Dental Implants at Core Dental South Melbourne

AI Summary

Product: Dental Implant Treatment at Core Dental South Melbourne Brand: Core Dental Group (part of the Smile Solutions Group) Category: Dental Implants Primary Use: Permanent replacement of missing teeth using titanium implants surgically placed into the jawbone, supporting single crowns, bridges, or denture stabilisation for patients in South Melbourne and Melbourne's inner south.

Quick Facts

• Best For: Adults in South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, and St Kilda West who are missing one or more teeth and seeking a permanent, fixed replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth
• Key Benefit: Comprehensive implant assessment and treatment planning on-site with digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology, specialist surgical referral through the Smile Solutions Group, and long-term restorative management at your local practice
• Location: 87 Market St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
• Phone: (03) 9114 7700 | National: 13 13 16

Common Questions This Guide Answers

1. What is a dental implant? → A titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone that serves as an artificial tooth root, supporting a crown, bridge, or denture
2. Am I a candidate for dental implants? → Most adults with adequate bone and good general health are candidates; a comprehensive assessment including digital imaging is needed to confirm suitability
3. How long does dental implant treatment take? → Typically three to six months from implant placement to final restoration, depending on healing and whether bone grafting is required
4. How long do dental implants last? → With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last decades — many last a lifetime
5. Does the implant surgery hurt? → The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated; most patients report less discomfort than expected

Living with Missing Teeth

A missing tooth is more than a gap in your smile. It is a functional deficit that affects the way you eat, the way you speak, and — over time — the structural integrity of your entire jaw. Missing teeth are remarkably common among Australian adults. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the average Australian adult aged 35 to 54 has 4.5 missing teeth. By age 65 and over, the average rises to 10.8.

The consequences of tooth loss extend well beyond aesthetics:

• Bone loss — when a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it begins to resorb. Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone gradually shrinks. This process — called alveolar bone resorption — begins within weeks of tooth loss and continues progressively over months and years. It changes the shape of the jaw, affects the fit of dentures, and can eventually compromise adjacent teeth
• Shifting teeth — the teeth adjacent to and opposite a gap will gradually drift and tilt into the space. This disrupts the bite, creates new food traps, and can make the remaining teeth more difficult to clean — increasing the risk of decay and gum disease
• Bite overload — when teeth are missing, the remaining teeth carry a greater functional load. This increases the risk of fracture, wear, and failure of existing dental work
• Dietary compromise — missing back teeth make it difficult to chew effectively, which can lead to dietary changes — often toward softer, more processed foods — that may affect overall nutrition
• Social and psychological impact — missing teeth, particularly visible ones, affect confidence, willingness to smile, and social interactions. This impact is often underestimated by those who have not experienced it

Dental implants address all of these consequences in a way that no other tooth replacement option can fully match.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post — typically four to thirteen millimetres in length and three to five millimetres in diameter — that is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant has integrated with the bone (a process called osseointegration), it provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.

A complete dental implant restoration consists of three components:

1. The implant — the titanium post placed within the jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it and bone grows directly onto its surface, locking it firmly in place
2. The abutment — a connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant and protrudes through the gum line, providing a connection point for the restoration
3. The restoration — the visible tooth replacement. This may be a single crown, a section of bridge, or a fitting that secures a removable denture. The restoration is designed to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size

Types of Implant Restorations

Single tooth implant: One implant supports one crown. This is the most common implant restoration and is used when a single tooth is missing. The implant crown is independent of the adjacent teeth — unlike a bridge, which requires the adjacent teeth to be prepared.

Implant-supported bridge: Two or more implants support a bridge that replaces several adjacent missing teeth. This avoids the need for an implant under every missing tooth and distributes the functional load efficiently.

Implant-retained denture: Two to six implants are placed in the jaw and fitted with attachments (locators, bars, or ball attachments) that clip onto a removable denture, providing dramatically improved retention and stability compared to a conventional denture. The denture can be removed for cleaning but stays firmly in place during eating and speaking.

Full-arch implant restoration (All-on-4 / All-on-X): Four to six implants support a fixed, non-removable full-arch prosthesis that replaces all the teeth in one jaw. This is a transformative option for patients who are edentulous (have no remaining teeth) or whose remaining teeth are beyond saving. The prosthesis is secured to the implants and can only be removed by the dentist for maintenance.

