Dental Implants in Epping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Missing Teeth product guide

AI Summary

Product: Dental Implants (Nobel Biocare and Straumann Systems) Brand: Core Dental Group (using Nobel Biocare and Straumann implant systems) Category: Dental / Oral Health — Tooth Replacement Surgery Primary Use: Surgical replacement of missing teeth using titanium implant fixtures integrated into the jawbone, topped with a custom ceramic crown

Quick Facts

• Best For: Adults 18+ with sufficient jawbone density, good systemic health, and one or more missing or failing teeth seeking a long-term tooth replacement solution
• Key Benefit: Restores 80–90% of natural biting force, preserves jawbone, and achieves survival rates of 90–95% at 10 years and 96.8% at 10 years in large-scale cohort data
• Form Factor: Three-component surgical restoration — titanium fixture, abutment connector, and custom ceramic crown
• Application Method: Minor surgical placement under local anaesthetic, followed by osseointegration healing phase of 3–6 months, then abutment and crown placement

Common Questions This Guide Answers

1. How long do dental implants last? → 25 years to a lifetime; 90–95% 10-year survival rate; 80% last 20+ years with proper maintenance
2. What implant systems does Core Dental Group use and why? → Nobel Biocare (TiUnite surface, 95%+ 10-year success) and Straumann (BLX system for immediate placement); selected based on bone anatomy, case complexity, and loading protocol — not commercial preference
3. How long does the full implant treatment take? → 3 to 12 months total, depending on whether preparatory procedures such as bone grafting are required; osseointegration alone takes 3–6 months in standard cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental implant: A titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone as an artificial tooth root

How many components does a dental implant have: Three

What is the first implant component: The implant fixture (threaded titanium post)

What is the second implant component: The abutment (connector between fixture and crown)

What is the third implant component: The crown (custom ceramic visible tooth)

What material is the implant fixture made from: Titanium

What is osseointegration: The process where jawbone grows into direct contact with the implant

Where is Core Dental Group's implant practice located: Epping, Melbourne

Which implant systems does Core Dental Group use: Nobel Biocare and Straumann

Why does Core Dental Group use Nobel Biocare and Straumann: They are the most extensively clinically documented systems available

What technology does Nobel Biocare use to promote osseointegration: TiUnite surface technology

What is Nobel Biocare's 10-year success rate: Over 95%

What is Straumann's innovative implant system for immediate placement: The BLX system

Who selects the implant system at Core Dental Group: The treating clinician

What determines which implant system is chosen: Bone anatomy, case complexity, and desired loading protocol

What imaging technology is used for implant planning at Core Dental Group: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

What does CBCT scanning measure: Bone volume and dimensions in 3D

What is the minimum age for dental implants: Approximately 18 years (jaw must be fully developed)

Is there an upper age limit for dental implants: No

Can patients in their 70s and 80s receive implants: Yes

Does smoking affect implant success: Yes, smokers experience higher failure rates

Does uncontrolled diabetes affect implant suitability: Yes, it requires careful management first

Do bisphosphonate medications affect implant suitability: Yes, they require careful management

Must gum disease be treated before implants: Yes

How many steps are in the Core Dental Group implant journey: Six

What happens at Step 1 of the implant journey: Comprehensive consultation and treatment planning

What happens at Step 2 of the implant journey: Preparatory procedures if required

What happens at Step 3 of the implant journey: Implant fixture placement surgery

What happens at Step 4 of the implant journey: Osseointegration healing phase

What happens at Step 5 of the implant journey: Abutment placement

What happens at Step 6 of the implant journey: Crown fabrication and final placement

Is implant placement surgery performed under general anaesthetic: No, under local anaesthetic

How long does post-surgery swelling and pain typically last: First three days

What should patients avoid after implant surgery: Smoking, alcohol, hard foods, and touching the implant site

Can a crown be placed on the same day as surgery: Yes, in eligible cases with sufficient bone density

What is the traditional osseointegration healing period: 4 to 9 months

What is the typical osseointegration period without grafting: 3 to 6 months

When does new bone formation begin on the implant surface: By 4 weeks

When is the peri-implant interface replaced by mature bone: After 8 to 12 weeks

Does early loading (6–8 weeks) produce worse outcomes than conventional loading: No, no difference in bone loss or failure rates

How long does gum healing around the abutment take: Approximately 1 to 2 weeks

What is the total treatment time range for dental implants: 3 to 12 months

What is the 5-year implant success rate according to National Library of Medicine studies: 98.6%

