A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth's root, providing a stable foundation for an artificial crown.

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be an option worth exploring. Implant surgery and bone grafting form the core of Dr. Lee's clinical practice. He uses only implants and grafting materials with a well-established evidence base, selected for their documented track record in peer-reviewed research. All surgeries are performed under strict full-sterile protocol.

We use proven, long-track-record implant systems: Nobel Biocare (including the TiUltra™ surface) and Straumann. All implant crowns and bridges are screw-retained — connecting to the implant via a screw rather than dental cement — which allows easy retrieval if needed and avoids residual cement, a known cause of complications. Restorations are hand-crafted in Sydney by ceramists carefully selected and directed under Dr. Lee's protocols, combining durability with aesthetics.

Implant failure most commonly results from infection or excessive biting pressure. A thorough assessment of your dental history and current condition is therefore the critical first step — it determines your suitability, identifies risk factors, and shapes your prevention strategy.

How long do implants last?

Best available dental literature reports survival rates of approximately 96% at 10 years and 90–95% at 15–20 years for the titanium implant post. The crown on top has a survival rate of around 90% at 10 years and may need replacement after 15–25 years due to normal wear. SPG has placed over 3,000 implants and 4,500 crowns, and we continuously refine our protocols against this benchmark. Annual reviews — checking bone levels, gum health, bite forces and screw tightness — are key to long-term success.

Am I a candidate?

Most adults in good general health are suitable candidates, provided there's sufficient bone volume (assessed via a 3D bone scan), healthy gums, and a willingness to quit smoking around the time of surgery. We generally recommend waiting until age 25, once jaw development is complete. If you've been told previously that you don't have enough bone, bone grafting — performed regularly by Dr. Lee and Dr. Truong — may be able to regenerate the volume needed.