If you are missing a tooth and weighing up your options, a dental implant is one of three main ways to fill the gap — the others being a bridge and a denture. This guide explains what an implant actually is, what the process involves month by month, what it costs, and who it suits.
At Richmond Smiles Dental, implant treatment starts from $4,500 and every case begins with a written quote after assessment.
What a dental implant is
An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. It has three parts that work together:
The implant itself is a small titanium screw, generally 10–12 mm long, placed into the jawbone. Titanium is used because bone grows directly onto its surface — a process called osseointegration — which anchors the implant firmly over several months.
The abutment is the connector that sits on top of the implant once it has integrated, protruding slightly above the gum.
The crown is the visible replacement tooth, made from porcelain or ceramic and colour-matched to the teeth either side.
Published reviews report survival rates in the region of 95% or better over ten years when implants are well placed and well maintained, though outcomes vary with bone quality, smoking status and oral hygiene. The Cochrane review of single-tooth replacement and healthdirect Australia both set out the evidence in plain terms.
The treatment process, step by step
Assessment and planning
The first appointment covers an examination of the teeth, gums and bone, imaging to check bone volume and the position of nerves and sinuses, a review of your medical history and medications, and a written treatment plan with costs.
Not everyone is ready for an implant straight away. Active gum disease must be treated first, and thin bone may need grafting before placement.
Extraction, if the tooth is still there
If the damaged tooth is still in place it needs to come out first. Extraction is done in a way that preserves as much bone as possible. Healing before implant placement usually takes three to six months, though in selected cases the implant can go in at the same visit.
Placing the implant
Placement is normally done under local anaesthetic and takes roughly 30–60 minutes for a single implant. A small incision is made, the site is prepared, the implant is threaded into the bone and the gum is closed over it.
Healing and integration
This is the longest phase, generally three to six months. During it you will need to avoid hard and sticky foods near the site, keep the area clean, and avoid smoking, which measurably increases the risk of failure.
Abutment and crown
Once the implant has integrated, the abutment is fitted and impressions are taken. The crown is made in a dental laboratory and fitted at a later appointment, with the bite checked and adjusted.
How implants compare with the alternatives
Implant or denture
A denture costs less at the outset — ours start from $900 for a partial — and can be made relatively quickly. It is removable, needs daily cleaning, and rests on the gum rather than in the bone, so it does not slow the bone loss that follows tooth loss.
Our comparison of implants and dentures goes through the trade-offs in more detail.
Implant or bridge
A bridge spans the gap by attaching to the teeth either side, which means those teeth must be reshaped. Bridges are fixed and generally quicker than implants, but they involve altering healthy teeth and typically need replacing after around ten to fifteen years.
An implant leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched. Which option fits depends on the condition of those adjacent teeth, your bone, and your budget.
What implants cost
At Richmond Smiles, single implant treatment starts from $4,500, and you receive a written quote after assessment. Across Australia, quoted fees for a single implant including the abutment and crown commonly fall between roughly $4,000 and $6,000, with variation by case.
What moves the figure:
- Bone grafting — needed where bone volume is insufficient, and charged in addition.
- Number of implants — the cost per tooth usually falls when several are placed together.
- Position in the mouth — front teeth require closer attention to gum contour and shade matching.
- Preliminary treatment — gum treatment or extraction where required.
Implants are usually treated by health funds as a major dental item with waiting periods and annual limits, and rebates vary widely between policies. We are a NIB First Choice provider and CBHS preferred provider, and can process claims through HICAPS at your appointment — see our health funds page. Flexible payment plans are available, subject to eligibility and approval.
Recovery, week by week
First week. Some swelling is normal and usually peaks around day two or three. Ice for short periods in the first 24 hours helps. Expect mild to moderate discomfort, manageable with the pain relief your dentist recommends. Stick to soft foods and avoid strenuous exercise for several days.
First month. Swelling settles and normal activity resumes. Keep avoiding hard and sticky foods, and clean gently around the site.
Months two to six. Integration happens quietly. Keep up your hygiene routine and attend review appointments.
Caring for an implant long term
An implant is looked after much like a natural tooth: brushing twice daily with a soft brush, cleaning between the teeth every day, and regular professional care. Interdental brushes or a water flosser often work better than string floss around an implant.
The most common long-term problem is peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissues around the implant that behaves much like gum disease and is largely preventable with good hygiene and regular reviews. Our guidance on how often to see a dentist applies equally once you have an implant.
Who implants suit
Implants generally work well for people in reasonable general health with enough bone to support the implant, healthy gums, and the willingness to maintain daily hygiene and attend reviews. They are placed once jaw growth is complete, usually from around age eighteen.
Some situations need extra planning rather than ruling implants out: smoking, diabetes that is not well controlled, significant bone loss, active gum disease, certain bone medications, and previous radiotherapy to the head or neck. Bring your full medication list to your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an implant last?
With good maintenance, implants commonly last well over a decade and often much longer. The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the implant itself.
Is the surgery painful?
The area is fully numbed, so you should feel pressure rather than pain during placement. Afterwards, discomfort is usually mild to moderate and settles within days.
Can I have an implant if I have gum disease?
Not until it is treated. Gum disease compromises the bone the implant relies on, so it is addressed first.
Can implants be done in a single day?
An implant can sometimes be placed on the day a tooth is removed, but integration still takes months. Same-day teeth are possible in selected cases and are assessed individually.
What happens if an implant fails?
Failure is uncommon. Where it occurs, the implant is removed, the site is allowed to heal, and replacement is considered once the cause has been addressed.
How soon can I eat normally?
Soft foods from the same day, then a gradual return to a normal diet as healing allows.
Next step
The only way to know whether an implant suits your situation is an assessment with imaging. Call (03) 9428 6587 or book a consultation. We are at 1/84 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121, open Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm.
Reviewed by Dr Ian Vu, General Dentist at Richmond Smiles Dental. Fees quoted are current starting prices and may change; your written quote will set out exact costs. This article is general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
