A dental implant replaces a missing tooth from the root up. A small titanium post is placed into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone and acts as an artificial root. A crown is then fixed on top, giving you a tooth that looks, feels and works like a natural one. The science behind it is well proven, with research supporting dental implants since the 1960s. This guide walks you through exactly how implants work, what each stage of the procedure involves, how long the whole process takes and what it costs at Radiant Smiles in Perth.
What is a dental implant made of?
An implant has three parts, and it helps to picture them before we get into the procedure:
- The implant post. A small screw-shaped post, usually titanium, that sits in the jawbone and replaces the tooth root. Titanium is used because bone bonds to it naturally.
- The abutment. A connector that screws into the post and sits just above the gum line. It links the post to the crown.
- The crown. The visible tooth, custom made to match the shape and shade of your other teeth, fixed onto the abutment.
Because the post is anchored in bone rather than resting on the gum, an implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth and does not rely on neighbouring teeth for support the way a bridge does.
How does the implant fuse with the bone?
The reason implants work so well comes down to a process called osseointegration. Titanium has a rare property: living bone grows onto its surface and locks it in place over a few months. Once that bond forms, the implant can carry the full force of biting and chewing, just like a real root. This is also why implants protect your jaw. A natural root stimulates the bone every time you chew, and an implant does the same, which slows the bone loss that follows tooth loss and can make a face look sunken over time.
It is also why implants are so reliable. Implants have one of the highest success rates in dentistry, with long-term studies generally reporting around 95 per cent still working well after ten years, provided they are looked after. Every implant we place at Radiant Smiles is backed by our lifetime warranty.
The dental implant procedure, step by step
Treatment at Radiant Smiles runs across four stages, with healing time built in. Here is what happens at each one.
Stage 1: Consultation, scan and planning
Before anything is placed, we map out your treatment. This visit includes:
- A full examination of your mouth, gums and remaining teeth.
- A 3D CBCT scan that shows the height, width and density of bone in your jaw. This tells us exactly where to position the implant and whether you need any preparation first.
- A discussion of your medical history and any medications, so the plan is safe for you.
- A written treatment plan and a fixed quote, so you know the cost before you commit.
If the scan shows there is not enough bone to hold an implant, we may recommend a bone graft or a sinus lift at this point to build a stable foundation. This is common and does not rule out implants.
Stage 2: Implant placement surgery
This is the surgical stage, where the titanium post is placed into the jaw. It is a smaller procedure than most people expect:
- The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain. For nervous patients we offer an oral sedative or IV sedation.
- Using the plan from your scan as a surgical guide, the dentist places the implant into the bone.
- In some cases a temporary crown can be fitted so you are not left with a visible gap while you heal.
- You are given antibiotics to guard against infection and pain relief to keep you comfortable afterwards.
Most patients are surprised at how straightforward the day is and return to normal activities within a day or two.
Stage 3: Healing and integration
The implant now needs time to fuse with the bone. This healing period is usually a minimum of three months, though it varies with your bone quality and general health. During this time the implant is settling into place beneath the gum. We review the implant to confirm it is stable and fully integrated before moving on. Skipping or rushing this stage is the main reason implants fail elsewhere, so we never shortcut it.
Stage 4: Abutment and final crown
Once the implant is solid, we complete your new tooth across two short visits:
- We take precise impressions of the implant and your bite.
- The abutment is fitted to the post.
- Our own dental laboratory in Malaga crafts your custom crown, usually within one to two weeks, colour matched to your natural teeth.
- The crown is fixed in place, checked for fit and bite, and you walk out with a complete, functioning tooth.
Types of dental implants
Most people receive a standard endosteal implant, the single titanium post placed directly into the jawbone described above. Where you are missing most or all of your teeth, a full arch can be carried on four implants with All-on-4, or a denture can be clipped securely onto implants. Where bone height is very limited, longer implants anchored in the cheekbone are an option in select cases. Your 3D scan tells us which approach suits your jaw, and we talk you through the choice at your consultation.
How long does the whole process take?
From the first consultation to the final crown, a standard single implant usually takes around three to six months, most of which is healing time rather than time in the chair. The actual appointments are short. If you need a bone graft beforehand, add a few months for that to heal. For patients replacing a full arch, All-on-4 can provide a fixed set of teeth on four implants with a much faster turnaround, sometimes with teeth fitted the same day as surgery.
How much do dental implants cost at Radiant Smiles?
Cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing and whether you need any preparation such as a bone graft. As a guide, these are our starting prices in Perth:
- Single tooth. A single restored implant, including the post, abutment and crown, starts from $3,990.
- Full arch (All-on-4). A fixed set of teeth on four implants from $25,000 per arch. See our guide to full-mouth dental implant cost.
- Implant-retained dentures. Implants that hold a denture firmly in place, from $17,500 per arch.
If you have private health insurance with dental extras you can claim a rebate towards your treatment, and as an HBF and NIB preferred provider we process it on the spot through HICAPS. Many patients also fund treatment by releasing super early through SuperCare.
How do dental implants work: your questions answered
How painful is getting a dental implant?
Less than most people fear. The placement is done under local anaesthetic, so during surgery you feel pressure but not pain. Afterwards it feels much like having a tooth out, with some swelling and tenderness for two to three days that simple pain relief manages well. Most patients are back at work the next day. If you are anxious, oral or IV sedation keeps you relaxed throughout.
What are the downsides of dental implants?
The main drawbacks are the upfront cost and the time involved, since a single implant takes a few months from start to finish to allow for healing. They also require minor surgery, and a small number can fail to fuse, which is more likely in heavy smokers or where there is uncontrolled gum disease. For most people the long lifespan and the ability to eat and smile normally outweigh these, but we will always talk you through the trade-offs honestly at your consultation.
What is the 3-2 rule for dental implants?
The 3-2 rule is not a formal or universally recognised clinical standard, and you will see it explained differently from one source to the next. What genuinely decides whether an implant will succeed is having enough healthy bone, healthy gums and well-managed general health, all of which we assess with a 3D scan before treatment. If you have come across the term and are unsure what it means for you, ask your dentist to explain it in the context of your own mouth.
How long do dental implants last?
With good care the titanium post can last a lifetime, which is why we offer a lifetime warranty on the implants we place. The crown on top is subject to normal wear and may need replacing after many years, much like a natural tooth that has been restored.
Can a dental implant be done in one day?
A single implant normally needs a healing period before the final crown, so the full result takes a few months. Full-arch All-on-4 treatment, however, can place the implants and fit a temporary fixed set of teeth on the same day, which is why it is often called teeth in a day.
What can I eat while my implant heals?
For the first week, stick to soft foods such as soup, pasta, eggs and yoghurt, and chew on the opposite side. As the area settles you can gradually return to a normal diet. Once the implant is fully integrated and the crown is fitted, you can eat normally with no restrictions.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Most healthy adults are suitable. What matters is having enough healthy jawbone to hold the implant and well-managed general health. Where bone is lacking, a bone graft can build it up first. A consultation and 3D scan confirm whether implants are right for you.
Find out if implants are right for you
The clearest way to understand your options is a consultation and a 3D scan. One of our implant dentists will examine your mouth, explain exactly how the procedure would work in your case and give you a fixed quote. Book your consultation at our Yokine or Albany clinic.