Restorative dentistry
Dental implants
Of all the ways to replace a missing tooth, an implant is the only one that begins at the root. A slender titanium post is settled into the jaw to stand in for the natural root, and a custom crown is crafted on top, so the tooth is whole again, from the ground up. You eat what you fancy, smile without a second thought, and before long forget it was ever gone. And because an implant stands on its own two feet, it leaves the healthy teeth either side completely untouched.
Who a dental implant suits
Implants are a great fit for most healthy adults missing one or more teeth, or facing the loss of a tooth that can't be saved, as long as the gums are healthy and there's enough bone to anchor the post. That's exactly what the assessment checks. If there isn't quite enough bone, a small graft can often build up the site first; if your gums need attention, we'll settle those before we start.
A few things (like smoking, or an unmanaged health condition) can slow healing, so we'll talk through anything simple worth sorting so your implant settles in beautifully. And we'll always compare an implant honestly against a bridge or denture, so you choose what genuinely suits you.
Why it's worth it
An implant is the closest thing to getting your own tooth back. It restores full chewing strength, looks completely natural, and, unlike a bridge, doesn't require reshaping the healthy teeth beside the gap. Just as importantly, the post stimulates the jawbone the way a natural root does, which helps preserve the bone and keeps your face and bite from changing over time the way they can when a gap is left. With good care and regular visits, implants are a genuinely long-term solution, often lasting many years.
Wondering if an implant's right for you? . You'll get a clear, honest picture and a written quote, no obligation.
How long it takes
Implants are staged over a few months, and that's by design. The healing period between placing the post and fitting the final crown is what lets the implant fuse securely with the bone (a process called osseointegration). A typical timeline runs from initial assessment and placement, through a few months of healing, to fitting your custom crown. If a graft is needed first, add a little more time. We'll map your exact timeline at the assessment, which is handy if you're planning around flights or a busy period.
Afterwards
Most people are back to normal quickly. For the first few days a little swelling and tenderness is normal; an ice pack and simple pain relief handle it. Stick to soft kai for a few days, keep the area clean with gentle warm saltwater rinses from the day after, and give smoking a miss while it heals. We'll check in along the way.
Your visit
What to expect
- 01
Assess & plan
A full check, a scan or X-ray, and a clear plan for position, timing and cost.
- 02
Place the implant
Placed under local anaesthetic, then given time to heal and fuse with the bone.
- 03
Fit your crown
Once healed, a custom, shade-matched crown completes the tooth.
Common questions
Questions, answered
It's placed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel it on the day; most people manage the next few days with simple pain relief.
Usually a few months start to finish, because we let it heal properly. We'll map your timeline at the assessment.
Each has its place depending on your mouth, budget and preferences. We'll walk you through all three.
Many years with good care, cleaning and regular visits.
Results and treatment vary from person to person; some cases need extra steps such as a graft. We'll assess and give you a written quote first.
Ready for a super smile?
Whether it's been six months or six years, you're welcome here. New patients, whānau and emergencies, always.