A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a small titanium post placed in the jawbone. Once the bone has healed around it, a crown is attached on top. Implant treatment happens in stages over several months, and knowing what to expect at each one can make the process feel much more manageable.
Stage 1: Consultation and assessment
Your first appointment is about working out whether an implant is suitable and what the alternatives are. Your dentist will:
- ask about your general health, medications and habits such as smoking
- examine your mouth, gums and bite
- take x-rays and usually a 3D scan (CBCT) to measure the bone and locate nerves and sinuses
- discuss alternatives, such as a bridge or denture, and their pros and cons
You should leave with a written treatment plan, a timeline and a quote. At Parramatta Dentistry, a simple single implant in a back tooth, without bone grafting, starts from $4,500 (or from $30 a week with an interest-free payment plan). Conditions apply.
Stage 2: Preparation, if needed
Some people need preliminary treatment. A damaged tooth may need to be removed. Gum disease needs to be treated and stable. If there isn’t enough bone to hold an implant, a bone graft may be recommended, which can add several months to the timeline. Your dentist will explain whether this applies to you.
Stage 3: Implant placement
Placing the implant is a surgical procedure, usually done under local anaesthetic, with sedation available for anxious patients. The gum is opened, a precise channel is prepared in the bone and the implant is placed. The gum is then closed over or around it. For a single implant, the procedure commonly takes around an hour.
Afterwards, it’s normal to have some swelling, bruising and discomfort for a few days. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions, which usually include soft foods, gentle rinsing, pain relief and avoiding smoking.
Stage 4: Healing and osseointegration
Over the following months the bone grows around and bonds with the implant, a process called osseointegration. This commonly takes three to six months, depending on the location in the jaw and your bone quality. If the tooth is visible when you smile, your dentist can usually provide a temporary replacement in the meantime.
Stage 5: Abutment and impressions
Once the implant has integrated, a connector called an abutment is attached. Your dentist then takes impressions or a digital scan so the crown can be made to match your neighbouring teeth.
Stage 6: The final crown
The crown is fitted to the abutment and your bite is checked and adjusted. At Parramatta Dentistry, crowns are made in our group’s in-house ceramic lab, so your dentist can work directly with the technician on shade and shape.
How long does the whole process take?
| Stage | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Consultation and planning | 1–2 visits |
| Extraction and healing (if needed) | Weeks to months |
| Bone grafting (if needed) | Several months |
| Implant placement | 1 visit |
| Integration | About 3–6 months |
| Crown fitting | 1–2 visits |
Timelines vary. In some cases an implant can be placed at the same visit as an extraction, but this depends on the bone and your dentist’s assessment.
Who is suitable for implants?
Implants generally suit adults with healthy gums and enough bone. Factors that can affect suitability or success include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications such as some osteoporosis treatments, previous radiation therapy to the jaw, and heavy grinding. These don’t always rule implants out, but they need to be discussed.
Risks
As with any surgery, implant treatment carries risks. These include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby teeth, nerve injury causing numbness or tingling, sinus problems for upper back teeth, and the implant failing to integrate. Over the long term, gum and bone around an implant can become inflamed (peri-implantitis), particularly if cleaning is difficult. Your dentist should explain these risks and how they’re managed in your case.
Looking after your implant
An implant can’t decay, but the gum and bone around it need the same care as natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean around the implant with floss or interdental brushes, and keep up regular check-ups and cleans. If you grind your teeth, a night guard may help protect the crown.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Am I a good candidate, and what are my alternatives?
- Will I need a bone graft or other preparation?
- What is the total cost, including the crown and any follow-up visits?
- What happens if the implant doesn’t integrate?
Learn more about dental implants in Parramatta, or compare options in our article on bridges versus implants.
A complimentary smile makeover consultation, including an OPG x-ray, examination and photos, is available for eligible patients considering veneers, implants, full-mouth implants, Invisalign or orthodontics. Conditions apply.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Implant placement is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, although you may feel pressure. Sedation is available for anxious patients. Afterwards, discomfort, swelling and bruising are common for a few days and are usually managed with pain relief and cold packs as directed by your dentist.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care, many implants last for many years. The crown on top may need replacing at some point due to wear. Long-term success depends on your gum health, bone, general health, whether you smoke or grind, and how well you clean around the implant and attend regular reviews.
Can I have an implant straight after an extraction?
Sometimes. In suitable cases, an implant can be placed at the same visit as the extraction, called an immediate implant. It depends on the health of the bone and gums and whether there’s infection. Your dentist will advise whether this is an option for you.
Will I be without a tooth while the implant heals?
Not necessarily. If the gap is visible, your dentist can usually provide a temporary option, such as a removable denture, a bonded temporary tooth or, in some cases, a temporary crown on the implant.
Can I claim implants on my health fund?
Some extras policies pay a benefit towards parts of implant treatment, usually under major dental, and limits vary widely. Ask for a written treatment plan with item numbers and check with your fund. HICAPS is available at Parramatta Dentistry to claim on the day.
What if I’m not suitable for an implant?
Alternatives include a dental bridge or a partial or full denture. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each for your situation.
Book at Parramatta Dentistry
Parramatta Dentistry is at Suite 25, Level 3, 27 Hunter Street, Parramatta, a short walk from Parramatta Station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and HICAPS is on site, so you can claim from your health fund on the day and pay only the gap, if there is one. Call (02) 8090 1109 or book online.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.