Single tooth implant procedure: What to expect
Considering single tooth implants? In this guide, learn how they work, timeline, how they compare with other options, and how ClearChoice can simplify the process for you.
Step-by-step overview of the single tooth implant procedure
Getting a dental implant for one tooth involves several stages, spaced out to allow your mouth time to heal. Here's how the process typically unfolds at a ClearChoice Dental Implant Center:
Consultation and personalized treatment planning
Tooth extraction (if needed)
Dental implant surgery
Abutment and crown placement
Temporary tooth during healing
Final smile placement
Confidence, rebuilt
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What is a single tooth implant and who needs one?
A single tooth dental implant is a long-term replacement for a missing tooth. Combining a titanium implant and a custom-made crown, a single implant is designed to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Plus, unlike a traditional dental bridge, it doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, so it can be better for function over time.
When is a single implant the right choice?
If you’re missing just one tooth (or have a tooth that needs replacing), and your surrounding teeth and bone are healthy, a single implant may be right for you. Your ClearChoice doctor will assess whether your bone quality and overall oral health make you eligible.
Why not a dental bridge or partial denture?
While traditional options like dental bridges and partial dentures can replace missing teeth, they generally come with trade-offs.
For example, a bridge typically relies on filing down and crowning adjacent teeth for support.
Partial dentures, meanwhile, are designed to be removable and attach to the neighboring teeth with wire clasps. They often do not offer the same sense of stability or comfort.
In contrast, a dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone, helping to preserve bone and support natural function with chewing and speaking.
How long does it all take?
Every treatment plan is unique, but many patients complete the implant process in 4 to 6 months, depending on factors like extractions or bone grafting and how your new implant fuses with the jawbone.
Day 1: Initial consultation, 3D imaging, and personalized treatment planning.
First procedure: Implant placement (or extractions if needed).
Healing period: 2 to 6 months for osseointegration, the process where your implants fuse with the jawbone.
Prosthetic placement: Placement of abutments and fitting of your custom crown.
Your ClearChoice doctor will review and guide you through your exact timeline.
What happens after your final crown is placed?
Once your custom crown is secured to the implant, you can return to chewing, smiling, and speaking with greater confidence. The crown is designed to blend naturally with your other teeth.
Your ClearChoice team may schedule a follow-up visit to make sure the implant site is healthy and your bite feels comfortable. You’ll otherwise continue with your regular at-home oral hygiene and routine checkups, just like you would for natural teeth.
How painful is the procedure and what’s the recovery like?
Many people are surprised to learn that getting a single dental implant is often less uncomfortable than they expected. While every patient’s experience is different, ClearChoice doctors are highly trained in helping you stay relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Patients often find that any post-procedure discomfort, such as swelling or tenderness, can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically improves within a few days.
What to expect the day after surgery
It’s normal to experience swelling, tenderness, or mild bruising for a few days. You may be advised to:
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Eat soft, cool foods to avoid irritation
• Rinse gently with saltwater or an antibacterial mouthwash
• Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours
Managing pain and swelling
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relief. Swelling typically peaks within 48–72 hours and subsides after that. Carefully following your post-op instructions can make a big difference in how efficiently and comfortably you heal.
Healing timeline by phase
• Day 1–3: Swelling, mild discomfort, limited activity
• Week 1–2: Soft tissue healing; stitches may dissolve or be removed
• Months 1-6: Implant begins to integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration)
During this period, it's important to attend follow-up visits and to continue to follow all at-home care instructions.
Single tooth dental bridge vs implant supported restoration
A single tooth implant is not always right for everyone. Other solutions such as a traditional dental bridge may be appropriate if:
You’re not eligible for an implant due to health or bone quality
You prefer a faster treatment timeline
Budget is your primary concern
Adjacent teeth already need crowns
ClearChoice doctors can walk you through the pros and cons of each option based on your needs.
What affects the cost of one implant?
The cost of a dental implant for one tooth can vary depending on your specific treatment needs. Factors which can impact how much a single tooth implant costs, include:
Need for pre-treatment procedures (like extraction or bone grafting)
Anterior versus posterior tooth implant
Type of implant restoration materials used
Your overall oral health and healing timeline
Your ClearChoice doctor will outline your personalized treatment plan and discuss all relevant factors during your consultation.
Does ClearChoice accept insurance?
Does ClearChoice accept insurance?
ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers do not accept insurance payments. To help make the cost of treatment more manageable, We work with providers for third-party financing options. Plus, ClearChoice offers all-inclusive pricing, meaning you’ll know the full cost of your treatment upfront, with no hidden fees.
The value of single tooth replacement
With proper care, a single implant is designed to last for many years and doesn’t rely on other teeth for support like a dental bridge or partial denture. For many patients, the stability, natural appearance, and bone-preserving benefits make implants a worthwhile long-term investment in their oral health.
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Single tooth implant procedure FAQs
Will I need a bone graft for a single tooth implant?
It depends on your bone quality and how long the tooth has been missing. A bone graft may be recommended to strengthen the area and support a stable implant. Your doctor will review your scans and let you know what’s appropriate for your case.
Can I get a dental implant if I’ve been missing the tooth for a long time?
If you’ve been without a tooth for a while, there may be some bone loss in that area. Your ClearChoice doctor can evaluate whether a bone graft can help make you a candidate.
What is the implant made of?
The implant post itself is typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates with your bone. The crown, which is the visible part of your new tooth, is custom-made to match your surrounding teeth in shape and color.
How long before I can chew normally again?
You’ll be advised to stick to soft foods for the first few days after surgery. Once healing is underway and your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can gradually return to your normal diet. After your final crown is placed, most patients find chewing feels natural again.
How do I take care of a single tooth implant?
You’ll care for your implant just like a natural tooth, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Your doctor may recommend specific tools or techniques to help keep the area clean as it heals.
Can a single implant fail?
Is a single tooth implant worth the cost if the gap doesn’t show?
Even if the missing tooth isn’t visible when you smile, it can affect chewing, speech, and the alignment of nearby teeth. Many patients choose implants not just for cosmetic reasons but to support long-term oral health.