Oct 15, 2025
Single Dental Implant in Smyrna, GA
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
When you're missing just one tooth, it can create a dilemma. You know you want to fill the gap, but what is the best way to do it? Many patients come to Smyrna Dental Studio wondering if a procedure as advanced as a dental implant is an option for a single missing tooth, or if it's only for more extensive cases.
I'm happy to provide a clear and enthusiastic answer: yes, you can absolutely get just one dental implant! In fact, it is the healthiest, most conservative, and most permanent solution available for replacing a single missing tooth. This guide will explain why a single implant is the preferred choice and how it can even be part of a same-day smile makeover.
Yes, and It's the Gold Standard: Why One Implant is Better Than a Bridge
For decades, the only fixed option for a single missing tooth was a traditional dental bridge. However, a bridge has one major drawback: it requires the dentist to permanently grind down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to act as anchors.
A single dental implant, on the other hand, is a revolutionary and far more conservative approach.
It is a Standalone Solution: An implant is placed directly into the space without affecting your healthy neighboring teeth at all. We don't have to alter or damage perfect teeth to replace the one that is missing.
It Preserves Your Jawbone: The implant post acts like a natural tooth root, providing the stimulation your jawbone needs to stay strong and healthy. A bridge sits on top of the gums, allowing the bone underneath to deteriorate over time.
It is a Permanent Solution: A dental implant is designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. A dental bridge, on the other hand, typically needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Can My Single Implant Be Done in One Day?
This is one of the most exciting advancements in implant dentistry. In many emergency or planned situations, you may be a candidate for a same-day dental implant (also known as an immediate implant).
The process involves:
Gently extracting the failing tooth (if present).
Placing the titanium implant post into the socket immediately.
Attaching a custom-made, beautiful temporary crown to the implant.
You can walk out of our Smyrna office with a complete smile in a single visit. This is an incredible option for a visible front tooth. Candidacy depends on having sufficient healthy bone at the site, which can be determined with a 3D scan.
How a Single Implant Can Be Part of a Full Smile Makeover
A smile makeover is a custom plan to achieve your ideal smile. Replacing a missing tooth is often a foundational part of that plan. A single implant can be:
The First Step: Creating a whole, healthy foundation before we address cosmetic issues on other teeth with veneers or whitening.
A Combined Procedure: Sometimes, we can plan the implant placement as part of a larger treatment, ensuring the final crown will be a perfect aesthetic match for the other cosmetic enhancements we are making. Even a single tooth replacement can be a dramatic, same-day smile makeover for the right person.
FAQs: Your Single Dental Implant Questions
Q1: I'm only missing a back molar. Do I really need to replace it? Yes, absolutely. While it may not be visible, that gap can cause significant problems. The neighboring teeth will start to tilt and drift into the space, throwing your entire bite out of alignment. This can lead to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and an increased risk of decay on the tilted teeth.
Q2: Is a single dental implant more expensive than a traditional bridge? The initial investment for a dental implant is typically higher than for a three-unit bridge. However, the implant is often the most cost-effective solution over the course of your lifetime. A bridge may need to be replaced two or three times over the course of your life, with the cost adding up each time. An implant is a one-time investment in a permanent solution.
Q3: Does the procedure for one implant hurt? No. The procedure is performed with adequate local anesthesia so that you will be completely numb. Most patients report that recovery from a single implant is very manageable, with mild soreness that is often less severe than what they experienced with the original tooth extraction.
Q4: What's the first step to find out if I'm a candidate for a single implant? The first step is to schedule a dental implant consultation at our Smyrna office. We will perform a comprehensive exam and take a 3D CBCT scan to get a detailed view of your jawbone. This enables us to confirm your candidacy and develop a precise, safe surgical plan tailored to your needs.
The Best Investment for a Single Missing Tooth
When it comes to replacing a single missing tooth, a dental implant is the undisputed modern champion. It is the only solution that preserves your healthy teeth, protects your jawbone, and provides a permanent, natural-feeling result.
You don't have to settle for an incomplete smile or a solution that damages healthy teeth. The perfect, permanent replacement for your missing tooth is within reach.
If you are in the Smyrna area and ready to explore the best solution for your missing tooth, contact Smyrna Dental Studio today to schedule your comprehensive dental implant consultation.
