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.

Anxious Patients

Let us help you take control of your oral health and restore confidence to your smile.

Dental Fear Stops Here

Many patients come to us with dental fear, anxiety and even phobia that has stopped them from seeking treatment to replace missing or damaged teeth in the past.

It takes time and courage (and truly being fed up with pain) to act and get help.

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, dental fear stops here with us.

Our team is trained to put you at ease. We support your treatment journey by providing:

dedicated treatment coordinator
ongoing treatment and recovery advice
follow-up care and phone check-ins

We can also explore coping strategies to help you feel as calm and comfortable as possible.

Learn more about how our team can help to alleviate your dental fear so you can get the treatment you need.

What causes dental anxiety

Dental fear is one of the main reasons for delaying appointments. High dental fear is common and affects 1 in 10 Australian adults.

There may many reasons for your anxiety. The most common causes are:

fear of pain
fear of needles
loss of control
lack of personal space
past dental trauma
history of head or neck trauma
generalised anxiety

The first step in overcoming dental anxiety is finding a dentist you trust and talking through it.

Together, we create a plan for managing your fear, so you can receive the care you need.

Sedation

Most surgeries for placing dental implants are performed under a local anaesthesia to help numb any pain, the patient remains awake during the procedure.

For many people, local anaesthesia is sufficient for surgery.

However, additional sedation methods may be recommended depending on the comfort levels you hope to reach and your specific treatment.

These sedation methods include:

Oral sedation in tablet form
Sleep dentistry (IV sedation)
General anaesthesia (in day surgery)

Medical conditions and medications can limit your suitability for certain sedation options.

We encourage you to ask your dentist about it during a consultation. We will assess your medical history and recommend the most suitable sedation for your needs.

Read our blog Coping with Dental Anxiety to learn about the coping strategies we use for patients receiving dental implants.

Advanced technology for better care

Modern dental technology has transformed patient care for an overall better experience at the dentist.

We use 3D digital scanning which has replaced the use of dental putty and intraoral photographs to show you exactly what your dentist can see.

People Also Ask

How painful is getting a dental implant?
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

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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