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Case Study: Single Dental Implant for a Missing Side Tooth

See how one missing tooth was permanently replaced with a custom dental implant designed to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. This case study walks through the consultation, treatment planning, implant placement, healing process, and final restoration — showing how a single implant can restore strength, stability, and confidence without affecting surrounding teeth.

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Patient Profile

  • Age: 45 years old
  • Chief Concern: Missing right premolar tooth causing difficulty chewing and an uneven smile
  • Treatment Goal: Restore natural function and appearance with a permanent, fixed tooth replacement

Clinical Situation

The patient came in with a missing upper right side tooth (premolar) that had been removed several months earlier due to decay and a fracture. She mentioned that the gap made chewing uncomfortable and affected her confidence when smiling. A full dental exam and 3D scan showed there was enough healthy bone in the area to support a single dental implant.

Treatment Plan

After discussing all options — including a traditional bridge and partial denture — the patient chose a single dental implant because it would:

  • Look and feel like a natural tooth
  • Last much longer than other options
  • Leave the neighboring teeth untouched

The treatment plan included:

  1. Placing the implant post in the jawbone
  2. Allowing time for the bone to heal and secure the implant
  3. Attaching a custom crown that matched the natural teeth

Procedure

The implant placement was performed under local anesthesia and took less than an hour. A small titanium post was carefully placed into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth.

The procedure went smoothly with no complications. The patient reported only mild tenderness for a few days afterward, which was easily managed with prescribed medication.

protective healing cap was placed over the implant while the bone and gum tissue naturally healed and adapted around it.

Healing and Final Restoration

Over the next few months, the bone and surrounding tissue became firm and stable around the implant, creating a strong base for the final restoration.

Once healing was complete, a custom-made abutment and porcelain crown were attached. The color, size, and shape were carefully matched to blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth.

A single dental implant can successfully restore a missing side tooth — improving function, comfort, and confidence. For patients who want a permanent, natural-looking solution without affecting nearby teeth, a single implant is often the best choice.

If you have a missing tooth, don’t leave it untreated, over time, the surrounding bone can weaken and shrink, affecting your oral health and facial structure. The best way to prevent these changes is to choose a permanent solution like a dental implant, which restores both the strength and beauty of your smile.

Ready to restore your smile? Schedule a free consultation today with Dr. Hage and get a personalized treatment plan.

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