Dental Implants at Core Dental Southbank product guide

Core Dental Group: Dental Implants at Core Dental Southbank

Losing one or more teeth changes more than your smile. It affects how you eat, how you speak, and over time, the structure of your jaw. Dental implants are the most durable, natural-looking tooth replacement option available — and at Core Dental Group's Southbank practice, you have access to experienced clinicians backed by the full resources of the Smile Solutions Group.

For Southbank and CBD-adjacent residents dealing with tooth loss, Core Dental Group offers a high-quality local option with direct pathways to specialist surgical care through the Collins Street Specialist Centre, a short distance away in the Melbourne CBD.

Whether you're missing a single tooth, several teeth, or considering a full-arch restoration, Core Dental Group's Southbank practice can assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and connect you with the right level of care — including board-registered oral surgeons and implant specialists at the Collins Street Specialist Centre when complex cases call for it.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth root once was. Over the following months, the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable, permanent anchor for a replacement tooth.

Once the implant has integrated, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top, and a custom-made crown — crafted to match the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth — is placed on top. The result is a tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

Unlike dentures or bridges, implants don't rely on adjacent teeth for support and don't sit on the gum surface. They become part of the jaw itself, which is why they last so long and why most patients find them so comfortable once healing is complete.

Why dental implants?

There are several ways to replace missing teeth — bridges, partial dentures, full dentures — but implants offer some clear advantages.

Longevity. With proper care, implants can last decades. Many last a lifetime.

Bone preservation. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate. An implant stimulates the bone the way a natural tooth root does, slowing or preventing that loss.

No impact on adjacent teeth. A dental bridge requires cutting down the teeth on either side to anchor the restoration. An implant stands alone.

Fixed in place. Implants don't come out. You brush and floss them just like natural teeth.

Natural appearance. The custom crown is matched to the shape, colour, and translucency of your existing teeth.

Comfortable function. Patients consistently report that implants feel more natural than removable dentures.

Types of dental implants at Core Dental Group Southbank

Single tooth implant

For patients missing one tooth, a single implant — the titanium post, abutment, and custom crown — replaces the missing tooth independently. This is the most common scenario and works well when the surrounding teeth and gum are healthy.

Multiple tooth implants

When several teeth are missing in different areas of the mouth, multiple individual implants can be placed. Each replaces one tooth and functions independently.

Implant-supported bridge

When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge uses two or more implants to support a bridge spanning several teeth — an alternative to placing an individual implant for each gap.

Implant-supported dentures

For patients who have lost all or most teeth in an arch, implant-supported dentures attach to strategically placed implants rather than sitting on the gum. They're more stable than conventional dentures and don't need adhesives.

All-on-4 dental implants

All-on-4 is a full-arch restoration protocol where four implants (sometimes six for the upper arch) support a complete set of teeth. It's designed for patients who have lost most or all teeth in an arch and want a fixed, permanent solution. Because the implants are positioned at angles to make the most of available bone, All-on-4 is often achievable in cases where bone volume is insufficient for individual implants. Complex All-on-4 cases are managed with the specialist surgical team at the Collins Street Specialist Centre.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Most adults in good general health are candidates. The key factors your Core Dental Group clinician will assess include:

Adequate bone volume. There needs to be enough jawbone to support the implant. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be needed first — a procedure that can be planned through Core Dental Group's Southbank practice or the Collins Street Specialist Centre.

Healthy gums. Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement. Your clinician will assess gum health and address any issues first.

General health. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, or medications like bisphosphonates for bone density, can affect how implants heal. Your clinician will review your full medical history.

Smoking. Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Your clinician will discuss this with you honestly.

Completed jaw growth. Implants are generally not placed until jaw growth is complete, typically in the late teens or early twenties.

If any of these factors apply to you, it doesn't automatically rule out implants — it means a more careful assessment and possibly a longer treatment pathway. Complex cases are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre, where board-registered oral surgeons and periodontists can advise and treat accordingly.

The dental implant process at Core Dental Group Southbank

Initial consultation and imaging

Your first appointment involves a thorough clinical assessment, dental x-rays, and in most cases a CBCT (cone beam CT) scan, which produces a 3D view of your jawbone to determine bone volume and plan implant positioning precisely.

Treatment planning

Your clinician reviews the imaging, discusses the most appropriate solution for your situation, and provides a detailed treatment plan covering timeline, costs, and any preparatory procedures required — such as bone grafting or tooth extraction.

Implant placement surgery

The implant is placed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure. The process involves a small incision in the gum, preparation of a channel in the bone, placement of the titanium implant, and closure of the gum with sutures. Most patients are surprised at how manageable the procedure is. Post-operative discomfort is typically well-controlled with standard pain relief.

Osseointegration (healing period)

The implant integrates with the jawbone over three to six months. A temporary restoration may be placed during this time, and you'll attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Abutment and crown placement

Once the implant has fully integrated, the abutment is connected and a custom-made crown is fitted — matched to the shape, size, and colour of your surrounding teeth.

