Dental implants are man-made replacements for natural teeth. The implants themselves are artificial tooth roots made from titanium & are anchored in the gum & jawbone. The implant’s screw-like shape helps it stay in place by providing more surface area for your bone to grow into, a process called osseointegration. Replacement teeth, referred to as crowns, are then permanently secured to these metal implants. They can improve your appearance, boost your self-confidence & allow you to speak with greater clarity than you would with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.

1. Initial Consultation:

   • Patient consultation to discuss their dental needs, concerns, and goals.
   • Examination of the patient's dental health, including X-rays, scans, and impressions.
   • Discussion of treatment options, including dental implants, and explanation of the implant procedure.
   • Evaluation of the patient's medical history and suitability for dental implant surgery.
   • Development of a personalized treatment plan, including the number of implants needed, type of implant, and timeline.

2. Pre-operative Preparation:

   • If necessary, pre-operative procedures such as tooth extraction or bone grafting may be performed to prepare the site for implant placement.
   • Any necessary medications or antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection and ensure patient comfort during and after the surgery.
   • Detailed instructions are provided to the patient regarding pre-operative care, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.

3. Implant Placement:

   • On the day of the surgery, local anesthesia or sedation is administered to ensure the patient's comfort.
   • The oral surgeon or implantologist makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.
   • A hole is drilled into the jawbone, and the implant is placed securely into the bone.
   • In some cases, a healing cap may be placed on the implant to protect it and facilitate proper healing of the surrounding tissues.
   • The gum tissue is then sutured closed around the implant.

4. Healing Period:

   • Over the next few months, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, the patient may wear a temporary restoration or denture to maintain aesthetics and function.
   • Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing progress and ensure proper integration of the implant.

5. Abutment Placement:

   • Once osseointegration is complete and the implant is firmly anchored in the jawbone, a minor surgical procedure is performed to expose the top of the implant.
   • An abutment, which is a small connector piece, is attached to the implant. This will serve as the foundation for the final restoration.

6. Final Restoration:

   • Impressions of the abutment and surrounding teeth are taken to fabricate the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture).
   • The final restoration is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of the patient's natural teeth.
   • The restoration is securely attached to the abutment, completing the implant process.
   • The patient is provided with post-operative care instructions and scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor the implant's long-term success and ensure proper oral hygiene.

Throughout the entire process, the dental team works closely with the patient to address any concerns and ensure a successful outcome.

The Digital Smile Design (DSD) protocol revolutionizes the dental implant journey by incorporating advanced digital technologies to enhance treatment planning, communication, and patient satisfaction. Here's how the dental implant journey unfolds with DSD protocols:

1. Initial Consultation and Smile Analysis:

   • The journey begins with an initial consultation where the dentist conducts a comprehensive examination of the patient's oral health.
   • Using DSD protocols, the dentist also assesses the patient's facial features, smile aesthetics, and overall harmony.
   • Advanced imaging technologies such as intraoral scanners, 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and digital photography are utilized to capture detailed data.

2. Digital Smile Design (DSD):

   • The dentist employs specialized software to create a digital mock-up of the patient's smile based on their facial characteristics and desired outcome.
   • Through DSD, the patient can visualize the proposed changes and actively participate in the treatment planning process.
   • The digital smile design serves as a blueprint for guiding the implant placement and achieving optimal aesthetic results.

3. Implant Planning and Simulation:

   • Utilizing the digital mock-up generated through DSD, the dentist plans the precise placement of dental implants to achieve ideal aesthetics and functionality.
   • Virtual implant placement is simulated within the software, taking into account factors such as bone density, available space, and occlusal considerations.
   • By digitally simulating the implant procedure, potential challenges can be identified and addressed proactively, leading to more predictable outcomes.

4. Guided Surgery:

   • Guided surgery technology is employed to transfer the virtual implant plan to the clinical setting with utmost accuracy.
   • Surgical guides, fabricated based on the digital treatment plan, serve as precise templates for implant placement, ensuring optimal positioning and angulation.
   • Guided surgery minimizes surgical trauma, reduces the risk of complications, and enhances the efficiency of the implant procedure.

5. Implant Placement:

   • On the day of surgery, the digital treatment plan is executed with precision using the surgical guides.
   • Local anesthesia is administered for patient comfort, and the implants are placed according to the pre-determined positions.
   • With the aid of DSD protocols, the implants are positioned to harmonize with the patient's facial aesthetics and smile design.

6. Final Restoration:

   • Following a healing period to allow for osseointegration, the final restorations are fabricated.
   • Digital impressions are taken to capture the contours of the implant abutments and surrounding teeth accurately.
   • The final restorations, whether crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures, are custom-made to achieve seamless integration with the patient's natural dentition and facial aesthetics.

7. Follow-Up and Maintenance:

   • Post-operative care includes regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the long-term success of the implants.
   • The patient receives guidance on proper oral hygiene practices and maintenance of their new smile.
   • With DSD protocols, ongoing communication and collaboration between the patient and dental team facilitate optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

By integrating DSD protocols into the dental implant journey, patients can enjoy a streamlined process, personalized treatment, and beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance their overall facial aesthetics and quality of life.

Dental implants have a wide range of applications in modern dentistry. Here's a list of some of the primary applications:

• Single Tooth Replacement:
  • Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth without the need to involve adjacent teeth, unlike traditional bridges. This restores both function and aesthetics.

• Multiple Teeth Replacement:
  • Implants can support fixed bridges or partial dentures, providing stable and long-lasting solutions for replacing several missing teeth in a row.