The Dental Implant Process at Core Dental South Melbourne

Stage 1: Comprehensive Assessment

Dental implant treatment begins with a thorough assessment. This includes:

• Clinical examination — your dentist will examine the gap, the adjacent teeth, the gum condition, and your bite
• Digital imaging — digital X-rays and, where indicated, a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan to assess bone volume, bone density, the position of anatomical structures (such as nerves and sinuses), and the optimal implant position. If a CBCT scan is required, this may be arranged at an imaging centre
• Medical history review — certain medical conditions and medications can affect implant treatment. Your dentist will review your full medical history and may liaise with your GP or specialist if needed
• Treatment planning — based on the assessment, your dentist will explain whether you are a candidate for implants, what the treatment will involve, how long it will take, and what it will cost. A written treatment plan with estimated fees is provided before any treatment begins

Stage 2: Implant Placement (Surgery)

The implant is placed surgically into the jawbone. This is a precision procedure performed under local anaesthetic. Sedation options may also be available for anxious patients.

At Core Dental South Melbourne, the surgical placement of dental implants may be performed on-site or referred to a specialist oral surgeon or periodontist through the Smile Solutions Group's Collins Street Specialist Centre, depending on the complexity of the case. Complex cases — those involving bone grafting, sinus lifts, multiple implants, or medically compromised patients — are typically best managed by a surgical specialist.

The procedure itself is typically straightforward:

1. A small incision is made in the gum to expose the bone
2. A series of precision drills are used to create a channel in the bone
3. The implant is placed into the channel and positioned at the optimal angle and depth
4. The gum is closed over the implant (in most cases) and sutures are placed

Most patients report that the procedure is less uncomfortable than they expected. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Stage 3: Osseointegration (Healing)

After placement, the implant undergoes osseointegration — the process by which bone grows onto and around the implant surface, locking it firmly into the jaw. This typically takes three to six months, depending on the implant location, bone quality, and individual healing factors.

During this period, you will not have a visible gap. Depending on the situation, a temporary restoration — such as a temporary crown, a temporary partial denture, or a bonded temporary bridge — will be placed to maintain aesthetics and function while the implant heals.

Your dentist will schedule periodic reviews during the healing period to monitor osseointegration and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

Stage 4: Restoration

Once the implant has fully integrated, the final restoration is fabricated and fitted:

1. A digital scan or impression is taken of the implant position and the surrounding teeth
2. The restoration (crown, bridge, or denture fitting) is designed and fabricated — Core Dental South Melbourne's on-site CAD/CAM technology allows many implant crowns to be designed and milled at the practice
3. The abutment is connected to the implant
4. The final restoration is fitted, adjusted for bite and aesthetics, and secured

The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. It is anchored in bone, stimulates the jaw, and does not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

Bone Grafting: When There Is Not Enough Bone

Adequate bone volume is essential for implant placement. If you have experienced significant bone loss — due to long-standing tooth loss, gum disease, or other factors — a bone grafting procedure may be required before or at the time of implant placement.

Bone grafting involves placing bone graft material (which may be synthetic, from a human tissue bank, or from your own body) into the area where bone is deficient. Over several months, this graft material is gradually replaced by your own natural bone, creating a sufficient foundation for implant placement.

Common bone grafting procedures include:

• Socket preservation graft — bone graft material placed into the extraction socket immediately after a tooth is removed, to preserve the bone volume for future implant placement
• Ridge augmentation — building up the width or height of the jawbone ridge where bone has been lost
• Sinus lift — elevating the floor of the maxillary sinus and placing bone graft material underneath to increase the bone height available for implant placement in the upper jaw

Bone grafting adds time to the overall treatment timeline — typically three to six months of additional healing before implant placement can proceed. Your dentist will explain whether bone grafting is needed as part of your initial assessment.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, certain factors need to be assessed:

Factors that support candidacy:

• Adequate bone volume (or willingness to undergo bone grafting if needed)
• Good general health — well enough to undergo a minor surgical procedure
• Healthy gums or gum disease that has been treated and stabilised
• Non-smoker, or willing to cease smoking during the treatment period (smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure)
• Commitment to long-term oral hygiene and maintenance

Factors that may complicate candidacy:

