Ask a dentist: Answering the top 11 dental implant questions

Considering a dental implant? If you’re wondering about how implants work, how they’re fitted, if they’re worth it, and what they cost, read on.

As Keppel Dental’s lead implant and All on 4 dentist I’ve answered loads of questions about tooth implants. Here, I answer the top 11 questions that patients ask me (and Dr Google) so you have accurate, up-to-date information about dental implants, and what the treatment involves here in Australia.  

Jump to a question:

1. What are dental implants?
2. How long do dental implants last?
3. Are dental implants painful?
4. How much is a tooth implant?
5. Can dental implants be removed?
6. Can dental implants fail?
7. Can dental implants be done in one day?
8. How do dental implants work?
9. What are full mouth dental implants?
10. Is getting dental implants worth it?
11. Are dental implants covered by Medicare?

Question 1: What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace one tooth or multiple teeth. Getting an implant involves placing a titanium, screw-like fitting into your jawbone. This is the implant. It works in the same way as the tooth’s natural root, anchoring the new prosthetic tooth so it stays put. 

Once the implant is fitted,we take care of the aesthetic aspect of replacing your tooth. This means milling and fitting a natural-looking ceramic crown on top of the implant so it looks and feels like your natural teeth.

Question 2: How long do dental implants last? 

Unlike dentures, tooth implants are fixed to your jaw. Implants are more secure and less likely to break or come loose. If the crown or bridge breaks your dentist can remove, repair and replace it. 

Good oral hygiene will also extend the life of dental implants. Brush twice a day, use superfloss or a Waterpik and see your dentist for regular checkups, and an implant or full mouth implants can last 10-20 years.

Question 3: Are dental implants painful?

A local anaesthetic numbs the area during the procedure, so there shouldn’t be any pain. At most, you may feel some pressure and movement. Once the treatment is complete and the anaesthetic wears off you may feel some tenderness in your gum and jaw. Your dentist will discuss pain management options with you before you leave the practice.

Question 4: How much is a tooth implant?

Australian Dental Association surveys fees regularly. The most recent data (2020) gives the lowest  price for a dental implant in Australia as $3,049 and the highest as $7,175. These costs are for a single implant.

We understand that the cost of dental implants is a major barrier for a lot of people. We would never try to hide or deny this. What we can do is help you understand why this treatment comes with the price tag it does. Our guide, Dental Implant Costs in Australia, explains it all. 

The lowest price for a dental implant in Australia is $3,049 and the highest is $7,175.
These costs are for a single implant.

Question 5: Can dental implants be removed?

Implants, whether a single tooth or full mouth All On 4, are fixed in place like natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, there’s no need to remove them. If there is a break or crack in the crown or bridge, then your dentist can remove, fix, and then replace it.

The only time the implant itself—the titanium screw—would ever need removing is if it fails. Failure resulting in implant removal is usually due to peri-implantitis around the implant, which is similar to gum disease. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and remove the screw.

Question 6: Can dental implants fail? 

Dental implants can fail, but this is rare. Studies by the Journal of Oral Implantology and BMC Oral Health have shown that only two to four percent of dental implants fail. This is considered a very low rate.

The main reasons for implant failure are:

• a lack of pre-implant investigation such as checking for gum disease and the health of the jawbone 
• teeth grinding, which can weaken the jawbone and affect healing
• existing medical conditions and medications related to its management 
• lifestyle choices such as smoking.

Successful implant placement calls for careful pre-procedure planning. At Keppel Dental, CT scans and 3D images of your mouth are taken so I can see exactly what needs doing before the implants are placed. This minimises the risk of failure.

Question 7: Can dental implants be done in one day?

The whole ‘dental implants in one-day’ spiel is a bit misleading, so it’s a yes and no answer. Here’s why. 

Dental implant treatment is a two-step process. The first step is fitting the implant screw into the jawbone. If you’re having a front tooth implant that’s visible when you talk and smile, your dentist will fit a temporary crown or denture to the implant that same day. You won’t leave the practice without a tooth or teeth. For full mouth implants a temporary bridge or denture is put in place.

If your implant is replacing a missing back tooth, the gap is less visible. So, we can skip the temporary crown or denture step, saving you money.  

Now you need time to heal, which can take a couple of months. The jawbone needs to grow around the implant to secure it in place. Once this has happened, your dentist can fit the permanent crown or bridge.   

So yes, implants can be ‘done in a day’ to the point where your implant is fitted, and you walk out of the surgery with teeth. But no, they can’t be done in one day because you need time to heal before your dentist can fit the final prosthetics. 

Question 8: How do dental implants work?

There are four parts to an implant: the titanium fixture, the screw, the abutment and then finally the crown. 

Although we often refer to a dental implant being all four parts, the actual implant is the screw-like fitting that’s placed into the jawbone. This is the part that holds a prosthetic crown or bridge in place in the same way as a natural tooth’s root. 

Question 9: What are full mouth dental implants?

You may hear this treatment called all on 4, all on 6, or multiple implants as well as full mouth implants. Multiple implants may be worth considering if you have several teeth missing from your upper or lower jaw, and to replace all of your remaining teeth. This can be more cost effective than getting several individual implants. I discuss the procedure, the benefits and cost at length on our dedicated All on 4 implant page.

Question 10: Is getting dental implants worth it?

There are a number of dental restoration options. Whether dental implants are right for you will depend on a number of factors including:

• your lifestyle
• your current oral health
• how much you want to spend on your smile makeover. 

Implants are hardwearing. They’re designed to withstand day-to-day life so you can carry on eating and drinking as normal, plus they’re easy to care for. You brush and floss them in the same way as natural teeth. 

For a more information and a full overview read dentures vs dental implants where we weigh up the pros and cons of these popular dental restoration treatments.

Question 11: Are dental implants covered by Medicare?

Medicare doesn’t currently cover ‘most dental services’ or ‘cosmetic surgery’ at the moment. Dental implants usually fall into non-rebatable bucket. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to claim any dental implant costs back on Medicare. 

Making an informed decision that’s right for your oral health

Successful dental implant treatment—whether you’re getting one or multiple implants—depends a lot on your individual circumstances. I hope I’ve answered your most burning questions about this treatment. Still have questions? Learn more about our dental implant service here.