What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over several months, the bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable root for the replacement tooth.
Once healing is confirmed, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, giving the appearance of a tooth growing naturally from the gum line.
Why its different?
Implants differ from bridges and dentures because they replace the tooth root, not just the visible crown. This is what allows an implant to handle everyday chewing pressure and helps slow the bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
Patients in Drury, Karaka, Papakura, and Pukekohe considering tooth replacement typically weigh implants against a bridge or denture. See how they compare below.
Why patients choose implants over a bridge or denture
Five practical reasons implants are often the preferred option for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Natural appearance
The restoration sits at the gum line the way a natural tooth would, rather than resting on top of the gum.
Bone preservation
The implant post stimulates the jawbone the way a natural tooth root does, helping slow bone loss after extraction.
No impact on neighbouring teeth
Unlike a bridge, an implant doesn't require grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
Long-term stability
A well-placed, well-maintained implant is designed to function for decades rather than years.
Restored chewing function
Because implants are anchored in bone, they handle everyday chewing pressure more predictably than a denture.
Implant Crowns, Bridges & Dentures: Which Suits You?
The right restoration depends on how many teeth need replacing and the condition of the surrounding bone and teeth. Dr Naidoo reviews your X-rays and explains the benefits and drawbacks of each before you decide.
Implant Crown
Best for: a single missing tooth
One implant supports one crown, replacing a single tooth root to root.
Why Choose Drury Dental for Your Implant Treatment
Dr Kavendra Naidoo has more than eight years of experience with dental implants and has placed over 500 implants using the NobelActive system from Nobel Biocare. All Drury Dental clinicians, including Dr Naidoo, are registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Tooth replacement is not one-size-fits-all. A patient with strong surrounding bone and one missing tooth has different needs than a patient replacing several teeth after years of wear. That's why every plan starts with an exam, not an assumption.
The Dental Implant Procedure, Step by Step
From your first exam to your final restoration, here's what to expect.
1. Initial consultation and examination
Dr Naidoo assesses your oral health, takes X-rays, and reviews your medical history to confirm you're a suitable candidate.
2. Treatment planning
You receive a clear explanation of the recommended implant type, the number of implants needed, and the expected timeline.
3. Implant placement
The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. Anxious patients can ask about intravenous sedation options.
4. Healing period
The bone fuses around the implant over a period of months. Healing time varies depending on bone quality and overall health.
5. Restoration fitting
Once healing is confirmed, your custom crown, bridge, or denture is fitted and adjusted for a natural bite and appearance.
Clear, itemised pricing before you commit
Dental implant cost in Drury depends on the number of implants, the restoration type, and whether preparatory work like bone grafting is needed. Drury Dental provides an itemised treatment plan after your examination rather than a flat quoted price, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
To help manage the cost, the clinic accepts Southern Cross Easy-Claim for eligible members and offers interest-free payment plans through:
Q Mastercard, Zip, Afterpay, Humm, Southern Cross Easy-Claim
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the bone has fused around the implant, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached on top to restore the visible tooth.
2. How long do dental implants last?
A well-placed implant post is designed to last for decades with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. The crown, bridge, or denture attached to it may need replacement or adjustment over time due to normal wear.
3. Are dental implants painful?
Implant placement is done under local anaesthetic, so patients typically feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling in the days afterward is normal and is usually managed with standard pain relief. Patients with dental anxiety can discuss sedation options with the clinic before treatment.
4. How much do dental implants cost in Drury?
Cost depends on the number of implants, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are needed. Drury Dental provides an itemised treatment plan after an in-person examination rather than a general price estimate, and offers payment plans through Q Mastercard, Zip, Afterpay, and Humm.
5. Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with adequate jawbone density and healthy gums are candidates for implants. Factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or significant bone loss can affect suitability, which is why an in-person examination and X-rays are the first step.
6. How long does the full implant process take?
The timeline varies depending on healing time and whether additional procedures are needed, but the process typically spans several months from initial placement to final restoration. Dr Naidoo provides a personalised timeline during your consultation.
Key Takeaways
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Dental implants replace both the tooth root and the visible tooth, which is why they help preserve jawbone in a way dentures and bridges don't.
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Drury Dental uses the NobelActive implant system, and Dr Kavendra Naidoo has placed over 500 implants during more than eight years of practice.
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The right restoration (crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture) depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your jawbone.
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Implant cost varies by case, so Drury Dental provides an itemised treatment plan after an examination rather than a flat quote.
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Payment plans through Q Mastercard, Zip, Afterpay, Humm, and Southern Cross Easy-Claim are available to help manage the cost.
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An in-person consultation with X-rays is the only reliable way to confirm whether implants are the right option for your case.