• Suite 1, 850 Port Rd, Woodville South SA 5011
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Dental Implants in Woodville

A titanium post placed in the jaw to support a replacement tooth. Here’s how the process works, what it involves, and how to judge whether it’s the right option for you.

What a dental implant is

An implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone, left to integrate with the bone over a period of months, and then restored with a crown on top. The result is a replacement tooth that stands on its own, without altering or relying on the teeth either side of it.

Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or be used to secure a denture that has never sat comfortably. Dr Anthony Vinci has undertaken postgraduate implant training through gIDE, and implant dentistry is a particular interest of his.

Who implants suit

The best candidates have healthy gums, enough bone at the site to hold an implant, and general health that supports healing. None of those are absolutes — bone can sometimes be augmented, gum disease can be treated first, and plenty of people who assume they aren’t candidates turn out to be. Equally, some people are better served by a bridge or a denture, and we’ll say so.

What matters most is that the decision is made after an assessment rather than from a brochure.

How the process works

Assessment. An examination, X-rays and usually a 3D scan, so we can see the bone volume and the position of nearby structures before anything is planned.

Planning. We map out where the implant needs to sit to give the best result, and talk through the timeline, the costs and the alternatives.

Placement. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic. Most people are surprised by how straightforward the appointment is, and many find it easier than an extraction.

Healing. The implant integrates with the bone over roughly three to six months, depending on the site and your healing. You won’t be left with a gap in a visible area during this time.

Restoration. Once integration is confirmed, an abutment and crown are fitted. The crown is made to match your own teeth in shape and colour.

Risks and things to consider

Implant placement is minor surgery, and it carries the usual risks of any surgical procedure: bleeding, swelling, bruising and infection. Specific to implants, there is a risk that the implant does not integrate with the bone and has to be removed and replaced, and — depending on the site — a small risk of injury to nearby nerves or the sinus.

Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and untreated gum disease all reduce the likelihood of success. Heavy grinding puts extra load on the restoration, and if you grind we’ll usually recommend a night splint to protect it. Implants also need looking after: they can’t decay, but the gum and bone around them can become inflamed and recede if they aren’t cleaned properly, so ongoing maintenance matters.

We’ll explain the specific risks in your case, and the alternatives — including doing nothing — before you decide.

How long implants last

Many implants last for decades with good care and regular reviews. Like natural teeth, they depend on healthy gum and bone around them, so their longevity has as much to do with maintenance as with the implant itself. The crown on top is a restoration like any other and may need replacing at some point over a long lifespan.

What implants cost

We don’t publish set fees, because implant treatment varies so much between people — the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration all change the picture. After your assessment you’ll receive an itemised written quote with dental item numbers, so your health fund can tell you exactly what it contributes before you commit. Where treatment can be safely staged, we can plan it across calendar years so two years of annual limits can be used.

A safe and effective procedure

Dental implants are safe and effective provided the surgery is done by a well trained & experienced dental surgeon.

The surgical procedure may be completed In one appointment or over the course of multiple appointments depending on the needs of the patient. At Adelaide Dental Solutions we use 3D scanning technology to perform Guided Implant Surgery, which is more accurate and predictable. 

 

  1. Digital scans and radiographs are taken in order to accurately plan the surgery.
  2. A 3D printed guide is then produced to facilitate a high level of accuracy.
  3. The implant is placed in the desired position in the bone to ensure optimal function, health & aesthetics.
  4. Once we have determined the implant is sufficiently integrated into the bone and the soft tissues are healed we will plan for the final restoration (tooth)
  5. Finally we optimise the soft tissue (gums) and then we attach the tooth to the implant.
  6. Regular maintenance and review is crucial for the long term prognosis of the implant supported tooth.

Why speak to us about dental implants?

Solution Best Suited To You

When booking your first appointment we’ll discuss your dental and medical history and all other needs to make sure you get what’s best for you and your teeth.

Caring And Experienced Team

From our highly experienced dentists Dr Anthony and Mariella to our friendly support team, we’ll make sure you have the best of care throughout the entire process.

Our practice in Woodville South

Adelaide Dental Solutions is at Suite 1, 850 Port Rd, Woodville South — in the same precinct as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with parking on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I wait before getting a dental implant?
There’s no single deadline, but bone at the site tends to shrink after a tooth is lost, and the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap over time. Both make later treatment more complex. That said, plenty of people have implants placed years after losing a tooth — an assessment will tell you what’s involved in your case.
How long does the procedure take?
Placing a single implant is usually a straightforward appointment under local anaesthetic. The overall timeline is longer, because the implant needs roughly three to six months to integrate with the bone before the crown goes on.
How long do dental implants last?
Many implants last for decades with good care and regular reviews. They depend on healthy gum and bone around them, so maintenance matters as much as the implant itself. The crown on top may need replacing at some point over a long lifespan.
What are the risks?
Implant placement is minor surgery and carries the usual risks: bleeding, swelling, bruising and infection. Specific risks include the implant failing to integrate and needing to be replaced, and — depending on the site — injury to nearby nerves or the sinus. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and untreated gum disease all reduce the chance of success. We’ll go through the risks specific to you before you decide.
Is it painful?
The placement itself is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during it. Afterwards, most people describe soreness rather than severe pain, manageable with ordinary pain relief for a few days. Many patients tell us it was easier than they expected.
Am I too old for a dental implant?
Age itself is rarely the deciding factor — bone quality, gum health and general health matter far more. We’ve placed implants for patients well into their seventies and eighties. An assessment will tell you whether it’s a sensible option for you.
What are the alternatives to an implant?
A bridge, a partial denture, or leaving the gap. Each has trade-offs in cost, longevity and effect on the neighbouring teeth, and for some gaps leaving it alone is a perfectly reasonable choice. We’ll set out all the options rather than assuming you want the most involved one.
Will my health fund cover an implant?
Many extras policies contribute something, but the amount varies considerably with your fund, your level of cover and your annual limits. We’ll give you an itemised quote with dental item numbers so your fund can tell you exactly what it rebates before you commit.

In pain now?

Visit us at Suite 1, 850 Port Rd, Woodville South. We'll give you honest advice about what can wait and what can't, and a clear written quote before any treatment begins.

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Our practice in Woodville South

Adelaide Dental Solutions is at Suite 1, 850 Port Rd, Woodville South — in the same precinct as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with parking on site.