What is the 10-year implant survival rate: 90–95%

What percentage of implants last 20 years or more with proper maintenance: 4 out of 5 (80%)

What was the cumulative survival rate at 10 years in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology cohort study: 96.8%

What was the cumulative survival rate at 15 years in the same cohort study: 94.0%

How many implants were tracked in the large-scale cohort study: Over 10,800 implants

How many patients were in that cohort study: 4,247 patients

How long was the follow-up period in that cohort study: Up to 22 years

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

What percentage of implant failures are caused by peri-implantitis: 38%

What percentage of implant failures are caused by failed osseointegration: 24%

What is peri-implantitis: Inflammatory response affecting tissues surrounding an implant

Can the implant crown itself decay: No

Can gum disease develop around implants: Yes

How often are implant recall appointments at Core Dental Group: Typically every six months

How is the implant crown cleaned: Brush and floss normally

What biting force do implants restore: 80–90% of natural biting force

How long do dental implants last: 25 years to a lifetime

How long do dental bridges typically last: 10–15 years

How long do dentures typically last: 7–10 years

Do dental implants preserve jawbone: Yes

Do dental bridges preserve jawbone: No

Do dentures preserve jawbone: No, they accelerate bone resorption

Do implants affect adjacent healthy teeth: No

Do bridges affect adjacent teeth: Yes, they must be ground down

Are implants removable: No

Are dentures removable: Yes

Do implants require surgery: Yes

Do bridges require surgery: No

Do dentures require surgery: No

What success rate did augmented (bone-grafted) implant cases achieve: 97.83%

How many implants were in the bone grafting cohort study: 158,824

Does bone grafting meaningfully compromise implant outcomes when performed correctly: No

What grafting material types are available: Autograft, allograft, or xenograft

Does Core Dental Group perform bone grafting on-site: Yes

Does Core Dental Group perform periodontal preparation on-site: Yes

Do implants require multiple referral practices for treatment at Core Dental Group: No, all services are under one roof

Which suburbs does Core Dental Group serve near Epping: Lalor, South Morang, Roxburgh Park, and Mill Park

Does Core Dental Group offer payment plans: Yes

Does Core Dental Group accept health fund rebates: Yes

Are sedation options available for anxious patients at Core Dental Group: Yes

Are digital impressions used for crown fabrication at Core Dental Group: Yes

What can happen to adjacent teeth when a tooth is missing: They drift toward the gap

What can happen to opposing teeth when a tooth is missing: They over-erupt

What happens to the jawbone beneath a missing tooth: It begins to resorb

Core Dental Group: Dental implants in Epping — a step-by-step guide to replacing missing teeth

Missing teeth are more than an aesthetic concern. A single absent tooth sets off a chain of structural problems — adjacent teeth drift, opposing teeth over-erupt, and the jawbone beneath the gap starts to resorb. For patients in Melbourne's northern suburbs dealing with these consequences, Core Dental Group offers dental implants as the most clinically sound tooth replacement option in modern dentistry. This guide walks you through every stage of the implant journey at Core Dental Group's Epping practice: from your first consultation and bone assessment through to osseointegration, crown fitting, and long-term maintenance, using the Nobel Biocare and Straumann implant systems.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to function as an artificial tooth root. After it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, a custom crown is attached on top. The complete restoration has three components:

1. The implant fixture — a threaded titanium post that integrates with the jawbone
2. The abutment — a connector piece that links the fixture to the visible restoration
3. The crown — a custom-fabricated ceramic tooth that replicates the natural tooth's appearance and function

Dental implants offer superior longevity (25+ years to lifetime), 80–90% of natural biting force, genuine bone preservation that prevents facial collapse, no impact on adjacent healthy teeth, and the most natural aesthetics of any replacement option.

Why implant systems matter: Nobel Biocare and Straumann at Core Dental Group

Not all implant systems are equal. Core Dental Group's Epping practice uses two of the most extensively researched and clinically validated systems in the world.

Nobel Biocare and Straumann are pioneers in the field, each backed by decades of research, development, and clinical success, with a genuine commitment to quality and innovation. Products from both manufacturers have been documented in numerous clinical papers spanning follow-up periods of over 5 to over 10 years, consistently showing high survival and success rates.

Nobel Biocare implants have demonstrated success rates above 95% at 10 years. Their TiUnite surface technology promotes rapid osseointegration by creating a highly biocompatible titanium oxide layer.

