Dental implants in Cheltenham

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small, medical-grade titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone, where it bonds with the bone over a healing period, and then a custom crown, bridge or denture is fitted on top. Because the implant stands on its own, it does not rely on grinding down the healthy teeth on either side, and it helps prevent the bone loss that follows a missing tooth.

Single implants, bridges and full-arch (All-on-4)

There is no single answer for everyone, so we offer the full range. A single implant replaces one tooth with a fixed crown. An implant bridge secures a custom bridge over several missing teeth. Full-arch implants, including All-on-4, restore a complete upper or lower arch of fixed teeth on as few as four implants — often in a shorter overall timeframe. At your consultation we explain which option suits your bone, your bite and your goals.

Guided implant surgery

We plan implants with a 3D cone-beam (CBCT) scan, mapping the exact position and angle of each implant around nerves and sinuses on a computer before treatment begins. A custom surgical guide then places the implant precisely as planned. Guided surgery is more accurate and more predictable than freehand placement, and it is typically minimally invasive, which can mean a more comfortable recovery.

See real cases from our chair

We publish a clinical case book of implant treatment carried out at this practice — from the first 3D scan and digitally planned implant position through printed surgical guides to the final crowns. It's presented as a page-turn book you can browse right here on the site.

Our portfolio of work

The dental implant process, step by step

1. Consultation and 3D imaging. We assess your bone and health and plan the implant position with a CBCT scan.
2. Guided placement. The implant is placed under local anaesthetic, often in about 45 minutes to an hour per implant.
3. Healing. The implant integrates with the bone, usually over three to six months.
4. Restoration. We fit your final crown, bridge or denture, custom-made and colour-matched to your other teeth.

Implant costs and health funds

Every case is different, so the cost depends on how many teeth you are replacing, the condition of your bone and the materials used. After your assessment we give you a clear treatment plan and a written quote, with no surprises. All major Australian health funds are accepted and claimed on the spot, so if you have dental extras cover you can claim your rebate at the practice and pay only the gap.

Getting answers costs little: with eligible private health extras cover, an implant consultation is gap-free — your fund rebate covers it. Without cover it is a reduced $250 consultation fee. Either way you leave with a written, itemised quote before committing to anything. See our current offers for details.

Who plans and places your implants

Implant treatment here is led personally by Dr James Lee and Dr Harold Lee — the AHPRA-registered principal dentists who own the practice. James holds a Master of Dentistry from La Trobe University with advanced training in implantology and 3D CAD/CAM dentistry, and leads our guided implant surgery and digital workflow; Harold’s clinical focus is implant and cosmetic treatment, restoring both the function and the look of a smile. Because your implant is planned, placed and restored under one roof by the same team, nothing is lost between a surgeon in one location and a restoring dentist in another — and you will see familiar faces at every visit.

Risks and things to consider

Implant placement is a surgical procedure, and like any surgical or invasive procedure it carries risks. These include infection, bleeding, slower-than-expected healing and — uncommonly — an implant that does not integrate with the bone and needs to be replaced. Nerves and sinuses sit close to some implant sites; our 3D CBCT planning and guided surgery exist precisely to map and avoid them. Success rates are high but not 100%, and smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and untreated gum disease all lower them. Implants also need the same ongoing care as natural teeth — daily hygiene and regular reviews. We go through the risks that apply to your specific case at your consultation, give you a written treatment plan, and encourage questions; you are always welcome to seek a second opinion before deciding.