A single dental implant at Gorgeous Smiles in Melbourne CBD costs $6,000 or more for a complete tooth replacement. The price breaks down as $3,500 for the surgery and abutment, plus $2,500 for the implant crown. Nationally, dental implants in Australia range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more per tooth depending on the clinic and what's included in the quoted price.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
For patients replacing multiple teeth, implant-supported bridges or full-arch solutions like All-on-4 range from $20,000 to $45,000 per jaw. The dental implants cost reflects the surgical placement, the implant system used, the laboratory work for the crown, and the months of follow-up involved. We break down exactly what's included, what drives the price, and how implants compare to bridges and dentures over 20 years in the sections below.
Here's what each component costs at our Melbourne CBD dental clinic.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
| Component / Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Implant surgery + abutment | $3,500 |
| Implant crown (porcelain) | $2,500 |
| Total: single tooth replacement | From $6,000 |
| Comprehensive examination | $95 |
| Tooth extraction (if required) | $300 to $700 |
| Bone grafting (if required) | Quoted at consultation |
| Sinus lift (if required) | Quoted at consultation |
| Implant-supported bridge | Quoted at consultation |
| All-on-4 / full arch | $20,000 to $45,000 per jaw |
Gorgeous Smiles separates the surgery and crown in its pricing so you can see exactly what you're paying for. Some clinics quote only the implant post, which makes their advertised price appear lower until you ask about the crown and abutment. When comparing dental implants cost between dental clinics, always confirm whether the total cost includes every component.
Gorgeous Smiles uses Straumann implants as standard, with other implant systems available on request. Straumann is a widely used implant system with extensive clinical research.
A dental implant is a three-part system, and each part may be priced separately or bundled depending on the clinic.
The implant post (titanium screw) is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over 3 to 9 months through a process called osseointegration. The post acts as a foundation, replacing the root of the missing tooth. Titanium implants are the standard material due to their biocompatibility and durability.
The abutment is a small connector that sits on top of the implant post and attaches to the crown. At Gorgeous Smiles, the abutment is included in the surgery pricing.
The implant crown is the porcelain or ceramic tooth that sits on top of the abutment, colour-matched to your natural teeth. This is the visible part of the implant.
The consultation and all follow-up appointments are included in the quoted price. What falls outside the standard fee includes bone grafting, sinus lifts, sedation, and any temporary denture worn during the healing period. Your dentist will identify whether any of these additional procedures are needed at your initial consultation so you know the full cost before treatment begins.
One implant surgery plus one crown. From $6,000 at Gorgeous Smiles. The most common scenario and straightforward when bone density at the implant site is adequate.
Two options here. Individual implants for each missing tooth, or an implant-supported bridge where two implants support a bridge spanning 3 to 4 artificial teeth. The bridge option uses fewer implants to support multiple teeth, which can reduce the overall cost compared to placing a single dental implant for every gap. Pricing is quoted at consultation.
All-on-4 uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of fixed teeth. All-on-6 uses six implants for additional stability, particularly in the upper jaw where bone density can be lower. Full mouth dental implants cover both arches. Pricing ranges from $20,000 to $45,000 per jaw and is confirmed at consultation based on the number of implants required and any preparatory procedures needed.
For patients who want more stability than complete or full dentures but at a lower cost than fixed All-on-4, 2 to 4 implants per arch can support a removable denture that clips onto the implant posts. Unlike dentures that rest on the gum alone, implant-retained dentures are designed to provide a more stable fit and may help slow bone loss in the jaw.
A single tooth implant is a simpler surgical procedure than a full arch reconstruction. More implants required means more surgical time, more components, more laboratory work, and a higher overall cost. The complexity of the case (bone density, proximity to nerves and sinuses, number of missing teeth) all factor into the treatment cost.
Implant systems with extensive clinical data, such as Straumann, have long-established research and high component precision. Budget implant systems may have less published long-term data. Titanium implants are the standard. Zirconia (metal-free) implants are available for patients with metal sensitivities or specific aesthetic preferences and sit at a higher price point.
