Getting a dental implant is usually not painful during the procedure, as the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic and for larger treatments, often accompanied by sedation. Clients may report feeling pressure rather than pain. After surgery, it’s normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for 3-4 days, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

What does a dental implant feel like?

During the procedure:

• The area is numb, so you shouldn’t feel pain
• You may feel pressure or vibration if you are awake
• If you are sedated, do you not feel anything

After the procedure:

• Mild swelling and tenderness for 2–3 days
• Bruising or minor discomfort around the surgical site

How long does the pain last after a dental implant?

• First 24–72 hours: Most noticeable discomfort and swelling
• 3–7 days: Symptoms improve significantly
• After 1 week: Pain is usually minimal or gone

If pain worsens or doesn’t improve, contact your dental team immediately.

How does dental implant pain compare to other treatments?

Many clients say dental implant surgery is more comfortable than expected and often easier than a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal.

How is pain managed?

• Local anaesthetic during treatment
• Optional IV sedation or general anaesthesia for anxious patients or complex surgeries
• Pain relief medication after surgery
• Ice packs and aftercare instructions to reduce swelling

Quick summary

• Dental implant surgery is typically well-tolerated
• You won’t feel pain during the procedure
• Mild discomfort after surgery usually settles within a few days
• Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is

The cost of dental implants in Australia varies depending on the type of treatment, materials used, and your individual needs. As a general guide:

Typical dental implant cost (AUD)

• Single dental implant from: $4,500 per tooth
• Full arch dental implants (All-on-4®) from: $17,250 – $35,000 per arch

What affects the cost of dental implants?

Dental implant costs can vary based on:

• Tooth materials: Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) vs ceramic or zirconia (longer-lasting, higher cost)
• Implant system: Implant components costs vary
• Clinician experience: Advanced training and expertise may influence fees
• Additional procedures: Extractions, bone grafting, specialised techniques such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants
• Sedation: IV sedation or general anaesthetic changes total cost
• Case complexity: Bone loss, gum disease, previously failed treatments, or medical conditions may require more treatment
• Private health insurance and Medicare rebates: Treatment, hospital & anaesthetist costs may be partially covered by your private health fund and/or Medicare.

Are there extra costs to consider?

Some dental implant costs may not be included in the initial quote:

• Consultation ($85+)
• 3D Bone scan and diagnostics ($226–$500)
• Bone grafting ($500–$3,000+)
• Sedation or anaesthetist fees ($1,350 – $3,000+)
• Hospital fees and excess (from ~$500)
• Ongoing maintenance every 6-12 months (check-ups and professional cleans )
• Ongoing 3D bone scans every 12-24 months
• Repairs or replacement of crowns or bridges

Payment options for dental implants in Australia

Most clinics, including Perth Dental Implant Centre, offer flexible payment options:

• Payment plans: Interest-free or low-interest instalments
• Dental finance/loans: Third-party options for larger treatments
• Private health insurance: May partially cover treatment depending on your policy
• Medicare: Does not cover dental implants. Limited benefits may apply for anaesthetist or hospital costs in specific cases

Quick summary

• Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth
• Costs vary depending on materials, complexity, and treatment type
• Full-arch options like full mouth dental implants (including All-on-4®) have higher upfront costs but replace an entire arch
• Flexible payment options can help make treatment more accessible

Book a Free Implant Consult & Scan

Perth Dental Implant Centre offers a free implant consultation and scan (valued up to $609) that includes:

• Consultation (#014)
• Diagnostic 3D model #071×2
• Intraoral photographs #072
• Extraoral photographs #073
• 3D (CBCT) bone scan^ and written report #026; #089 (if required)

This offer is valid for NEW clients only.

^An OPG x-ray and CBCT scan will only be taken if clinically required. If you have a current OPG / CBCT (taken within the past six months) from another dental provider, we may use this at no additional charge. Terms & Conditions apply.

Find out if treatment is right for you, book online or call 1300 108 133.

Dental implants have a high success rate, but some potential disadvantages include higher upfront cost, the need for minor surgery, a small risk of implant failure, and a longer treatment timeline compared to other tooth replacement options.

Cost of dental implants
Dental implants are typically more expensive than dentures or dental bridges. However, they are designed to last longer, which may make them more cost-effective over time.

Surgery and recovery
Dental implant treatment involves a minor surgical procedure. Most patients experience mild, temporary swelling or discomfort. As with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection or complications, which are carefully managed by your dental team.

