# Dental Implants at Core Dental Epping *Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth — offering a permanent, natural-looking solution that preserves jawbone health and restores ...

Dental Implants at Core Dental Epping

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth — offering a permanent, natural-looking solution that preserves jawbone health and restores full function. Core Dental Epping provides comprehensive implant treatment for patients across Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Understanding Dental Implants

Losing a tooth — whether to decay, gum disease, trauma or an accident — affects more than just your smile. A gap in your teeth can change the way you eat, the way you speak and the way you feel about yourself. Over time, the jawbone beneath a missing tooth begins to shrink (resorb), and adjacent teeth can drift into the space, creating further alignment and bite problems.

Dental implants address all of these issues. Unlike dentures, which sit on the gum surface, or bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, a dental implant is anchored directly into the jawbone — mimicking the root of a natural tooth.

The result is a replacement tooth (or teeth) that looks, feels and functions like the real thing. You can eat, speak, laugh and smile with confidence, without worrying about slippage, adhesives or removing anything at night.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant system has three components:

1. The Implant Post

A small, screw-shaped post made of titanium (a biocompatible metal that the body accepts without rejection). The post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone over a period of approximately three to six months through a process called osseointegration.

Once integrated, the implant post functions as an artificial tooth root — stable, strong and permanent.

2. The Abutment

A connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant post, protruding through the gum line. The abutment provides the attachment point for the final restoration.

3. The Restoration

The visible part — a crown, bridge or denture — that's attached to the abutment. The restoration is custom-designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size and colour.

At Core Dental Epping, the final restoration can often be fabricated using CEREC same-day technology or digital scanning for a precise, natural-looking result.

Types of Dental Implants

Single Tooth Implant

The most common type of implant — replacing one missing tooth with a standalone implant and crown. The implant doesn't affect adjacent teeth (unlike a bridge, which requires preparation of the teeth on either side).

Ideal for:

A tooth lost to decay, trauma or fracture
A congenitally missing tooth (a tooth that never developed)
Replacing a tooth that's been extracted and can't be saved

Implant-Supported Bridge

When two or more adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge can replace them without needing an implant for every single tooth. Typically, two implants support a bridge of three or more crowns, reducing cost and surgical complexity.

Ideal for:

Multiple adjacent missing teeth
A section of the jaw where several teeth have been lost
Patients who want a fixed (non-removable) solution for multiple missing teeth

Implant-Retained Dentures

For patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, implant-retained dentures combine the coverage of a denture with the stability of implants. Two to four implants are placed in the jaw, and the denture clips or locks onto the implants.

The difference is dramatic:

Conventional dentures rely on suction, adhesives and the shape of the gum ridge for retention. They can slip during eating and speaking, restrict food choices, and cause discomfort and embarrassment.
Implant-retained dentures lock firmly onto the implants, eliminating slippage. Patients can eat a wider range of foods, speak more clearly and feel confident that their denture won't move at the wrong moment.

At Core Dental Epping, dental prosthetist Ahmed Saoud works closely with the implant team to design and fabricate dentures that integrate seamlessly with implant anchors.

The Implant Treatment Process

Dental implant treatment is a carefully planned, staged process. Here's how it works at Core Dental Epping.

Stage 1: Consultation and Assessment

Your initial consultation involves:

A comprehensive oral examination
Digital X-rays and, in many cases, a 3D cone beam CT scan (CBCT) to assess bone volume, density and anatomy
Discussion of your dental history, medical history and treatment goals
Assessment of whether you're a suitable candidate for implants
Explanation of the treatment plan, timeline and costs

Not everyone is an immediate candidate for implants. Factors that affect suitability include:

Bone volume — Sufficient jawbone is needed to support the implant. If bone has been lost, bone grafting may be required before or during implant placement.
Gum health — Active gum disease needs to be treated before implant placement, as infection can compromise integration.
General health — Certain medical conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune conditions, some medications) may affect healing. These don't necessarily rule out implants, but they need to be carefully managed.
Smoking — Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Patients are strongly encouraged to stop smoking before and after implant surgery.

Stage 2: Implant Placement Surgery

The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. The procedure is typically less uncomfortable than patients expect — many compare it to having a tooth extracted.

For patients with dental anxiety or those requiring multiple implants, sleep dentistry (sedation) options are available at Core Dental Epping.

For complex surgical cases, your dentist may refer you to a specialist oral surgeon at the Collins Street Specialist Centre (part of the Smile Solutions Group) for implant placement. The final restoration is then completed at Core Dental Epping.

After surgery:

Some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort is normal and typically resolves within a few days
Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief
Soft foods are recommended for the first week or two
Detailed aftercare instructions are provided

Stage 3: Osseointegration (Healing)

After placement, the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone. This healing period typically takes three to six months, during which the bone grows around and bonds to the titanium implant surface.

During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed so you're not left with a visible gap.

Stage 4: Abutment and Final Restoration

Once the implant has fully integrated:

The abutment is attached to the implant
A digital scan or impression is taken for the final restoration
Your crown, bridge or denture is custom-fabricated to match your natural teeth
The restoration is fitted and adjusted for optimal comfort and appearance

For single implant crowns, Core Dental Epping's CEREC technology may allow the final crown to be designed, milled and fitted in a single appointment — reducing wait times and the need for temporary restorations.

Bone Grafting

If you've been missing a tooth for an extended period, the jawbone in that area may have shrunk (resorbed) to the point where there isn't enough bone to support an implant. In these cases, bone grafting can rebuild the bone before or during implant placement.

