Treatment Quick Reference
Consultation to Completion: 4-8 months
Surgery Duration: 1-2 hours per implant
Initial Healing: 1-2 weeks
Full Integration: 3-6 months
Crown Placement: 2-3 weeks
Success Rate: 95-98% at Dental Fresh Bondi Junction
Step-by-Step Dental Implant Treatment Process
Phase 1: Comprehensive Planning and Assessment (2-3 Weeks)
What Happens During My First Dental Implant Consultation?
Initial Assessment (60-90 minutes):
- Complete medical and dental history review
- Clinical examination of teeth, gums, and bite
- Digital photographs and jaw measurements
- Discussion of treatment goals and expectations
- Preliminary treatment plan explanation
Advanced Imaging and Planning:
- 3D CT scan for precise bone assessment
- Digital impressions if immediate restoration planned
- Implant placement simulation using Nobel Biocare DTX software
- Surgical guide fabrication if needed
Treatment Plan Finalisation:
- Detailed cost breakdown with no hidden fees
- Timeline explanation with realistic expectations
- Alternative treatment options discussion
- Payment plan arrangement if required
- Medical clearance coordination if necessary
— Dr Melissa Anderson
How Should I Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery?
One Week Before Surgery:
- Complete any prescribed antibiotics
- Arrange time off work (usually 1-2 days)
- Stock up on soft foods and prescribed medications
- Quit smoking completely (ideally 2+ weeks before)
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain good nutrition
Day Before Surgery:
- Get plenty of rest for optimal healing
- Eat a substantial meal before the fasting period
- Take prescribed pre-medication if recommended
- Arrange transportation (no driving after sedation)
- Prepare ice packs and a recovery area at home
Day of Surgery:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Remove contact lenses and jewellery
- Arrive 30 minutes early for paperwork
- Bring a list of current medications
- Have an emergency contact available
Phase 2: Implant Placement Surgery (Single Day)
What Actually Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?
Pre-Surgical Preparation (30 minutes):
- Vital signs monitoring and IV setup if sedation is used
- Local anaesthetic administration for complete numbness
- Surgical site preparation with sterile draping
- Final positioning confirmation using surgical guides
Implant Placement Procedure (60-90 minutes per implant):
- Tissue reflection: Gum tissue was carefully lifted to expose the bone
- Precise drilling: Sequential drilling to create an exact implant site
- Implant insertion: Titanium implant placed with controlled torque
- Healing cap placement: Protective cover attached to the implant
- Tissue closure: Gums sutured for optimal healing
Immediate Post-Surgical Care:
- Pressure is applied to control any bleeding
- Post-operative instructions were explained in detail
- Prescription medications dispensed
- Follow-up appointment scheduled
- Emergency contact information provided
Can I Get Immediate Dental Implants After Tooth Extraction?
Immediate implant placement is ideal when:
- The extraction site has adequate bone walls
- No active infection present
- Good primary implant stability achieved
- Patient has excellent healing capacity
Delayed implant placement is better for:
- Infected extraction sites requiring healing
- Insufficient bone requiring grafting
- Complex extractions with tissue trauma
- Patients with compromised healing
Phase 3: Healing and Recovery (3-6 Months)
What Should I Expect During the First Week After Surgery?
Days 1-2: Peak Discomfort Period
- Mild to moderate pain (similar to tooth extraction)
- Some swelling and bruising around the surgical site
- Minor bleeding when rinsing gently
- Prescription pain medication as needed
- Soft diet only with lukewarm foods
Days 3-7: Gradual Improvement
- Pain and swelling begin to subside
- Return to work is usually possible
- Gentle tooth brushing resumed (avoiding the surgical site)
- Normal activities with some restrictions
- First post-operative check if scheduled
Days 8-14: Continued Healing
- Sutures removed if non-dissolving type used
- Significant improvement in comfort
- Gradual return to regular diet
- Resume gentle exercise and activities
- Second follow-up appointment
How Do I Care for My Mouth After Implant Surgery?
First 24 Hours:
- Apply ice packs 15 minutes on/off to reduce swelling
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws
- Take medications as prescribed
- Rest with head elevated
- No smoking or alcohol consumption
Week 1-2:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water 2-3 times daily
- Brush remaining teeth normally, and avoid the implant site
- Use the prescribed antimicrobial rinse if provided
- Continue a soft food diet
- Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
Ongoing Care:
- Gradually return to regular oral hygiene
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Report any concerning symptoms immediately
- Maintain excellent overall health
- Continue smoking cessation permanently
Contact Dental Fresh immediately if you experience:
- Severe, increasing pain after day 3
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop with pressure
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, bad taste)
- The implant feeling loose or moving
- Persistent numbness beyond the expected timeframe
- Allergic reaction to medications
Phase 4: Osseointegration - The Healing Magic (3-6 Months)
How Does Osseointegration Work?
The Biological Process: Osseointegration is the process which living bone grows around and fuses with the titanium implant surface. This creates a permanent, stable foundation stronger than natural tooth roots.