Risk of implant failure
In some cases, the implant may not integrate properly with the jawbone. While dental implants have a high success rate, factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or certain medical conditions can increase the risk.

Treatment time
The dental implant process usually takes several months and multiple appointments, including consultation, implant placement, healing, and final restoration.

Read more on our treatment considerations and risks page.

Quick facts about dental implant risks

• Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option
• Most side effects are mild and temporary
• Success rates are high when treatment is carefully planned
• Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups help maintain results

It's important to replace a missing tooth to maintain your oral health, functionality, and aesthetics. Missing teeth can interfere with chewing and speech, leading to nutritional issues, improper digestion and communication challenges. Adjacent teeth may shift into the gap, causing misalignment, while opposing teeth can over-erupt, causing bite problems and cosmetic concerns.

A missing tooth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, as it lacks stimulation from tooth roots needed to keep the bone healthy. Over time, jaw shrinkage can change facial structure, resulting in a sunken appearance. Replacing a missing tooth with options like dental implants helps preserve bone density, ensuring jaw stability and maintaining bone function and facial aesthetics.

Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots. They support chewing forces and help to prevent complications associated with gaps, such as shifting teeth or further tooth loss. Early intervention can help to prevent long-term complications, making tooth replacement essential for oral health.

For more information, visit  our blog Six Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth.

When it comes to performing dental implant surgery, there are currently no mandated requirements governing the amount of training a general dentist must complete before placing dental implants. In some cases, a dentist may undertake a short 1–2 day course and begin placing implants with limited experience. However, research indicates that clinical experience plays a significant role in treatment outcomes.

Dr David Norcross and Dr David O'Dowling have each undertaken extensive postgraduate education in implant dentistry, completing advanced programs and clinical residencies over many years.

Dr David Norcross graduated from Leeds University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. He went on to complete a one-year Master Clinician Program in Implant Dentistry through the Global Institute for Dental Education (gIDE) in collaboration with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has also completed clinical residencies at the Malo Clinic in Melbourne and Portugal — the birthplace of the All-on-4® technique — gaining advanced training in full-arch rehabilitation.

Dr David O'Dowling graduated from University College Cork in Ireland and completed a Master of Science in Oral Implantology at Goethe Dental School in Germany. He also holds Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, a qualification that permits specialist implant registration in the United States.

When you choose our team for implant surgery, you’re placing your smile in experienced hands.

Peri-implant disease (or peri-implantitis) is a condition where bacteria build up around the gum tissue surrounding dental implants. Symptoms include:

• Pain and inflammation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bleeding gums
• Wobbly dental implants

If caught early enough, peri-implantitis can often be treated by a dentist. However, in the late stages of the disease, it may cause tissue damage, bone loss and dental implant failure.

Most healthy adults can receive dental implant treatment. However there are some exceptions that affect your eligibility for surgery or long-term treatment success.

• Poor oral health - For people with untreated gum disease (periodontitis), dental implant treatment is often delayed until the disease can be controlled and gums are brought back to health.

• Bone loss - A healthy jaw bone is needed to hold dental implants in place. For people who have suffered jaw bone loss or who lack density in their jaw bone, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended to build up enough bone to hold implants in place. If you are replacing a full arch of teeth with All-on-4® implants, Dr Norcross may discuss pterygoid or zygomatic dental implants with you.

• Smoking - Smoking impairs healing and may prevent the implant from fusing with the jaw bone after surgery. This leads to dental implant failure. Smoking can also affect integration between the implant and jaw bone over time.

• Pregnancy - General anaesthesia (if needed) and other medications may exclude pregnant women from having dental implant surgery as it may risk the unborn baby's health in some cases.

• Medical conditions - Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of complications with dental implant surgery. This includes a higher risk of infection and delayed healing post-surgery.

• Excessive alcohol use - Alcohol can inhibit dental implants from properly fusing with the jaw bone, causing implant failure.

• Drug abuse - If the patient has dietary problems, fails to follow treatment instructions or fails to maintain proper oral hygiene they may not be suitable for dental implants.

• Medical history & medications - Certain allergies, blood disorders, heart problems and blood-thinning medications taken on a regular basis can influence treatment success and need to be discussed with the dentist to determine your eligibility for dental implants.

