Losing a tooth — whether from decay, injury, or gum disease — affects more than your smile. It can change how you chew, place extra strain on neighbouring teeth, and over time lead to bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants are a treatment option for replacing missing teeth that can address these issues. At Burlinson Dental Surgery in the East Coast area, Dr Graeme Burlinson and Dr Jaime Chan work with patients from Siglap, Bayshore, and beyond to assess and plan implant treatment for each individual case.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a small titanium (or titanium alloy) post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once it has fused with the bone — a process called osseointegration that typically takes a few months — a custom crown is attached on top, giving you a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions much like a natural one.
Implants can also support bridges or full dentures for patients missing multiple teeth, offering more stability than removable options alone.
Why Choose an Implant Over a Bridge or Denture?
– Preserves jawbone — because the implant replaces the tooth root, it helps maintain the bone structure that would otherwise gradually shrink after tooth loss.
– Doesn’t rely on neighbouring teeth — unlike a bridge, an implant stands on its own and doesn’t require healthy adjacent teeth to be reshaped.
– Long-term durability — with good care, implants can last decades, often a lifetime.
– Natural function — patients can bite and chew with confidence, without the slipping sometimes associated with dentures.
The Implant Process, Step by Step
1. Assessment — including a clinical exam and imaging (often a 3D scan) to evaluate bone volume and plan the position for implant placement.
2. Placement surgery — performed under local anaesthesia, this is generally well-tolerated with manageable recovery.
3. Healing period — the implant integrates with the jawbone over a few months.
4. Restoration — once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or denture attachment is fitted on top of the implant.
For patients with insufficient bone volume, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be recommended beforehand to support a stable result.
Is an Implant Right for You?
Most healthy adults are good candidates, though factors like bone density, gum health, and certain medical conditions can influence suitability. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes, for example, can affect healing, so we take a thorough look at your medical history before proceeding.
What to Expect Afterwards
Some swelling and mild discomfort in the days following surgery is normal and manageable with basic pain relief. Most patients return to regular activities within a day or two. Long-term success depends largely on maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular reviews so we can monitor the implant and surrounding tissue.
Book a Consultation
If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to explore whether an implant is the right long-term solution, Dr Graeme and Dr Jaime at Burlinson Dental Surgery are happy to walk you through a personalised treatment plan — from initial assessment through to your final restoration.
Author: Dr Graeme Burlinson
Credentials: BDS, University of Adelaide
Published Date: 14-Sep-2026
