A missing tooth does a lot more than impact your smile – it affects how you chew, speak and the strength of your jawbone. Over time, it could also cause neighbouring teeth to shift out of place, creating alignment issues. A single dental implant is a long-term solution to preserve oral health by stabilizing the jawbone, maintaining the natural position of adjacent teeth and bringing back your complete smile.

What is a Single Dental Implant?

A single dental implant is a long-lasting solution designed to replace one missing tooth, in a way that looks and feels close to your natural tooth.

This procedure is generally done under local anaesthesia or sedation. It consists of a small titanium post that is gently placed into the jawbone, to serve as a replacement for the natural tooth root. Once the implant integrates with the bone over a period of 3-6 months, a custom-made crown made in likeness to your natural teeth is placed over the implant. In some cases where there is inadequate bone, we might need to perform a bone grafting prior to implant placement.

At our practice, we are also able to provide immediate, same-day single dental implants right in our Moama clinic. After implant surgery, we are able to provide a temporary crown. However, it is important to note that this also requires prior planning and a CT scan – to be able to plan your implant treatment.

Having said this, we recommend traditional implants for those who have a medical condition such as diabetes, or are recovering from cancer.

The Single Dental Implant Approach at Moama Dental

Be it a small or a complex procedure, we believe in giving each of our clients a seven-star dental experience. We guide you through every step of your implant treatment. Here’s an outline of what you can expect, should you choose to receive a single dental implant at our Moama clinic:

  1. Consultation: This consists of a detailed assessment of your dental health, and is often accompanied by 3D imaging to allow us to evaluate your bone structure and oral health.
  2. Treatment Planning: After evaluating your health and understanding your goals, we design a custom plan, and share what you can expect at every stage. This might also entail pre-implant procedures such as bone grafting, if required.
  3. Implant Placement: Our experienced dentists will be placing the implant into your jawbone at this point. As it is an invasive procedure, you can choose to have it done under local or general anaesthesia.
  4. Healing & Osseointegration: Over the next few months, your bone securely fuses to the implant in a natural process known as osseointegration.
  5. Abutment & Crown Placement: Once healed, a connecting piece (abutment) and a lifelike crown are attached, completing your new tooth.
  6. Ongoing Care: We provide gentle guidance, follow-ups, and regular check-ups to help maintain long-term results.

Why Choose a Single Dental Implant Over a Bridge?

A single dental implant offers unique benefits that a bridge cannot always match.

  1. Implants preserve the natural structure of your smile, there’s no need to file down healthy neighbouring teeth, as is the case with a dental bridge.
  2. They also help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jaw, something bridges cannot do.
  3. With proper care, implants can often last decades, offering comfort, function and a natural feel as compared to removable options.

Even though the process involves surgery and requires time for healing, the results are much quite long-lasting.

Are You a Candidate for a single dental implant?

You may be a good candidate for a single dental implant if you:

  • Are in good overall health, with healthy gums.
  • Do not smoke—or are actively working to quit.
  • Have enough bone to support an implant (or are suitable for a bone graft).
  • Commit to excellent oral hygiene and regular check-ups.

Ready to restore your smile’s balance and confidence?

Book your single dental implant consultation at our Moama practice today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to replace a single tooth with an implant?

The full process, including healing, often takes several months but provides a lasting, secure replacement solution.

Is a bone graft always necessary?

Not always—bone grafting is only recommended when there isn’t enough bone to safely support an implant.

Will the implant look like my natural teeth?

Yes. The crown is custom-made to blend seamlessly with your smile in both shape and shade.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients report only mild discomfort, managed with local anaesthesia and aftercare support from our dental team.

Areas we serve