Straumann offers a wide range of implant options, including the BLX system designed for immediate placement and loading — well suited to patients who want a fast and predictable outcome. Straumann also offers customisable abutments and restorative solutions, allowing a high degree of personalisation.

The choice between systems at Core Dental Group is made by the treating clinician based on bone anatomy, case complexity, and the desired loading protocol — not commercial preference.

Am I a candidate? Assessing suitability for dental implants

Candidacy is assessed across several clinical dimensions. Your Core Dental Group clinician will evaluate:

Bone volume and density

Sufficient bone height and width are required to anchor the implant fixture securely. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning — a 3D imaging technology available at Core Dental Group — allows precise measurement of bone volume before any surgical planning begins. Where bone volume is insufficient, bone grafting can rebuild the ridge.

Systemic health factors

Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontal disease, and certain medications (particularly bisphosphonates) all affect implant outcomes and require careful management before placement is appropriate. Smokers experience higher failure rates; the other conditions listed need to be stabilised first.

Gum health

Active gum disease must be resolved before implant surgery. Patients with gingivitis or periodontitis will be referred for periodontic treatment first — see our guide on Gum Disease Treatment in Epping: Recognising Gingivitis and Periodontitis Before It's Too Late for a detailed overview of this prerequisite step.

Age considerations

Implants are generally not placed in patients whose jaws are still developing, typically under 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit; implants are routinely and successfully placed in patients in their 70s and 80s.

The dental implant journey at Core Dental Group: step by step

Step 1: Initial consultation and treatment planning

Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive examination. The clinician will review your dental and medical history, take full-mouth X-rays, and in most cases order a CBCT scan to produce a three-dimensional map of your jawbone. This imaging data is used to plan implant position, angle, and depth with surgical precision, minimising risk and maximising long-term stability.

A detailed treatment plan is presented at this appointment, covering the number of implants required, whether bone grafting is needed, estimated timelines, and full cost disclosure. Patients who experience anxiety about this stage can discuss sedation options with their clinician (see our guide on Dental Anxiety in Epping: How Core Dental Makes Nervous Patients Feel Safe).

Step 2: Preparatory procedures (if required)

Some patients need preparatory treatment before implant placement:

• Tooth extraction — if a failing tooth is still present, it is removed, sometimes at the same appointment as implant placement
• Bone grafting — where bone volume is insufficient, a graft material (autograft, allograft, or xenograft) is placed to regenerate the ridge. A cohort of 158,824 implants showed that augmented cases achieved a clinical success rate of 97.83%, confirming that grafting does not meaningfully compromise outcomes when performed correctly
• Periodontal treatment — scaling, root planing, or other gum therapy to establish a healthy baseline

Step 3: Implant placement surgery

The implant fixture is placed under local anaesthetic in a minor surgical procedure at Core Dental Group's Epping practice. The gum is gently opened, a precise channel is drilled into the jawbone, and the titanium post is seated. The gum is then closed with sutures.

Some pain, swelling, and bruising are normal in the first three days, managed with ice, soft foods, and rest. Patients are advised to avoid smoking, alcohol, hard foods, and touching the implant site during the initial healing period.

In certain cases — where bone density and primary implant stability are sufficient — an immediate loading protocol may be used, allowing a temporary crown to be placed on the same day as surgery.

Step 4: Osseointegration — the critical healing phase

Osseointegration is the biological process by which the jawbone grows into direct contact with the titanium surface of the implant, creating a permanent mechanical bond. This is the most important phase of the implant journey.

Traditionally, dental implants require a healing period of 4 to 9 months for osseointegration, with longer recovery times when bone grafting is involved. The timeline varies by jaw location:

• 2–6 weeks: Soft tissue around the implant site begins healing. Maintaining oral hygiene during this period is essential to prevent infection. From 6 weeks to 3 months, the implant starts bonding with the jawbone.
• By 4 weeks: New bone formation is observed on the implant surface (contact osteogenesis), connecting with bone formed on the host bone. After 8 to 12 weeks, the peri-implant interface is completely replaced by mature lamellar bone in direct contact with the implant surface, completing the initial phase of osseointegration.
• 3–6 months: Osseointegration continues. For some patients this process may be quicker, meaning abutment and crown placement can occur sooner.

Modern surface technologies on both Nobel Biocare and Straumann implants are specifically engineered to accelerate and enhance this process. Based on a series of randomised controlled trials involving thousands of participants, loading implants after 6–8 weeks shows no difference in bone loss, implant failure, or prosthesis failure compared with conventional 3–6 month healing times, in appropriately selected cases.

