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Restorative care

Single tooth implants in Herriman

Lost one tooth? A single implant fills that one gap with a tooth that stands on its own, so the healthy teeth beside it stay untouched.

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What is a single tooth implant?

It is one implant post placed in the jaw with one crown on top. The post acts like a new root, and the crown is made to match the teeth around it. Nothing is attached to your other teeth.

  • Fills one gap, front or back
  • Crown is shaded to blend with your smile
  • Brushed and flossed much like a natural tooth

When a single implant makes sense

A single implant is often a good fit when:

  • You lost one tooth to decay, a crack or an injury
  • A tooth needs to come out and you want to plan its replacement
  • A baby tooth never had an adult tooth to replace it
  • The teeth on each side of the gap are healthy and you would rather not file them for a bridge

You need healthy gums and enough bone in that one spot. Bone can shrink in the months after a tooth is lost. If that has happened, a small bone graft may come first. If you are missing more than one tooth, our dental implants overview covers bridges and full-arch choices.

From gap to finished tooth

  1. Planning. Your dentist checks the space, the bite and the bone with x-rays or a scan. Your dentist will plan your implant with you and explain each visit.
  2. Removing the tooth, if needed. If the tooth is still there, it is taken out first. Sometimes the implant can go in the same day. Other times the socket needs to heal.
  3. Post placement. The area is numbed and the post is placed in the bone. This often takes about an hour.
  4. Healing. Over the next few months the bone locks onto the post. For a front tooth, you can usually wear a temporary tooth so there is no visible gap.
  5. Your crown. An abutment is attached, and a crown made to match your shade is fixed in place.

Single implant or bridge?

A bridge can be done in a few weeks, but the teeth on each side are shaped to hold it. A single implant takes longer and needs a minor surgery, but it leaves your other teeth alone.

Living with your implant

For a few days after the post is placed, chew on the other side and eat soft foods. Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinses as directed. Once your crown is on, brush and floss around it every day. Floss threaders or small brushes help clean where the crown meets the gum. Keep your regular cleanings so the gum around the implant stays healthy.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about single tooth implants

Will people be able to tell which tooth is the implant?
Most people will not. The crown is matched in shape and shade to your nearby teeth. For a front tooth, your dentist pays extra care to how the gum frames the crown.
How long does a single implant last?
The post can last many years and often for life with good care. The crown on top wears with use and may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years.
Can I get an implant years after losing a tooth?
Often, yes. The bone may have shrunk, so a graft may be needed first. Your dentist can tell after looking at an x-ray or scan.
Do I need to replace a back tooth I cannot see?
A gap in the back can let teeth tip and drift, which may change your bite and make chewing harder. Your dentist can show you what is happening and go over your options.

Related care

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Dental Crowns

A custom cap that covers a weak or broken tooth so you can bite and chew normally.

About dental crowns

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

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