A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth, topped with a custom crown. It is fixed in place, looks and functions like a natural tooth, and does not rely on cutting down the teeth either side.
1the same dentist plans, places and restores your implant, start to finish
Dr Aodhan Docherty · Registered Dentist, AHPRA DEN0001938737 · Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants), University of Sydney · Circular Quay, Sydney. Implant treatment is a surgical procedure. Suitability is assessed in person.
Dental implants by Dr Aodhan Docherty
Important. Implant treatment is a surgical procedure that carries risks, and success depends on healing and individual factors such as bone, gum health and general health. Outcomes vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. The information on this page is general only and not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment.
Our approach
Planned in 3D. Placed with care.
A good implant starts long before any surgery. Dr Aodhan plans each case using a three-dimensional scan to assess the bone and position the implant precisely, and restores it himself, so the same hands see your case through from start to finish.
A traditional bridge
A dental implant
Relies on cutting down neighbouring teeth
Stands alone, neighbours left untouched
Does not replace the tooth root
Replaces the root and helps preserve bone
Generally a quicker process
Takes longer, as the implant integrates with bone
Cleaned around and underneath
Cleaned much like a natural tooth
An implant is not right for every situation. Bone volume, gum health, general health and habits such as smoking all affect suitability, and are assessed clinically before any treatment is planned.
Is it right for you
A fixed, standalone solution.
Implants suit many patients who are missing one or more teeth, but they are a considered decision. Here is where an implant tends to shine, and where another option may be discussed.
Often a good fit
An implant may suit you if
You are missing a single tooth or a few teeth.
You would rather not cut down healthy neighbours.
You have healthy gums and adequate bone.
You want a fixed, long-term replacement.
Fixed & standalone
Assessed first
We will look closely at
The amount and quality of bone present.
Gum health and any active disease.
General health and healing factors.
Habits such as smoking, which affect success.
Honest advice, always
The process
A staged path to a fixed tooth.
Implant treatment happens in stages over several months, allowing the implant to integrate with your bone before the final tooth is fitted. Nothing is rushed.
01
60 minutes
Consultation & 3D scan
Meet Dr Aodhan for an examination and a three-dimensional scan to assess the bone and plan the implant position.
02
Placement
Implant placed
The titanium implant is placed under local anaesthetic. A temporary tooth is provided where appropriate.
03
Months
Healing
The implant integrates with the bone over several months. This healing phase is essential and cannot be rushed.
04
Final stage
Final crown
Once integrated, a custom crown is fitted onto the implant, and you return for ongoing review and maintenance.
Recent cases
Before & after
About these images. All photos are of actual patients who have given written consent. They are not edited, filtered or enhanced. Each outcome is relevant only to the individual shown and is not a guarantee of result for any other patient.
20 cases shown
← Swipe to see more cases →
Common questions
The things patients ask.
Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is generally comfortable. Most patients describe the recovery as more manageable than they expected, often comparable to a tooth extraction, and any soreness is managed with simple measures.
Because the implant needs to integrate with the bone, the full process usually takes several months from placement to final crown. The exact timeline depends on your healing and whether any preparatory work, such as bone grafting, is needed. Dr Aodhan gives you a realistic plan at your consultation.
Dental implants are a well-established treatment with high reported success rates in suitable patients. That said, success is not guaranteed and depends on healing, bone, gum health, general health and habits such as smoking. Dr Aodhan will give you an honest, individual assessment.
It depends on your situation. An implant replaces the tooth root and leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched, while a bridge relies on the teeth either side for support. Each has pros and cons, and Dr Aodhan will talk through which genuinely suits your case.
Implant cost depends on the case, including whether any bone grafting or other treatment is required. An accurate figure is only possible after a thorough assessment and scan. At your consultation you receive a clear, written plan and cost to take home.
Yes. For patients who choose to proceed, we offer an interest-free payment plan to make treatment more manageable. Eligibility and terms are confirmed in person at your consultation.
Many people are, but suitability depends on having enough healthy bone and gum, and on general health. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and active gum disease can affect healing and success. A consultation and 3D scan are the only reliable way to know.
Important to know
Before you proceed.
An implant is a surgical procedure and a significant decision. These points are not the small print. They are the conversation we have with you in person before any treatment is planned.
01
Surgical risksAs with any surgery, there are risks including infection, swelling, bruising and, uncommonly, effects on nearby nerves or the sinus.
02
Integration is not guaranteedOccasionally an implant does not integrate with the bone and may need to be removed and the site allowed to heal before trying again.
03
Time & stagingTreatment takes several months and sometimes requires additional procedures such as bone grafting before the implant can be placed.
04
Health & lifestyle factorsSmoking, uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease reduce success rates and must be discussed and managed.
05
Ongoing maintenanceImplants need thorough cleaning and regular review. The surrounding gum and bone can be affected if hygiene is poor.
06
SuitabilityAdequate bone and healthy gums are required. Where they are lacking, additional treatment or an alternative option may be needed.
Any surgical or dental procedure carries risk. Before proceeding we recommend seeking a second opinion from a suitably qualified dental practitioner. Outcomes vary between individuals, and the cases shown on this website are examples for those specific patients only and are not a guarantee of result. Costs are not covered by Medicare or private health funds.
Get started
Ready when you are.
Start with a free, no-obligation consultation. Pick a time on the booking page and you'll meet Dr Aodhan at Circular Quay.
