A long-term option for replacing missing teeth
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root, surgically placed into your jawbone to support a crown. It is designed to look and function like a natural tooth, in either the upper or lower jaw. Suitability depends on your gum health and available bone.
- ✓ CT-scan planning before any surgery is scheduled
- ✓ Implant, abutment and crown handled in-house
- ✓ Payment plans and health fund claiming available
- ✓ Accredited practice, open six days a week
Book your implant consultation
Send your details and our Sunbury team will call you back to arrange your implant assessment.
We accept all major dental health funds
What is a dental implant?
How a dental implant replaces a missing tooth
Dental implants are titanium screws that serve as artificial tooth roots. A professional surgically inserts the screw into your jawbone, where it provides the support a natural tooth root does.
Patients can have implants in either their upper or lower jaws. Regardless of where they are, they restore your teeth’s functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Looks natural
The final abutment and crown are shade-matched to your surrounding teeth so that the restoration is designed to blend with your smile.
Supports the jawbone
Through osseointegration the implant integrates with the jawbone, which can help stimulate bone where a lost tooth root no longer does.
Brush as normal
No removing appliances to clean — you care for an implant the way you care for your other teeth.
Chewing function
Implants are designed to restore chewing function and support the structures around the missing tooth. Outcomes vary between individuals.
Why a missing tooth matters
A missing tooth is not something to take lightly. Aside from aesthetic issues, it can:
- ✓ Cause your teeth to shift
- ✓ Negatively impact your diet
- ✓ Affect your bite
- ✓ Cause facial sagging
- ✓ Cause other teeth to crack due to an altered bite
The treatment process
From CT scan to final crown
Consultation and planning
Dental implants require extensive planning. We take CT scans to determine the most appropriate course of action and address any other issues — unhealthy gums, bone loss — before we begin.
Implant placement
The titanium screw is surgically placed into your jawbone and covered with a temporary healing cap. Local anaesthetic is used to keep the area numb and comfortable.
Healing and integration
It takes around 3–4 months for the implant to fully integrate with your jawbone. At a later appointment we replace the healing cap with a healing abutment and temporary tooth.
Definitive crown
Finally the definitive abutment and crown are fitted. The restoration is designed to look and function like your other teeth.
Comfort during treatment
Implant surgery is performed under local anaesthetic so the treatment area is numb throughout. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain.
Your dentist will discuss additional comfort options if you feel anxious or your case is more complex, and will give you personalised aftercare instructions for the healing period.
Planning technology
CT imaging and digital planning let us place implants precisely and predictably:
- ✓ 3D imaging of bone volume and nerve position
- ✓ Digital scans instead of messy mould impressions
- ✓ Clear visual guidance you can see before treatment
- ✓ Fewer surprises and a smoother surgical appointment
Fees and health fund cover
Check-up & clean, no gap with private health insurance
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental implants last?
Implants are designed as a long-term restoration, but longevity varies between individuals and depends on oral hygiene, gum health, bite forces and general health. Your dentist will explain how to care for yours and monitor them at your routine visits.
Does having an implant placed hurt?
Implant placement is a surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed during treatment. Surgery carries risks, including infection, swelling, bruising, nerve involvement and, in some cases, failure of the implant to integrate. Your dentist will discuss these risks and your post-operative pain relief with you beforehand.
How long is the whole process?
Integration commonly takes several months before the definitive crown is fitted, though timeframes vary between individuals. Your dentist will give you an estimate based on your imaging and healing.
Am I suitable for an implant?
Suitability depends on your gum health and available bone. We assess this with a CT scan and address any other dental issues first to prevent problems down the line.
Can implants replace more than one tooth?
Yes. Implants can support a single crown, a bridge or a full-arch restoration. Your dentist will discuss which option is most appropriate for your clinical needs, along with the costs involved.
Schedule your dental implant consultation
If you are considering dental implants in Sunbury, contact Vineyard Dental Sunbury to arrange a consultation. Your dentist will assess your suitability and discuss the benefits, risks, alternatives and costs with you.
Important information
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. A consultation and clinical examination are required to determine whether any treatment is suitable for you.
All dental treatment carries risks. Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on your clinical circumstances, oral health and how closely aftercare advice is followed. Your dentist will discuss the benefits, risks, alternatives and costs with you before treatment begins.
Fees shown are current at the time of publication and may change. The amount you pay depends on your individual treatment plan and, where private health insurance applies, on your level of cover and remaining annual limits. A written treatment plan and estimate is provided before treatment starts.
Treatment at Vineyard Dental Sunbury is provided by dental practitioners registered with the Dental Board of Australia. If you have a concern about your care, please speak with us so we can address it.