Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile — they can affect your confidence, speech, and ability to enjoy your favourite foods. If you’re considering a long-term solution, dental implants offer one of the most reliable and natural-looking options available today. Whether you’re wondering about the cost, procedure, or healing timeline, this guide covers everything you need to know before making a decision.
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What Are Dental Implants — and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are small, screw-shaped posts made from biocompatible titanium that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. These artificial tooth roots serve as a foundation for a custom-made crown, bridge, or full arch replacement. Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. While the treatment process can take some time from start to finish, implants are a popular choice thanks to their natural-looking appearance, fixed placement, and long-lasting results.
Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place and don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support. Over time, the titanium post fuses with the bone, which helps create a stable and secure base that mimics the strength and feel of a natural tooth.
This makes dental implants an ideal choice for those looking for a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Step-by-Step: The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting a dental implant involves several stages. At River Dental, our experienced team performs the complete procedure in-house at our Gympie dental clinic — from initial consultation to the final crown placement. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your oral and overall health to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants. This may involve dental X-rays, 3D scans, and a review of your medical history. Our team will evaluate your individual dental needs, provide professional treatment recommendations, discuss pricing, and help you book an appointment time that suits you.
2. Surgical Phase
During the first stage, the implant post is inserted into your jawbone under local anaesthesia.
Once the implant has been placed, a healing period is required to allow it to bond securely with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly each patient heals.
In many cases, some bone loss is present, and a bone graft is carried out at the same time as implant placement to provide added support. The implant is typically covered with gum tissue during this phase to protect the area while it heals. Stitches are usually removed after about two weeks, but the implant itself integrates with the bone over further months before the artificial tooth can be attached.
3. Restorative Phase
After approximately 4 to 5 months of healing, a minor procedure is performed to uncover the implant and fit a small healing cap. This allows the surrounding gum to shape correctly around the future crown.
Around two weeks later, we take an impression of the area so your custom crown can be designed to match the look and feel of your natural teeth. Two weeks later, your final crown is ready to be securely attached to the implant, completing your treatment.
Timeframe (from initial consultation) | Procedure |
0 months | Initial consultation, 3D cone-beam x-ray |
0 months | Implant placement and bone graft |
0.5 months | Review and remove stitches |
5 months | Expose implant and place cap |
5.5 months | Scan |
6 months | Crown placed onto implant |
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
A common question we hear from our patients is: How much do dental implants cost? While costs can vary based on your individual needs, the overall price is influenced by several key factors, including the number of implants required and the type of restoration.
Factors That Influence Cost:
- Number of dental implants required
- Type of restoration (crown, bridge, denture)
- Bone grafting or sinus lift (if needed)
At River Dental, we provide transparent pricing and can discuss your treatment plan during your consultation. We also offer flexible payment plans to help make high-quality dental implants more accessible.
Does a Dental Implant Hurt?
It’s normal to wonder, does a dental implant hurt? Thankfully, the procedure is far less painful than most people expect. An anaesthetic ensures you won’t feel any pain during the surgery, and most patients report only mild discomfort afterwards — similar to having a tooth pulled.
Following aftercare instructions and recommended pain medication can help manage any tenderness or swelling in the days following surgery. When you choose us for your dental implant, we provide clear guidance and personalised support to ensure you’re informed, prepared, and comfortable at every stage of your treatment journey.
Caring for Your Implant: Aftercare Tips
Maintaining your dental implant is much like caring for natural teeth. Here are some tips to ensure long-term success:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use floss or interdental brushes around the implant
- Avoid smoking during the healing phase
- Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings at River Dental
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days post-surgery
Good oral hygiene can help your implant last for decades, sometimes even a lifetime.
Payment Options and Financing Plans
We understand that dental implants are a significant investment. That’s why River Dental offers a variety of flexible payment options, including:
- Direct Payment: Pay upfront with cash, EFTPOS, or credit card for your treatment.
- Payment Plans: Spread the cost of more extensive treatments over manageable instalments.
- Zip Pay and Denticare: Flexible financing options are designed to fit your budget, making dental care more accessible.
Our friendly team is happy to walk you through your payment options and help you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
While most healthy adults are suitable candidates, a thorough assessment is required to confirm eligibility. Certain factors may affect your suitability, including:
- Active gum disease or advanced tooth decay – These conditions need to be treated before implant placement.
- Insufficient jawbone density – In some cases, a bone graft may be required to support the implant.
- Age – Dental implants are generally not recommended for children or teenagers whose jaws are still developing.
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug use – These habits can increase the risk of implant failure and may impact healing.
At River Dental, we conduct comprehensive obligation-free consultations to determine if dental implants are the right fit for you — and offer alternative professional dental options if not.
Why Choose River Dental for Your Dental Implant Treatment?
Based in Gympie, we provide a complete implant service under one roof. This is a procedure we perform regularly and we have helped hundreds of patients with their chewing and smile with dental implants. Our skilled team offers a warm, caring environment and advanced technology to deliver exceptional results.
We proudly support patients throughout the Gympie region and surrounding communities, such as Cooran, Pomona, Cooroy, Amamoor, Kandanga, Imbil, Kenilworth, and beyond.
Dental implants are a powerful solution for restoring both the appearance and function of your smile. With long-lasting results, natural aesthetics, and improved oral health, it’s easy to see why they’re among the most popular modern dental treatments.
If you’re considering implants and want expert guidance every step of the way, the team at River Dental is here to help. Learn more about Dental Implants and get in touch with us! Call (07) 5482 5454 to book your obligation-free dental implant consultation today and take the first step towards a confident, healthy smile.