Step 5: Abutment placement

Once osseointegration is confirmed — typically through clinical stability testing and follow-up imaging — the abutment is connected to the implant fixture. The gums then heal around the small protruding portion of the abutment, which usually takes about one to two weeks. This stage shapes the gum line in preparation for the final crown.

A temporary crown may be used to protect the space and maintain aesthetics until the final version is ready.

Step 6: Crown fabrication and final placement

The final crown is custom-fabricated to match the colour, shape, and bite of your natural teeth. Digital impressions allow precise crown design without the discomfort of traditional putty moulds. The completed ceramic crown is then cemented or screwed onto the abutment, completing your restoration.

Total healing, from surgery to final crown, may take 3–12 months depending on your case.

How long do dental implants last?

Implant longevity is one of the most frequently asked questions at Core Dental Group — and the evidence is compelling.

Research spanning 1980 to 2023 reports success rates from 94.6% to 100%, with most modern studies at or above 97%. According to National Library of Medicine studies, the overall success rate is 98.6% at five years post-loading. The 10-year survival rate sits at 90–95%, and 4 out of 5 implants last 20 years or more when properly maintained.

A large-scale cohort study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology tracked over 10,800 implants across 4,247 patients for up to 22 years. The cumulative survival rate was 96.8% at 10 years and 94.0% at 15 years.

Research has also found that problems can develop after 7 or 10 years even without prior complications, which is why routine examinations and professional hygiene care significantly increase long-term implant survival.

Dental implants vs. bridges vs. dentures: a direct comparison

For patients weighing their options, the table below summarises the key clinical differences between the three main tooth-replacement solutions available at Core Dental Group (see also our detailed guide on Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures in Epping: Restoring Function After Tooth Loss):

Implants typically outlast bridges by a wide margin — 25 years or more versus a bridge's 5 to 15 years before replacement is needed.

A dental bridge is a set of connected artificial teeth held in place by crowns cemented onto the two teeth adjacent to the gap. Those supporting teeth must be filed down first to make room for the crowns — a permanent modification to otherwise healthy tooth structure that implants avoid entirely.

Dentures remain a non-surgical alternative but contribute to ongoing bone loss, which over time can alter facial structure and make future implant placement more difficult.

While implants carry a higher upfront cost, they offer better stability, long-term value, and help preserve natural teeth. For patients concerned about the financial side of treatment, Core Dental Group offers payment plans and health fund options — see our guide on Dental Payment Plans and Health Fund Rebates at Core Dental Epping.

Maintaining your implant: what happens after crown placement

Caring for implants is straightforward — you brush and floss as you would with natural teeth. The implant crown itself cannot decay, but gum disease can still develop around implants if oral hygiene slips.

Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory response affecting the tissues surrounding an implant, is the leading cause of late implant failure, accounting for 38% of failures. Failed osseointegration accounts for a further 24%. Both risks are substantially reduced by consistent oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance.

At Core Dental Group, implant patients are placed on a tailored recall schedule — typically every six months — to monitor bone levels, assess gum health around the implant, and professionally clean surfaces that are difficult to reach at home.

Key takeaways

• Dental implants have the highest success rate of any tooth-replacement option available today. Peer-reviewed research puts the success rate at 95% to 98% within the first five years, and long-term studies tracking patients for 20+ years show survival rates above 90%.

• Core Dental Group uses Nobel Biocare and Straumann implant systems — two of the most extensively clinically documented platforms in the world — selected based on each patient's individual anatomy and case complexity.

• The implant process has four main stages: surgical placement, osseointegration (3–6 months), gum healing (1–2 weeks), and crown placement. Total treatment time ranges from 3 to 12 months depending on whether preparatory procedures such as bone grafting are required.

• Implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, which preserves bone structure and long-term stability in a way that bridges and dentures cannot replicate.

• Routine examinations and professional hygiene care significantly increase long-term implant survival, making ongoing maintenance just as important as the surgery itself.

Conclusion

A dental implant at Core Dental Group is a long-term investment in oral health, bone structure, and quality of life. The journey from initial CBCT assessment through to final crown placement is supported by decades of clinical evidence and delivered using Nobel Biocare and Straumann systems that consistently achieve survival rates above 95% at the 10-year mark.