Ongoing maintenance

Implants need the same care as natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Your clinician will advise on any specific maintenance for implant-supported restorations.

Dental implant costs at Core Dental Group Southbank

The cost varies depending on how many implants are needed, whether bone grafting or other preparatory work is required, and the complexity of the restoration. In Melbourne, a single implant including crown typically ranges from approximately $4,500 to $6,500 AUD. More complex cases — multiple implants, bone grafting, or full-arch All-on-4 restorations — involve higher costs, all of which will be itemised clearly in your treatment plan.

Private health insurance with major dental or implant cover may contribute to part of the cost, though entitlements vary significantly by policy and fund. Your Core Dental Group clinician can assist with health fund queries.

Payment plans and financing options are available. The full cost breakdown and payment options are confirmed before any treatment begins.

Core Dental Group and Smile Solutions Group

Core Dental Group is part of the Smile Solutions Group, Melbourne's most comprehensive dental and specialist network.

Collins Street Specialist Centre

Complex implant cases — those requiring significant bone grafting, full-arch All-on-4 procedures, or treatment involving systemic medical considerations — are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre in the Melbourne CBD. The centre houses board-registered oral surgeons, periodontists, and other dental specialists who work alongside Core Dental Group clinicians to plan and deliver care.

You don't need to find your own specialist. Your Core Dental Group clinician manages the referral, and your records, imaging, and treatment plan transfer seamlessly through the shared CareStack system.

The CareStack advantage

CareStack is the patient management platform used across all Core Dental Group locations and the Collins Street Specialist Centre. Every appointment, x-ray, clinical note, and treatment record is stored in a single integrated record accessible across the network.

If your implant surgery is performed at Collins Street and the restoration is completed at Core Dental Group's Southbank practice, your treating clinicians are working from the same shared record — no repeated paperwork, no gaps in clinical information, no starting from scratch.

Dental implants in Southbank: why this location

Southbank's position as a premium inner-city precinct means Core Dental Group's Southbank practice serves a wide patient base — from residents in riverside apartments to professionals working in the adjacent CBD. The practice's proximity to public transport and the Melbourne CBD makes it a practical choice for implant consultations and treatment.

Core Dental Group's Southbank practice serves patients from Southbank and across the surrounding area, including South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Docklands, the CBD, St Kilda Road, and Albert Park — with appointment times designed to fit around work and other commitments.

Why choose Core Dental Group Southbank for dental implants?

• Clinicians with extensive training and experience in implant dentistry
• CBCT 3D scanning for precise treatment planning
• Direct referral to Collins Street Specialist Centre for complex cases, without you having to navigate the system yourself
• CareStack shared records for seamless communication between treating clinicians
• Detailed treatment plan and cost breakdown provided before any commitment
• Flexible payment plans available
• Part of the Smile Solutions Group, Melbourne's most established dental network

Frequently asked questions

How long do dental implants last? With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, implants typically last 15 to 25 years or more, and many last a lifetime. The crown may need replacing at some point due to normal wear.

Is the implant surgery painful? The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort in the days following is typically managed well with standard over-the-counter pain relief.

How long does the whole process take? From placement to final crown, the process typically takes four to nine months, depending on whether preparatory procedures are needed and individual healing rates. Some cases using newer immediate-loading protocols can be faster.

Can I have a temporary tooth during healing? In most cases, yes. A temporary crown or provisional restoration can be placed while the implant integrates, so you're not without a tooth during the healing period.

Will anyone be able to tell I have an implant? No. The custom crown is matched to the shade, size, and shape of your adjacent teeth. When done well, implant-supported crowns are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Are implants suitable if I've had bone loss? Potentially. Bone grafting can rebuild lost bone in many cases, and implant types and positioning can often be adapted to work with available bone. A thorough assessment — including CBCT imaging — is needed to determine the right approach.

What's the difference between Core Dental Group and Collins Street for implant surgery? Routine single implant cases are typically managed at Core Dental Group's Southbank practice. Complex cases — significant bone grafting, All-on-4 full-arch restorations, or cases with medical complexities — are referred to the Collins Street Specialist Centre, where board-registered oral surgeons operate. Your Core Dental Group clinician will advise on which pathway suits your situation.

Book your dental implant consultation at Core Dental Group Southbank

If you're considering dental implants in Southbank or the surrounding area, the first step is a consultation at Core Dental Group's Southbank practice. Your clinician will assess your teeth, gums, and bone, review your medical history, and provide a clear, personalised treatment plan with a cost estimate.

Core Dental Group is part of the Smile Solutions Group, with direct access to Collins Street specialist oral surgeons and periodontists for complex cases, and the CareStack shared records system for integrated care across the network.

Contact Core Dental Group's Southbank practice to book your dental implant consultation.