By Dr. Zohal Azami, Principal Dentist, BOH, GDipDent (Griffith University)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Zohal Azami | Last updated: May 28, 2025
Missing teeth do more than impact your appearance—they can alter your speech, affect your ability to eat, and gradually weaken your jawbone. At Significant Smiles in Brisbane, we’ve helped hundreds of patients regain their confidence and oral function with dental implants, one of modern dentistry’s most advanced and successful treatment options.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace missing tooth roots. These are surgically placed into the jawbone and support a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Over time, the implant undergoes osseointegration, a process where the bone fuses with the implant, making it a stable, permanent part of your mouth.
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
At our clinic, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of dental implants. Here’s why they’re often the best solution:
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Natural Look & Feel: The custom crown mimics your natural teeth in shape, colour, and function.
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Preserves Bone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone resorption and facial sagging.
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Improved Chewing and Speech: Eat and speak with ease—no more slipping dentures.
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Long-Term Durability: With proper care, implants can last decades, often a lifetime.
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No Adhesives or Removal: Once placed, they function just like real teeth—no glues, no hassle.
🦷 In our experience at Significant Smiles, patients who once avoided hard or chewy foods due to missing teeth now enjoy complete dietary freedom post-implant.
The Dental Implant Procedure: Step by Step
Many patients feel nervous about dental surgery, but we assure you—modern implant techniques are minimally invasive and highly predictable.
1. Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including X-rays and 3D scans. We assess bone density, gum health, and overall suitability. If needed, we may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift to support the implant.
2. Implant Placement
Performed under local anaesthesia (or IV sedation for anxious patients), a small titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. Most patients report mild discomfort similar to a tooth extraction.
3. Healing Phase
Osseointegration takes 3–6 months. During this time, your implant integrates with your bone, providing a solid foundation for the crown.
4. Abutment & Crown
Once healed, we place a small connector (abutment) followed by a custom crown crafted to match your smile perfectly.
💬 Case Example: A patient in her 50s came to us after years of hiding her smile. Following a successful All-on-4 implant treatment, she confidently attended her daughter’s wedding with a radiant, gap-free smile.
Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
Inserted directly into the jawbone. Ideal for most patients with good bone structure.
Subperiosteal Implants
Placed above the jawbone and under the gum. Suitable for those with limited bone volume who cannot undergo grafting.
Mini Dental Implants
Narrower implants that can often be placed in a single visit. Best for small teeth or stabilising dentures.
All-on-4 Implants
A full arch restoration supported by four strategically placed implants. Minimises surgical time and reduces cost.
Cost of Dental Implants in Australia
The cost of dental implants in Australia typically ranges from $5,500 to $6,500 per implant. Factors that affect pricing include:
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Number of implants required
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Type of implant used
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Additional procedures (bone grafts, extractions)
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Crown materials (ceramic, zirconia, etc.)
Flexible Financing Options
At Significant Smiles, we believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. We offer:
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Interest-free payment plans
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Private health fund claims support
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Third-party financing (Zip, Afterpay)
Recovery & Aftercare
Dental implant recovery is straightforward for most patients.
What to Expect:
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Swelling, mild discomfort (managed with over-the-counter medications)
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Soft food diet for 3–7 days
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Full return to daily activities within 48 hours
Aftercare Tips:
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Brush and floss daily with a soft-bristle brush
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Attend follow-up visits for professional cleaning and check-ups
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Avoid tobacco, which slows healing and increases implant failure risk
Risks and Considerations
While implant success rates are high, every procedure carries risks. We inform all patients about:
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Infection risk (reduced with proper aftercare)
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Nerve damage in rare cases (tingling or numbness)
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Sinus complications if implants protrude into sinus cavity
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Implant failure from poor bone integration or smoking
🧠 How do implants preserve bone? When teeth are lost, bone stimulation stops, leading to resorption. Implants mimic tooth roots and stimulate the bone during chewing, preventing shrinkage—a concept supported by studies in the Journal of Periodontology.
Trusting the Right Team
Choosing a qualified provider is essential for long-term implant success. At Significant Smiles, we pride ourselves on:
✅ Experienced, Australian-trained dentists
✅ Membership in the Australian Dental Association
✅ Cutting-edge 3D imaging and guided implant placement
✅ Transparent pricing and treatment plans
Meet Your Implant Dentist
Dr. Zohal Azami, Principal Dentist
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BOH, GDipDent – Griffith University
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Former Lecturer in Human Anatomy – University of Queensland
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Member – Australian Dental Association
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Extensive volunteering in rural QLD and overseas dental missions
Visit our website to learn more about Dr. Azami and our team.
Ready to Smile Again?
Whether you’re missing one tooth or many, dental implants offer a safe, stable, and beautiful solution. Contact Significant Smiles today to schedule your consultation.
📍 Brisbane CBD | Call us at ((07) 3221 0481) | Book online
