Replacing a single missing tooth with a dental implant — what to expect

Losing a single tooth — whether through trauma, decay, or extraction — is more significant than it might initially seem. Left untreated, the gap can affect how you chew, cause neighbouring teeth to drift, accelerate bone loss in the jaw, and affect the long-term stability of adjacent teeth. A single dental implant addresses all of these issues.

Why not just leave the gap?

The teeth on either side of a gap will gradually tilt into the space over time. The tooth above or below the gap may also drift. This changes the bite, creates new areas that are difficult to clean, and increases the risk of decay and gum problems in the surrounding teeth. The jawbone beneath the gap also begins to resorb without a root to stimulate it.

The advantage of a single implant over a bridge

A single-tooth implant replaces the missing tooth completely without affecting the adjacent teeth. A bridge, by contrast, requires the teeth on either side to be permanently reduced and crowned to support the artificial tooth. If those adjacent teeth are healthy, this represents a significant sacrifice of healthy tooth structure. An implant avoids this entirely.

What does a single implant involve?

A single implant treatment involves a consultation and 3D scan, surgical placement of the titanium implant, a healing period of usually three to six months for osseointegration, and finally the placement of an abutment and custom crown. The crown is colour-matched to your natural teeth and sits flush with the gumline for a completely natural appearance.

How soon after extraction can I have an implant?

In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after extraction — this is called immediate implant placement. In other cases, it is preferable to allow the socket to heal for a period first. The timing depends on the condition of the bone and gum at the extraction site. Your dentist will advise the most appropriate approach for your situation at the consultation.