Dental Implants in Hervey Bay
Missing teeth can affect how you chew, speak, and feel about your smile. At Hervey Bay Dental, we provide dental implant options that are designed to replace missing teeth and support your long-term oral health. Our team will carefully assess your individual situation and discuss whether implants may be suitable for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial structures that sit in the jawbone in the position of a tooth root. Over time, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone and can provide a foundation for a crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis.
In some cases, implants may also be used to help stabilise dentures. Your dentist will recommend an approach based on your oral health, goals, and clinical findings.
Why Consider Dental Implants?
Many people consider dental implants as one option for replacing missing teeth. Implants may help restore function for chewing and speaking while also supporting the appearance of the smile. In some situations, they can help reduce unwanted movement of neighbouring teeth that might otherwise shift into the space left by a missing tooth.
As with any dental procedure, results vary from person to person. Your dentist will guide you on what may be realistic in your specific situation and how implants compare with other options such as bridges or dentures.
Single Dental Implants
Single dental implants are commonly considered when one or a few teeth are missing. In this approach, an implant is placed in the jawbone and later restored with a custom-made crown. This can be a way to fill a gap in your smile and support chewing in that area.
Because the crown is supported by its own implant, the neighbouring teeth usually do not need to be altered, unlike some traditional bridge designs. During your visit, your dentist will explain how a single implant compares with alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
Full-Arch Options: All-on-4® and All-on Implants
For people missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, full-arch implant-supported options may be considered. We offer several approaches, including All-on-4 and All-on implant solutions. Suitability depends on bone quality, overall health, and individual goals.
Note: All-on-4 is a branded technique and may not be suitable for everyone. Your dentist will advise whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. In many cases, this approach can reduce the number of implants required compared with some traditional methods.
The process usually begins with a comprehensive assessment, including X-rays and scans, to review your oral health and discuss your goals. Four implants are then positioned in the jawbone, often with the back implants placed at an angle to make use of available bone. In suitable cases, a temporary prosthesis can be attached on the same day or shortly after, so you are not left without teeth during the healing phase.
After the implants have integrated with the bone, a custom-made full-arch prosthesis is fitted and adjusted. Timeframes and outcomes can vary, and your dentist will outline what may be likely in your situation, as well as alternative options.
All-on Dental Implants
All-on implant options involve securing a full arch of replacement teeth onto a fixed bridge supported by multiple implants. This approach is planned around your bone levels, bite, and aesthetic preferences.
The process typically begins with a consultation and planning appointment, where Dr Felipe Cesar Knob (Dentist) will discuss your goals, review your medical and dental history, and assess whether an All-on option may be appropriate. Diagnostic records such as X-rays, tomography scans, intraoral scans, and photographs are used to guide implant positioning and the design of your prosthesis. You can provide input on the general appearance of your new teeth, including size and shade.
Implants are placed under local anaesthesia, and a provisional or final bridge is attached once adequate healing and integration have occurred. Your new prosthesis is checked for comfort and function, and adjustments can be made as needed. Every case is different, and your dentist will explain what may be realistic for you, including risks, benefits, and alternative options.
The Implant Process: What to Expect
Receiving dental implants generally involves several stages:
- Initial consultation – Your teeth, gums, and bone levels are assessed, your medical history is reviewed, and your goals are discussed.
- Planning – Imaging and impressions or scans are taken to guide implant placement and restoration design.
- Implant surgery – The implant or implants are placed in the jawbone under local anaesthesia. In some cases, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended.
- Healing phase – Time is allowed for the bone to integrate with the implant surface. This process can take several months.
- Final restoration – A crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis is fabricated and attached once integration is satisfactory.
All dental procedures, including dental implants, carry potential risks such as infection, changes in sensation, implant loosening or failure, and complications related to surgery or healing. Your dentist will discuss these with you before you decide to proceed, along with any alternative options.
Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and following the recommended care instructions are important to help your implants last as long as possible.
Who May Be Suitable?
Dental implants are generally considered for adults who have one or more missing teeth and enough bone volume to support implants, or who may be suitable for bone augmentation. Good general health and the ability to maintain daily oral hygiene are also important factors.
Certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can affect healing and the likelihood of implant success. In some cases, alternatives such as dentures or bridges may be more appropriate. During your consultation, Dr Felipe will discuss your health history, carry out a clinical and radiographic assessment, and recommend options that align with your circumstances.
Why Choose Hervey Bay Dental for Implant Care?
Implant care at our practice begins with a thorough assessment so we can understand your goals and review your oral and general health. Digital imaging and intraoral scanners are used to guide planning and placement, helping us design a prosthesis that fits your needs.
Throughout the process, we focus on personalised care and clear communication so you know what to expect at each stage. Dr. Felipe has completed extensive formal training in implant dentistry, including a 1158-hour Implant Dentistry Residency (2009-2011) at Mozarteum University in São Paulo, Brazil, an Implantology – Prosthetic Module (100 hours) in Brazil, and further education in full-arch solutions through the Dental and Implant Academy in Australia in 2024.
He draws on this background to plan implant treatment that is appropriate for your individual situation.
Pricing and Payment Options
We understand that cost is an important consideration. That’s why we aim to provide clear information about fees before you commit to any procedure.
Options may include:
- Use Your Super – In some cases, early access to superannuation may be possible. Our team can assist with general guidance through the process.
- Health funds welcome – We accept all health funds and offer HICAPS for on-the-spot claiming. We are preferred providers for TUH, NIB, and BUPA.
- Payment plans – Flexible payment arrangements are available to help spread the cost over time.
Exact costs depend on the number of implants required, the type of restoration (such as a single crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis), and any additional procedures that may be needed. A personalised quote is provided after your consultation and assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental implants cost?
Costs vary depending on how many implants you need, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting or extractions are involved. After your assessment, we will provide a detailed outline of the proposed plan and associated fees so you can review them before deciding.
Most people can return to light daily activities within a few days after implant surgery. Complete healing and integration of the implant with the bone usually takes several months. Your dentist will advise you on expected timeframes based on your specific plan and health profile.
How do I care for dental implants?
Implants require the same level of care as natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth and around the implants, and attending regular checkups and professional cleans are important. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to clean around your implants and prosthesis effectively.
Are dental implants suitable for everyone?
Not everyone is suited to dental implants. Suitability depends on bone levels, gum health, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Your dentist will assess these areas and may recommend alternative options if implants are not appropriate for you.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Dental implant placement is generally performed under local anaesthesia to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Most people report feeling pressure rather than pain while the implant is being placed.
After the appointment, some tenderness or swelling is common for a few days, and your dentist will discuss ways to manage this, along with what to expect during recovery. Everyone’s experience is different, and your dentist will explain what is likely in your individual situation.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering dental implants in Hervey Bay, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Felipe. He will discuss your goals, assess your oral health, and outline the options available so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