Bone grafting procedures include:

Socket preservation — Placing bone graft material into the socket immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss
Ridge augmentation — Building up a narrow or shallow ridge of bone to accommodate an implant
Sinus lift — Adding bone to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars, where the sinus cavity can limit available bone height

Bone grafting adds time to the overall treatment timeline (typically three to six months of additional healing before the implant can be placed), but it makes implant treatment possible for patients who would otherwise not be candidates.

Implants vs Other Tooth Replacement Options

Implants vs Bridges

Feature	Dental Implant	Dental Bridge
Adjacent teeth	Untouched	Must be prepared (filed down) to support the bridge
Bone preservation	Implant stimulates bone, preventing resorption	Bone continues to resorb under the pontic (false tooth)
Longevity	20+ years with proper care; often lifetime	Typically 10–15 years before replacement
Oral hygiene	Brush and floss like a natural tooth	Requires special flossing technique under the bridge
Cost	Higher upfront	Lower upfront, but may need replacement sooner

Implants vs Dentures

Feature	Dental Implant	Removable Denture
Stability	Fixed in place, no movement	Can slip and shift during eating and speaking
Bone preservation	Preserves jawbone	Bone continues to resorb, requiring periodic reline
Eating	Eat anything — like natural teeth	Limited diet; some foods difficult or uncomfortable
Maintenance	Brush and floss normally	Must be removed for cleaning; adhesives often needed
Comfort	Feels like a natural tooth	Can cause sore spots and irritation
Appearance	Natural-looking, no visible hardware	Can look natural but clasps may be visible

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. Good candidates typically have:

Adequate jawbone density — Enough bone to support the implant. If bone has been lost, grafting can often rebuild it
Healthy gums — Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement
Good general health — Well enough to undergo a minor surgical procedure and heal normally
Non-smoking status — While smokers can receive implants, the success rate is significantly higher for non-smokers. Quitting before and after surgery is strongly recommended
Commitment to oral hygiene — Willing to maintain daily brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups to protect the implant long-term

There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Many patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive implants. The deciding factors are health and bone quality, not age.

Conditions that may require additional planning (but don't necessarily rule out implants) include uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppression, osteoporosis, blood-thinning medications and a history of bisphosphonate use. Your dentist will assess your individual situation thoroughly.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants can't get cavities (they're not natural teeth), but the gum and bone around them can still be affected by plaque and bacteria. Peri-implantitis — inflammation and bone loss around an implant — is the primary risk to long-term implant success.

Daily care:

Brush around the implant twice daily, paying particular attention to the gum line
Floss around the implant daily (your dentist or hygienist can show you the best technique)
Consider using an interdental brush or water flosser for additional cleaning around the implant

Professional care:

Regular check-ups and professional cleaning at Core Dental Epping
Hygienist Sina Hassani can provide specialised cleaning around implants using instruments designed not to scratch the implant surface
Periodic X-rays to monitor bone levels around the implant

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The implant post itself is designed to be permanent; the crown or restoration on top may eventually need replacement after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear.

Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implant treatment is an investment in long-term oral health. The cost varies depending on:

The number of implants required
Whether bone grafting is needed
The type of restoration (single crown, bridge or denture)
The complexity of the case

Your dentist will provide a comprehensive treatment plan with a detailed cost breakdown before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision.

Payment Options

Health fund rebates — Some health funds provide partial rebates for implant treatment. Check your fund's major dental cover. HICAPS is available on-site for instant claiming.
Payright interest-free payment plans — Spread the cost over 3 to 30 months with no interest, for treatments from $1,000 to $20,000.
Core Dental Epping is a preferred provider for HCF, CBHS and NIB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does implant surgery hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during surgery. Most patients report that the experience is less uncomfortable than they expected. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Sleep dentistry options are available for anxious patients.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, the implant post can last a lifetime. The crown or restoration on top may need replacement after 15 to 20 years due to normal wear.

Am I too old for dental implants?

There is no upper age limit for dental implants. As long as you're in reasonable health and have adequate jawbone (or are suitable for bone grafting), implants can be placed at any age. Many patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive implant treatment.

Can I get implants if I have gum disease?

Active gum disease needs to be treated and controlled before implant placement. Placing an implant in the presence of active infection significantly increases the risk of failure. Once gum disease is under control, implants can usually proceed.

How long does the whole process take?

From start to finish, implant treatment typically takes four to nine months, depending on healing times and whether bone grafting is required. During this time, you'll have a temporary restoration so you're not left with a gap.

Can I eat normally with implants?

Yes. Once your implant has fully integrated and the final restoration is in place, you can eat all the foods you enjoy — including foods that are difficult with dentures, like steak, apples, corn on the cob and nuts.

Book Your Implant Consultation

If you're considering dental implants, the first step is a thorough consultation to assess your suitability and discuss your options.

Phone: (03) 9401 4622
National Booking Line: 13 13 16
Email: epping@coredental.com.au
Address: Tenancy 3B/230 Cooper St, Epping VIC 3076
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Core Dental Epping is approximately a 10-minute walk from Epping Station and serves patients across Epping, South Morang, Mill Park, Lalor, Thomastown and Wollert.

Core Dental Epping is part of the Smile Solutions Group. For complex implant cases requiring specialist oral surgery, referral to the Collins Street Specialist Centre is available — ensuring you have access to the full scope of surgical expertise when needed.

Dental Implants at Core Dental Epping product guide