A patient with adequate bone at the implant site pays less than one who needs bone grafting or a sinus lift before implant placement. These additional procedures can add significantly to the total. Your dentist determines this at your consultation using 3D imaging. Bone loss is common after long-term tooth loss and gum disease, which is one clinical reason your dentist may discuss the timing of replacement.
Dental implant surgery is a complex procedure. Gorgeous Smiles offers in-house implant placement for most cases, with complex cases referred to an oral surgeon or periodontist where appropriate. The clinic uses digital treatment planning to assist with placement accuracy. Highly complex cases may be referred to ensure an appropriate outcome.
General anaesthesia is available at Gorgeous Smiles for patients who prefer to be fully sedated during the implant procedure. The cost is additional, though Medicare can cover a significant portion of the anaesthesia fee for eligible patients. Your dentist can advise on eligibility at your consultation.
Single dental implant plus crown: from $6,000.
Dental bridge: $6,500 to $7,500.
Removable partial denture: $500 to $2,000.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
These projections are estimates only and will vary based on individual circumstances, oral health, and maintenance.
With dental implants, the implant crown may need replacing once in 20 years (approximately $2,500), giving an estimated total over 20 years of roughly $8,500. Published clinical data indicates implant posts can last 25 years or more in many cases, though this is not guaranteed and depends on factors including oral hygiene, smoking status, and overall health. Dental implants do not require alteration of adjacent teeth and clinical research indicates they may help preserve bone at the implant site.
A dental bridge lasts 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. There is also a risk of decay developing under the crowns on adjacent teeth. Over 20 years, the estimated total cost including replacement and potential treatment on supporting teeth can reach $12,000 to $18,000. Bridges do not address bone loss in the gap area.
Removable dentures need replacing every 5 to 10 years, with ongoing reline and adjustment costs. Over 20 years the estimated total denture cost can reach $2,500 to $10,000 or more.
Each option has different risks, benefits, and cost implications. Your dentist will discuss which option is most appropriate for your clinical situation.
An implant may be appropriate when the teeth next to the gap are healthy and don't need to be filed down, when preserving bone at the implant site is a clinical priority, when you want a solution that stands independently without relying on other teeth, and when you're prepared for a surgical procedure and a longer healing timeline.
A bridge may be appropriate when the adjacent teeth already need crowns, when you want a faster result without surgery, or when medical reasons make implant surgery unsuitable.
Your dentist will assess which option is clinically appropriate at your consultation.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
Tooth extraction, if the damaged tooth is still in place, costs $300 to $700. In some cases, extraction and implant placement happen at the same surgical appointment.
Bone grafting, if there's insufficient bone density at the implant site, can range from $500 for a minor graft to $3,000 or more for extensive augmentation. Sinus lifts, required for some upper jaw implants, add $1,500 to $4,000. Both are determined at consultation using 3D imaging.
A temporary tooth during the healing period (a flipper denture or temporary bridge) costs approximately $300 to $800 for aesthetics and function while osseointegration occurs.
All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Risks of dental implant surgery include pain, swelling, and bruising after the procedure; infection at the implant site; implant failure (where the implant does not successfully integrate with the bone); nerve damage causing numbness or altered sensation in the lip, tongue, chin, or gums; sinus complications for upper jaw implants; damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels; peri-implantitis (inflammation and bone loss around the implant) which can occur months or years after placement; and the need for additional procedures if complications arise. Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. The likelihood and severity of risks depend on the complexity of your case, your overall health, and your oral hygiene. Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your situation before proceeding.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Published clinical data indicates implant posts can last 25 years or more in many cases, with reported success rates exceeding 95% over 10 years. However, implant longevity is not guaranteed and depends on individual factors. Implant failure can occur at any stage, and peri-implantitis can develop years after placement.
The implant crown lasts 10 to 20 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear. A replacement crown costs approximately $2,500. The implant post remains in place provided no complications arise.
