Dental Implants in Balwyn
Tired of having trouble eating, a denture that slips, or a gap you hide in photos? Dr Steven Rostkier offers dental implant treatment to replace missing teeth with fixed replacements that look and function just like a natural tooth.
In practice since 1999
3D scans and digital impressions
Overhead screen, headphones and a massage chair
HICAPS claims and payment plans
Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with fixed, natural-looking replacements that restore comfortable chewing without compromising neighbouring teeth.
Each implant consists of a small titanium fixture placed in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. Once it has healed, it can support a crown, bridge or denture, depending on how many teeth you’re replacing.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth With an Implant?
- Nothing to take out at night. Your new tooth is fixed in place, and you look after it like your natural teeth.
- Your surrounding teeth stay untouched. A single implant supports its own crown without relying on neighbouring teeth.
- Natural in function. You can chew comfortably again and return to eating a normal diet.
- Natural in appearance. Your crown is shaped and shaded to match the teeth around it.
- Helps preserve your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone beneath it gradually shrinks. An implant helps slow this bone loss.
Want to talk about your options? Book online or call (03) 9831 3272.
Dental Implant Options
Single Tooth Implant
One implant and one crown replace a single missing tooth. The crown is matched to your other teeth in shape and colour, and because it stands on its own, the healthy teeth either side are left as they are.
Multiple Teeth: Implant Bridge
If you're missing several teeth in a row, you often don't need an implant for each one. Two implants can hold a bridge across the gap, which keeps treatment simpler and usually costs less than an implant per tooth.
Full Arch Implants
If you've lost most or all of the teeth in one jaw, a full set of teeth can be fixed to implants, so there's nothing to take out before you go to bed. All-on-4 is one way of doing this. In our experience, no two mouths are the same, so we usually design your plan around your own bone and bite instead of starting from a set formula. Read more about full mouth dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Most adults with missing teeth can have implants. At your consultation we check four things, and we'll tell you honestly what we find.
- Bone. You need enough jawbone to hold the implant. Bone shrinks after a tooth is lost, but a bone graft can often rebuild it.
- Gums. Your gums need to be healthy first (more on this below).
- General health. Tell us about any medicines you take, especially blood thinners, and conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, a bleeding disorder or cancer treatment, and whether you smoke. Some of these affect healing. We'll talk through what they mean for you.
- Age. Age on its own doesn't rule you out. Your bone, gums and general health matter more. Read about dental implants for older patients.
Can I Have Implants if I've Had Gum Disease?
Often, yes. Active gum disease needs treating first. A history of gum disease also raises the risk of peri-implantitis, an infection of the gum and bone around an implant that can loosen it over time. Healthy gums before your implant, and regular cleaning around it afterwards, matter as much as the surgery.
Gum health is one of Dr Rostkier's main interests, and our hygiene department, one of the first in Victoria, has been helping patients get their gums healthy and keep them that way for nearly 30 years. More on gum disease treatment.
If implants aren't right for you, a bridge or a denture may be (see the FAQ below). You can also read about your options for missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step
Implant treatment happens in stages over a few months. Most of that time is healing, while the bone grows around the implant. Here's how long the implant process takes in more detail.
Step 1
Consultation with Dr Rostkier
He spends the first 10 to 15 minutes finding out what you'd like to achieve. Then he checks your gums, jaw, bite and teeth, takes digital X-rays, and arranges a 3D scan of your jaw for planning your implant with the specialist. He talks you through your options, including a bridge or denture if one would suit you better.
Step 2
Your written plan and estimate
You get a written treatment plan and an itemised estimate before anything is booked. If you need a bone graft, it's planned at this stage, not found partway through. Our patient coordinator then books your appointments.
Step 3
Placing the implant
Your specialist places the implant under local anaesthetic, and you shouldn't feel pain during the surgery. If you're nervous, tell us and we'll talk about sedation. Some soreness, swelling or bruising is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief, a cold compress and soft foods help.
Step 4
Healing
Over about three months the bone grows around the implant and anchors it. It can take longer if you've had a bone graft.
Step 5
Your new tooth
You come back to Dr Rostkier. He takes a digital scan of the area (no putty moulds), and our technicians make your crown, bridge or arch to the design you agreed. He tries it in and checks the fit, bite and look with you in the mirror. Once you're both happy, he fixes it in place.
Book an Implant Consultation
Latest Dental Implant Technology
Implant treatment is precision work. The technology we use at our Balwyn practice is what makes that precision possible at every stage.
3D CBCT imaging gives a three-dimensional view of your jawbone, nerve positions, sinus locations, and the space available for the implant. With it we can plan the exact position, angle, and depth of each implant before any surgery happens.
Digital intraoral scanners replace traditional impression moulds, the messy putty most people remember from older dental work. The scanner captures a precise digital image of your teeth and gums in minutes, which the lab uses to fabricate your crown.
