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Getting a dental implant isn’t a single appointment — it’s a carefully staged process designed to give your body time to heal properly at each phase. Here’s what to expect.
Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation. We’ll assess your oral health, take 3D scans (CBCT imaging) of your jaw, and evaluate your bone density and gum condition. This is also when we discuss your goals, medical history, and whether you need any preparatory work such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
If the damaged or decayed tooth is still in place, it will need to be extracted first. In some straightforward cases, we can place the implant on the same day as the extraction (“immediate implant placement”). In others, we’ll allow the extraction site to heal for a few weeks or months before proceeding — this depends on bone quality and infection risk.
Under local anaesthetic (and sedation options for anxious patients), the titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone in a minor surgical procedure. Most single-implant placements take between 30 and 60 minutes.
This is the most important — and often longest — phase. Over 3 to 6 months, the jawbone gradually fuses around the implant, locking it firmly in place. During this time, a temporary crown or denture may be fitted so you’re never left without a functional, natural-looking tooth.
Once osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. Your custom-made crown — colour-matched and shaped to fit your bite — is then secured on top. From here, your new tooth functions just like the rest of your smile.
The entire process, from consultation to final crown, generally spans 4 to 9 months, though this varies depending on individual healing time and whether extractions or grafting are required.
One of the first questions most patients ask is: “How much do dental implants cost in Camberwell?” The honest answer is: it depends on your specific case — how many teeth are being replaced, whether bone grafting is needed, and the materials used for your crown. Here’s a general cost breakdown based on typical Australian pricing.
| Treatment | What’s Included | Typical Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Tooth Implant | Consultation, implant post, abutment, custom crown | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| Multiple Implants (per tooth) | Same as above, priced per implant | $3,000 – $6,000 each |
| Implant-Supported Bridge | 2 implants supporting a 3–4 tooth bridge | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| All-on-4 Implants (per arch) | 4 implants supporting a full fixed arch of teeth | $18,000 – $30,000+ |
| Bone Graft / Sinus Lift (if required) | Additional procedure to build up bone before implant placement | $600 – $3,500 |
Prices are indicative and can vary based on individual clinical needs, imaging, and materials chosen. A personalised quote is provided after your consultation and assessment.
It’s worth noting that while the upfront cost of implants is higher than dentures, their durability often makes them more cost-effective over a lifetime — dentures typically need relining or replacing every 5–8 years, while implants can last decades with proper care. We also offer payment plan options to help make treatment more accessible; ask our team about financing during your consultation.
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dental Bridges | Dentures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Fixed in bone, doesn’t move | Fixed, cemented to adjacent teeth | Removable, can shift while eating/speaking |
| Impact on adjacent teeth | None — surrounding teeth untouched | Requires filing down adjacent teeth | None, but can accelerate gum ridge shrinkage |
| Bone preservation | Yes — stimulates jawbone like a natural root | No | No |
| Lifespan | 15–20+ years (crown), lifetime (implant post) | 10–15 years | 5–8 years before relining/replacement |
| Comfort & function | Feels and functions like a natural tooth | Very good, though can feel different from a natural tooth | Can feel bulky; may affect speech/taste |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Moderate | Lower |
| Long-term value | Excellent | Good | Lower due to ongoing maintenance/replacement |
If you’re weighing up your options, our dental crowns and bridges and dentures pages go into more detail on those alternatives. In many cases, we’ll discuss a combination approach — for example, using implants to anchor an otherwise removable denture for extra stability.
This is, understandably, one of the biggest concerns for patients considering implants — and the good news is that the procedure is far less daunting than most people expect.
During the procedure, the implant site is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during placement — just some pressure or vibration. For anxious patients, we also offer sedation options to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout.
After the procedure, mild discomfort, swelling, and tenderness around the implant site are normal for the first few days — many patients compare it to the recovery after a tooth extraction, and it’s usually manageable with:
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two, with any residual sensitivity resolving within a week to ten days. If you experience persistent or worsening pain beyond this, it’s important to contact your dentist, as this can occasionally indicate infection.
Most healthy adults missing one or more teeth are good candidates for implants, but a few factors are worth considering:
Even if you don’t tick every box today, don’t rule yourself out — many patients who initially aren’t ideal candidates become eligible after preparatory treatments like bone grafting or periodontal therapy. The best way to find out is a personalised assessment.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the implant post itself can last a lifetime. The crown on top typically lasts 15–20 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear.
It depends on how many teeth you’re missing. A single tooth implant in Camberwell replaces one missing tooth with its own dedicated implant and crown. If you’re missing several teeth, options range from multiple single implants to an implant-supported bridge, or a full-arch solution like All-on-4.
All-on-4 uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of fixed replacement teeth, rather than placing an individual implant for every missing tooth. It’s typically used for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one jaw, and is often more cost-effective and faster to complete than placing 8–10 individual implants.
Many Australian private health funds offer partial cover for dental implants under extras/major dental cover, though the amount varies significantly between funds and policies. We recommend checking your policy details or asking our team to help clarify what your fund may cover.
This is determined during your consultation using 3D imaging (CBCT scans) to assess your jawbone volume and density. If bone loss is significant, a bone graft or sinus lift may be recommended to build a stable foundation before implant placement.
Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution to missing teeth — restoring not just your smile, but your confidence and ability to eat, speak, and live without hesitation. Whether you need a single tooth implant, multiple implants, or a full-arch All-on-4 solution, the team at Dentist on Highfield Park is here to guide you through every step, right here in Camberwell.
Book your dental implant consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

At Dentist on Highfield Park, we’re dedicated to providing quality dental and specialist care for the whole family.
