Single Tooth Implants in North York

About single tooth implants

A single tooth implant is a stand-alone replacement. One implant post goes into the jawbone where the root used to be, and a crown is made to match the shape and shade of your nearby teeth. Because it is supported by bone, the teeth next to it stay untouched.

Front and back teeth bring different challenges. In the front of the mouth, the main focus is how the gum line and crown look next to your natural teeth, especially if you show your gums when you smile. In the back, the implant must handle strong chewing forces, and the space under the sinus or near the jaw nerve has to be measured carefully. Your dentist uses X-rays, and sometimes 3D imaging from a nearby imaging centre, to plan the angle and depth.

If the tooth is still in place but failing, the plan may start with a gentle extraction. Sometimes the implant can go in at the same visit. More often, bone graft material is placed in the socket and the area heals for a few months first. During healing you are not left with an open gap in your smile; your dentist can make a temporary tooth if needed.

Signs a single implant may suit you

• You have one gap where a tooth was lost to decay, injury or infection
• A single tooth is cracked below the gum or cannot be restored
• The teeth beside the gap are healthy and you would rather not crown them
• You were born without one adult tooth, such as a side incisor
• An old bridge over one missing tooth has failed

Benefits

• Leaves neighbouring teeth untouched
• Cleans much like a natural tooth with brushing and flossing
• Crown is shaded to blend with your own teeth
• Helps keep bone in the gap from shrinking

What to expect

1. Assess the gapYour dentist checks the bone, gums and spacing, and looks at how the opposing tooth meets the area.
2. Prepare the siteIf needed, the old tooth is removed and the socket is grafted to help keep its shape.
3. Place the implantThe implant post is placed under local anaesthetic, and a temporary tooth may be provided.
4. Let it integrateOver a few months the bone bonds to the implant while you return to normal life.
5. Fit the crownA custom crown is attached, then your bite is checked and fine-tuned.

Aftercare

• Chew on the other side for the first week or two and avoid very hard foods at the implant site.
• Use a soft brush near the area and follow any rinse instructions your dentist gives you.
• After your crown is placed, floss or use an interdental brush around it daily, just like your other teeth.

Other options

A fixed bridge can fill a single gap by using crowns on the teeth beside it, which may suit you if those teeth already need crowns. A small removable partial denture is another option, especially while you decide on longer-term care. Your dentist will go over the pros and cons of each.

Cost and coverage

The fee for a single tooth implant depends on the implant parts, the type of crown, imaging, and whether an extraction or bone graft is part of the plan. We use the ODA suggested fee guide as a reference and break the estimate into stages. Many plans cover the crown but not the implant, so check your benefits, and if you have CDCP coverage, ask us how it may apply. LendCare payment plans may help spread the cost.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Single Tooth Implants near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.