For many patients, is a source of shame and embarrassment. If you're someone dealing with one or two gaps in your smile, our Grandville, MI, dentist wants you to know that it doesn't have to be this way. One such method for ensuring a stunning smile transformation is to use dental implants. We can easily refer you to a trusted oral surgeon for the actual placement and invite you back after you've fully healed to complete the restoration.
Here's what makes single-tooth implants an attractive choice and how they compare to more traditional options like dental bridges.
What Is a Single-Tooth Dental Implant?
A single-tooth dental implant is made up of three parts: a small titanium post that acts as the root, an abutment (connector piece), and a dental crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Once placed, it becomes a permanent part of your smile and doesn't rely on other teeth for support.
Unlike dental bridges, which require altering adjacent teeth for a better fit, a stands on its own. This protects your surrounding teeth and gives you better long-term stability. Additionally, the dental implant procedure helps preserve jawbone health. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area starts to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Since an implant replicates the root of the tooth, it stimulates the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the structural integrity of the face.
The Issue With Not Addressing Tooth Loss
Many people delay replacing a single missing tooth because it seems minor. But even one gap can throw off your entire bite. Teeth naturally shift into empty spaces, causing crowding, misalignment, and uneven pressure when you chew. Over time, this leads to jaw discomfort and uneven wear.
Worse, the bone beneath the missing tooth starts to shrink. Without stimulation from a tooth root, your body gradually absorbs that bone—a process called resorption. This can change your facial shape and make future implant placement more difficult. The longer you wait, the more complicated and costly tooth replacement becomes. Early dental implant placement helps avoid these issues.
Advantages of Single-Tooth Implants
A well-placed single-tooth implant restores both function and aesthetics. Here's what patients gain:
- Stability – Unlike removable options, implants stay firmly in place.
- Longevity – With proper care, a tooth implant can last decades—often a lifetime.
- Natural feel – Once healed, you'll forget you even have an implant.
- Preserved bone – The titanium post acts like a root, helping maintain bone density.
- No damage to nearby teeth – Unlike bridges, there's no need to alter healthy teeth.
A Glimpse at the Dental Implant Process
It all starts with a consultation and imaging where Dr. Klein is able to assess, based on bone quality and density, whether you're a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, he'll then refer you to a local oral surgeon where the implant(s) can be placed. If tooth extraction is needed first, we will either arrange for this to occur during the same placement appointment or schedule it separately, depending on your case.
itself involves placing the titanium post into the jawbone. Over a few months, it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once secure, a dental crown is placed on top, completing your tooth replacement. Throughout the dental implant process, our team will work closely with a specialist to ensure the result looks natural and functions like your original tooth.
