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.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me? | Perth Dental Implant Centre

Dental Implants

Are Dental Implants Right for Me? Factors to Consider

Posted on: September 1, 2025

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5 minute read

If you have one of more severely damaged or missing teeth, your dentist might suggest dental implants to restore your bite and your smile. Providing excellent support and retention, implants are a natural-looking, long-lasting solution for teeth replacement, but they’re not always the best choice for everyone.

From pre-existing health conditions to treatment costs, there are a few factors to consider when deciding “are dental implants right for me?” Read our guide to discover the pros and cons of dental implants and whether you could be a candidate and get in touch with our dentists in Perth to discuss your best option for teeth replacement.

What are dental implants?

While dentures or bridges only replace the part of the tooth you see, dental implants also replace the root, making them function and feel more like natural teeth. There are three parts to a dental implant:

A titanium post or screw that a dentist places in the jaw through minor surgery
A prosthetic tooth (known as a crown)
A titanium abutment that connects both the post and prosthetic tooth together

After the implant is placed in your jaw, the bone naturally grows around it over three to six months, holding it firmly in place. Just like a real tooth root, an implant helps keep your jawbone strong by stimulating bone growth and preventing it from shrinking.

Who typically needs dental implants?

Dental implants could be an option if you want to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full arch of teeth. They can be a suitable alternative for denture-wearers who have never really gotten used to the feel of dentures or those with dental bridges.

You might consider dental implants if you want teeth that look, function and feel as close to the real thing as possible, allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods and can last for many years, even a lifetime.

Am I suitable for dental implants?

Most adults with healthy gums are suitable candidates for dental implants however, even if you like the idea of implants, there can be reasons why implants might not be an option. These may include:

Your general health and medical history
Your oral health and gum condition
The quality and density of your jawbone
Your lifestyle habits
Your age
Treatment and maintenance costs

If you’ve spoken with your dentist and they have determined you’re not an immediate candidate for implants, they may suggest treatment or lifestyle changes that could improve your suitability in the future.

To find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants or another option that might suit you better, call our dentists today on 1300 108 133 to book a consultation.

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General health and medical history

Some medical conditions or treatments may affect your suitability for implants. These include bone conditions like osteoporosis and conditions that affect healing following surgery. Poorly-controlled diabetes is also linked with a higher risk of implant failure and complications such as peri-implant disease.* Your dentist will check your medical history and your general health and discuss whether implants are a suitable option for you.

* Wagner J, Spille JH, Wiltfang J, Naujokat H. Systematic review on diabetes mellitus and dental implants: an update. Int J Implant Dent. 2022 Jan 3;8(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s40729-021-00399-8. PMID: 34978649; PMCID: PMC8724342.

Oral health and gum condition

Your gums should be healthy and free from gum disease before dental implant surgery, as the gums support the implants and prosthetic teeth. A long-term study of implant patients found that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis) was a significant risk factor for implants failing.* Your dentist will treat any gum problems as a priority before beginning implant treatment.

* Levin L, Ofec R, Grossmann Y, Anner R. Periodontal disease as a risk for dental implant failure over time: a long-term historical cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. 2011 Aug;38(8):732-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2011.01745.x. Epub 2011 Jun 2. PMID: 21635280.

Jawbone quality and density

Dental implants rely on the jawbone for support, so the bone needs to be thick and strong enough to successfully anchor implants in place. If you’ve experienced jaw bone loss, your dentist may discuss options to improve your suitability. These could include a bone grafting procedure to build up your jaw or using different types of implants that don’t require so much bone density, such as All-on-4® implants if replacing a full arch of teeth.

Lifestyle considerations

Dental implants are a long-term investment in your smile. To keep them healthy for years to come, maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits is key — helping your implants, your natural teeth and gums stay strong for life.

Brushing your teeth twice a day
Flossing daily
Eating a healthy diet that’s low in sugar
Having a regular dental check-up twice a year
Avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use
Drinking plenty of tap water

A review of studies found that dental implants placed in smokers had a 140% higher risk of failure compared to non-smokers.*

* Mustapha AD, Salame Z, Chrcanovic BR. Smoking and Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Dec 27;58(1):39. doi: 10.3390/medicina58010039. PMID: 35056347; PMCID: PMC8780868.

Age and suitability

There’s no upper age limit for dental implants — if you’re healthy and meet the necessary requirements, you may be a good candidate. However, implants aren’t usually recommended for younger people whose jaws are still developing, as this can lead to complications over time.

Benefits to choosing dental implants

If you are eligible for treatment, there are many reasons to consider implants for permanent teeth replacement, including:

Restoring natural function
Natural-looking results
Long-lasting durability and retention
Preserving the jaw and gums

Restoring natural function

Dental implants are designed to feel stable because they’re anchored in the jaw, unlike dentures that rest on the gums or bridges that rely on neighbouring teeth for support. This stability can make it easier to chew a wider range of foods. Patients also report that speaking with implants feels more natural sooner than it does with suction dentures.