All-on-4® dental implants have a very high success rate, typically between 94% and 98% over 5 to 10 years, based on clinical studies. The replacement teeth attached to the implants have shown even higher success rates, reaching over 99% after 10 years.

How successful are All-on-4® dental implants long term?

All-on-4® treatment has been used since 1998 and is supported by long-term clinical research. Studies show:

• Implant success rate: 94.8% – 98.1% over 5 years
• Implant success rate: 93.8% – 94.8% over 10 years
• Prosthetic (teeth) success rate: 99.2% over 10 years

These results demonstrate that All-on-4® is a reliable and predictable full-arch tooth replacement solution when properly planned and maintained.

What factors affect the success rate of All-on-4® implants?

Success rates can vary depending on:

• Bone quality and quantity
• Treatment planning and clinician experience
• Oral hygiene and aftercare
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking
• Regular maintenance and check-ups

Quick summary

• All-on-4® implants have a high long-term success rate (94%–98%)
• Replacement teeth show excellent durability (99%+ over 10 years)
• Clinical studies support predictable, long-term outcomes
• Ongoing care plays a key role in maintaining results

A 3D bone scan, also known as a CBCT scan, is an important part of planning dental implant treatment. It allows your dentist to accurately assess the quantity and quality of bone available for implant placement and identify important anatomical structures such as nerves, sinuses and neighbouring tooth roots.

Unlike traditional dental x-rays, a CBCT scan provides a detailed three-dimensional view of your jaw. This helps your dentist determine whether dental implants are suitable for you, identify any additional procedures that may be required, and carefully plan the position of each implant before treatment begins.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we believe thorough planning is essential for achieving predictable outcomes. By using 3D imaging, we can minimise risks and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual anatomy.

We have in-house CBCT scanners at both of our clinics, allowing us to complete your scan during your consultation and discuss the results with you on the same day. The cost of a 3D bone scan is $226.

Full mouth dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime, as the titanium implants fuse with the jawbone and have a very high long-term success rate. However, the attached teeth (bridge) will wear over time and may need to be replaced depending on the material used.

How long do full mouth implant teeth last?

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, full mouth treatment is completed in stages through our Revive packages:

• Revive Basic (custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge for an immediate solution):
  A fixed custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge is used as your initial set of teeth and typically lasts 1–2 years before replacement.
• Revive Essential (custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) → ceramic upgrade for a long-term solution):
  Includes an custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge (1–2 years), followed by a stronger ceramic or zirconia bridge, which can last 10–15 years or more.
• Revive Advanced (designed for complex cases):
  Includes both stages, with a focus on specialised techniques and long-term durability using high-quality ceramic or zirconia materials designed for 10–15+ years of use. You can learn more about Revive packages on our Prices page.

What affects how long full mouth dental implants last?

The lifespan of your implants and bridge depends on several factors:

• Material of the teeth: Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) vs ceramic/zirconia
• Clinician experience: Planning and surgical precision are critical
• Oral hygiene: Daily care and professional cleaning
• Bite forces: Grinding or clenching can increase wear*
• Ongoing maintenance: Regular check-ups help extend lifespan

*All our Revive packages include a custom-fitted nightguard to protect your investment.

Do full mouth dental implants need to be replaced?

• Implants (titanium posts): Designed to last long-term
• Bridge (teeth): Will need repairs and/or replacement over time due to normal wear

With proper care, both custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) and zirconia bridges may last longer than average.

Quick summary

• Full mouth dental implants can last decades or longer
• Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridges typically last 1–2 years
• Ceramic/zirconia bridges can last 10–15+ years
• Revive packages include staged treatment for both short- and long-term results
• Good oral hygiene and regular care help maximise longevity

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we only use TGA-approved implant systems:

Full Arch Dental Implants (All-on-4®)

• Nobel BioCare™
• Southern Implants®

Single Implants and Small Fixed Implant Bridges

• Implant Direct™
• Southern Implants®
• Straumann Implants®

Teeth can be lost because of wider health issues or dental trauma, but in most cases, it is preventable when you’re aware of what harms them, like a poor diet, tooth decay, gum disease and bad oral habits:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet that’s low in sugar and starch
• Follow a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily, flossing between teeth and visiting the dentist regularly
• Protect your mouth on sports field by wearing a custom mouthguard
• Protect your teeth from grinding by wearing a night splint
• Avoid using teeth for opening bottle caps or plastic packets

It’s recommended that you replace your missing tooth as soon as possible. A missing tooth can affect your speech, the way you chew and subsequently your diet and nutrition, it can cause teeth alignment issues, jaw bone loss and may even cause gums to recede.

