SINGLE-TOOTH DENTAL IMPLANT · BETHESDA, MD

One missing tooth. One replacement that stands on its own.

A single-tooth implant replaces the missing tooth from the root up, supporting a custom crown without relying on the healthy teeth beside the space.

Fixed in place. Designed for one specific gap.

PLANNING FOR ONE MISSING TOOTH

Six things that matter when you’re replacing just one tooth.

The gap may look simple, but the right replacement depends on the tooth that’s missing, the teeth around it, the gum and bone at the site, and your overall treatment needs.

Where the tooth is missing

A front tooth brings different cosmetic demands than a back tooth that handles heavier chewing forces.

The teeth beside the gap

Healthy neighboring teeth matter when comparing an independent implant with a traditional bridge that uses adjacent teeth for support.

The bone beneath the space

An implant needs enough healthy jawbone for support, so the bone at the missing-tooth site is an important part of planning.

Your gum health

Healthy tissues around the implant site help create a stable environment for treatment and long-term maintenance.

Your overall health

Your medical history, healing capacity and factors such as smoking can influence implant planning and how predictably the site heals.

Fixed or removable?

A single missing tooth can be replaced in different ways, including a fixed implant, a tooth-supported bridge or, in selected situations, a removable partial denture.

One gap doesn’t mean there’s only one way to replace it.

One missing tooth can often be replaced with one implant + one abutment + one crown — without preparing the healthy teeth beside it.

ROOT BELOW. CROWN ABOVE.

A single implant replaces more than the part of the tooth you can see.

A single-tooth implant restoration typically has three components: the implant, which is placed in the jaw where the missing root used to be; an abutment, which connects the restoration; and the crown, which is the visible replacement tooth.

That distinction is what makes an implant different from a conventional bridge. Instead of suspending the replacement tooth between restorations supported by neighboring teeth, the implant has its own foundation in the jaw.

Because the implant occupies the missing-root site and transfers functional forces into the jaw, implant treatment can also help maintain bone in that area compared with leaving the root space unsupported.

THREE WAYS TO FILL ONE GAP

Implant, bridge or removable partial? The difference is what supports the new tooth.

There isn’t one replacement choice for every patient. We compare the condition of the space, surrounding teeth, bone, health factors and your priorities before recommending an approach.

Single-Tooth Implant

One implant is placed in the missing-tooth site and ultimately supports its own custom crown, creating a fixed replacement without using adjacent teeth as anchors.

Fixed Dental Bridge

A conventional bridge replaces the gap with a false tooth connected to restorations on the neighboring teeth, creating a fixed solution without implant surgery.

Removable Partial Denture

A removable partial uses an appliance that comes in and out of the mouth to carry the replacement tooth rather than permanently fixing it to an implant or bridge.

YOUR SINGLE-TOOTH IMPLANT · STEP BY STEP

Plan the space. Replace the root. Finish with the tooth.

We examine the gap, neighboring teeth and gums and review dental imaging to determine whether there is adequate bone and whether an implant is the right approach for you.

The implant is positioned in the jawbone and given time to heal so the bone can integrate around it and create a stable foundation. Healing time varies by patient and site.

When the implant is ready to be restored, the abutment and custom crown complete the replacement so the new tooth can function as part of your bite and smile.

What patients say

200 reasons to choose us.

We don't ask you to trust us. We let our patients do the talking.

One tooth is a long-term decision. You don’t have to pay for it all at once.

We accept most PPO insurance plans and can help you understand any benefits that may apply to your treatment. Cherry, Sunbit, Proceed and Care Credit financing is also available for eligible implant care with no hard credit check · approval in seconds · and plans from 3 to 24 months.

One gap. Let’s find the right way to make your smile whole again.

Whether the tooth is already missing or you’ve been told one may need to come out, we’ll compare your replacement options and determine whether a single-tooth implant makes sense for you.