For patients in Epping, Lalor, South Morang, Roxburgh Park, and surrounding suburbs, Core Dental Group provides the full spectrum of implant services — including bone grafting, periodontal preparation, and specialist placement — under one roof, removing the need for multiple referral practices (see our location guide, Dentist Epping vs. Surrounding Suburbs: Why Patients from Lalor, South Morang, Roxburgh Park, and Mill Park Choose Core Dental).

If you are living with a missing tooth or facing an extraction, the first step is a consultation and CBCT assessment at Core Dental Group's Epping practice, where your bone anatomy, health history, and treatment goals will be evaluated to determine whether implants are the right solution for you.

References

• Davó, R., et al. "Long-term clinical outcomes of zygomatic implants using the Anatomy-Guided Approach." Nobel Biocare Clinical Research Highlights, February 2024. https://www.nobelbiocare.com/en-int/blog/science-first/in-focus-monthly-study-highlights-february

• Duddeck, D.U., Albrektsson, T., Wennerberg, A., et al. "On the Cleanliness of Different Oral Implant Systems: A Pilot Study." Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol. 8, No. 9, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6780125/

• Esposito, M., Grusovin, M.G., Maghaireh, H., Worthington, H.V. "Interventions for replacing missing teeth: different times for loading dental implants." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23543525/

• Kim, J., et al. "Clinical Success Rates of Dental Implants with Bone Grafting in a Large-Scale National Dataset." National Institutes of Health / PubMed Central, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12843187/

• ResearchGate. "Timeline for osseointegration of dental implants with respect to changes over time." Scientific Diagram — Clinical Oral Implants Research, 2015. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Timeline-for-osseointegration-of-dental-implants-with-respect-to-changes-over-time_fig1_275047453

• Uniqa Dental. "Top Dental Implant Research: Meta-Analyses of 2024." Uniqa Dental Clinical Reviews, March 2025. https://uniqa.dental/articles/dental-implant-survival-meta-analysis-2024/

• Temecula Oral Surgery. "2024 Stats for Dental Implants — Dental Implant Studies." Temecula Oral Surgery Clinical Reference, 2024. https://temeculaoralsurgery.com/what-statistics-how-many-people-have-dental-implants/

• Sheddfamilydental.com. "Dental Implants vs. Dentures vs. Bridges: Which Tooth Replacement Is Right for You?" Shedd Family Dental, April 2026. https://sheddfamilydental.com/dental-implants-vs-dentures-vs-bridges/

• Arch Dental. "How Dental Implants Compare to Bridges and Dentures." Arch Dental Clinical Blog, January 2026. https://archdentalnorthampton.com/blog/how-dental-implants-compare-to-bridges-and-dentures/

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General product claims

• Dental implants are described as "the most clinically robust solution available in modern dentistry"
• Nobel Biocare and Straumann are described as systems that "define the gold standard in implantology"
• Nobel Biocare's TiUnite surface technology is stated to promote rapid osseointegration via a highly biocompatible titanium oxide layer
• Nobel Biocare implants are stated to achieve success rates of over 95% after 10 years
• Straumann BLX system is described as designed for immediate placement and loading with "fast and predictable treatment outcomes"
• Dental implants are stated to restore 80–90% of natural biting force
• Dental implants are stated to last 25 years to a lifetime
• 5-year implant success rate cited as 98.6% (attributed to National Library of Medicine studies)
• 10-year implant survival rate cited as 90–95%
• 80% of implants stated to last 20 years or more with proper maintenance
• Cohort study (Journal of Clinical Periodontology) cited: 96.8% survival at 10 years and 94.0% at 15 years across 10,800+ implants in 4,247 patients over up to 22 years
• Bone-grafted implant cohort (158,824 implants) cited as achieving 97.83% clinical success rate
• Peri-implantitis stated to account for 38% of implant failures; failed osseointegration stated to account for 24%
• Early loading at 6–8 weeks stated to show no difference in bone loss or failure rates versus conventional loading (attributed to randomised controlled trials)
• Dental bridges stated to last 10–15 years; dentures stated to last 7–10 years
• Dentures stated to accelerate bone resorption; implants stated to preserve jawbone
• Core Dental Group is described as providing all implant services "under one roof" without need for external referrals
• Core Dental Group is stated to serve patients from Epping, Lalor, South Morang, Roxburgh Park, and Mill Park
• Payment plans and health fund rebates stated to be available at Core Dental Group
• Sedation options stated to be available for anxious patients
• Digital impressions stated to be used for crown fabrication