A dental implant is a small titanium fixture placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, it serves as a stable foundation for a crown, bridge or denture — restoring function and appearance where natural teeth have been lost.

Your dentist or specialist may recommend dental implants where:

• One or more teeth are missing due to decay, trauma, or other causes
• An existing bridge or denture isn’t working well, and a more stable option is needed
• Multiple teeth need to be replaced as part of a full mouth reconstruction
• A lower denture is loose or uncomfortable, and implant retention would improve stability
• Teeth have been lost following treatment for disease or trauma, including in maxillofacial cases

Implant treatment can take several forms, depending on how many teeth need replacing and the wider treatment plan:

Single-tooth replacement uses an implant to support a single crown, and is suited to a single missing tooth where the adjacent teeth are healthy.

Implant-supported bridges use two or more implants to support a bridge replacing several adjacent teeth, without needing to prepare the natural teeth either side of the gap.

Full-arch reconstruction uses multiple implants to support a fixed bridge or prosthesis replacing all of the teeth in one or both jaws, often as part of a broader full mouth reconstruction plan.

Implant-retained dentures use one or more implants to clip or anchor a removable denture in place, improving stability and comfort — particularly for lower dentures, which tend to be the least stable.

Surgical placement and prosthetic restoration in one practice. At adelaideCAD, both the surgical placement of the implant and the design and fitting of the final restoration are managed within the one specialist practice. This means the prosthetic outcome — what the finished teeth will look like and how they’ll function — is considered from the outset when planning implant position, angulation and timing. Where appropriate, we may involve other surgical specialists to assist with more complex surgical cases as part of the treatment plan. For patients who experience dental anxiety, or where clinically appropriate, surgical treatment may be available under intravenous sedation.

A specialist-led, collaborative process. Implant treatment at adelaideCAD is specialist-led and planned in collaboration with your referring dentist. Whether the case involves a single missing tooth or a full-arch reconstruction, the assessment, planning and treatment are overseen by a specialist clinician who works across the surgical and prosthetic phases.

What to expect. Treatment typically begins with a comprehensive assessment — clinical examination, imaging and digital planning. Digital planning helps improve the accuracy and safety of implant placement, and helps determine whether your case can be treated surgically within our practice or would benefit from referral to another surgical specialist for that part of treatment. In some cases, an implant can be placed at the same time as a tooth is removed (“immediate placement”), reducing the overall treatment timeline — whether this is suitable is assessed individually as part of your consultation. We’ll talk you through the options, the sequence of treatment, expected healing times, and any alternatives before you decide to proceed. Treatment is staged, and the number of appointments varies with the complexity of the case.

If your dentist has raised dental implants as an option, ask them about a referral to adelaideCAD. Already been referred? Call (08) 8212 5294 to arrange your appointment. Clinicians can refer using our online referral form.