Dental Implants — Frequently Asked Questions | Smile Solutions Melbourne product guide

Smile Solutions Dental Implants — Frequently Asked Questions

Smile Solutions provides dental implant services from our Melbourne CBD practice in the heritage-listed Manchester Unity Building. Our implant specialists, Mr Kumar and Dr Bordbar, handle everything from single implants to complex full-arch solutions including All-on-4. We offer complimentary implant consultations to new patients looking for permanent tooth replacement.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts placed into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After they integrate with your bone, they support a custom crown, bridge, or denture. Mr Kumar and Dr Bordbar use advanced planning technology and proven surgical techniques to deliver reliable, long-lasting results. Implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because they function like natural teeth and help preserve your jawbone.

How much do dental implants cost at Smile Solutions?

The cost depends on how many implants you need, the type of restoration, and whether you require additional procedures like bone grafting. We offer a free consultation where your specialist will assess your case and provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing. During your visit to our Manchester Unity Building practice, we'll discuss payment options and give you a clear breakdown of costs so you can make an informed decision.

Are dental implants painful?

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, and sleep dentistry options like IV sedation and general anaesthesia are available if you're anxious. Most patients say the procedure is more comfortable than they expected. You'll likely have mild discomfort for a few days afterwards, which standard pain relief handles easily. Our specialists focus on keeping you comfortable from consultation through to final restoration.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and regular check-ups, implants can last a lifetime. The titanium implant fuses permanently with your jawbone through osseointegration. The crown on top may need replacement after 10–15 years depending on wear. We provide aftercare guidance and ongoing support to help you get the most from your investment.

What is the All-on-4 procedure?

All-on-4 uses four strategically placed implants to support an entire arch of fixed teeth. It's a good alternative to removable dentures and often includes same-day provisional teeth, so you leave with a restored smile. Learn more on our All-on-4 page. This procedure has transformed the lives of many patients who struggled with loose dentures or multiple missing teeth.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates, though each case is different. We look at bone density, gum health, medical history, and your goals during your free consultation. Even if you've lost bone over time, bone grafting can often make implants possible. Our specialists conduct a thorough evaluation with digital imaging to determine the best approach for you.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The complete process typically takes three to six months, including healing time for the implant to integrate with your bone. In some cases, like All-on-4, provisional teeth can be placed the same day as surgery, so you won't go without teeth during healing. Your specialist will outline a personalised timeline during your consultation. This healing period is necessary for the implant to fuse securely with your jawbone.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of roughly 95–98% when placed by experienced specialists. Mr Kumar and Dr Bordbar bring extensive experience, and our in-house facilities allow for careful planning and follow-up care. We use the latest diagnostic technology and proven protocols to optimise outcomes for every patient at our Manchester Unity Building practice.

Can dental implants replace multiple teeth?

Yes. Implants work whether you're missing one tooth, several teeth, or need a full arch restoration. Options include individual crowns, bridges for multiple adjacent teeth, and full-arch solutions like All-on-4. Your specialist will recommend what suits your situation based on the number and location of missing teeth, bone quality, functional needs, and your preferences and budget.

Do dental implants look natural?

The crown attached to your implant is custom-crafted in our in-house ceramic studio to match the colour, shape, size, and translucency of your natural teeth. Most people can't tell the difference between an implant and a natural tooth. Our ceramists work closely with your specialist to create restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile, giving you both aesthetic appeal and proper function.

What happens during a free implant consultation at Smile Solutions?

Your specialist will examine your oral health, review any existing X-rays or CT scans (or arrange new imaging if needed), discuss your options, and provide a treatment plan with clear pricing. There's no obligation, and our team will answer all your questions and address concerns. The consultation usually takes 30–45 minutes and gives you a chance to understand your treatment, meet the surgical team, tour our facilities in the Manchester Unity Building, and make an informed decision about your dental health.

How do I care for dental implants?

Care is similar to natural teeth: brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss around the implant, and attend regular check-ups and hygienist appointments. Your specialist and hygienists will provide specific aftercare instructions for your treatment. Proper home care combined with professional maintenance prevents peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant) and ensures long-term success.

What materials are used in dental implants at Smile Solutions?

