Single Tooth Replacement and Implants
A single tooth dental implant is a long-term solution for replacing one missing tooth. The procedure involves placing a small implant post into the jawbone, which acts as a strong and stable artificial tooth root. After a healing period, your dentist will attach a custom-made crown that matches the colour and shape of your natural teeth, restoring your smile and function.
At Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialist Centre Melbourne, we place implants made from Roxolid®, an advanced zirconium–titanium alloy developed by Straumann. Roxolid® combines the strength of titanium with the biocompatibility of zirconium, making it stronger, lighter, and more effective at bonding with bone. This means:
- Greater stability and long-term durability
- More treatment options for patients with reduced bone volume
- A natural-looking result without compromising surrounding teeth
Because Roxolid® implants are designed for strength even at smaller diameters, they help preserve more of your natural bone and often reduce the need for additional dental bone graft.
Not everyone is automatically suited to receive a single tooth dental implant, but most healthy adults with a missing tooth are strong candidates. Ideal candidates generally include:
- Patients missing one tooth due to injury, decay, or extraction
- Those with healthy gums and free from active gum disease
- Individuals with sufficient jawbone density to support the dental implant (or willing to undergo bone grafting if needed)
- Non-smokers or people willing to quit smoking, as smoking can reduce healing and implant success rates
- Patients committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to protect long-term results
During your consultation at Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialist Centre Melbourne, our implant specialists will carry out a thorough assessment using X-rays and 3D scans to confirm whether you are a suitable candidate. If additional treatments such as bone grafting or gum therapy are required, these can often be completed before implant placement to ensure the best outcome.
- Consultation and 3D assessment We confirm you are a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant using X-rays and CBCT 3D scans. We review your medical history, discuss options, outline costs and timing, and plan your surgery with your referring dentist.
- Pre-treatment if required If needed, we complete gum therapy, remove the failing tooth, and perform bone or soft-tissue grafting to create a stable site. Healing time varies by case and will be advised at your visit.
- Implant placement surgery Under local anaesthetic (with sedation available on request), a zirconium-titanium alloy implant is placed into the jawbone. The site is closed with sutures and either a cover screw or a small healing cap is fitted. Most single implants take about 30 to 60 minutes. You leave with written aftercare, pain relief guidance, and a review appointment.
- Healing and osseointegration The implant bonds to the bone over several weeks (normally range from 10 – 12 weeks). As a guide, lower jaws often need about 8 to 12 weeks and upper jaws about 12 to 16 weeks. During this phase we advise you to avoid heavy chewing on the area.
- Second stage and gum shaping If the implant was buried beneath the gum, we uncover it in a short appointment and place a healing abutment for 1 to 2 weeks. This shapes the gum for a natural emergence profile.
- Handover for the final crown Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialist Centre completes the surgical stages only. Your general dentist or prosthodontist will take impressions or a digital scan, design the abutment, and fit the custom crown that matches your bite and shade. Fees for the crown are handled by your restoring dentist.
- Maintenance and reviews We see you for a post-placement review and coordinate ongoing hygiene care. Daily cleaning around the implant is essential. Use a soft brush, interdental brushes or super floss, and attend regular professional cleans. Avoid smoking and consider a night guard if you grind your teeth.
When replacing a missing tooth, you generally have three main options: a single tooth dental implant, a dental bridge, or a removable partial denture. Each has benefits and drawbacks, but implants are considered the gold standard for long-term results.
Single Tooth Implant
- Replaces both the root and crown of the missing tooth
- Preserves jawbone and prevents bone loss
- Does not affect or rely on neighbouring teeth
- Long-lasting and natural in appearance and function
Dental Bridge
- Involves filing down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap
- Can be quicker and initially less expensive
- Does not prevent jawbone loss beneath the missing tooth
- May need replacement every 10–15 years
Removable Partial Denture
- A removable plate with a false tooth attached
- Lower upfront cost, but can feel bulky and less stable
- May affect speech and chewing
- Needs ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement
Why Most Patients Choose Implants
While bridges and dentures can replace missing teeth, only a single tooth implant provides a solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. It protects your oral health for the long term without compromising other teeth, which is why many patients and dentists consider it the preferred option.
At Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialist Centre, note that we handle the surgical stages (implant placement, any grafting, healing and follow up appointments.), but the crown is placed by your referring dentist. That means your cost will typically cover our portion; crown/abutment costs are extra and handled by the restoring dentist.
What Influences the Cost
The cost of dental implants in Melbourne is influenced by several factors, including the number of implants required, the type of implant materials used, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting or tooth extractions are necessary. Complex cases that involve multiple implants or corrective surgery will naturally be more expensive than straightforward single-tooth replacements.
strong>What the Cost Includes & Excludes at PDISC
Included in our implant surgery cost:
- Surgeon’s fee for implant placement
- Dental bone graft or site preparation performed by us
- Healing caps / abutment stage (if part of our protocol)
- Follow-ups for osseointegration and healing
- Costs for diagnostic imaging beyond basics (e.g. CBCT)
Excluded / additional:
- Crown and final restoration (done by your dentist or prosthodontist)
Take the first step towards restoring your smile with a single tooth dental implant. Our Melbourne specialists at Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialist Centre provide expert surgical care and work closely with your dentist to deliver the best long-term results.
📍Visit us at our Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialist Centre in Melbourne
📞 Call us on (03) 9813 1866 to book your appointment with one of our specialists.