Natural-looking results

Your implant bridge will be carefully designed by a dental technician to blend in with your natural teeth and support a balanced bite. Unlike dentures, an implant bridge is fixed in place, so it won’t shift or move while you eat or speak.

Long-lasting durability

Dental implants are a long-term solution for teeth replacement and are very low maintenance compared to dentures, with no special care requirements beyond regular teeth cleaning. The titanium implants themselves can last a lifetime, while the teeth attached to the implants can last for many years, depending on the material they’re made from and how well they are cared for.

Preserving the jaw and gums

By stimulating the jawbone much like natural tooth roots, dental implants may help reduce bone loss that can occur after losing teeth. They may also help prevent the gums from receding and support nearby teeth so they don’t shift into the gap.

Potential challenges or limitations of implants

While implants can be ideal for many people, they’re not the most suitable teeth replacement solution for everyone. Some possible downsides of dental implant treatment can be:

Involves surgery
Cost of treatment
Time commitment

Involves surgery

Getting dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure, followed by a recovery period. As with any surgery, there are some risks, such as infection at the implant site or possible damage to nearby teeth or nerves. These risks are usually low, especially when treatment is carefully planned and provided by an experienced dentist.

Cost of treatment

Dental implants typically cost more than a dental bridge or dentures up front, though they can also last longer and require less upkeep. Your dentist will give you a full breakdown of prices including pros and cons of treatment when they write up your treatment plan, including any financial support and payment plans available.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we’ve partnered with payment plan providers like Zip Money, Pretty Penny Finance and early super access provider Super Health Ensemble to help you access dental implant treatment when you need it. Speak to our treatment coordinator to find out more about these options today.

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Time commitment

Getting dental implants usually involves several appointments, depending on the type of treatment and the replacement teeth you choose. For single implants and small fixed implant bridges, there is typically a healing period of three to six months while the implant integrates with the jawbone before the prosthetic tooth is attached. With All-on-4® dental implants, this waiting period isn’t required, as replacement teeth are often attached within one to three days after surgery.

Alongside the time commitment, patients are usually advised to follow a liquid and soft food diet while healing from surgery. For single implants, this is typically 1–2 weeks, while for full-mouth implant treatments like All-on-4®, a soft diet may be recommended for about 8–12 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and the dentist’s instructions.

Alternatives to dental implants

If dental implants aren’t the best option for you, your dentist will explain the alternatives. These could include:

Dentures: Full or partial dentures supported by neighbouring teeth, gums and palate.
Dental bridge: One or more prosthetic teeth in a row that are supported by crowns fitted over the teeth on either side of the bridge.

Am I a candidate for implants?

“Just because we can place full-arch dental implants in a patient, doesn’t mean we should,” – A quote taken from Dr David Norcross during a Full Arch clinical residency taught to associate dental surgeons.

Most adults with healthy gums that are free from gum disease are candidates for dental implants, but where possible, a dentist will choose to help retain and restore your natural teeth back to a healthy state for as long as possible.

To find out if dental implants are suitable for you, schedule a consultation with our experienced implant dentist. During this appointment, they will conduct a comprehensive examination, explain the procedure, discuss your treatment goals, and outline your options. This may include x-rays and a 3D bone scan to assess your jawbone.

Choosing an accredited and experienced implant provider is important for the best chance of a successful outcome and satisfying results.

Perth Dental Implant Centre patient reviews

“Very friendly, receptive, respectful and helpful staff at the front desk always finding a way to make you feel welcome and respond to your needs. Dr David Norcross was always conscious of my comfort and ensuring I was happy with the outcome.” – Jenni Snook

“I was really nervous, but they talked me through each step and explained everything thoroughly. If I ever need treatment again, I will definitely go back!” – Lee W

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Book a dental implant consultation in Perth

If you want to know more about dental implant treatments and whether you’re suitable, make an appointment with our team at Perth Dental Implant Centre today. Call 1300 108 133 or contact us to schedule your consultation so we can work together to design your new smile.

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References

Levin L, Ofec R, Grossmann Y, Anner R. Periodontal disease as a risk for dental implant failure over time: a long-term historical cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. 2011 Aug;38(8):732-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2011.01745.x. Epub 2011 Jun 2. PMID: 21635280.
Mustapha AD, Salame Z, Chrcanovic BR. Smoking and Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Dec 27;58(1):39. doi: 10.3390/medicina58010039. PMID: 35056347; PMCID: PMC8780868.
Wagner J, Spille JH, Wiltfang J, Naujokat H. Systematic review on diabetes mellitus and dental implants: an update. Int J Implant Dent. 2022 Jan 3;8(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s40729-021-00399-8. PMID: 34978649; PMCID: PMC8724342.