A good dentist will give you a thorough initial dental examination that includes the inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, inside of the cheek and palate. In adults a periodontal examination with a periodontal probe should be used to determine the presence of gum disease. They will also extensively chart their findings and spend quality time with you discussing your concerns. You will then be provided with a comprehensive treatment plan that documents all your ongoing treatment needs and costs.

Just a word of caution from experience, be wary of free examinations as it may indicate that the dentist will often up-sell treatment later on to recoup costs. Whilst this is not always the case just ensure that a fully detailed treatment plan is provided for peace of mind.

Your selection of a dental implant dentist will be the single, most important decision that you will make towards the success or failure of the treatment. Ensure the dentist meets the following criteria as a minimum:

They must have experience in dental implant placement
General dentists can start placing implants straight after graduation. Whilst straight forward implant cases can be performed by inexperienced dentists, there is always the risk of complications during surgery. Generally speaking the surgeon should have 5+ years and have placed 100+ implants to be sufficiently experienced in all types of implant complications.

They must have post graduate training in dental implant procedures
Dental implant surgery is not taught in the undergraduate/graduate dental degrees like other areas of dentistry, eg endodontics, crowns, fillings, scale and clean etc; but rather through short courses after graduation, with some of these courses being only 5 days in duration. Post-graduate training from a reputable university of at least 6 months demonstrates that the clinician has achieved a suitable competency in implant placement and restoration.

They must have implant certification or affiliations
Last, but certainly not least, the clinician needs ongoing dental implant training and education. This is usually provided by implant companies or 3rd party organisations such as the International Team for Implantology (ITI) or the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).

We use Straumann, Dentsply Sirona and Southern Implants at Selwyn Dental. These implants systems are widely recognised around the world as producing not only implants of the highest quality but also having the best range of restorative components available. Look at what google has to say about the "best dental implants systems in the world".

Recent documented studies show an average of 90% success rate over 10 years.

Your initial specialist-level consultation will last approximately 45 minutes during which time Dr Bower will make an accurate assessment of your dental needs. The assessment will include a full explanation and breakdown of costs associated with your proposed treatment. The cost is $185 and includes all necessary xrays and photos.

Yes we do. As a current SuperGold card holder you will receive 10% off all your dental treatments with us. The discount applies to our recommended retail prices (RRP) only.

Sorry we do not. Selwyn Dental is a practice limited to Prosthodontics; involving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of moderate to severe dental and oral diseases, usually involving the loss of some or all of the permanent dentition.

We do not see emergencies. Selwyn Dental is limited to Prosthodontic practice; involving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of moderate to severe dental and oral diseases. You will either need to make an appointment for an initial consultation or have a referral from a treating dentist.

You do not need a referral, however we do encourage you to obtain one from your current dentist for treatment at Selwyn Dental. At the end of your visit(s) we will refer you back to your general dentist for continuation of treatment. We do acknowledge that this is not always the case and we are more than happy to provide continuation of care if you do not currently have a dentist.

Your patients are in good hands at Selwyn Dental. Dr Bower is a highly skilled dentist with over 20 years of experience restoring and replacing teeth and is use to solving the most complex cases on a daily basis. Cases that demand precision and outstanding results from initial planning to final delivery. If your patients seek a renovated smile, a healthy dental foundation, and an oral structure that lets them enjoy life again, get in touch today. Referrals are possible via email to pros@selwyndental.co.nz or digitally by our referral form.

We are a fee-for-service practice and full payment is required at the time of your appointment unless prior arrangements have been made with management. If you prefer, you're welcome to make partial payment or pay in full prior to your appointment.

The following forms of payment are accepted:

• Cash
• Credit card (all major cards accepted)
• EFTPOS

Please get in touch with our front desk team if you have any questions.