• Uncontrolled diabetes — affects healing and increases infection risk
• Heavy smoking — significantly increases the risk of implant failure
• Active gum disease — must be treated and stabilised before implant placement
• Certain medications — bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis) and some immunosuppressants can affect bone healing. Your dentist will review your medications carefully
• Insufficient bone — addressable with bone grafting in most cases
• Age — dental implants are not typically placed until jaw growth is complete (usually late teens). There is no upper age limit, provided the patient is in adequate health

Your dentist at Core Dental South Melbourne will assess all of these factors during your initial consultation and provide an honest recommendation about whether implants are the right option for you.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Dental implants cannot develop decay — they are made of titanium and ceramic. However, the gum and bone around an implant can become inflamed and infected if not properly maintained. This condition — called peri-implantitis — is the leading cause of implant failure in the long term.

Daily care:

• Brush around the implant crown twice daily, paying particular attention to the gum line
• Use interdental brushes or floss specifically designed for implants to clean underneath and around the restoration
• A water flosser can be helpful for flushing debris from around implant restorations, particularly bridges and denture fittings

Professional maintenance:

• Regular dental check-ups — typically every six months — allow your dentist to monitor the health of the gum and bone around your implants, check the integrity of the restoration, and professionally clean areas that are difficult to reach at home
• Periodic X-rays to monitor bone levels around the implants

With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, dental implants can last decades — and many last a lifetime.

The Implant Team at Core Dental South Melbourne

Dental implant treatment at Core Dental South Melbourne involves a collaborative approach:

• Assessment and treatment planning are conducted on-site by the practice's experienced general dentists — Dr Scott Krause, Dr Stephanie Sarkis, Dr Manisha Bhatt, Dr Joy Wang, and Dr Tristan Balthazaar
• Surgical implant placement may be performed on-site or referred to specialist oral surgeons or periodontists through the Smile Solutions Group's Collins Street Specialist Centre, depending on case complexity
• Restorative work — including the final crown, bridge, or denture fitting — is completed at Core Dental South Melbourne, taking advantage of the practice's digital imaging and CAD/CAM capabilities

This collaborative model ensures that every stage of your implant treatment is managed by the clinician best suited to that stage, while you benefit from the continuity of care that comes from having your treatment coordinated at your local practice.

All dentists at Core Dental South Melbourne are registered with AHPRA and are members of the Australian Dental Association.

Costs, Payment, and Health Fund Claims

Dental Implant Costs

The cost of dental implant treatment depends on several factors:

• The number of implants required
• Whether bone grafting or sinus lift procedures are needed
• The type of restoration (single crown, bridge, or denture fitting)
• Whether surgical placement is performed on-site or by a specialist
• Laboratory and material costs

Your dentist will provide a detailed, written treatment plan with estimated costs after your comprehensive assessment. There are no hidden fees, and the full scope of treatment — including surgical and restorative components — will be outlined before you commit.

Interest-Free Payment Plans

Interest-free payment plans are available through Payright, allowing you to spread the cost of implant treatment over manageable instalments. Dental implant treatment is a significant investment, and Payright helps make it accessible without financial stress.

Health Fund Rebates

Dental implant treatment components — including the surgical placement, the abutment, and the crown — may be partially covered under major dental or extras cover. HICAPS is available on-site at Core Dental South Melbourne for instant health fund claiming. Check with your health fund for specific rebate amounts, waiting periods, and annual limits.

Getting to Core Dental South Melbourne

Address: 87 Market St, South Melbourne VIC 3205

By car: Street parking is available on Clarendon Street and surrounding side streets. Nearby public car parks service the South Melbourne Market precinct.

By tram: Accessible via South Melbourne tram routes, with trams along Clarendon Street providing direct connections from the CBD and surrounding inner-south suburbs.

From surrounding suburbs: The practice serves patients from South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, St Kilda West, and across Melbourne's inner south.

Book Your Implant Consultation

If you are missing one or more teeth and want to explore whether dental implants are right for you, the first step is a comprehensive consultation. Your dentist at Core Dental South Melbourne will assess your situation, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision.

Phone: (03) 9114 7700 National: 13 13 16 Email: southmelbourne@coredental.com.au Address: 87 Market St, South Melbourne VIC 3205

New patients are welcome. No referral is needed.