An implant is a titanium post placed in the jaw that acts as a new tooth root, topped with a crown made to match. It stands on its own, without leaning on neighbouring teeth.
Implants are not a quick fix, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling. Most cases run three to six months from placement to final crown, because the bone needs time to bond to the post.
01/
Planning
Examination and a 3D CBCT scan here in the practice, to measure bone height, width and where the nerves and sinuses sit.
02/
Placement
The titanium post is placed under local anaesthetic, usually in under an hour. Most people are surprised how straightforward the day itself is.
03/
Healing
Three to six months while bone integrates with the post. A temporary tooth can usually be worn in the meantime.
04/
The crown
An abutment is fitted and a custom crown made to match your other teeth in shape and shade, then screwed or cemented into place.
Risks & Considerations
What could go wrong
Implants have a high success rate, but they are surgery and they are not for everyone. You should know all of this before you decide:
Swelling, bruising and discomfort for several days after placement
Infection, or failure of the post to integrate — occasionally requiring removal and a second attempt
Damage to nerves, sinuses or adjacent teeth — the reason we scan in 3D first
Peri-implantitis, a gum and bone infection around the implant, if cleaning slips
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and some medications measurably raise failure rates
Insufficient bone may mean a graft first, adding months and cost
The crown will still need maintenance, and can chip or loosen over the years
Alternatives We’d Also Discuss
An implant isn’t the only answer
A bridge
Fixed, quicker and usually cheaper, but it requires cutting down the teeth either side. Sensible when those teeth already need crowns; wasteful when they’re pristine.
Sometimes reasonable, particularly for a back tooth. But neighbouring teeth drift and the opposing tooth over-erupts, so it isn’t cost-free either. We’ll be straight with you about which applies.
Costs & Health Funds
What it costs, before it starts
Every treatment plan we give you carries its price, its inclusions and any conditions in writing before you agree to anything. Implants are a larger investment than most dental treatment, and health fund rebates vary widely by policy. Compassionate Release of Super through the ATO can apply to implants and dentures for essential treatment.
Health funds on the spot
Bring your card and we claim through HICAPS at the desk, so you only pay the gap. All funds welcome, including HCF, Bupa, Medibank, nib, CBHS, Teachers Health, Defence Health, Australian Unity and GMHBA.
First visit with us? Exam, treatment plan, X-rays, scale and clean and fluoride are no-gap where your fund rebates $199 or more, or a flat $199 without cover. New patients only; a $50 booking deposit applies and comes off the visit.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Any dental or surgical procedure carries risks. Individual results vary. Before proceeding with treatment we encourage you to ask questions and, if you wish, seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.
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