Dental Implants Mona Vale & Northern Beaches
Dental implants support natural-looking replacement teeth and can help you eat more comfortably, speak with confidence and feel more at ease with your smile.
At Mona Vale Dental, Dr Alistair Graham provides both implant placement and the final replacement teeth. Our team takes the time to understand what matters to you and guide you through treatment, from your first consultation to ongoing care.
Why choose Mona Vale Dental for dental implants?
Having implant placement and your final teeth managed in one practice means you have a team who knows your treatment and can guide you through each stage.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or teeth. Depending on what needs replacing, it may support a crown, a bridge or a removable implant overdenture.
The right option depends on your remaining teeth, gums, bone, bite and general health. We assess these factors with you and explain how implant treatment compares with alternatives such as bridges or conventional dentures.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, with benefits for everyday comfort and the appearance of your smile. Depending on your treatment, they can offer:
Daily cleaning and regular dental check-ups and cleans remain essential.
Replacing one tooth, several teeth or a full arch
From a single gap to a full row of missing teeth, implants can support different types of replacement. We help you understand how each option could work for you and what it would mean for eating, cleaning and ongoing care.
One missing tooth
A single implant can support a crown designed to match your smile. It fills the gap without using the teeth on either side for support.
Several missing teeth
Individual implant crowns or an implant-supported bridge can replace several missing teeth. We plan the replacement teeth around your remaining teeth and bite, with comfortable chewing in mind.
Most or all teeth in a jaw
Several implants can support a complete upper or lower row of replacement teeth. Options include a fixed bridge and a removable implant overdenture. We explain how each works and which approach we recommend for you.
We also assess the teeth you can keep and explain alternatives to implants, so you can compare the benefits, daily care and costs. Read our comparison of implants, bridges and dentures.
Full mouth and full arch dental implants
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, implant-supported teeth can offer greater stability when eating and speaking. At Mona Vale Dental, we help you explore fixed and removable options, with replacement teeth planned around your smile, bite and daily care.
Full arch means replacing a complete upper or lower row of teeth. Full mouth may involve both jaws. We assess which natural teeth can be kept as part of your plan.
Fixed full arch bridge
A fixed bridge stays in place while you eat, speak and clean your teeth. It is attached to several implants, and our team will show you how to clean underneath it and around the implants.
Removable implant overdenture
An implant overdenture attaches to implants for added stability while you eat and speak. You take it out for cleaning, giving you access to the denture and its attachments.
Conventional denture or other care
A conventional denture replaces missing teeth without implant surgery. We can also discuss keeping and treating suitable remaining teeth and replacing individual gaps.
Dr Graham will talk you through how the options differ in everyday use, cleaning and cost, and explain his recommendation for your mouth. You will have time to discuss the plan and ask questions before treatment begins.
Dental implant costs
The cost of dental implants depends on what needs replacing and the treatment required to support it. A single implant and crown involves a different plan from replacing a complete row of teeth. A full arch plan also depends on the type of replacement teeth, the implants and attachments used, and any extractions or preparatory care.
We will explain the recommended treatment, expected fees and what is included before you decide. Read about dental implant costs and the factors that affect them, including questions to ask when comparing treatment plans.
Am I suitable for dental implants?
Your consultation is an opportunity to find out how implants could work for you. We examine your mouth and talk about your health and priorities, so we can explain the options and any preparation that would help support treatment. We look at:
- The health of your gums and remaining teeth
- Available bone and the position of nearby structures
- Your bite, including grinding or clenching
- Medical conditions, medicines and smoking
- The cleaning and follow-up care you will need
For full arch treatment, we also assess whether any natural teeth can be retained and which type of replacement you could maintain comfortably. Gum treatment or bone grafting may need to be considered first. We can also discuss dental bridges, implant-supported dentures or other removable options where appropriate.
Your implant dentist
Having your implant placed and your final teeth fitted at the same practice means you can see a familiar dentist and team throughout treatment. Dr Alistair Graham provides both stages at Mona Vale Dental, giving you one place to turn with questions as your care progresses.
Dr Graham, our principal dentist and owner, has more than 25 years of clinical experience, including over 15 years placing and restoring dental implants. He has completed three years of postgraduate study in implants at the University of Sydney and has studied in both Australia and Switzerland. His training covers both surgical and restorative care, so your implant and the teeth it supports are planned together.
We use implant systems including Straumann, Nobel Biocare and Dentsply Sirona, selected alongside your bone, bite and treatment needs.
How we plan your implant treatment
Your replacement teeth need to look right in your smile and work well when you eat and speak. Dr Graham plans the implant position and final teeth together, with attention to your bite and how easily you can keep them clean.
Digital scans and 3D imaging help us assess your bone and nearby structures, including nerves and sinuses. Digital Smile Design or jaw-movement records may also help inform the plan in selected cases.
We plan any preparation, such as gum treatment, extractions or grafting, alongside your replacement teeth. Where appropriate, a surgical guide helps transfer the digital plan to implant placement.
We will explain the proposed treatment and the steps involved, including temporary teeth, healing and costs, so you know what to expect before treatment begins.
The dental implant process
We will guide you through each stage, from your first consultation to fitting and caring for your replacement teeth. Your treatment plan sets out the appointments and healing time to expect.
Consultation and planning
We listen to what you would like to improve, assess your oral health and discuss the options. You can ask questions about the recommended treatment, its benefits, risks and fees.
Implant placement
The implants are placed under local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. Your comfort is part of the plan, and we can discuss sedation options with you beforehand.
Healing and temporary teeth
We talk through your temporary tooth options before treatment and explain what to expect while the implants heal. You receive practical advice on eating and cleaning, with follow-up care from our team as you move towards your final teeth.