CAD-CAM systems translate that digital image into a precision-fitted final restoration. Better fit means better bite, longer life, and a more natural feel.
Digital X-rays with reduced radiation support ongoing monitoring throughout treatment and after.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost depends on your case: how many implants you need, whether you need a bone graft or an extraction first, and what goes on top (a crown, a bridge or a full arch). Before you commit, you'll have the cost of each stage in writing, including the specialist's surgery and any grafting.
- Health funds. Extras cover with major dental may pay part of the cost, depending on your policy. Ask your fund what it covers for implant surgery and for the crown. You can claim on the spot with HICAPS.
- Payment plans are available.
- Medicare doesn't usually cover implants, though DVA Gold and White Card holders may be able to claim.
For typical Melbourne price ranges and what they include, see our dental implant cost guide.
Meet Dr Steven Rostkier
Dr Steven Rostkier grew up in Doncaster, just up the road, and wanted to be a dentist from a young age. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1999, spent 18 months working in England to broaden his experience, and has looked after patients in Balwyn since 2006. Since graduating, he has trained further in implant, cosmetic and sedation dentistry, and in endodontics (root canal treatment).
"My approach to dentistry is achieving high quality, precision results using the latest technology, but no gimmicks. All to achieve your individualised goals."
He takes a conservative approach, recommending the least treatment that will give you the result you want. The work he enjoys most is implants, crowns and onlays, veneers and gum health. A father of four, he's at ease with children and families, and outside the practice you'll find him on the golf course or tennis court, travelling, or barracking for Carlton.
Our Friendly Dental Team
From the moment you walk in, our team will make sure you feel welcome and well looked after, and our hygienists will help keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.
Visit Us in Balwyn
You'll find us at Century Dental, 2a/379-381 Whitehorse Road, on the north side between Balwyn Road and Yerrin Street, near the Balwyn Library and the Palace Balwyn cinema.
Opening Hours
Monday: 8:30am to 7pm
Tuesday to Thursday: 8am to 5pm
Friday: 8am to 4:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: closed
We run on time 95% of the time. On the rare occasion we’re behind, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Getting Here
By car: there’s parking at the rear of our building, and street parking on Mangan Street and nearby side streets (check the signs for time limits). Call us and we’ll tell you the best spot for that time of day.
By tram or bus: take the 109 tram to Stop 47 (Balwyn Rd/Whitehorse Rd). It’s a two-minute flat walk to our door. The 285 bus from Camberwell or Doncaster also stops nearby.
Questions before you book?
Call us on (03) 9831 3272. We’re happy to talk through the process, the cost or how to find us.
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
The surgery is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain while the implant is placed. Afterwards, soreness is usually mild for a few days and settles with over-the-counter pain relief and a cold compress. If you're anxious, tell us at your consultation. We'll take things at your pace, explain each step and talk about sedation options.
Most implants last many years: in 10-year studies, more than 95% are still in place. The crown on top can wear like any crown and may need replacing one day. Cleaning well and keeping up regular check-ups is what protects an implant long term. More on how long dental implants last.
Every implant starts with careful planning. Dr Rostkier plans your treatment with one of the highly regarded specialists we work with, usually a periodontist. He plans how your new teeth will look and bite, and the specialist plans the surgery and places the implant.
Once the implant has healed into the bone, you come back to us. Dr Rostkier has your crown or bridge made and fits it, and he keeps checking it at your regular visits for years to come.
Our patient coordinator books your appointments at both stages and is your contact the whole way through, so you always know what comes next.
It depends on your teeth, your health and what matters to you. An implant doesn't rely on the teeth either side and doesn't come out. A bridge is fixed to the neighbouring teeth and needs no surgery, but those teeth are filed down to hold it. A denture costs least up front and needs no surgery, but it comes out to clean. We'll talk through all three with you before you decide.
Implants are usually successful, but like any surgery there are risks: infection, nerve damage, sinus problems and damage to nearby teeth. Occasionally an implant doesn't join to the bone. That's usually found in the first few months, and in most cases it can be replaced after a short healing period. Your specialist will explain the risks for your case before you go ahead.
Look after it like your natural teeth: brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and around the implant with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser, and keep up regular check-ups and cleans. The gum and bone around an implant can still become infected. If the gum around it looks swollen or bleeds, come in and we'll check it. Our hygienists will show you how to clean around it.
Most implants are titanium, which has been used and studied for decades and bonds well with bone. Zirconia, a tooth-coloured ceramic, is an alternative in some cases. Your specialist and Dr Rostkier will recommend the right one for you.
Ready to Talk About Implants?
If you're missing a tooth, or you're tired of a bridge or denture, Dr Steven Rostkier would be glad to sit down with you and go through your options. No pressure, just a conversation.