Your Dental Implant Journey at Smith Street Dental

What to Expect

Thinking about dental implants but not sure what the process involves? One of the most common questions we hear from patients is “What happens after my consultation, and how long does the process take?”

Step 1: Initial Implant Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive implant consultation with Dr Reza Nikfar.
The consultation fee is $50 and includes:

• Examination of the missing tooth area
• Assessment of your overall oral health
• Review of your medical history and medications
• Discussion of your concerns and treatment goals
• Explanation of treatment options and costs

Dr Reza Nikfar holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology and has undertaken advanced training in implant surgery, guided implant placement and restorative implant dentistry in UCLA.

If you appear to be a suitable candidate for dental implants, you’ll be referred for a CBCT (3D dental scan).

Step 2: CBCT Review and Treatment Planning

Once your CBCT scan has been completed, you’ll return for a review appointment. This planning phase allows us to place implants with a high level of precision and predictability. During this visit we:

• Review your 3D scan
• Assess the available bone
• Confirm implant suitability
• Discuss treatment options
• Create a digital treatment plan
• Design a custom surgical guide

Step 3: Guided Implant Surgery

Usually 1-2 weeks later, your implant surgery is performed. Although Dr Reza has experience in both conventional free-hand implant placement and guided implant surgery, guided implant placement is now used in most suitable cases because of its many advantages. Using a custom-made surgical guide created from your CBCT scan and digital treatment plan, the implant is placed in the ideal position with exceptional accuracy. Benefits of guided implant surgery may include:

• More accurate implant positioning
• Reduced surgical trauma
• Less swelling and bleeding
• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of post-operative complications
• Improved long-term treatment predictability

Many patients are surprised by how straightforward the procedure is and how comfortable they feel afterwards. At this appointment, the implant is placed into the jawbone and the surgical stage of treatment is completed. Patients with major dental cover may be able to claim part of the treatment cost through their private health insurance.

Step 4: Review Appointment

Approximately two weeks after surgery, you’ll return for a review appointment. Most patients are healing very well by this stage. At this visit we:

• Assess healing
• Remove sutures if required
• Check the implant site
• Answer any questions you may have

Step 5: Healing and Integration

Over the next 4-6 months, the implant gradually integrates with the surrounding bone through a natural process called osseointegration. This healing phase is one of the most important parts of implant treatment and creates a strong foundation for your new tooth.

Step 6: Planning Your Implant Crown

Once healing is complete, you’ll return for another scan or impression appointment. These records are used to design your custom implant crown. A partial payment is generally made at this stage.

Step 7: Delivery of Your Final Crown

Approximately 2-3 weeks later, your custom-made implant crown is fitted. During this appointment we check:

• Appearance
• Bite
• Comfort
• Function

Any necessary adjustments are made before the final crown is secured. The final payment is usually made at this appointment. For some patients, treatment stages may span across private health fund benefit renewal periods (commonly January or July), allowing them to maximize available major dental benefits.