Dental implants in North Sydney replace missing teeth with a small titanium post placed in the jaw, topped with a crown, bridge or denture. Treatment usually takes a few months from assessment to final tooth. The cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing and whether you need extra steps such as bone grafting.
This dental implants North Sydney guide covers how implants work, the options, the process, costs, recovery and risks, so you can have a well-informed conversation with your dentist.
What a dental implant is and how it works
An implant has three parts. The implant itself is a screw-shaped post, usually titanium, placed in the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. An abutment connects the post to the visible tooth, and the crown, bridge or denture sits on top.
Over the weeks after placement, bone grows closely around the implant surface. This process, called osseointegration, is what gives an implant its stability for chewing.
Because the implant sits in the bone, it can help maintain the bone in that area, which tends to shrink after a tooth is lost. It also does not rely on the neighbouring teeth for support, unlike a conventional bridge.
Implants are one of several ways to replace missing teeth. Bridges and removable dentures remain reasonable choices for many people, and your dentist will discuss them alongside implants.
You can read more about the treatment itself on our page about dental implants at North Sydney Dentistry.
Your options: single, multiple and full-arch
Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth or a whole arch. Your dentist will discuss which approach suits your mouth, your bone and your goals. Our overview of the types of dental implants explains the hardware in more detail.
- Single implant and crown: one implant replaces one missing tooth. See how it compares in single implant vs bridge.
- Implant-supported bridge: two or more implants support a bridge spanning several missing teeth, so you do not always need one implant per tooth.
- Implant-retained dentures: a removable denture clips onto two or more implants for better stability. Read implant-retained dentures: a middle option.
- All-on-4: a fixed full-arch bridge supported by four implants. Learn about All-on-4 dental implants, compare All-on-4 vs dentures and see what’s included in All-on-4 cost.
The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of the remaining teeth, your bone volume, your budget and how you feel about removable versus fixed teeth.
The treatment process at a glance
Most implant journeys follow a similar path, although timing varies from person to person.
- Assessment: an examination, X-rays and usually a 3D CT scan to check bone volume and nearby structures. Our guide am I a candidate for dental implants? explains what your dentist looks for.
- Preparation: treating gum disease, extractions or bone grafting if needed. See bone grafting before implants.
- Placement: the implant is placed under local anaesthetic, with sedation options discussed where appropriate.
- Healing: typically around two to six months for the bone to integrate, depending on the site and bone quality.
- Restoration: the crown, bridge or denture is fitted and your bite is checked.
At North Sydney Dentistry, single implant crowns can be made with CEREC same-day ceramic technology. Cosmetique Dental Group, which the practice is part of, also has its own in-house ceramic lab for more complex work.
For more detail on each stage, read the dental implant process, step by step.
What dental implants cost
At North Sydney Dentistry, a single dental implant package is $5,199. It includes your consultation and assessment, implant placement, a CEREC ceramic crown and post-operative care. Bone grafting or extractions, if needed, are extra and quoted at your assessment.
Prices are a guide; your exact fee is confirmed in a written treatment plan after your assessment.
Multiple implants, implant-retained dentures and All-on-4 are quoted individually after a CT scan and examination. Our dental implant cost page explains the factors that affect fees.
Health fund cover varies widely. Our article does health insurance cover dental implants? explains how to get a quote from your fund.
Health funds differ, so check your extras cover, annual limits and waiting periods directly with your fund. We can provide the item numbers from your treatment plan so your fund can give you a quote.
Recovery, risks and limitations
Implant placement is a surgical procedure. Most people have some swelling, tenderness and minor bleeding for a few days, and many return to desk work within one to two days. Soft, cool foods help early on; see what to eat after dental implant surgery.
Possible complications include infection, prolonged bleeding, bruising, sinus involvement in the upper jaw, and nerve irritation causing numbness in the lower lip or chin. Nerve problems are uncommon and usually temporary. Occasionally an implant does not integrate and needs to be removed and replaced after healing.
Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease raise the risk of problems. Results vary between people, and your dentist will talk through your individual risks before you decide.
If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing after any dental procedure, call 000 immediately.
Looking after implants long term
Implants cannot decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed, a condition called peri-implantitis. Daily brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular check-ups are the main protection.
With good care, many implants last for decades, while crowns and dentures on top may need replacing as they wear. Read how long do dental implants last? for what affects lifespan.
We are at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station, open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. To discuss whether implants suit you, call (02) 8090 1108 or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure rather than pain during placement. Afterwards most people have tenderness and swelling for a few days, which your dentist will advise you how to manage.
How long does the whole implant process take?
From assessment to final crown, treatment often takes around three to six months. It can be longer if you need an extraction or bone graft first, and timing varies between people.
Can anyone have dental implants?
Most adults with healthy gums and enough jawbone can be considered, but smoking, some medical conditions and certain medications affect suitability. Your dentist will advise whether implants suit you after an examination and scans.
Are dental implants covered by Medicare?
Dental implants are generally not covered by Medicare for adults. Some private extras policies contribute, so check your cover and waiting periods with your fund using the item numbers we provide.
Book a consultation
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.