Missing One Tooth? There Is a Better Solution Than a Bridge.
Losing a single tooth - whether from decay, injury, or extraction - might seem like a small problem. But a gap in your smile affects more than appearance. It changes how you bite, how neighboring teeth align, and over time, it causes the jawbone beneath the gap to shrink.
At Academy Dental in East Orange, NJ, Dr. Yeojin Park, DMD replaces single missing teeth with dental implants that look, feel, and function exactly like the real thing. One implant. One crown. A result you will forget is not your original tooth.
We serve patients from East Orange, Newark, Irvington, Bloomfield, Maplewood, South Orange, and Elizabeth. We accept NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) and most major insurance, and offer flexible financing options. Call us at (973) 968-6700 or visit our East Orange office at 134 Evergreen Place, Suite 101.
What Is a Single-Tooth Dental Implant?
A single-tooth dental implant is a two-part restoration:
The Implant Post - A small titanium screw that is placed directly into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, replacing the natural tooth root. Over 3 to 6 months, the post fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable, permanent anchor.
The Crown - A custom-fabricated porcelain crown is attached to the implant post once healing is complete. The crown is matched to the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth - making it virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
The implant and crown together replace the entire tooth - root and all - without touching or altering the neighboring teeth in any way.
Single-Tooth Implant vs. Dental Bridge - What Is the Difference?
Both options replace a missing tooth. But they are very different in how they work and what they do to your long-term oral health.
Dental Bridge
- Requires grinding down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors - permanently altering teeth that were otherwise perfectly healthy
- Does not replace the tooth root - bone loss beneath the gap continues over time
- Lifespan of 10 to 15 years before replacement is typically needed
- Harder to clean - flossing requires a threader under the bridge
Single-Tooth Implant
- Stands entirely on its own - neighboring teeth are never touched
- Replaces the tooth root, stimulating the bone and preventing loss
- Designed to last 25+ years with proper care
- Cleaned just like a natural tooth - brush and floss normally
For most patients who are good candidates, a single-tooth implant is the superior long-term investment - both for oral health and for avoiding future dental work on neighboring teeth.
The Single-Tooth Implant Process at Academy Dental East Orange
Step 1 - Consultation & CBCT 3D Imaging: Dr. Park evaluates the gap site using CBCT 3D imaging, which shows the exact bone dimensions, nerve position, and available space for the implant. You will receive a clear treatment plan and timeline at your first visit.
Step 2 - Implant Placement: The titanium post is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia. The procedure typically takes under an hour. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable it is.
Step 3 - Healing / Osseointegration: Over the next 3 to 6 months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. During this period you can function normally - a temporary crown may be placed to fill the gap aesthetically while you heal.
Step 4 - Crown Placement: Once the implant has fully integrated, your custom porcelain crown is attached. Dr. Park matches it precisely to your surrounding teeth. Most patients leave this appointment amazed at how natural the result looks.
Can I Get an Implant If I Have Bone Loss?
This is one of the most common questions we hear - and the answer is: possibly yes, even if you have been told otherwise.
Bone loss at the site of a missing tooth is extremely common, especially when the tooth has been absent for a year or more. The longer a gap goes untreated, the more the underlying bone resorbs.
However, bone loss does not automatically disqualify you. There are two paths:
- Minor bone loss - Dr. Park may be able to place the implant with a simultaneous minor bone graft, rebuilding the foundation at the same time as placement.
- More significant bone loss - A bone grafting procedure is completed first, the area is allowed to heal, and then the implant is placed once adequate bone volume is restored.
The only way to know which applies to you is a proper evaluation. Dr. Park uses CBCT 3D imaging to measure your bone volume with precision and give you an honest, specific answer - not a generic one. Do not assume you are not a candidate. Come in and find out.
What Happens If You Leave a Missing Tooth Untreated?
It might seem harmless to leave a gap, especially if it is not visible. But over time:
- The jawbone beneath the gap begins to shrink - changing the shape of your face gradually
- Adjacent teeth tilt toward the gap, shifting your bite alignment
- The tooth above the gap may begin to over-erupt, growing downward into the space
- Misalignment increases wear on remaining teeth and can lead to jaw pain
- The longer you wait, the more bone loss occurs - making future implant placement more complex
Replacing the tooth sooner almost always means a simpler, more straightforward treatment than waiting.
Insurance, Medicaid & Financing in East Orange
Academy Dental East Orange accepts:
- NJ FamilyCare / Medicaid
- Delta Dental
- Aetna
- Cigna
- MetLife
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Guardian
- United Healthcare
Financing is available through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins and walks you through your full coverage picture.
Single-Tooth Implant FAQs
Q1: Is a single implant better than a bridge? For most patients who qualify, yes. An implant does not require altering neighboring teeth, it prevents bone loss, and it lasts significantly longer than a bridge. A bridge may be recommended in specific situations - Dr. Park will give you an honest comparison based on your individual case, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Q2: How long does a single-tooth implant last? The implant post itself is designed to be permanent - lasting decades with proper care. The porcelain crown on top may eventually show normal wear after 15 to 25 years, similar to any dental crown. With regular checkups at Academy Dental and good home care, most patients enjoy their implant for the rest of their lives.
Q3: Can I get an implant if I have bone loss? Many patients with bone loss are still candidates - either with a simultaneous minor graft or a preparatory grafting procedure before placement. Dr. Park uses CBCT 3D imaging to assess your specific bone volume and give you a clear, accurate answer during your consultation. Do not rule yourself out before being evaluated.
Q4: How long is recovery after implant placement? Most patients return to work and normal activities within 1 to 2 days after single-tooth implant placement. Some mild soreness and swelling for a few days is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The healing period for osseointegration takes 3 to 6 months, but this is passive healing - you are living normally during this time.
Q5: Does Academy Dental accept Medicaid for single-tooth implants? Yes. We accept NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) and most major dental insurance plans. Financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry is also available. Our team will walk you through exactly what your plan covers before any treatment begins. Call us at (973) 968-6700 or view our affordable plan options here.
Book Your Single-Tooth Implant Consultation Today
134 Evergreen Place, Suite 101, East Orange, NJ 07018
(973) 968-6700
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Sun: Closed
24/7 Online Booking at academydentalnj.com
Accepting NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) & all major insurance
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