Timeline Factors:
- Upper jaw: 4-6 months (softer bone density)
- Lower jaw: 3-4 months (denser bone heals faster)
- Bone quality: Individual variation affects the timeline
- Patient health: Age, medications, lifestyle impact healing
- Implant location: Different areas heal at different rates
What’s Happening During Healing:
- Weeks 1-2: Blood clot formation and initial healing
- Weeks 3-4: New blood vessel growth around the implant
- Months 1-2: Soft bone formation begins
- Months 2-4: Bone maturation and strengthening
- Months 4-6: Maximum bone-implant integration achieved
How Do I Know if My Implant is Healing Properly?
Positive Healing Signs:
- Decreasing discomfort over time
- Healthy pink gum tissue around the implant
- No mobility when gently touched
- No persistent bad taste or odour
- Normal eating function is returning gradually
Concerning Signs Requiring Attention:
- Increasing pain weeks after surgery
- Persistent swelling or discharge
- Implant feeling loose or shifting
- Gum recession around the implant area
- Numbness that doesn’t improve
Phase 5: Crown Restoration and Final Results (2-3 Weeks)
When Can I Get My Crown After Implant Placement?
Traditional Protocol (Most Common):
- 3-6 months healing period required
- Ensures maximum osseointegration
- Highest long-term success rates
- Best for back teeth requiring heavy chewing force
Immediate Loading (Selected Cases):
- Crown placed the same day as the implant
- Limited to ideal bone conditions
- Usually, front teeth for aesthetics
- Requires a modified diet during healing
What Happens During Crown Placement?
Abutment Placement Appointment (30 minutes):
- Local anaesthetic for comfort
- Healing cap removal to expose the implant
- Custom abutment attachment to the implant
- Temporary crown placement if needed
- Gum shaping around the abutment
Final Crown Creation (Our On-Site Laboratory Advantage):
- Digital impressions for a perfect fit
- Colour matching to existing teeth
- Custom fabrication in 1-2 weeks
- Multiple try-ins if needed for perfection
- Same-day adjustments possible
Final Crown Placement (45 minutes):
- Perfect fit verification
- Bite adjustment for comfortable function
- Final polishing and finishing
- Care instruction review
- Maintenance schedule establishment
Long-Term Implant Care and Maintenance
How Do I Maintain My Dental Implants Long-Term?
Daily Home Care Routine
Morning and Evening:
- Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Use fluoride toothpaste for the remaining teeth
- Clean around the implant crown like a natural tooth
- Floss daily using implant-safe floss
- An antimicrobial rinse is recommended
Special Considerations:
- Water flossers are excellent for implant cleaning
- Avoid abrasive toothpastes on the crown
- Replace the toothbrush every 3 months
- Don’t use an implant crown for opening packages
- Protect your investment with a night guard if grinding
Professional Maintenance Schedule
Every 6 Months:
- Professional cleaning with implant-safe instruments
- Radiographs to monitor bone levels
- Soft tissue assessment around the implant
- Crown and abutment inspection
- Bite evaluation and adjustment if needed
Annual Comprehensive Review:
- Complete oral health assessment
- 3D imaging if indicated
- Treatment plan updates
- Preventive care recommendations
- Early problem detection and intervention
What Maintenance Do Dental Implants Need Long-Term?
Years 1-5: Establishment Phase
- Quarterly visits initially, then bi-annual
- Monitoring for proper adaptation
- Minor adjustments as tissues mature
- Reinforcement of care techniques
- Professional cleaning every 6 months
Years 5-15: Stability Phase
- Bi-annual maintenance visits
- Routine radiographic monitoring
- Crown assessment for wear
- Oral hygiene reinforcement
- Preventive care focus
Years 15+: Mature Phase
- Continued bi-annual care
- Crown replacement consideration
- Advanced imaging if indicated
- Overall health correlation
- Proactive problem prevention
Troubleshooting Common Implant Issues
What Happens if My Dental Implant Gets Infected?
Peri-Implant Mucositis (Gum Inflammation):
- Reversible condition with proper treatment
- Professional cleaning and improved home care
- Antimicrobial therapy if needed
- Usually resolves within 2-4 weeks
Peri-Implantitis (Bone Loss Around Implant):
- More serious condition requiring intervention
- Deep cleaning procedures are necessary
- Possible surgical treatment
- May require implant removal in severe cases
Prevention is Key:
- Excellent daily oral hygiene
- Regular professional maintenance
- No smoking ever
- Address problems early
- Follow all care instructions
Can Dental Implants Fail After Years?
