Dental Implants in Balwyn
The Last Tooth Replacement
You'll Ever Need
Book an implant consultation with Dr. Steven Rostkier in Balwyn. You'll get a full assessment, a clear treatment plan, and an itemised quote - with no obligation to go ahead.
Providing expert dental care
Dental technology and procedures
Facilities and rooms
Plans & private health rebates available
Why Consider Dental Implants?
Function: You can eat, speak, and smile as if they’re your natural teeth. Implants also restore close to the strength of natural teeth, so you can return to a wider, more nutritious diet than dentures allow.
Durability: The titanium post can last a lifetime when properly placed and maintained. The crown on top typically lasts 10-15 years or longer with good care. Most other tooth replacement options need redoing far sooner.
Bone preservation: When a tooth is missing, the jawbone underneath starts to shrink. An implant keeps that bone stimulated and intact – the only tooth replacement option that does this.
Appearance: Custom-made crowns are matched to your surrounding teeth in colour, shape, and size. No one will know it’s not your natural tooth.
Book online today or call to inquire about how we can help.
How We Approach Implant Treatment
Our approach to implant treatment is a bit different from some other practices – and we believe it gets you a better result.
There are two parts to a dental implant: the surgical placement of the post into the jaw, and the restoration that sits on top. They’re different jobs requiring different skills.
Our approach is conservative: intervention only where it’s needed, and using a specialist where one will do better than we would. A specialist periodontist or oral surgeon places the implant off-site, someone we’ve worked with for years and whose results we see in our chair every week.
What we do at the Balwyn practice is the planning and the final restoration. We work out where the implant needs to sit so the crown ends up where it should. After the surgery, we check the site. Once the implant has integrated, we design and fit the crown, bridge, or full arch ourselves.
You stay our patient throughout. If something needs reviewing in three weeks or seven years, you call us. Same dentist, same number.
How We Approach Implant Treatment
Dental Implant Options
We've helped patients across Balwyn and surrounding suburbs replace missing teeth with implants that look and feel like your own.
Single Tooth Replacement
A single implant with a custom crown - the most common option. One titanium post replaces the missing tooth root, and a porcelain crown is crafted to match your surrounding teeth in colour, shape, and size. No one will know it's not your natural tooth.
Multiple Teeth Replacement (Implant Bridge)
When you're missing two or more adjacent teeth, two implants can support a bridge - a row of connected crowns. This avoids placing a separate implant for each missing tooth, which keeps the treatment simpler and more cost-effective.
Full Arch Restoration
For patients missing most or all teeth in an upper or lower jaw, implant-supported restorations replace the entire arch. Rather than defaulting to a standard formula (all-on-4, all-on-6), Dr. Rostkier designs each full arch case around the patient's specific bone structure, bite, and goals. Your treatment plan is built for you, not adapted from a template.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for implants, but there are a few things we assess:
- Bone density. You need enough jawbone to support the implant. If bone has been lost (which happens naturally after tooth loss), bone grafting can often rebuild it.
- Gum health. Active gum disease needs to be treated first. Our dedicated hygiene department – one of the first in Victoria, running for nearly 30 years – can help get your gums in shape before implant treatment.
- General health. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can affect healing. We’ll discuss your full medical history at your consultation.
- Age. Implants are suitable for adults of any age. Dr. Rostkier regularly restores implants for patients in their 60s, 70s, and beyond – as long as you’re in reasonable health, age alone isn’t a barrier.
The only way to know for sure is to come in for a consultation. We’ll be upfront with you about whether implants are the right option.
What to Expect: The Implant Process
The full process takes 4 to 9 months from first consultation to final crown. Most of that time is healing, not active chair time.
Step 1
Consultation and 3D Imaging
You meet Dr. Rostkier for a full examination and a 3D CBCT scan of your jaw. He reviews the imaging on screen with you, explains what it shows, and walks through your options before any decision is made.