Yes, but only so much as they restore your facial shape to appear natural again. Dental implants restore a sunken appearance by supporting the jaw bone and filling in the cheeks, lips and stopping the nose and chin from coming closer together.

The amount and quality of jaw bone into which we can place a dental implant differs depending on the location within the mouth.

For example, jaw bone at the front of the mouth is typically much thinner, which adds complexity to treatment in order to achieve a successful result.

Aesthetics is particularly important when it comes to replacing teeth in the front of the mouth, because they’re more visible when you smile, this also factors into treatment complexity and cost.

Teeth at the back of the mouth are hidden and are typically supported by more bone, which can make treatment easier. Following a 3D bone scan we can fully assess your circumstances and determine the most suitable treatment plan for your needs.

When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can shrink or erode. The degree of erosion varies depending on the area in the mouth. It’s different for each individual, depending on the anatomy of the tooth and the bone.

Following a full assessment and 3D bone scan, we can advise whether you have enough jaw bone to support dental implants. If there isn’t enough bone, we can create more with bone grafting. This procedure takes place during first stage dental implant surgery.

There are a variety of tooth materials that can be used to make a single tooth, known as a crown or row of teeth, known as a bridge. The tooth materials we use include:

• Custom-milled PMMA (acrylic)
• Zirconia

Tooth material is an important cost component when it comes to dental implants. A back tooth needs to be strong enough to withstand chewing cycles, while a front tooth will require a higher quality and aesthetically natural material.

Full mouth dental implants including All-on-4® are made of custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) as the first set of teeth after surgery. The replacement teeth are often made of zirconia.

There may be a period of time when we need to leave your dental implants to heal before we can design the final tooth or small fixed implant bridge. We’re able to provide you with a number of different temporary tooth options.

Success rates for dental implant treatment in Australia is very high at 90-98%, according to the Australian Dental Association (ADA). Dental implant treatment completed overseas doesn’t always follow the same success and we often treat patients with failed implants. Read more about dental implants overseas. Dental implant treatment risks may include:

• Speech problems
• Gum tissue growth
• Infection
• Bone loss
• Loose implant
• Loose tooth
• Tooth problems

General surgical risks and specific risks to implant surgery also apply and are discussed with you prior to treatment. Careful planning and precision surgery by a suitably qualified dentist is essential to minimising any risks of surgery.

The time required to place a dental implant depends on the complexity of your treatment and the number of implants being placed.

For a single dental implant, surgery may take as little as 30–60 minutes. More complex procedures involving multiple implants, tooth extractions, bone grafting or full mouth dental implant treatment can take anywhere from one to four hours or longer.

While the implant surgery itself is often completed in a single appointment, the overall treatment timeline varies from patient to patient.

If a tooth needs to be removed, there are several possible approaches. In some cases, a dental implant can be placed immediately after the tooth is extracted. In others, it may be beneficial to allow the site to heal for several months before implant placement. Patients with significant bone loss may also require bone grafting, which can extend the treatment timeline.

The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as your oral health, bone quality, gum condition and treatment goals. Following a comprehensive assessment and 3D CBCT scan, your dentist will be able to explain your treatment options and provide a personalised timeline.

Dental implant costs usually start from $4,500 for a single tooth implant. This includes:

• Surgical placement of a titanium implant
• Titanium abutment
• CAD-CAM milled monolithic zirconia crown
• Clinical radiographs (excluding 3D CBCT scan)
• Review appointments

Total treatment costs vary depending on your individual treatment needs, and will factor in:

• How many implants you’re having placed
• Bone or gum grafting
• Dental implant system used
• Replacement tooth materials
• Experience of the dental technician manufacturing your tooth
• Sedation and/or hospital fees
• Any pre-treatment needs (gum treatments)
• Any aftercare and maintenance needs (night splint or jaw muscle therapy for teeth grinding)

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we customise a dental implant treatment plan to perfectly suit your dental and financial needs for long-term success.

During your initial consultation, we assess your suitability for surgery and long-term maintenance, payment options, payment plan solutions and check applicable private health fund rebates using our HICAPS machine. Book your free consultation today.