Late Implant Failure Causes:
- Poor oral hygiene can lead to infection
- Smoking resumption
- Teeth grinding without protection
- Medical changes affecting the bone
- Lack of regular maintenance
Success Maintenance:
- 95%+ success rate with proper care
- Early intervention prevents major problems
- Regular monitoring detects issues early
- Patient compliance is important for longevity
- Professional care team support is essential
Advanced Implant Options at Dental Fresh
All-on-4® Full Arch Replacement
Ideal for Patients With:
- Multiple missing teeth
- Failing existing teeth
- Unstable dentures
- Desire for a fixed solution
Treatment Process:
- Comprehensive planning with 3D imaging
- Possible tooth extractions on the same day
- Four strategically placed implants
- Temporary teeth are attached immediately
- Final restoration after healing
Benefits of All-on-4® at Dental Fresh:
- Rob Dulieu’s specialist training under Professor Malo
- On-site laboratory for immediate adjustments
- Same-day teeth possible
- Significant cost savings vs individual implants
- Faster overall treatment timeline
Computer-Guided Implant Surgery
Advanced Technology Benefits:
- Precise implant placement using 3D planning
- Minimally invasive surgical technique
- Reduced treatment time
- Improved patient comfort
- Predictable aesthetic outcomes
The Digital Workflow:
- 3D CT scan and intraoral scan combination
- Virtual implant placement planning
- Surgical guide fabrication
- Guided surgery execution
- Immediate temporary restoration if appropriate
Life After Dental Implants: Patient Success Stories
Real Patient Transformations
Sarah, 45, Bondi Beach Teacher: “After losing my front tooth in a cycling accident, I was devastated. Dr Anderson’s gentle approach and the beautiful result from Dental Fresh’s on-site lab gave me back my confidence. No one can tell which tooth is the implant – it looks and feels completely natural.”
Michael, 62, Eastern Suburbs Executive: “Years of grinding my teeth finally caught up with me. The All-on-4® treatment at Dental Fresh transformed my smile and my life. Rob’s expertise and the team’s care made what seemed like a major procedure surprisingly manageable.”
Emma, 28, Bondi Junction Resident: “I was born missing a tooth and had worn a partial denture since high school. Getting an implant was life-changing – no more worrying about it falling out during important presentations. The investment was absolutely worth it.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment Process
How soon can I return to work after dental implant surgery?
Most patients return to work within 1-2 days after implant surgery. Office workers often return the next day, while those with physically demanding jobs may need 3-5 days off. Plan lighter duties for the first week.
Can I exercise after dental implant surgery?
Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week after surgery. Light walking is fine after 2-3 days. Resume normal exercise gradually after 1-2 weeks, and avoid contact sports until fully healed.
What should I do if my implant crown breaks?
Contact Dental Fresh immediately if your crown breaks. With our on-site laboratory, we can often repair or replace crowns the same day. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself or ignore the problem.
How often should I have my dental implants checked?
Plan for professional implant maintenance every 6 months or more frequently, as needed. Some patients require more frequent visits initially. Annual radiographs monitor bone levels around implants.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental implants?
Natural teeth can be whitened, but implant crowns cannot change colour. We recommend whitening before implant treatment so the crown can be matched to your desired shade.
What happens during my implant maintenance visits?
Professional cleaning with implant-safe instruments, radiographs to check bone levels, soft tissue assessment, crown inspection, and bite evaluation. We also review your home care technique.
How do I know if my dental implant is successful?
A successful implant feels like a natural tooth – comfortable, stable, and functional. You should have no pain, mobility, or recurring infections around the implant site.
Can I get dental implants if I live outside Sydney?
Absolutely. Many patients travel to Dental Fresh from across Australia for our expertise. We coordinate treatment schedules to minimise travel and provide comprehensive follow-up care.
The Dental Fresh Advantage for Complete Treatment
Why Our On-Site Laboratory Makes a Difference
Same-Day Solutions:- Emergency crown repairs completed within hours
- Multiple try-ins until a perfect fit is achieved
- Colour adjustments made immediately
- No waiting for the external laboratory turnaround
- Direct communication with our master technicians
- Rob Dulieu’s 30+ years of prosthodontic expertise
- Master ceramist craftsmanship
- Premium materials and techniques
- Perfect integration with implant placement
- Consistent, predictable results
Comprehensive Team Approach
Dr Melissa Anderson – Lead Implant Dentist- Advanced surgical training and Invisalign expertise
- Gentle technique ideal for nervous patients
- Academic excellence and continuing education commitment
- All-on-4® Centre of Excellence training
- Direct Professor Malo’s clinic education
- 30+ years of complex case experience
- Experienced dental assistants specialised in implant procedures
- Oral health therapists for maintenance programmes
- Practice coordinators for seamless treatment scheduling
Your Journey to Implant Success Starts Here
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
The journey from missing teeth to a confident, functional smile requires expert guidance, advanced technology, and personalised care. At Dental Fresh Bondi Junction, we combine all three to deliver exceptional implant outcomes for patients across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
Your Next Steps:
- Schedule your comprehensive consultation – We’ll assess your suitability and answer all questions
- Receive your personalised treatment plan – Detailed timeline and transparent costs
- Begin your transformation – Expert care every step of the way
- Enjoy your new smile – Long-term support for lasting success
Contact Dental Fresh Today: 📞 (02) 9389 3656
📧 [email protected]
🏥 Bondi Junction, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney
Serving patients from Bondi, Bronte, Waverley, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Paddington, and surrounding Eastern Suburbs communities.
