Losing a single tooth affects more than your smile. The gap it leaves behind can cause surrounding teeth to shift, alter your bite, and lead to bone loss in the jaw over time. A single tooth dental implant is the only replacement option that addresses all three of those issues. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone where it fuses with the surrounding bone, and a custom crown is attached on top to restore both the appearance and function of the missing tooth.
At Exquisite Dental Implant Center, every single tooth implant is placed by Dr. Nathaniel Williams, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has dedicated his entire practice to implant dentistry. While single implants may seem straightforward compared to full arch cases, precise placement still matters. The angle, depth, and position of the implant directly affect how the final crown looks, feels, and holds up over time.
A single tooth implant has three components: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone during a procedure that Dr. Williams plans digitally using 3D imaging. In some cases, if the tooth has not yet been removed, the extraction and implant placement can be performed in the same visit. Once the post is in place, it needs time to integrate with the bone, a process that typically takes three to six months.
After the implant has fully integrated, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the post, and a custom-made crown is placed on top. The crown is designed to match the size, shape, and shade of your surrounding teeth so the result blends in seamlessly. Unlike a traditional bridge, which requires grinding down the teeth on either side of the gap, a single implant stands on its own and leaves your neighboring teeth completely untouched.
Dr. Williams begins with a 3D scan of your jaw to evaluate the bone at the implant site, the position of surrounding teeth, and the overall structure of your bite. From there, he maps the exact angle and depth of the implant digitally so placement is planned before you ever sit in the surgical chair. You will leave your consultation with a clear treatment plan, a timeline, and a complete cost breakdown.
On the day of your procedure, Dr. Williams places the titanium post into the jawbone using local anesthesia. If the missing tooth has not yet been removed, the extraction and implant placement can often be performed in the same appointment. The procedure itself is typically completed in under an hour, and most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience afterward.
After three to six months of healing, the implant will have fully fused with the bone. At that point, a custom crown is fabricated to match the exact size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth and attached to the implant through an abutment connector. Once seated, the crown looks and functions just like the tooth it replaced, and no one will be able to tell the difference.
The implant post itself is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The crown attached to it typically lasts 10 to 15 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear. Compared to a traditional bridge that often needs to be redone every 5 to 10 years, a single implant is a significantly more durable long-term investment.
In most cases, yes. A bridge requires the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to be permanently filed down to serve as anchors. A single implant stands on its own, preserves your neighboring teeth, and stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss. It also tends to last considerably longer than a traditional bridge.
Often, yes. This is called immediate implant placement, and it can reduce both your overall treatment timeline and the number of surgical appointments. Dr. Williams evaluates each case using 3D imaging during your consultation to determine whether the bone and surrounding tissue can support same-day placement.
We work with CareCredit, Cherry, Alpheon, and Sunbit, and accept HSAs and FSAs, so there’s a payment option for every budget.
We accept referrals throughout the Atlanta area. Referring a patient is simple, call our office or use our referral form to get started.
