Our Services
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a smart way to replace missing teeth while keeping your other healthy teeth completely untouched. They're considered the gold standard for tooth replacement, and we're here to walk you through what that means for your smile and oral health.
A dental implant is an artificial root, anchored into your jawbone, that supports a fixed tooth replacement—think of it as giving your smile a solid foundation that looks and works just like a natural tooth.
Here’s how it works: we refer you to a specialist to place a small titanium post into your jawbone to act as that artificial root, then we top it with a custom-made crown crafted just for you. The result? You get your appearance and chewing function restored, while your jawbone stays healthy and supported. It’s a solution that really does help you access the oral care you deserve.
That said, we’re honest about this: it’s important to get your mouth properly assessed first. We’ll take the time to make sure your gums and jawbone are in good shape and genuinely capable of supporting an implant. We believe in fairness—that means setting you up for success from the start, not rushing into treatment. If you’re curious about whether implants are right for you, we’d love to chat through your unique situation with compassion and clarity.
A Strong, Natural-Looking Foundation for Your Missing Tooth—Because You Deserve Care That Gets It
Missing a tooth? A dental implant could be your answer—think of it as giving your smile a new root to grow from. We know tooth loss can feel stressful, and we’re here to guide you through every step with honesty and care.
Here’s how it works: the implant integrates with your jawbone over time through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable, long-lasting foundation. Once healing is complete, we attach an abutment (a small connector piece) and top it with a custom dental crown that’s carefully matched to the shade and shape of your natural teeth. The beauty? It’s designed to blend seamlessly with your smile and handle all your everyday biting and chewing with confidence.
You deserve a tooth replacement solution that’s both strong and natural-looking—one that lets you smile without worry. We’re committed to making this process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, because everyone can receive the compassionate care they deserve.
What to Expect at the Practice
Before, during and after – here is exactly how your visit runs, so nothing on the day comes as a surprise.
Before Treatment
We’ll start with a comprehensive consultation where we get curious about your unique needs and concerns. You’ll receive a thorough dental examination, along with X-rays or 3D scans, and we’ll discuss your medical history in an honest, conversational way. This helps us understand the full picture so we can provide personalised support tailored to you.
If implants are the right option for your situation, we’ll explain that it’s a 2-stage procedure. For the first stage—placing the titanium post in your jawbone—we’ll refer you to an implant specialist in either Wagga or Canberra. We’ve chosen this approach because we’re committed to fairness and giving you access to the specialist expertise that delivers the best possible long-term outcome for your implant. You deserve care from someone who truly understands what they’re doing, and that’s exactly what we’ll help you get.
During implant placement
We’ll place your implant under local anaesthetic—or sedation if that’s what you need to feel comfortable—during a straightforward minor surgical procedure. Most patients find it far less daunting than they’d imagined, with minimal discomfort throughout. This procedure is completed in a single visit, though we’ll give your implant time to heal properly before fitting your crown. We know dental procedures can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve had anxious experiences before, so we’re here to make this as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
During impression for crown on top of implant crown
Here’s where your patience really pays off. Around 8–10 weeks later, Dr Mary-Anne will check in to make sure everything’s healing beautifully and that bone integration is progressing as it should. Once we’ve confirmed that you’re ready, we’ll take an impression and send it to a specialised laboratory in Sydney who’ll craft your dental crown—carefully matched to the shade and shape of your natural teeth, because it should look like it’s always been part of your smile.
Then, about 4 weeks after that, your crown will be fitted onto your implant. We’ll take a radiograph and gum measurements so we can keep a close eye on how everything’s settling in. This ongoing monitoring is our promise to you: we’re committed to helping your implant and crown last a lifetime, giving you the durable, beautiful smile you deserve.
After implant and crown are inserted
Your implant is a long-term investment in your smile, and we’re here to help it thrive. Annual reviews with Dr Mary-Anne Slater and hygienist Simone are essential because, while implants are built to last, they live within a dynamic system—your gums, bone, and bite all play a role in their success.
