Dental implant surgery
The placement of an implant is a simple procedure done in about an hour most of the time, performed under local anaesthesia. Patients can elect a general anaesthetic if experiencing anxiety. If you are considering dental implants, contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss all your options.
Benefits of dental implants
- Natural look and feel - implants mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, with stability and comfort comparable to your original teeth.
- Enhanced speech and chewing - unlike removable dentures, implants function like natural teeth, allowing improved speech clarity and a full range of foods.
- Durability and longevity - with proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
- Preservation of jawbone - implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that often follows tooth loss.
- Improved oral health - unlike traditional bridges, implants don't require altering adjacent teeth for support.
- Enhanced confidence - restoring your smile's functionality and aesthetics lets you smile, speak and eat with ease.
The treatment process
- Initial consultation - a thorough assessment of your oral health, dental history and goals, with X-rays and scans to determine the best treatment plan.
- Treatment planning - a personalised plan outlining the number of implants, the type of restoration, and your timeline.
- Implant placement - performed under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation, titanium posts are precisely inserted into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots.
- Healing and osseointegration - over several months the implants bond with the jawbone, ensuring stability and durability.
- Abutment placement - connector pieces are attached to the implant posts to anchor the new teeth.
- Restoration placement - custom-designed prosthetic teeth, matched to the colour, shape and function of natural teeth.
- Follow-up care - detailed post-operative instructions and review appointments to monitor healing.
Are you a candidate?
Most healthy adults with a missing tooth (or teeth) are candidates. The key factors - assessed at your free consultation with X-rays and scans - are sufficient healthy jawbone to anchor the implant, healthy gums, and your general health. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing, so we plan around your whole picture. Where bone has receded, solutions still exist - we'll map your options honestly. Implant surgery at The Warm Smile benefits from the expertise of our oral surgery specialist, Dr Shady Abdelsalam (Master's in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery).
Recovery: smoother than you'd expect
Placement is done under local anaesthesia (or general if you prefer) and typically takes about an hour. Most patients describe the recovery as milder than a tooth extraction - some tenderness and swelling for a few days, managed with simple care: soft foods initially, gentle cleaning around the site, and following our aftercare guidance while the implant quietly fuses with the bone over the following months.
Cost & payment plans
In Melbourne, the cost of a single dental implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 AUD, varying with the number of implants, the type of restoration, and any additional procedures required. Whatever the treatment, we have you covered with our payment plans - start your treatment today and spread the cost over instalments.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The placement is performed under local anaesthesia (or general anaesthetic if you elect it), so the procedure itself is comfortable. Post-operative tenderness for a few days is normal and manageable - many patients are surprised how uneventful it is.
How long does the whole process take?
The implant placement itself takes about an hour, but the full journey - from consultation through osseointegration (the months where the implant fuses with your jawbone) to the final crown - typically spans several months. It's a process designed around biology, and the result is built to last.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime - they're the most durable tooth-replacement option available. The crown on top may need renewal after many years of service, but the implant itself is designed to be permanent.
Are implants better than a bridge or denture?
Each has its place. Implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth, prevent bone loss, and feel most like natural teeth - but the right choice depends on your case, health and budget. We offer bridges and implant-supported dentures too, so our advice is genuinely about what fits you.
Book a FREE implant consultation to discuss your options.
