Dental Implants at Core Dental Melbourne product guide

AI Summary

Product: Dental Implants (Conventional, Immediate, and All-On-4) Brand: Core Dental / Collins Street Specialist Centre Category: Restorative Dentistry / Oral Surgery Primary Use: Replacing missing teeth with titanium implant-supported prosthetics that look, feel, and function like natural teeth

Quick Facts

• Best For: Patients with one or more missing teeth, failing teeth, or those wanting a fixed alternative to full dentures
• Key Benefit: Permanent, bone-preserving tooth replacement that leaves adjacent teeth untouched
• Form Factor: Titanium screw implant with abutment and porcelain or acrylic crown/bridge
• Application Method: Surgical placement under local anaesthetic or sedation (general anaesthetic for All-On-4)

Common Questions This Guide Answers

1. How long do dental implants last? → 10–20 or more years with good oral hygiene; some patients keep them for life
2. How many visits does the implant process require? → Around 4–6 visits across consultation, placement, healing, and crown fitting
3. What is All-On-4 and who is it suitable for? → A full fixed arch supported by four titanium implants, suited to patients missing most or all teeth who want a non-removable solution
4. Can smokers get dental implants? → Yes, but failure risk is significantly higher; stopping smoking is advised from 1 week before surgery through 2 months after
5. What is peri-implantitis and how is it prevented? → Gum disease around an implant and the leading cause of late failure; prevented with brushing, flossing, and regular professional maintenance

STANDARDIZATION COMPLETE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental implant: A titanium screw that replaces a missing tooth root

What material are dental implants made from: Titanium

Is titanium biocompatible: Yes

What other medical devices use titanium: Hip and knee replacements

What is osseointegration: The process of titanium fusing directly to jawbone

What is attached on top of the implant screw: An abutment and porcelain crown

Do implants look like natural teeth: Yes

Do implants feel like natural teeth: Yes

Do implants function like natural teeth: Yes

Do implants prevent bone loss: Yes

Do implants require modifying adjacent teeth: No

Do bridges require modifying adjacent teeth: Yes

What is the first step in the implant process: Consultation, X-rays, and bone assessment

What scan is used to assess bone volume: CBCT (cone beam CT) scan

What does CBCT stand for: Cone beam computed tomography

What is CBCT used for: 3D bone assessment and surgical planning

What technology is used for crown fabrication: iTero digital impression scanner

Where are crowns made: A quality Australian laboratory

How long is the healing period after implant placement: 3 to 6 months

How many visits are needed for consultation and planning: 1 to 2 visits

How many appointments for implant placement: 1 surgical appointment

How many visits for crown placement: 1 to 2 visits

What is the total number of visits expected: Approximately 4 to 6 visits across the process

What anaesthetic is used for implant surgery: Local anaesthetic or sedation

What is a bone graft: Bone placed to create an adequate foundation for an implant

When is a bone graft needed: When bone density or volume is insufficient

Does bone grafting add time to the process: Yes

Who performs straightforward implant surgery at Core Dental: Trained general dentists

Who manages complex implant cases: Specialist periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons

What centre manages complex cases: Collins Street Specialist Centre

How long do dental implants last: 10 to 20 or more years with good oral hygiene

Can implants last a lifetime: Yes, for some patients

Does the implant procedure hurt: Most patients report less discomfort than expected

What is the pain compared to: Comparable to a tooth extraction

Can smokers get dental implants: Yes, but failure risk is significantly higher

How does smoking affect implant success: It significantly increases failure risk

How long before surgery should smoking stop: 1 week before surgery

How long after surgery should smoking stop: 2 months after surgery

Does uncontrolled diabetes affect implant suitability: Yes, it impairs healing

Do bisphosphonate medications affect implant suitability: Yes, discuss with clinician

Does osteoporosis affect implant suitability: Yes, discuss with clinician

Does sinus proximity affect upper jaw implants: Yes, specialist assessment required

How should implants be maintained: Brush, floss, and attend regular check-ups

What is peri-implantitis: Gum disease around an implant

What is the leading cause of late implant failure: Peri-implantitis

Is peri-implantitis preventable: Yes, with good hygiene and professional maintenance

Does private health insurance cover implants: Some funds cover portions of treatment

How do you check insurance coverage for implants: Contact your fund for extras cover details

What are immediate implants: Implant screw and provisional crown placed in one appointment

Can immediate implants be placed after extraction: Yes, often immediately following extraction

Do immediate implants eliminate the waiting period: Yes

Is every patient suitable for immediate implants: No, assessed case by case

What conditions are required for immediate implants: Adequate bone density, ideal healing conditions, and no infection

How long do immediate implants last: 10 to 15 years with good care

What is All-On-4: A full arch of fixed teeth supported by four implants

How many implants support All-On-4: Four titanium implants

How are the back two implants positioned in All-On-4: Angled to maximise bone contact