At each visit, we’ll take a curiosity-led approach to your care:
- Assess the gum health around your implant and watch for any signs of inflammation or infection
- Check the stability of your implant crown and how your bite is functioning
- Inspect all components to catch any wear or changes early
With small adjustments, professional cleaning from Simone, and regular radiographs, we monitor the bone level around your implant closely. This personalised support means your implant continues working like a natural tooth—giving you the lasting results and peace of mind you deserve.
What Makes Our Practice Different
The same standard of care sits behind every service we offer – 43 years of it, in one familiar practice on The Esplanade.
Qualifications & Training
Weekly mentoring with an oral surgeon, bimonthly mentoring with a cosmetic dentist, additional training in anxiety informed care and neurodiversity- affirming practice, annual CPR training for all the team.
Technology & Techniques
AIRFLOW gentle scale and clean, WAND la machine, digital imaging, intraoral cameras, stainless steel crowns, and sedation options including treatment under general anaesthetics for anxious patients.
Associations & Accreditation
Member of Australian Dental Association, NSW and Federal, APRHA member, D3 group, Palliative Care Volunteer.
Accredited and affiliated with
43
Years Serving Wagga Wagga Families
100+
Combined Years Dental Experience
5
Trained and Dedicated Team Members
1
Local Practice, Every Need Covered
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Wagga families ask us most about this service.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Once it integrates with the bone—a process called osseointegration—a crown is attached on top to create a natural-looking, fully functioning replacement tooth. Implants are widely considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They also help preserve the jawbone, which can deteriorate when a tooth is lost. If you’re considering implants and aren’t sure where to start, we’re happy to walk you through the process at your consultation.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with good bone density and healthy gums are suitable candidates for dental implants. Certain factors—like uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or insufficient bone in the jaw—can affect suitability, but these aren’t always deal-breakers. During your consultation at our Wagga dental practice, we’ll assess your oral health, take the necessary X-rays, and talk honestly with you about whether implants are the right solution for your situation. If they’re not suitable right now, we’ll explain why and discuss what alternatives or preparatory steps might help. We’re here to give you a clear, personalised recommendation—not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during placement—you may feel some pressure and movement, but it’s generally well-tolerated. After the anaesthetic wears off, it’s normal to experience some soreness and swelling for a few days, similar to what you’d expect after a tooth extraction. Most patients manage this comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief. If you’re anxious about dental procedures, please tell us—we’re experienced in supporting nervous patients, and we’ll take extra time to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and in control throughout the process.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The implant process takes place over several months, and we’ll be upfront about that from the start. After the implant is placed, it needs time to integrate with your jawbone—typically three months. Once that’s complete, the crown is attached and your new tooth is ready to go. The timeline can vary depending on your individual healing, whether any bone grafting is needed, and how many implants are being placed. We’ll map out a clear treatment plan at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect and when. It’s a commitment, but the results are long-lasting and genuinely life-changing for most people.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime—the implant itself (the titanium post) is designed to be permanent. The crown on top may need replacing after 10 to 15 years, depending on wear and how well it’s maintained. Like natural teeth, implants benefit from regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleans. Coming in for your routine check-ups at our Wagga dental practice allows us to monitor the health of the implant and surrounding gum tissue, which is important for long-term success. We’ll give you clear guidance on how to look after your implant so you get the best possible outcome.
How do I care for my dental implant?
The great news is that caring for an implant is very similar to caring for a natural tooth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean between your teeth with floss or interproximal brushes, and maintain your regular hygiene appointments. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth (we can provide a custom mouthguard if needed) and not using your teeth as tools will also help protect your implant long term. If you notice any changes around the implant—like swelling, sensitivity, or movement—contact us promptly. Catching any issues early is always better than waiting.
Ready when you are
Whether it has been six months or sixteen years, the first appointment is a conversation. Call us, or send a message and we will come back to you.
Visit Us
4/24 The Esplanade
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Fri – Sun: Closed
Call
02 6921 6035
