Missing a tooth does not mean you have to choose an implant first

It depends on more than the gap itself: the teeth, gums, bone, bite and existing dental work around it, as well as your general health. Your dentist needs to assess these together before advising what may be reasonable.

• Smoking, diabetes, some medicines and how you have healed before can change how treatment is planned.
• Some people need preparatory care, such as gum treatment, grafting or an extraction, before implants can be considered.
• Your dentist looks at the whole mouth, not only the gap, so mention any other dental work or discomfort you have noticed.

If implants are not suitable, your dentist can explain alternatives such as bridges, dentures, staged care or no immediate replacement.

A CBCT scan may be recommended when three-dimensional imaging would add useful planning information. It is not automatically needed for every patient.

• Imaging can help assess bone shape, nearby structures and treatment planning questions.
• If a scan is recommended, your dentist should explain why it is useful in your case.
• Ask about the fee and what it includes before the scan is taken.

The scan supports assessment and planning. It does not by itself confirm that treatment will proceed.

Timing varies because implant care is often staged. It depends on the number of teeth involved, healing, records, preparatory care and review points.

• A plan can involve assessment, records, preparatory treatment, implant placement, healing and attaching the tooth or teeth.
• Extractions, grafting, gum treatment or temporary teeth can affect timing.
• Your dentist can tell you which stages apply once your mouth has been assessed.

Ask what can be estimated now and what depends on healing or a later review.

Fees depend on the treatment plan. The number of teeth, records, surgical stages, restorative stages, materials and preparatory care can all affect cost.

• Records, surgical stages, restorative stages, materials and review appointments may be itemised separately.
• Additional care such as extractions, grafting, gum treatment or temporary teeth may change the fee.
• Health fund rebates and payment-option eligibility depend on your policy and provider terms.

The team can explain fees and likely out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Choose the page that matches the decision you are trying to make. You can also book an implant consultation if you are unsure.

• Use single implants for one missing tooth.
• Use multiple implants for more than one missing tooth or a larger gap.
• Use All-on-4 and All-on-X when a full arch of teeth is being discussed.

Your dentist can redirect the conversation if another option fits better after assessment.

Yes. Alternatives are part of responsible implant planning. A bridge, denture, staged care or no immediate replacement may be relevant.

• The best option depends on the teeth beside the gap, bone support, health factors, priorities and cost.
• Some alternatives are less involved; others may have different maintenance needs.
• Your dentist can explain the trade-offs after checking your mouth.

You should not feel pressured to choose implant treatment at the first appointment.

HBF and nib preferred-provider arrangements may apply at the clinic you attend. HCF preferred-provider arrangements may apply at Forrestfield only.

• A rebate depends on your policy, waiting periods, annual limits and the item numbers for the care.
• Payment-option eligibility or approval, fees, limits and terms are determined by the provider or relevant program.
• A rebate or payment option may still leave out-of-pocket costs, depending on the treatment plan and stages.

Before treatment, ask the clinic for likely fees and item numbers, confirm rebate details with your fund, and check payment terms with the provider.

If implant treatment is not suitable, the appointment can still be useful. You should leave with a clearer understanding of other options.

• Your dentist may discuss dentures, bridges, staged care, monitoring or referral.
• Preparatory treatment may sometimes change future options, but this should be explained carefully.
• You can decide whether to proceed, pause or seek another opinion.

The aim is clarity, not pushing one treatment path.

Bring anything that helps your dentist understand your health history and previous dental care.

• Bring health fund details, medicine lists and relevant dental records if you have them.
• Tell the team if you smoke, have diabetes, take bone-related medicines or have had implant treatment before.
• Write down cost, timing, surgery and maintenance questions so they can be addressed.

If you are unsure what to bring, call reception before your appointment.