Missing a tooth? Understand your options before you decide.
Explore how dental implants work, understand what to expect, and discover how the team at Bilby Dental in Yarrabilba can help you consider your tooth replacement options.
- Approach
- Gentle, patient-centred care
- Location
- Yarrabilba
- Call
- (07) 3117 1774
Explore your implant journey
Step through what generally happens at each stage. Tick any questions you'd like to raise with the dentist — they'll stay handy in this browser for your consultation.
Illustrative diagram, not to scale. General information only. Your treatment pathway may differ and requires assessment by a qualified dentist. Swipe the diagram to move between stages.
Consultation & assessment
The dentist talks with you about your concerns, examines your oral health and uses appropriate imaging to assess your possible options.
What generally happens
- A conversation about what's bothering you and what you'd like to achieve
- An examination of your teeth, gums and bite
- Imaging such as X-rays or a 3D scan, where appropriate, to look at the jawbone
- A discussion of your general health, as some conditions affect suitability
Usually a single appointment. Additional imaging may be arranged separately.
Tip: tap a question to save it for your consultation.
What a dental implant is
An implant is a small post, usually titanium, placed in the jawbone where a tooth root once was. Over time the bone can bond with it, creating a stable base for a replacement tooth.
It has three parts: the implant itself, a connector called an abutment, and the visible crown. Implants can also support bridges or dentures in some situations.
- 01Crown
- 02Abutment
- 03Implant
- 04Jawbone
Things to consider
- Bone and gum health
- Enough healthy bone is needed to support an implant. Some people need grafting first; for others, implants may not be advisable.
- General health
- Smoking, diabetes and some medications can affect healing. Your dentist will ask about your health history at assessment.
- Time
- Implant treatment is often spread over several months. It's rarely a single-visit process.
- Cost
- Fees depend on the number of implants, any preparatory work and the final restoration. You should receive a written estimate before starting.
- Risks
- As with any surgical procedure, there are risks — including infection, nerve irritation, or the implant not integrating. These should be discussed with you.
Implants aren't the only way to replace a tooth
Depending on your situation, your dentist may also discuss:
- Dental bridge
- Partial or full denture
- Leaving the space, with monitoring
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Bilby Dental
Part of the Yarrabilba community since 2019, Bilby Dental offers friendly, personalised care with a focus on helping patients feel comfortable, informed and supported throughout their treatment.
Time to explain
Treatment is explained clearly and without jargon, so you can make an informed decision at your own pace.
Support for nervous patients
Local anaesthetic is used for treatment, and happy gas or sedation can be discussed if you'd feel more at ease.
A clear written quote
Every case is different, so you receive a written quote before deciding. Payment plan options are available.
The team
Dr Thao Doan
Dentist · leads implant planning
Implant planning at Bilby Dental is led by Dr Thao Doan, the clinical leader of the team.
Rohit Sharma
Practice Principal · Oral Health Therapist
A registered Oral Health Therapist who takes particular care with patients who feel nervous about the dentist.
Peter Wassef
Dental Prosthetist
Bilby Dental's on-site dental prosthetist, who designs and fits dentures — including implant-retained dentures — at the practice.
Your first consultation, step by step.
- Step 01
Arrive & settle
A short form about your health history, and time to meet the team.
- Step 02
Talk it through
Your concerns, goals and any questions you've prepared.
- Step 03
Examination
An examination and, if needed, imaging to understand your situation.
- Step 04
Plan & fees
If treatment is appropriate, options and estimated fees in writing — to take home and consider.
There's no obligation to proceed after a consultation. You're welcome to seek a second opinion.
Prepare for your visit with SmileMap.
Explore dental treatment information, organise questions for your dentist and feel more prepared for your next consultation with SmileMap, a patient education experience created by ATLAS Labs.
Explore treatments
Clear, general information about common treatments.
Understand journeys
See how treatment generally unfolds, stage by stage.
Prepare questions
Arrive at your consultation knowing what you want to ask.
General education only — SmileMap doesn't diagnose or recommend treatment.
Request a consultation.
Leave a few details and our team will be in touch to arrange a consultation. This is an enquiry, not a confirmed appointment.
Prefer to call?
(07) 3117 1774- Mon 9:00–5:00
- Tue & Thu 8:30–6:00
- Wed 8:30–6:30
- Fri 8:00–5:00
- Sat 8:30–1:00 · Sun closed
Common questions
General answers only. Your dentist can answer for your situation.