What is the experience of the dentist placing your dental implant?

Did you know that the placement of dental implants is not taught to dentists at university and they have to undergo further training to learn how to do this? At Perth Dental Implant Centre, our principle dentist, Dr. David Norcross, has completed extensive further training in dental implants and our clinic is dedicated to performing dental implant treatments. When done well, dental implants can be a very successful treatment, but when done incorrectly the results can be catastrophic. It’s important that your dentist has the right qualifications & experience.

What dental implant is being used in your mouth?

There are hundreds of different manufacturers of dental implants which differ in cost and quality. Some of the implants used overseas are not licensed for use in Australia and some can even be low-quality copies.

Will I need a temporary tooth while the dental implant heals?

There may be a period of time when we need to leave the dental implant to heal before we can make the final tooth/teeth. We’re able to provide you with a number of different temporary tooth options with different costs.

What are the sedation options if I’m nervous or have a complex procedure?

Many of our patients have dental implants placed following a simple local anaesthetic injection. However, some patients would prefer to sleep through the procedure. We can perform any tooth extraction and/or implant placement under IV sedation or full general anaesthetic. For those with private health insurance hospital cover, the cost of the anaesthetist and hospital will be fully covered (no gap). You may just have a hospital excess to pay depending on your policy. For those without private health insurance, we have very competitive rates for IV sedation with our visiting GP anaesthetist, some of which may be covered by Medicare.

What is involved in the new keyhole method?

A new way we are placing dental implants is using computer guided 3D printed guides. This allows us to place dental implants using “keyhole” surgery. This can make the process much less invasive, quicker and safer.

How much does a dental implant cost and why is there such a variety in cost?

Dental implants are not just something we can pluck off a shelf in a shop that have a fixed price. In the same way that your teeth are unique to you, we have to develop a dental implant plan that perfectly meets your needs, both financially and to give you the very best possible result for the long term. This means that the process and the time that it takes will vary from person to person. Therefore, it can be very difficult for us to provide an “off the shelf” cost. We need to see you in person to assess those factors to then be able to provide you with an appropriate cost.

Is your missing tooth at the front of your mouth or the back of your mouth?

The amount and quality of bone into which we can place a dental implant is different in each part of the mouth. For example, the bone at the front of the mouth can be much thinner which means a more complex treatment may be required to achieve a successful result. Teeth at the front of the mouth may be much more visible when the patient smiles which can also make the treatment more complex. At the back of the mouth there may be more available bone and less need for an aesthetic outcome, making the treatment far simpler. Following a 3D bone scan we can fully assess your circumstances and come up with a unique treatment plan for the best results.

Do you need a 3D bone scan to assess if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant?

To accurately check if you have enough bone available to place dental implants, we take a detailed 3D xray known as a CBCT scan. This is similar to a CT scan but with a much lower dose of radiation. This shows us exactly how much bone you have and where vital structures such as nerves, the sinuses and other tooth roots are. We can then ensure that when placing the implant there is no risk of the implant damaging these structures. We believe that a dental implant should not be placed without first carefully assessing a 3D bone scan. At the Perth Dental Implant Centre, we have in-house 3D scanners at both of our clinics and can tell you on the day of your consultation, saving you time and money.

Treatment Considerations & Risks

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Safety & Maintenance Considerations

Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure and, like any medical treatment, carries general and specific risks. Potential risks can be minimised by choosing an experienced clinician and following all post-operative and maintenance guidance:

General (Common Risks)

Temporary discomfort
Swelling or bruising following surgery (typically resolving within 1–2 weeks)
Minor bleeding
Short-term changes in bite or function

Treatment-Specific Risks

Surgical treatments including dental implants may involve risks such as:

Infection at the implant site
Implant failure (requiringre-treatment)
Delayed healing
Nerve disturbance (rare risk)
Sinus involvement (rare risk of upper jaw procedures)
Potential impact on nearby teeth or gum tissue

Surgical wisdom tooth removal carries uncommon risks such as:

Infection at the extraction site
Delayed healing
Nerve disturbance (rare risk)
Sinus involvement (rare risk of upper jaw procedures)
Potential impact on nearby teeth or gum tissue
Dry socketcausing severe pain until treated (rare risk)
Temporary soreness or stiffness in the jaw

Ceramic crowns and bridges (zirconia and porcelain)may chip, fracture or break, requiring repair or replacement from time to time, especially when put under excess strain such as pressure from teeth grinding.

Sedation Considerations

Treatment under sedation, including IV sedation and general anaesthesia carries its own risks, which may include:

Drowsiness or nausea
Allergic reactions (rare risk)
Breathing or cardiovascular complications (rare risk)

Your anaesthetist will explain any risks relevant to your individual circumstances prior to treatment. Sedation is carefully assessed and continuously monitored by a qualified anaesthetist throughout the procedure to prioritise your safety.

Informed, Genuine Care

Every patient’s needs and circumstances are unique. Before proceeding with any treatment, we will discuss any general and specific risks relevant to you and provide detailed written information to support informed consent.

During your consultation, you’re encouraged to:

Ask questions at any stage
Seek clarification on any aspect of your treatment plan
Consider alternative treatment options where appropriate
Make a confident, informed decision that aligns with your needs

Our priority is to ensure you feel well-informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your entire treatment journey. If you have any questions, our team is here to help—please contact us on 1300 108 133.

Our Commitment to Safety

Choosing a suitably qualified and registered dental clinician is an important part of reducing potential risks associated with treatment. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, client safety underpins every stage of care—from planning through to aftercare.

Our approach is guided by up-to-date clinical standards, with a strong focus on maintaining a clean and controlled environment.

All treatment recommendations are made following a comprehensive assessment, taking into account your individual oral health, long-term goals, and medical and financial suitability.

Book a Free Consultation

We provide high-quality treatment at competitive prices with our highly experienced dentists. Find out if dental implants are right for you. Book your free consult & 3D scan today. T&Cs apply.

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