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Single-tooth implant

A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with one implant and one crown. Neighboring teeth are not used for support.

What it replaces

A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with one implant, one abutment and one crown.1 The AAP states that a single implant replaces a tooth without using the neighboring teeth for support.2 A conventional bridge, by comparison, requires the teeth on each side to be ground down to hold it.2

Steps

The AAP describes the usual sequence.2

  1. The implant is placed in the jawbone.
  2. Over 2 to 6 months, the implant bonds with the bone.
  3. A second step often uncovers the implant and attaches an extension piece.
  4. A crown is made and attached to the abutment.

The ADA states that the crown is customized for size, shape, color and fit to match the other teeth.3 Some patients receive a tooth on the day of surgery; see the topic on immediate loading.

Long-term results

A systematic review prepared for the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO) consensus in 2012 pooled 46 studies of implant single crowns.4

MeasureResult
Implant survival at 5 years97.2 percent
Implant survival at 10 years95.2 percent
Crown survival at 5 years96.3 percent
Crown survival at 10 years89.4 percent

Maintenance items

The same review reported the most common technical and biological events at 5 years.4

Event at 5 yearsRate
Screw loosening8.8 percent
Soft-tissue complications7.1 percent
Aesthetic complications7.1 percent
Bone loss over 2 mm5.2 percent
Loss of crown retention4.1 percent
Porcelain fracture3.5 percent

Cost compared with a bridge

The ACP states that the cost of replacing a single tooth with an implant is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge.5 The ACP adds that cost varies by patient needs, bone quantity and region.5

General information about dental implants. Treatment decisions are made with a licensed dentist.

Sources

  1. AAOMS (MyOMS.org): How Do Dental Implants Work?. myoms.org
  2. American Academy of Periodontology: Single Tooth Dental Implants. perio.org
  3. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Implants. mouthhealthy.org
  4. Jung RE et al. Survival and complications of single crowns on implants, mean follow-up 5 years: systematic review. Clin Oral Implants Res 2012. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. American College of Prosthodontists (GoToAPro): Dental Implants FAQ. gotoapro.org

Evidence

Sourced facts

Each line links to the study or the specialty body it comes from.

  1. The AAP states that a single implant replaces a tooth without using the neighboring teeth for support, whereas a bridge requires grinding down the adjacent teeth.

    American Academy of Periodontology: Single Tooth Dental Implants · checked October 2, 2026

  2. The AAP describes the implant bonding with the bone over 2 to 6 months before the crown is attached to an abutment.

    American Academy of Periodontology: Single Tooth Dental Implants · checked October 2, 2026

  3. A systematic review (EAO 2012) found 97.2 percent survival of implants supporting single crowns at 5 years and 95.2 percent at 10 years.

    Jung RE et al. Survival and complications of single crowns on implants, mean follow-up 5 years: systematic review (EAO). Clin Oral Implants Res 2012 · checked October 2, 2026

  4. The same review found 8.8 percent screw loosening and 7.1 percent soft-tissue complications at 5 years.

    Jung RE et al. Survival and complications of single crowns on implants, mean follow-up 5 years: systematic review (EAO). Clin Oral Implants Res 2012 · checked October 2, 2026

  5. The ACP states that the cost of replacing a single tooth with an implant is almost the same as replacing it with a fixed bridge.

    American College of Prosthodontists (GoToAPro): Dental Implants FAQ · checked October 2, 2026

  6. The ADA states that the single-tooth crown is customized for size, shape, color and fit.

    American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Implants · checked October 2, 2026

  7. AAOMS describes a single implant restoration as an implant, an abutment and a crown.

    AAOMS (MyOMS.org): How Do Dental Implants Work? · checked October 2, 2026

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Dr. Michael Pawlus
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Dr. Michael Pawlus

Periodontist · Sarasota

ICOI Fellow, ICOI Diplomate · AAP member

Doctor page(941) 923-2288
Featured doctorDr. Michael Pawlus · Sarasota