• Full Arch Replacement (Implant-Supported Dentures):
  • Dental implants can anchor full arch dentures in the upper or lower jaw, offering superior stability and comfort compared to conventional removable dentures.

• Implant-Supported Bridges:
  • Similar to traditional dental bridges, implant-supported bridges can replace multiple missing teeth by anchoring to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This option is suitable when multiple adjacent teeth are missing.

• Implant Overdentures:
  • In cases where a patient has few remaining natural teeth, implant overdentures can be used. These dentures are secured onto dental implants for improved stability and retention.

• Implant-Supported Crowns for Removable Partial Dentures:
  • Dental implants can be strategically placed to support and stabilize removable partial dentures, reducing movement and enhancing comfort for the patient.

• Implant-Supported Fixed Dentures (Hybrid Dentures):
  • Hybrid dentures combine the stability of dental implants with the convenience of fixed prostheses. They are permanently fixed in place and provide excellent chewing efficiency and aesthetics.

• Ridge Preservation:
  • Dental implants can be used for ridge preservation after tooth extraction to prevent bone loss and maintain the integrity of the jawbone for future implant placement.

• Sinus Lift and Bone Grafting:
  • In cases where there is insufficient bone volume in the upper jaw, dental implants can still be placed after sinus lift procedures or bone grafting to augment bone density and support implant stability.

• Orthodontic Anchorage:
  • In orthodontic treatment, dental implants can serve as stable anchorage points to facilitate tooth movement, particularly in cases of severe malocclusion or missing teeth.

• Implant-Supported Prostheses for Facial Reconstruction:
  • Dental implants can also be utilized in facial reconstruction procedures following trauma or cancer surgery, providing stable support for facial prostheses such as nose or ear replacements.

• Esthetic Enhancements:
  • Dental implants can be used for esthetic purposes, such as replacing congenitally missing teeth or correcting dental anomalies, to improve the overall appearance and symmetry of the smile.

These applications demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of dental implants in restoring oral function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for patients with missing teeth or dental issues.

The cost of dental implants can vary widely depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the complexity of the case, the location of the dental practice, and any additional procedures required (such as bone grafting or sinus lifts). Here's a list of average costs for dental implants in New Zealand dollars (NZD):

1. Single Tooth Implant:

   • Average cost: $3,000 - $7,500 NZD per implant.

2. Implant-Supported Bridge (3-4 teeth):

   • Average cost: $12,000 - $20,000 NZD for a bridge supported by two implants.

3. Full Arch Implant-Supported Dentures (All-on-4 or All-on-6):

   • Average cost: $30,000 - $40,000 NZD per arch.

4. Implant Overdentures (Snap-in Dentures):

   • Average cost: $15,000 - $25,000 NZD per arch.

5. Sinus Lift or Bone Grafting (if needed):

   • Average cost: $1,500 - $5,000 NZD per procedure, depending on the extent of bone augmentation required.

6. Implant Crown or Abutment Replacement:

   • Average cost: $1,500 - $3,000 NZD per replacement.

7. Implant Removal and Replacement:

   • Average cost: $2,000 - $4,000 NZD per implant.

8. Implant-Supported Prosthesis for Facial Reconstruction:

   • Average cost: Varies widely depending on the complexity of the case and the materials used.

It's important to note that these are average cost ranges, and actual prices may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific treatment plan recommended by the dentist. Additionally, the cost may or may not include preliminary consultations, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments.

Patients should consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to receive an accurate estimate based on their unique needs and treatment goals. Some dental practices may also offer financing options or payment plans to help make dental implant treatment more affordable for patients

"What can I say except thank you all for making me smile again!

It took a while and I had to learn...

It was not an easy decision to get my "remaining" teeth removed even though I had pain in my mouth most of the time.

If I had been aware how much difference going down the full mouth implant process would make to me on a daily basis.. I would not have wasted time and money on partial dentures and individual tooth extractions.

My food tastes how it should and because l couldn't chew with dentures I had to restrict what I ate.

Navin was patient, kind and most of all caring. 

The team that works with Navin are so lovely I can't thank you all enough."

Those who may not be eligible for standard implants due to bone loss may be eligible for mini implants. Mini implants are smaller than standard implants so they don’t need as much space in the bone to be installed. Mini implants are used to secure an advanced kind of dentures or partial dentures. These dentures are much more secure than standard dentures because they clip on to the mini implants instead of being attached by adhesives. Patients who have implant-supported dentures are often able to eat many foods that they might not have been able to with standard dentures.

Mini dental implants can also be a slightly more affordable option for whole-mouth restoration than a full set of standard dental implants. You will need to have a consultation with the dentist in order to determine if mini implants are a good option for you.

Not all patients are eligible for dental implants. Generally, you must be in good general & oral health to be a candidate for implants. Those who are undergoing cancer treatment, have uncontrolled diabetes or uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease, may not be eligible for dental implants. These conditions can affect whether the dental implant can be properly secured into the bone of your jaw, & can also affect post-operative outcomes. In creating your dental implant treatment plan, the dentist will assess all of the relevant health factors & advise you accordingly.

Supreme Dental Concepts works in conjunction with multiple teams to ensure we achieve the best outcome for our clients. We arrange what is best for you.

• We can place our own implants.
• We have a sedation specialist Dr who comes in should you require the service.
• We design with specialist overseas.
• We work with oral surgeons in ensuring continuity and a streamlined flow.
• We explore all the options and costs before you commit to treatment.

Our commitment is to you the client and what you would like to achieve at the end of the process