Final replacement teeth
When the implants and tissues are ready, we fit your final crown, bridge or overdenture and check its fit and bite. We show you how to clean your new teeth and arrange ongoing reviews.
Comfort and recovery
If you feel nervous about treatment, tell us. We can talk you through the appointments and discuss support for nervous patients, including IV sedation where appropriate.
Some discomfort, swelling or bruising can occur after implant placement, and recovery varies with the treatment involved. We will explain pain management, eating and cleaning, and when to contact us, so you have practical guidance during recovery.
Risks and ongoing care
Understanding your treatment
We want you to feel clear about the benefits and risks of your treatment. Before you decide, Dr Graham will discuss the risks relevant to your mouth. These include infection, healing problems and inflammation or bone loss around an implant. Replacement teeth and attachments can also wear or need repair over time.
We explain what to watch for and when to contact us. The FAQs below cover the main risks in more detail, including effects on nearby structures and why outcomes vary.
Support after your final teeth are fitted
Your care continues after treatment. We will show you how to clean around a crown, beneath a fixed bridge or around an overdenture, and arrange reviews to check your gums, implants, bite and replacement teeth.
Implants can be lost due to poor oral hygiene and gum disease, so it is important that they are maintained properly. Daily cleaning and regular dental check-ups and cleans help keep the gum and bone around your implants healthy. Contact us if you notice bleeding, swelling, discomfort, looseness or a change in fit, so we can assess it.
Implants are planned as a long-term option. The implant and the teeth it supports may have different maintenance needs, which we will discuss with you.
FAQs about dental implants
These answers are a starting point. Your consultation is where we can explain what applies to your mouth and treatment plan.
Suitability and full-arch choices
Would I need all my remaining teeth removed?
Not automatically. We assess whether your remaining teeth can be maintained before recommending a full-arch restoration. Some people may keep selected teeth and replace individual gaps. If extractions are recommended, we will explain why and discuss alternatives.
Would I need treatment in both jaws?
Not necessarily. One jaw may need a full-arch replacement while teeth in the other can be maintained. We assess both jaws together so the proposed replacement teeth work with your bite. Your plan will show exactly which teeth and jaws are involved.
How many implants would I need for a full arch?
There is no fixed number for everyone. It depends on the jaw, available bone, implant positions, your bite and the design of the replacement teeth. We explain why a particular arrangement is recommended after assessing your mouth.
Would I need bone grafting before dental implants?
Not always. Grafting may be considered if there is not enough suitable bone for the proposed implant position. We assess this through examination and imaging, then explain why it may help, whether there are alternatives and how it could affect timing and cost.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking does not automatically rule out treatment, but it can affect healing and increase the risk of complications. Please tell us if you smoke so we can discuss how it affects your options and the support available for stopping.
Can I have dental implants if I grind or clench my teeth?
Grinding or clenching does not automatically rule out implants, but heavy bite forces can affect crowns, bridges and surrounding teeth. We assess your bite and may discuss bite management or a splint as part of your plan. Read more about teeth grinding.
Treatment and recovery
Could I have temporary teeth straight away?
Some patients may be suitable for temporary fixed teeth soon after implant placement. This depends on the plan and the stability achieved when the implants are placed. Others need a different temporary arrangement during healing. Temporary teeth are not the final restoration and have their own eating and cleaning instructions.
How long would my implant treatment take?
Treatment usually has several stages over a number of months. Timing depends on any extractions or grafting, implant placement, healing and the final restoration. We will outline an expected sequence for you. Having temporary teeth does not mean healing is complete.
How much downtime should I expect?
Recovery varies with the number of implants, whether extractions or grafting are involved, your health and the work or activities you do. We will advise you about rest, returning to work and any restrictions for your treatment. Extra instructions apply if sedation is used.
How would I clean a full-arch bridge or overdenture?
A fixed bridge needs cleaning underneath and around the implants; you should not remove it yourself. A removable overdenture is taken out for cleaning, including around its attachments. We will show you suitable techniques and aids and recommend an individual schedule for professional dental care.
Long-term decisions and costs
What can go wrong with dental implants?
Risks include infection, delayed healing, an implant not connecting with the bone, and inflammation or bone loss around an implant. Inflammation affecting both the gum and bone around an implant is called peri-implantitis. Nearby structures may be affected depending on the site, and replacement teeth or attachments may need maintenance or repair. We will explain the risks relevant to your treatment; outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
How long do dental implants last?
They are designed as a long-term tooth-replacement option, but there is no guaranteed lifespan. Gum and bone health, bite, smoking, cleaning and regular professional care all matter. The crown, bridge, overdenture or attachments may need repair or replacement even when the implant remains stable.
What is the difference between an implant-supported bridge and a traditional bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is attached to implants in the jawbone. A traditional bridge is usually supported by neighbouring natural teeth, which may need preparation. The health of those teeth, your bone, bite and treatment preferences help determine which options are suitable. See our tooth-replacement comparison.
Does private health insurance cover dental implants?
Some extras policies may contribute to part of treatment, but benefits, limits and exclusions vary. Implant treatment may involve different item numbers for the surgical and restorative stages. Once you have a plan, check the item numbers with your health fund; our team can provide the details you need.
Do you offer payment plans for dental implants?
Payment plan options may be available for eligible patients. Our team can explain the options, any deposit requirements, repayments and applicable terms and fees before you decide. You can also read about our payment options.
Speak to Us to Find out if Dental Implants are Right for You
Whether you want to replace one tooth or explore full-arch treatment, we will take time to understand what you would like to improve. Your consultation is a chance to have your mouth assessed, discuss your options with Dr Graham and ask about the treatment, recovery and costs.
New to Mona Vale Dental? Read what to expect at your first appointment.