Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant is not a single appointment. It is a process that unfolds across several months, with distinct stages that each serve a specific clinical purpose. Understanding what happens at each step can help you plan your time, your budget, and your expectations.
This guide walks through the dental implant process as we approach it at Ivy Dental in Brisbane, from the first consultation through to the final crown.
Stage one: assessment and planning
Every implant case starts with a thorough clinical assessment. This is not a quick look and a recommendation. It involves:
- A detailed examination of the area where the tooth is missing
- A CBCT scan (3D cone beam imaging) to assess bone volume, density, and the position of nearby nerves and sinuses
- A review of your general health, medications, and any conditions that may affect healing
- Digital scanning for treatment planning
Not every patient who wants an implant is a suitable candidate. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, certain medications (including some osteoporosis treatments), and insufficient bone volume may affect whether an implant is appropriate. Your dentist will be direct with you about this during the assessment.
If an implant is a viable option, your dentist will present a treatment plan with itemised costs. A single implant in Brisbane typically starts from $4,500, including the fixture and the final crown. If additional procedures are needed, those are quoted separately. You can read more about implant pricing and what affects your quote.
Stage two: bone grafting (if needed)
Some patients have sufficient bone to proceed directly to implant placement. Others do not.
Bone loss can occur when a tooth has been missing for an extended period, after gum disease, or following trauma. If the CT scan shows the bone is too thin or too shallow to support an implant reliably, bone grafting may be recommended.
Bone grafting involves placing graft material at the implant site to encourage new bone growth. Depending on the extent of grafting required, this may be done as a separate procedure (with a healing period of 3 to 6 months before the implant is placed) or at the same time as implant placement.
For upper back teeth, a sinus lift may be needed. This is a specific type of graft that increases bone height below the sinus cavity.
Your dentist will explain whether grafting is required during the planning stage. It adds time and cost to the overall treatment, but proceeding without adequate bone increases the risk of implant failure.
Stage three: implant placement surgery
This is the stage most patients think of when they hear "implant surgery." It is a surgical procedure, but it is typically shorter and less invasive than people expect.
Here is what happens:
- Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area completely
- A small incision is made in the gum tissue
- A precise channel is drilled into the jawbone using guided surgical protocols
- The titanium implant fixture is placed into the bone
- The gum tissue is closed over or around the implant
For a single implant, the procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will be awake throughout. Most patients report that the surgery itself was less uncomfortable than they anticipated.
At Ivy Dental, implant placement is carried out at our Everton Park and Nundah practices. The entire treatment, from planning through to the final crown, is managed within the same practice by the same clinical team. There is no referral to an external surgeon for placement and a return to us for the crown. We handle every stage.
Recovery after surgery
Expect some swelling, mild bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. This is normal. Over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen) is usually sufficient. Your dentist will provide specific post-operative instructions, including guidance on diet, oral hygiene around the site, and what to watch for.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1 to 2 days. Strenuous exercise is typically avoided for about a week.
Stage four: osseointegration (the healing period)
This is the stage that takes the longest and requires the most patience. Osseointegration is the biological process by which the titanium implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone. It is what gives an implant its stability and long-term strength.
This process typically takes 3 to 6 months. During this time, the implant is beneath the gum, integrating with the bone. You may have a temporary tooth replacement for aesthetics, depending on the location.
There is nothing you need to do during this period other than maintain good oral hygiene, attend any scheduled review appointments, and avoid placing excessive force on the implant site.
The healing period is not wasted time. It is the foundation of a successful implant. Rushing this stage increases the risk of failure.
Stage five: abutment and crown placement
Once imaging confirms the implant has integrated successfully, the final restorative phase begins.
An abutment (a small connector piece) is attached to the implant. Digital impressions are taken. Your crown is fabricated to match the colour, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth.
At Ivy Dental, we work with our in-house processes for crown fabrication, which allows close collaboration between the clinical team and the lab on shade matching, contour, and fit. The result is a crown that functions like a natural tooth and looks like one too.
The crown is then fitted and adjusted. Once it is cemented or screw-retained in place, your implant treatment is complete.
The full timeline at a glance
Stage | What happens | Approximate timeframe |
|---|---|---|
Assessment and planning | Clinical exam, CT scan, treatment plan | 1 to 2 appointments |
Bone grafting (if needed) | Graft placement and healing | 3 to 6 months |
Implant placement | Surgical fixture placement | 1 appointment (30-60 min) |
Osseointegration | Bone integration and healing | 3 to 6 months |
Crown placement | Abutment, impressions, crown fitting | 2 to 3 appointments |
For a straightforward single implant with no grafting, expect the process to take approximately 4 to 7 months from start to finish. Cases involving bone grafting can extend to 9 to 12 months.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Implants may be suitable for adults who:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have adequate bone volume (or are willing to undergo grafting)
- Are in reasonable general health
- Do not have uncontrolled conditions that impair healing
- Are committed to maintaining oral hygiene after placement
Implants are not recommended for patients who smoke heavily and are unwilling to reduce or stop, as smoking significantly affects healing and long-term implant success. Your dentist will discuss this with you honestly.
If you are missing multiple teeth or all teeth in an arch, Ivy Dental can assess your oral health and discuss bridges, dentures, implant-retained dentures, and individual implants where appropriate. Complex fixed full-arch cases may need referral to, or coordinated care with, an appropriately experienced implant team.
Paying for implant treatment
Dental implants are classified as a major dental procedure under most health funds. Depending on your level of extras cover, you may receive a partial rebate. However, there is typically a significant gap payment. We process health fund claims on the spot with HICAPS.
For patients without health fund cover, or those who prefer to spread the cost, payment plan options may be available to approved applicants.
Your treatment plan will include a detailed cost breakdown before any clinical work begins. There are no surprises.
Book an implant assessment
If you are considering a dental implant and want to understand whether it is the right option for your situation, the first step is a clinical assessment with imaging.
Book an implant consultation at Ivy Dental, or call (07) 3266 7120. We practise from Everton Park and Nundah in north Brisbane, with appointments available 7 days a week.
Indicative pricing. Your quote may differ based on clinical assessment.