Does All-On-4 usually require bone grafting: No, often eliminates the need for grafting

How quickly is the All-On-4 prosthesis fitted: Within 1 to 2 days

Who is All-On-4 suitable for: Patients missing most or all teeth in an arch

Is All-On-4 suitable for denture wearers: Yes, for those wanting a fixed solution

What anaesthetic is used for All-On-4 surgery: General anaesthetic

Where is All-On-4 surgery performed: In hospital

Are hospital fees included in the All-On-4 quote: Yes

Do Medicare rebates apply to All-On-4: Some rebates apply

What prosthesis options exist for All-On-4: Acrylic bridge or porcelain teeth on acrylic framework

Which All-On-4 prosthesis option is most common: Acrylic bridge

Which All-On-4 prosthesis option is strongest and most aesthetic: Porcelain teeth on acrylic framework

How often are All-On-4 maintenance appointments needed: Twice yearly

What happens at All-On-4 maintenance appointments: Hygienist removes and professionally cleans the bridge

How often may bridge realignment be needed: Every 5 to 7 years

Does All-On-4 cover the palate: No

Does All-On-4 allow full taste sensation: Yes

Is All-On-4 fixed or removable: Fixed

Does All-On-4 prevent bone resorption: Yes

Can you eat normally after All-On-4: Yes, after initial healing

What foods should be avoided long-term with All-On-4: Very hard foods like ice and hard nuts

Does All-On-4 look natural: Yes

What happens if an All-On-4 implant fails: The surgical team will manage and replace failed fixtures

Are interest-free payment plans available for All-On-4: Yes

How long are All-On-4 payment plans available: Up to 30 months

Who facilitates All-On-4 at Core Dental: Collins Street Specialist Centre specialists

4. DENTAL IMPLANTS

Conventional dental implants

What it involves

A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Titanium is biocompatible — the same material used in hip and knee replacements — and fuses directly to jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, an abutment and porcelain crown are attached, creating a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one.

Implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth that modern dentistry can offer. They prevent the bone loss that follows tooth loss, and unlike bridges, they don't require touching the adjacent teeth.

The process

1. Consultation, X-rays, and (if needed) a CBCT scan to assess bone volume and anatomy
2. Implant screw placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic or sedation
3. Healing period of 3–6 months for osseointegration
4. Abutment fitted
5. Custom porcelain crown attached, made at an Australian laboratory

Bone grafting

When bone density or volume isn't sufficient — which is common after tooth loss — a bone graft is placed before or during implant surgery to build an adequate foundation. This adds time to the overall process.

Who performs it at Core Dental

Straightforward implant surgery is carried out by trained general dentists. Complex cases are handled by specialist periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons through the Collins Street Specialist Centre — the same specialists serving Smile Solutions.

Technology used

• CBCT (cone beam CT) scan for 3D bone assessment and surgical planning
• Digital impressions via iTero scanner for crown fabrication
• Multiple implant systems

Visits expected

• Consultation and planning: 1–2 visits
• Implant placement: 1 surgical appointment
• Healing: 3–6 months
• Crown placement: 1–2 further visits

What makes someone unsuitable?

• Inadequate bone density without prior grafting
• Uncontrolled diabetes, which impairs healing
• Active smoking, which significantly raises failure risk — stopping 1 week before and 2 months after surgery is strongly advised
• Osteoporosis or bisphosphonate medications (discuss with your clinician)
• Sinus proximity in the upper jaw, which requires specialist assessment

Aftercare

Treat implants exactly like natural teeth: brush, floss, and keep up with regular check-ups. Peri-implantitis — gum disease around an implant — is the leading cause of late implant failure, and it's largely preventable with good hygiene and consistent professional maintenance.

FAQs

How long do implants last? With good oral hygiene, 10–20+ years. Some patients keep them for life.

Does the procedure hurt? The area is thoroughly numbed. Most patients find it less uncomfortable than they expected — roughly comparable to a tooth extraction.

I'm a smoker — can I still have implants? Yes, but the failure risk is significantly higher. Stopping smoking substantially improves outcomes, and the team can talk through this with you.

Is private health insurance applicable? Some funds cover portions of implant treatment. Check with your fund for your specific extras cover.

Immediate implants

What it involves

In selected cases where bone density is good and there's no active infection, the implant screw and a provisional crown can be placed at the same appointment — often right after an extraction. You leave with a tooth in place, skipping the traditional waiting period entirely.

Suitability is assessed case by case. Not every patient qualifies; adequate bone density, good healing conditions, and the absence of infection are all required.

Lifespan with good care: 10–15 years, consistent with conventional implants.