Factors that support implant longevity include good oral hygiene around the implant, regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the soft tissue and surrounding bone, not smoking (the single biggest risk factor for implant failure), treating gum disease promptly, and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Post-operative care instructions from your dentist are important to follow in the weeks after surgery. Keeping the implant site clean and avoiding pressure on the area during osseointegration reduces the risk of complications.
Most private health insurance policies provide limited coverage for dental implants. Medicare does not cover implant surgery itself, though Medicare can cover a significant portion of general anaesthesia costs for eligible patients.
Dental implants fall under "Major Dental" or prosthodontic cover in most extras policies. Only mid-to-top-tier policies include this category. Even with coverage, expect a partial rebate. Most funds rebate $800 to $2,000 per year for major dental, which covers only a fraction of the total dental implants cost. The annual cap is almost always the binding constraint.
Waiting periods for major dental are usually 12 months. If you don't currently have major dental cover, be aware that upgrading your policy involves a 12-month waiting period before claims can be made. Check with your health fund for details specific to your policy.
Gorgeous Smiles offers interest free payment plans through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip. A $6,000 single implant plus crown spread over 12 months works out to approximately $115 per week. Over 24 months, that drops to around $58 per week.
The dental implant process itself naturally distributes costs over time. Extraction, bone grafting if needed, implant surgery, healing, and the final crown each fall at different points across a 3 to 9 month timeline. This also means costs can span two financial years, allowing you to draw on two separate insurance benefit periods.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
The first step is a comprehensive examination where your dentist assesses your jawbone density, takes imaging, and creates a personalised treatment plan with exact costs. You'll know the total investment, including any bone grafting, sinus lifts, or additional procedures, before any treatment begins. Your dentist will also discuss all risks involved in the procedure. There's no obligation.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
The surgical placement is performed under local anaesthetic, which is designed to prevent pain during the procedure, though you may feel pressure. Post-operative discomfort varies depending on the complexity of the surgery. Simple single-implant placement may involve a few days of soreness manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Procedures involving bone grafting or sinus lifts may involve more significant discomfort and a longer recovery. Your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relief for complex cases. General anaesthesia is available for patients who prefer to be fully sedated, with Medicare covering a significant portion of the anaesthesia cost for eligible patients.
From initial consultation to final crown placement, the typical treatment timeline is 3 to 9 months. Most of that time is healing while the implant fuses with the jawbone. If bone grafting is needed beforehand, add additional healing time before the implant can be placed. The number of appointments varies from 3 to 5 and is confirmed at your initial consultation.
In many cases, yes, but bone grafting is likely needed first to build up sufficient density at the implant site. Bone loss is common after long-term tooth loss and gum disease. Your dentist will assess your bone density at consultation using 3D imaging and advise whether grafting is required.
Dental tourism can offer lower upfront costs but carries risks including different sterilisation standards, limited recourse if complications arise, and no local follow-up care if problems develop. When you factor in travel, accommodation, and the possibility of retreatment at home, the savings often narrow significantly. The Australian Dental Association has raised concerns about the quality of overseas dental work.
The ATO's Early Release of Super program may allow early access to superannuation in limited circumstances for medical treatment deemed medically necessary that you cannot otherwise afford. Approvals are highly restricted, assessed on a case-by-case basis, and not guaranteed. Contact the ATO directly for eligibility criteria and application requirements. This page does not constitute financial advice — if you are considering accessing your superannuation early, you should seek independent financial advice from a licensed financial adviser.
Not necessarily. An implant-supported bridge can replace 3 to 4 teeth using just 2 implants. For a full arch, All-on-4 uses only 4 implants to support an entire row of fixed teeth. Fewer implants required means lower total cost. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate solution at your consultation.
Yes, for most cases. Complex cases may be referred to a specialist oral surgeon or periodontist to ensure an appropriate outcome. Your dentist will advise at your initial consultation whether your case can be managed in-house or requires a referral.
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.