Step 2
Treatment Planning
Before anything is booked, you receive a written treatment plan and an itemised cost estimate. If bone grafting is needed, it’s identified and discussed now, not mid-procedure. No surprises later.
Step 3
Implant Placement
The implant is placed under local anaesthesia. The procedure takes around one to two hours per implant. If you’re anxious, sedation options are available: happy gas, oral sedation, or IV sedation. Most patients tell us afterwards it was far more comfortable than they expected.
Step 4
Healing and Osseointegration
Over the next three to six months, the implant integrates with your jawbone. For the first few days, mild soreness and some swelling are normal, peaking around 48 to 72 hours. Soft foods for one to two weeks. A temporary tooth covers the gap, so you can eat, smile, and go to work as normal during the healing period.
Step 5
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has integrated, a small connector called an abutment is fitted to it, the piece your crown will attach to. Your gums settle around it over a few weeks. A digital impression is then taken with an intra-oral scanner, so the lab can fabricate your crown.
Step 6
Crown Placement
The final step is fitting your custom-made crown, crafted to match the shape, colour, and translucency of your natural teeth. Once attached, your implant is complete. The new tooth is indistinguishable from the teeth either side of it.
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. Dr. Rostkier and the specialist periodontist use it to 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.
Book a Consultation with Dr Rostkier and Start Your Dental Implant Journey Today
Why Patients in Balwyn Choose Us for Implants
Meet Dr Steven Rostkier
A 1999 graduate of the University of Melbourne, Dr Steven Rostkier grew up locally in Doncaster. After graduating, he worked in England for a year and six months to expand his dental knowledge and experience. Since then, Dr Rostkier has been continually developing his skills and expanding his education in Implant Dentistry, Endodontics, and Sedation Dentistry.
Dr Rostkier believes in a preventative approach to dentistry to ensure that his patients have the best prospects of a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Dr Rostkier is focused on developing good rapport with his patients to enable him to understand their individual needs. As a father of four, he also understands and relates well to children. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, tennis, travelling and watching football to support his team, Carlton.
What Our Patients Say About Us
Visit Us in Balwyn
You'll find us at 2a/379–381 Whitehorse Road - on the northern side, between Balwyn Road and Yerrin Street, just moments from the Balwyn Library and the Palace Balwyn cinema.
Office Hours
Monday: 8:30am - 7pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
We run on time 95% of the time – and on the rare occasion we’re behind, we’ll let you know before you arrive. Call, email or drop in during opening hours to make an appointment.
Getting Here
By car: There’s parking at the rear of our building, with street parking on Mangan Street and nearby side streets (time limits may apply, check signage). You can call us and we’ll point you to the best spot for that time of day.
By tram or bus: Take the 109 tram to Stop 47 (Balwyn Rd/Whitehorse Rd) – from there it’s a two-minute level walk to our door. The 285 bus from Camberwell or Doncaster also stops close by.
Questions before you book?
Call us on (03) 9831 3272 – we’re happy to talk through the process, the costs, or simply how to find us.
Book a Consultation with Dr Rostkier and Start Your Dental Implant Journey Today
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're considering dental implants, it's normal to have questions. Below are answers to the ones Dr. Rostkier hears most often.
A single tooth dental implant in Melbourne typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 - post, abutment, and crown included. Bone grafting, where required, adds approximately $2,000-$3,500.
Full arch restoration using a customised plan typically ranges from $25,000-$45,000+ per arch, depending on the number of implants, grafting, and prosthesis type.
Your dentist provides a written, itemised estimate at your consultation before treatment begins.
Health fund. Major dental extras may rebate components - typically item 688 (implant placement) and item 318 (the crown). The rebate depends on your policy level. Call your fund about those codes before your consultation. We process on-the-spot claims via HICAPS.
Payment plans are available. Medicare does not cover dental implants for most adult patients.