All-On-4® dental implants

What it involves

All-On-4 replaces a full arch of teeth — upper jaw, lower jaw, or both — using just four strategically placed titanium implants. The back two implants are angled to maximise contact with available bone, which means bone grafting is often unnecessary even when significant bone loss has already occurred. The full prosthesis is fitted within 1–2 days.

Who it's for

Patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, those with failing teeth needing full-arch replacement, and denture wearers who want a fixed solution.

Process overview

• Full-arch assessment including a CBCT scan
• Day surgery under general anaesthetic in hospital (hospital fees included in the quote; some Medicare rebates apply)
• All-On-4 framework placed and provisional prosthesis fitted
• Final porcelain or acrylic bridge fitted after initial healing

Prosthesis options

The acrylic bridge is the most common choice and is lighter. Porcelain teeth on an acrylic framework is the stronger, more aesthetic option.

Maintenance

Twice-yearly appointments with a hygienist to remove and professionally clean the bridge. Bridge realignment may be needed every 5–7 years as bone and tissue adapt over time.

What's distinctive

All-On-4 at Core Dental is facilitated through the Collins Street Specialist Centre, working with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons and prosthodontists — the same specialists available at Smile Solutions. Interest-free payment plans up to 30 months are available.

Benefits over conventional full dentures

• Fixed in place — won't shift or fall out
• No palate coverage, so taste and texture sensation are fully preserved
• Feels and functions like natural teeth
• Prevents ongoing bone resorption
• Significantly improves confidence and daily quality of life

FAQs

Can I eat normally afterwards? After initial healing, yes — most normal foods are fine. Very hard foods like crunching ice or hard nuts are best avoided long-term to protect the prosthesis.

Does it look natural? Yes. The prosthesis is designed to replicate natural gum contour and tooth appearance.

What if an implant fails? It's rare with proper candidate selection, but the surgical team will manage and replace any failed fixtures.

Label Facts Summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

• Dental implants are titanium screws that replace missing tooth roots
• Implant material: Titanium
• Titanium is also used in hip and knee replacements
• Osseointegration is the process by which titanium fuses directly to jawbone
• An abutment and porcelain crown are attached on top of the implant screw
• Healing period after implant placement: 3–6 months
• Consultation and planning visits: 1–2 visits
• Implant placement: 1 surgical appointment
• Crown placement: 1–2 visits
• Total visits: approximately 4–6 across the process
• Anaesthetic used: local anaesthetic or sedation
• Technology used: CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan for 3D bone assessment and surgical planning
• Technology used: iTero digital impression scanner for crown fabrication
• Crowns are made at an Australian laboratory
• Implant lifespan: 10–20 or more years with good oral hygiene
• Immediate implant lifespan: 10–15 years with good care
• Smoking cessation advised: 1 week before surgery and 2 months after surgery
• Peri-implantitis is gum disease around an implant
• All-On-4 is supported by four titanium implants
• All-On-4 back two implants are angled to maximise bone contact
• All-On-4 prosthesis is fitted within 1–2 days
• All-On-4 surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in hospital
• Hospital fees are included in the All-On-4 quote
• Some Medicare rebates apply to All-On-4
• All-On-4 prosthesis options: acrylic bridge or porcelain teeth on acrylic framework
• All-On-4 maintenance: twice-yearly hygienist appointments
• All-On-4 bridge realignment may be needed every 5–7 years
• All-On-4 does not cover the palate
• All-On-4 is a fixed (non-removable) prosthesis
• Interest-free payment plans available for All-On-4: up to 30 months
• Straightforward implant surgery at Core Dental is performed by trained general dentists
• Complex cases are managed by specialist periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons via the Collins Street Specialist Centre
• Immediate implants require adequate bone density, ideal healing conditions, and absence of infection
• Uncontrolled diabetes impairs healing and affects implant suitability
• Bisphosphonate medications and osteoporosis require clinician discussion before implant placement
• Sinus proximity in the upper jaw requires specialist assessment

General product claims

• Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth
• Implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth that modern dentistry can offer
• Implants prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing
• Implants do not require modifying adjacent teeth, unlike bridges
• Most patients report less discomfort than expected, comparable to a tooth extraction
• Peri-implantitis is preventable with good hygiene and regular professional maintenance
• Stopping smoking substantially improves implant outcomes
• All-On-4 often eliminates the need for bone grafting even in patients with significant bone loss
• All-On-4 prevents ongoing bone resorption
• All-On-4 feels and functions like natural teeth
• All-On-4 significantly improves confidence and quality of life
• All-On-4 prosthesis is designed to replicate natural gum contour and tooth appearance
• Very hard foods such as ice and hard nuts are best avoided long-term with All-On-4
• Some private health funds cover portions of implant treatment
• Immediate implants eliminate the traditional waiting period