A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with its own post and crown, so the healthy teeth on either side don't need to be reshaped. Our Los Angeles team plans each implant with 3D imaging.
ONE MISSING TOOTH
When one tooth is lost, the usual choices are a bridge, a removable partial denture or an implant. A traditional bridge typically requires shaping the two neighboring teeth for crowns, while a partial is removed for cleaning and may shift when you chew.
A single-tooth implant stands on its own. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone, given time to bond with the bone, and then topped with a custom crown designed to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth.
STEP BY STEP
Each stage is planned so the finished crown fits your bite and lines up with the teeth around it.
A cone beam CT scan shows the bone, nerves and sinus near the gap, helping determine the implant's size, angle and position.
The titanium post is placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is available if you'd like help relaxing during the visit.
Over the following months, bone typically bonds to the implant surface. Healing time varies by patient and by whether grafting was needed.
The abutment is the small connector between the implant and the crown. It is selected or customized to support healthy gum contours around the tooth.
Using digital impressions, your crown is shaped and shade-matched to the neighboring teeth so it blends in with your smile.
You'll receive home-care instructions and follow-up visits. Daily brushing, flossing and regular cleanings help protect the implant and surrounding gums.
IMPLANT VS BRIDGE
A traditional bridge is a proven option: it attaches a replacement tooth to crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. To fit those crowns, the neighboring teeth are reshaped, even when they are healthy, and they then carry the load of the missing tooth.
A single implant replaces the missing tooth without involving its neighbors. A bridge may be finished sooner and can suit patients who aren't implant candidates, so Dr. Ghadoushi will walk you through both options for your situation.
WHY TRUSTED DENTAL
Our Los Angeles team plans the implant and the crown together, so the finished tooth fits your bite and matches your smile.
Cone beam CT imaging gives a three-dimensional view of the bone, nerves and sinuses around the gap — detail that flat X-rays can't show.
Dr. Tyler Ghadoushi focuses on restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges and implants, and designs the crown that completes your implant.
You receive an estimate before treatment begins. We verify PPO benefits and offer CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry and in-house payment plans for qualifying treatment.
If the bone at the gap has thinned since the tooth was lost, grafting may be recommended to rebuild it before the implant is placed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Common questions about replacing one missing tooth, answered by our Los Angeles team.
It depends on your situation. An implant replaces the tooth without reshaping the neighboring teeth, while a bridge relies on crowns placed on those teeth. A bridge may make sense if the neighbors already need crowns or an implant isn't suitable, and our implant cost and financing page explains how fees compare.
A single implant is supported by the jawbone, so the neighboring teeth are not reshaped or used as anchors. Your dentist plans the implant position with 3D imaging to keep it clear of nearby roots. Keeping those teeth healthy with good home care is still important.
From placement to final crown, treatment typically takes several months because the implant needs time to bond with the bone. If the tooth still needs to be removed or bone grafting is required, the timeline may be longer. Your dentist will give you an estimated schedule at your consultation.
In many cases, a temporary tooth can be provided during healing, especially for teeth that show when you smile. The type of temporary depends on where the tooth is and how you bite. Your dentist will discuss the options before your implant is placed.
Most patients have some tenderness or mild swelling for a few days. Your dentist will give you care instructions, which may include eating softer foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Many people return to normal routines quickly, though recovery varies by patient.
Book a single-tooth implant consultation at our Los Angeles, CA office. We'll take a 3D scan, compare an implant with a bridge for your case, and give you a clear treatment plan.