Dental implants
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth, and your dentist then fits the crown on top. Many of the decisions that shape the result are made early, before or at the time a tooth is removed. These are the questions we are asked most often.
Looking for an overview, fees and locations? See our Dental Implants page.
Planning your implant
I need a tooth out and may want an implant. When should I see you?
Before the tooth is removed, if possible. Seeing us first lets us plan the extraction, protect the bone, and in many cases place the implant at the same visit. Waiting months after an extraction is the most common way good options are lost, because the bone shrinks.
Can the implant go in on the same day the tooth comes out?
| Timing | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| Immediate (same visit) | Healthy bone walls around the socket, thick gum, no active infection |
| Early (4–8 weeks later, once the gum has healed) | A thin or damaged outer bone wall, especially at the front of the mouth |
| Delayed (3–6 months or more) | Larger bone defects, infection, or where a bone graft must heal first |
More than half of the implants we place (58%) go in on the same day as the extraction.
What if I do not have enough bone?
- Grafting the socket when a tooth is removed reduces bone shrinkage if the implant will be placed later.
- A graft at the same time as the implant is common where the outer wall of bone is thin. About 43% of our implants include grafting.
- In the upper back teeth, a shorter implant is often a good alternative to a sinus lift. A 5-year trial found 6 mm implants performed similarly to longer implants with a sinus lift, with less discomfort and lower cost. We use both, depending on your anatomy.
- Where a lot of bone has been lost, we rebuild the ridge first and place the implant once it has healed.
What is guided implant surgery?
We plan the implant on a 3D CBCT scan around the shape of your final tooth, then use a 3D-printed guide to place it. Guides are most useful near nerves, the sinus and neighbouring roots, and when placing an implant on the day of extraction. About 62% of our implants are placed with a guide. Guides are accurate to about 1–1.5 mm, so we still build in safety margins.
How do you work with my dentist?
- Referral: your dentist sends your X-rays or scan and the plan for your new tooth.
- Planning: a CBCT scan and a digital plan built around the final crown, including any graft needed.
- Surgery: the implant is placed, with grafting if needed, and a check X-ray is taken about a week later.
- Back to your dentist: once the implant has fused with the bone, your dentist receives an Implant Summary letter with every detail needed to make your crown.
Results and long-term care
How long do implants last?
Published studies report that about 96% of implants are still in place after 10 years. Implants last longest when gums are kept healthy and you have regular reviews.
What are your own results?
We keep a registry of every implant Dr Jaunay places. From September 2023 to September 2026 we placed 136 implants for 100 patients, referred by 44 dentists. So far, 8 implants are known to have failed, in 5 patients.
Most of these were in the upper back jaw, and some followed early pressure on the implant before it had fully healed. That is why we confirm healing before the crown is fitted, and why following your diet and care instructions while the implant heals matters.
We have not yet confirmed the current status of every implant, so we are not quoting a survival rate yet. We are working with dentists to follow up every implant, and will publish our verified figure.
How do I look after my implant?
Inflammation around implants is common. Studies estimate that about 4 in 10 people with implants have gum inflammation around an implant (mucositis), which is reversible, and about 1 in 5 develop bone loss around an implant (peri-implantitis). To protect your implant:
- Clean around it as carefully as your natural teeth
- See your dentist for a review at least once a year. They should take a baseline X-ray and measurements when the crown is fitted
- Tell your dentist or us promptly about bleeding, swelling, pus, or any looseness
Does anything increase the risk of problems?
Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, a history of gum disease, bone-strengthening medicines (such as Prolia or bisphosphonates) and radiotherapy to the head and neck can all affect implant healing. Please tell us about any of these so we can plan around them.
Fees
How much does an implant cost?
| Fee | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Implant placement, including the implant (D688) | From $3,800 |
| Bone graft or sinus lift, if needed | Varies with the type of graft required; may attract a Medicare rebate |
| Anaesthetist (general anaesthetic only) | $500–$900 |
| Hospital (general anaesthetic only) | $1,350–$2,650 |
Most single and two-implant cases are done under local anaesthetic in our rooms. A general anaesthetic in a private hospital may suit multiple implants, larger grafts or sinus surgery. Fees are before health fund rebates. The crown is made and charged separately by your dentist. You will receive a written estimate with item numbers after your consultation.
- Zip Money: 6 months interest free on surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees where total estimated costs exceed $2,000 (Zip approval, fees and terms apply). See About our Fees (PDF) and Paying for your surgery with Zip Money (PDF).
- No charge for aftercare
Getting started
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Ask your dentist (or your GP) for a referral to Dr Tom Jaunay. If you already have a referral, call us and we will book you in.
What should I bring to my consultation?
- Your referral, and any OPG X-ray, CBCT scan or recent small X-rays
- Which teeth are being replaced, and whether they still need to be removed
- Your dentist’s plan for the new tooth (crown, bridge or denture)
- A list of your medicines, especially blood thinners, bone-strengthening medicines (such as Prolia or bisphosphonates), and any history of head and neck radiotherapy, and whether you smoke or have diabetes
How do I contact you?
Call 02 8513 9810 (8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday) or email reception@oromaxnsw.com.au. Sydney CBD Level 2, 225 Macquarie St · Hurstville Suite 9.06, Level 9, 288 Forest Rd · Miranda Suite 2, Level 5, 86 Kiora Rd. See our locations.
References
- Buser D, et al. Implant placement post extraction in esthetic single tooth sites: when immediate, when early, when late? Periodontol 2000. 2017. doi:10.1111/prd.12170
- Atieh MA, et al. Alveolar ridge preservation techniques for dental implant site development. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010176.pub3
- Thoma DS, et al. Shorter (6 mm) versus longer implants with sinus floor elevation: 5-year data. J Clin Periodontol. 2018. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13025
- Tahmaseb A, et al. The accuracy of static computer-aided implant surgery. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2018. doi:10.1111/clr.13346
- Howe MS, et al. Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival. J Dent. 2019. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2019.03.008
- Derks J, Tomasi C. Peri-implant health and disease: current epidemiology. J Clin Periodontol. 2015. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12334
Our results come from the Oromax implant registry, covering all implants placed by Dr Jaunay at all sites, September 2023 to September 2026.
This page is general information to help you prepare for your consultation. It does not replace an assessment and advice about your own situation.