Single Tooth Dental Implants

Editors note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated with additional content in January 2025.

Single tooth dental implants have been used for decades to replace missing teeth. The roots of modern-day implantology first began in the 1950s with Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark and his research on osseointegration of bone around implants. Since this time there have been countless innovations that have led the placement and restoration of dental implants to be a very predictable procedure.

What are Single Tooth Implants?

When replacing a single tooth, a dental implant has three components: the implant, the abutment, and the crown. The implant itself serves as an “anchor” within the bone, and the crown connects to the implant via the abutment. This solution is highly effective for individuals who have lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues and want to restore their smile’s function and appearance.

The titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the tooth root. Once the post integrates with the bone, a custom-made crown is placed to complete the restoration, ensuring both function and stability.

Single-tooth implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures. Unlike bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants stand independently, preserving the integrity of the surrounding teeth. They also provide better long-term results, as implants are more durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Single Tooth Dental Implant Process

The dental implant placement depends on several factors. The first step is to complete a thorough review of medical and dental histories as well as conduct a comprehensive dental exam. Following the examination, we must then determine the availability of bone for the implant to reside in. After the loss of a natural tooth, the surrounding bone will naturally deteriorate over time. In order to ensure that there is still adequate bone structure remaining, a three-dimensional radiograph is taken; this is known as a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography). These images can be conveniently administered and evaluated in the dental office during your examination visit. Unfortunately, there are instances where there is not adequate space to place the implant and pre-implant grafting or bone augmentation is needed.

Once it is determined that the intended area is suitable for implant placement, a digital plan is made to diagnose the location of the implant and the future crown. On the day of the procedure the patient is thoroughly numbed, and the bone is prepared for the implant to be placed. Based on the particular scenario and the stability of the implant upon placement, the implant is either completely covered by the gums, a “healing abutment” is placed that emerges through the gums, or a temporary crown is placed. After several months of healing and verification that the implant is stable within the bone, a final impression is made, which is used to fabricate the crown. Once the crown is complete, it is then attached to the implant.

When the single-tooth implant is restored, the patient is able to chew, brush, and floss as they would with a natural tooth. Just as with natural teeth, implants must be monitored and professionally cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that the area remains healthy. This solution provides a durable replacement tooth that helps restore your smile and confidence.

Contact Us for Dental Implants in Auburn!

At Timothy Hess DDS, we understand how important it is to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. If you’re missing a tooth and are considering a single tooth dental implant, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a skilled dentist who will walk you through the process and design a personalized treatment plan customized to your needs. Don’t wait—reach out today to get started with single tooth dental implants!