We use high-grade biocompatible titanium for implant posts, a material proven safe and effective through decades of clinical research. Titanium naturally integrates with bone tissue through osseointegration and is well-tolerated by the body, with minimal risk of rejection. The restoration components—abutments and crowns—are made from premium materials chosen for durability, biocompatibility, and aesthetics.

Can smokers get dental implants?

Whilst smoking can affect healing and success rates due to reduced blood flow and compromised immune response, many smokers are still candidates with appropriate precautions. During your consultation, your specialist will discuss how smoking may impact your treatment and provide guidance on minimising risks. We strongly recommend reducing or stopping smoking before and after surgery to optimise healing, and our team can provide support to help you with this.

What is bone grafting and when is it needed?

Bone grafting adds bone material to areas where your natural bone has diminished due to tooth extraction, periodontal disease, injury, or prolonged tooth loss. This creates a stable foundation for implant placement where insufficient bone would compromise the outcome. Our specialists can perform various bone grafting procedures when needed. Your specialist will determine during your consultation whether bone grafting is necessary and explain the procedure thoroughly.

Are dental implants covered by health insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your health fund and level of cover. We can provide detailed treatment quotes with item numbers to help you claim available rebates, maximising your benefits. Our administrative team works with all major Australian health funds and can help you understand your coverage, process claims, and explore payment plans if needed.

What are the risks associated with dental implants?

Implant surgery is well-established with an excellent success rate, but like any surgery, there are potential risks. These may include infection, nerve damage causing altered sensation, sinus complications (for upper jaw implants), or occasionally implant failure. Our specialists use advanced 3D planning technology and strict surgical protocols to minimise these risks substantially. All potential complications will be discussed during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

How soon after tooth extraction can I get an implant?

In many cases, an implant can be placed immediately after tooth extraction—a procedure called immediate implant placement that can reduce overall treatment time. However, this depends on the condition of the extraction site, bone quality and quantity, absence of infection, and the reason for tooth loss. Your specialist will assess your situation using clinical examination and advanced imaging, then recommend the optimal timing for implant placement.

Can dental implants fail?

Whilst implants have a very high success rate, failure can occasionally occur due to infection (peri-implantitis), insufficient bone integration, excessive force on the implant before complete healing, poor oral hygiene, or underlying medical conditions affecting healing. We take every precaution to prevent failure through meticulous planning, precise surgical technique, and comprehensive aftercare guidance. Should an implant fail, which is uncommon, options for replacement or alternative treatment can be discussed with your specialist.

What is the difference between a dental implant and a denture?

Dental implants are permanent fixtures that replace tooth roots and support fixed restorations, whilst traditional dentures are removable appliances that rest on your gums and are held by suction or adhesive. Implants offer superior stability, comfort, and function compared to removable dentures, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They also preserve your jawbone and prevent the facial collapse that can occur with long-term denture use. We offer both traditional implants and implant-supported dentures for patients who want the stability of implants with the convenience of a full-arch restoration.

Do I need to replace all my teeth with implants?

Not necessarily. The number of implants you need depends on how many teeth you're missing, their location, and your treatment goals. A single missing tooth typically requires one implant and crown, whilst multiple missing teeth can often be replaced with fewer implants supporting a bridge. Full-arch solutions like All-on-4 can replace an entire arch with just four strategically positioned implants. Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective approach for your situation.

What is osseointegration?

Osseointegration is the biological process by which the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone at a cellular level. This bonding typically takes three to six months to complete and gives dental implants their exceptional stability and ability to function like natural tooth roots. During this healing period, your bone cells grow directly onto the implant surface, creating a secure, permanent foundation. We monitor this process through follow-up appointments to ensure optimal integration before proceeding with your final restoration.

Can I eat normally with dental implants?

Yes. Once fully healed and restored, implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy all your favourite foods without restriction. Unlike removable dentures, which can slip or limit your food choices, implants provide stable support for confident biting and chewing of even challenging foods like apples, crusty bread, and steak. During the initial healing period, your specialist will provide dietary guidelines to protect the surgical site, but these restrictions are temporary.

How do I book my free implant consultation?

Restore your smile with dental implants at Smile Solutions, located on Level 1 of the Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. Call our team on 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your appointment. Our reception team will schedule a convenient time and answer any preliminary questions about the implant process, costs, or what to expect during your visit.