Tooth Replacement Options in Port Lincoln

Written By Tim Curran

Your Guide to Restoring Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth can make everyday things like eating, speaking and smiling feel different, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Curran Dental offers a range of modern, long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth, such as single dental implants and All-on-4® full-arch solutions to bridges, crowns and dentures.

Every smile is different, and the right option will depend on your condition, goals and budget. With flexible MediPay payment plans, you can start treatment straight away and spread the cost over time.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to act as a replacement root. A custom-made crown is then fitted on top, creating a tooth that looks and functions just like a natural one.

Benefits

  • Feels, looks and functions like a real tooth

  • Doesn’t damage surrounding teeth

  • Long-lasting and highly durable

  • Helps preserve jawbone and facial structure

The Implant Process

  • Consultation and 3D imaging
    Review of your dental and medical history, plus digital scan and 3D x-ray.

  • Guided surgery
    Using a custom-made guide for precise implant placement.

  • Healing phase
    Around 12 weeks for the implant to integrate with the bone.

  • Crown placement
    The final restoration is fitted and the bite checked for comfort.

All-on-4® Dental Implants – Full Smile Restoration

Curran Dental is now part of the Next Smile Australia network, offering the proven All-on-4® treatment concept in Port Lincoln.

What is All-on-4®?

All-on-4® is an advanced dental restoration that provides a fixed, long-term alternative to dentures. Instead of placing an implant for every tooth, just four strategically positioned implants support a full arch of new teeth.

This innovative approach allows for:

  • Fewer implants and reduced surgery time

  • Faster recovery and fewer invasive procedures

  • Avoidance of bone grafting in most cases

  • A natural-looking, stable full-arch restoration

How the All-on-4® Treatment Works

All-on-4® follows the Malo Protocol, a two-stage process developed by Dr Paulo Malo, the pioneer of the treatment concept.

Stage One:
Four implants are placed in the jawbone using precise digital planning. You’ll receive your first set of provisional teeth (a temporary bridge) within 24 hours. These are worn for three to six months while the implants integrate with your bone.

Stage Two:
Once healing is complete, you’ll receive your final bridge – a custom-designed, long-lasting set of teeth made in the Next Smile Australia laboratory using genuine Nobel Biocare components.

Why Patients Choose All-on-4®

  • Avoids complex bone grafting
  • Over 25 years of clinical data with a 98 per cent success rate
  • Designed and manufactured using advanced digital technology
  • Natural-looking results that restore function and confidence
  • A new provisional smile within 24 hours of surgery

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth beside the gap. It’s a fixed, non-removable option that restores both appearance and function.

Benefits

  • Feels secure and stable

  • Excellent aesthetic result

  • Restores chewing, speech and balance

Considerations
Bridges require reshaping the teeth beside the gap to hold the crowns that support the bridge. If these teeth are healthy, an implant may be a better long-term option since it preserves natural tooth structure.

Lifespan and Care
Bridges typically last 7 to 15 years. Because floss cannot pass between joined crowns, you’ll need to use superfloss or interdental brushes to clean beneath the bridge.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. Crowns are also used to finish dental implant and bridge treatments.

When Crowns Are Used

  • To rebuild a cracked, worn or heavily filled tooth

  • After root canal treatment

  • To improve the appearance of misshaped or discoloured teeth

  • To restore the top of a dental implant

CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Thanks to modern CEREC technology, patients visiting from across the Eyre Peninsula can often have their crown designed, made and fitted in just one visit. Using 3D scanning and in-house milling, there’s no need for temporary crowns or multiple appointments.

Dentures

Modern dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than they used to be. We offer full, partial and metal-frame dentures to suit your needs.

  • Full Dentures
    Used to replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They’re the most affordable option and non-invasive, though they may feel less stable than fixed alternatives.

  • Partial Dentures
    Used when only some teeth are missing. These clip securely around your existing teeth, providing comfort and function without the need for surgery.

  • Metal Dentures
    Made from cobalt-chromium, metal dentures are lighter, thinner and stronger than traditional acrylic dentures, and often last two to three times longer.

  • Care and Longevity
    Dentures generally last between five and ten years. Remove them at night, clean them daily and schedule regular reviews to maintain their fit and comfort.

Flexible Payment Options with MediPay

We believe everyone deserves to smile with confidence.That’s why we now offer MediPay Easy Payment Plans for dental implants, All-on-4®, bridges, crowns and dentures.

MediPay Highlights

  • Borrow from $2,000 to $55,000

  • Repay over up to 48 months

  • Fast online approvals (as little as 60 minutes)

  • 100 per cent online application process

  • Transparent, affordable repayments

Use MediPay for:

  • Dental Implants and All-on-4®

  • Dental Bridges

  • Dental Crowns

  • Dentures

Check your eligibility in 10 seconds with the Pay Later Calculator or call our friendly team on (08) 8682 3478 for assistance.

We can also process private health fund rebates like NIB instantly through our HICAPS terminal at your appointment - see all payment options.

Why Choose Curran Dental

  • Experienced local team led by Dr Tim Curran, trained in implant surgery and restorative dentistry
  • Next Smile Australia accredited for All-on-4® Dental Implants
  • Advanced technology - 3D scanning, guided implant placement, and same-day CEREC crowns
  • Trusted care for patients from Port Lincoln and across the Eyre Peninsula

Ready to replace a tooth?

If you’re missing one tooth or many, our team will help you find the best, most comfortable solution for your smile.

Visit us in Port Lincoln - find us on Google Maps 📍
Call 📞 (08) 8682 3478
Book an appointment online →

Tim Curran
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