What is a dental implant? A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement. Since they attach directly to the jawbone, implants look and feel like real teeth, and they may prevent bone loss and gum recession at the same time. 

Will I experience pain or discomfort?  Usually minimal to none. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local anaesthesia. You may have mild post-surgical pain for up to 72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief is generally sufficient to alleviate the discomfort in most patients, and your dentist can prescribe special pain relief if they feel it is required. Special care will be taken to stay in contact with you after the surgery to be sure that you remain comfortable. 

When can I return to work after implant surgery?  It's a personal choice; however it is possible to return to work the next day after the procedure. Our surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.

How long does the process take? Complete treatment can take between 12 weeks and nine months, and in some cases, longer. Of course, we’ll be able to give you a more accurate idea of how long the process will take at your initial consultation.

Will I be left without teeth?  No, we can provide short term, temporary teeth until your permanent implants are ready to fit. Please note that charges for temporary teeth are not included in implant prices and will be quoted separately. 

Is the metal in the implant safe?  Yes. The metal used is titanium which is the same material used to pin broken bones and do hip replacements. Using metal for these medical things all started with dental implants!!

How long does an implant last?  At Dentalcare West, we use the very best materials, techniques and technology to create your implant, so there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last a lifetime. However there are a number of factors that can affect how long your implant may last. These include your general health, nutrition, oral hygiene and tobacco usage. Once your procedure is complete we’ll provide you with helpful information about how to care for it.

Do you provide same-day dental implants? We want your procedure to be as successful as possible, that’s why we allow 12 weeks for integration and for the bone to heal properly. Any earlier may jeopardise the success rate and may increase your chance of dental implant failure. Your dentist will be able to offer options based on your individual clinical condition. For some cases, especially some front teeth, we are able to offer a same day temporary crown so that it doesn’t look like you’re missing a tooth at all.

What will happen without treatment?  When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supported them. As this bone disappears, problems with other teeth may occur. Such problems may include pain, mobility, and lack of retention for dentures, sharp painful ridges, mobile gum tissue and sore spots. 

Are there any age limitations for dental implants?  Any relatively fit and healthy adult can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants. Your dentist will be able to determine your suitability to have dental implants after your initial consultation. Bone grafting can often be used to overcome a lack of bone thanks to advanced methods and materials.

Does my health insurance contribute towards the funds?  Possibly, depending on which insurance provider you are with. It’s best to discuss this with your individual provider. 

Is finance available?  Yes, we absolutely have finance options available. For more information on interest-free payment plans, please click here

How much do dental implants cost?  We believe in transparent pricing, you can read a bit more about our pricing structure here. We invite you to a complimentary consultation with our team so we can understand your specific situation and provide you with an accurate treatment plan and fee structure. This can be booked here or by calling us on (09) 818 8855.