushes around the implant where recommended
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups to monitor the health of the gums around the implant
- Quitting smoking, as it significantly increases the risk of implant failure
- Using a night guard if teeth grinding is a habit
For the long-term stability of your dental implant, proper care is essential.
Contact Sweet Tooth Dental to learn more about dental implant treatment and arrange a consultation.
Call 03 662 5025 or email office@sweettoothdental.nz.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do implants need special cleaning?
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How much does Sweet Tooth Dental charge for dental implants?