Many private health funds provide partial cover for dental implants under major dental or extras cover. The amount varies by fund and policy level. We process on-the-spot rebates through HICAPS so you only pay the gap on the day. For any remaining balance, we accept all major credit cards, cash, cheques, and offer payment plans.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is. The surgical placement is done under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, soreness and mild swelling for several days is normal, with swelling peaking at 48–72 hours and then settling. Standard pain relief like Panadol or Nurofen usually handles it. If dental anxiety is a concern, we offer sedation options including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV twilight sedation.
The titanium implant post itself can last a lifetime - studies show a 95–98% success rate over 10 years. The crown on top typically lasts 10–15 years, depending on wear and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Regular check-ups and cleaning help ensure longevity.
Patients sometimes ask whether their implant will be titanium or zirconia. The short answer: titanium is the standard, and it's what's used in the vast majority of cases at our practice. Zirconia is a less common alternative considered in specific situations.
Titanium implants
Titanium has been used in dental implants for decades and has the longest clinical track record of any implant material. It osseointegrates - fuses with the jawbone — reliably and predictably, which is why it remains the standard worldwide. Modern titanium implants are biocompatible and resist corrosion. For most patients, titanium is the right choice.
Zirconia implants
Zirconia is a metal-free ceramic alternative. It can be a good choice for patients with confirmed metal sensitivities, or where aesthetics matter and the gum tissue is thin — a white implant body shows through more naturally than a darker titanium one. Zirconia has shorter long-term clinical data than titanium, so the right material for your case depends on the specific clinical situation.
At your consultation, Dr. Rostkier will discuss which material is right for you alongside the placing periodontist's recommendation.
Yes. We understand implant treatment is a significant investment. We offer flexible payment plans, accept all major credit cards, and process health fund rebates on the spot via HICAPS. We'll provide a full cost breakdown at your consultation so you can plan accordingly.
A dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, which means those healthy teeth need to be ground down. An implant stands independently in the jawbone — no adjacent teeth are affected. Implants also prevent bone loss, which bridges don't. In most cases, we recommend implants as the longer-term solution, but bridges can be the better option in certain situations. We'll discuss what's right for you at your consultation.
Our practice works with trusted specialist periodontists and oral surgeons for the surgical placement of implants - specialists Dr. Rostkier describes as "highly regarded... at the top of their game in this field." Dr. Rostkier handles the treatment planning, the design of your new tooth, and the final restoration. This collaborative approach means every stage of your treatment is handled by the most qualified professional for that task.
From your first consultation to the final crown, the typical timeline is 4 to 9 months. Most of that is healing time - the implant needs three to six months to fuse securely with your jawbone before we can attach the final restoration. For cases requiring bone grafting or multiple implants, it can take longer. Dr. Rostkier will map out your specific timeline at your consultation. Read more about implant timelines.
Dental implants have one of the highest success rates of any surgical procedure - above 95% in most studies. Risks can include infection, implant failure, or nerve damage, but these are uncommon when the procedure is properly planned and performed by an experienced specialist. Using 3D CBCT imaging for precise surgical planning significantly reduces risk. We'll discuss any specific risks relevant to your case during your consultation.
For most patients, yes. Implants are fixed in place - they don't slip, they don't need adhesive, and they don't need to be removed at night. They also preserve your jawbone, which dentures don't (bone loss under dentures is one of the reasons they become loose over time). The trade-off is that implants cost more upfront and involve a surgical procedure. For patients who aren't candidates for implants, modern dentures can still be an effective solution.
The same care as your natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss around the implant, and keep up with your regular dental check-ups and cleans. Implants can't get cavities, but the gum tissue around them can still become inflamed if hygiene lapses. Our hygiene department will show you exactly how to clean around your implant to keep it healthy long-term.
Anywhere from one tooth to a full mouth. A single implant supports one crown. Two or more implants can support a bridge replacing several adjacent teeth. And four to six implants can support an entire arch of teeth. Dr. Rostkier will recommend the approach that suits your situation - every case is different.
Don't hide your smile
25+ years restoring smiles in Balwyn. Book a consultation with Dr. Rostkier today.