Provided by a general dentist
Replacing one tooth
A missing tooth can be replaced with an implant, a bridge or a partial denture. Dr. Kimbrough goes through all three with you.
She plans and places single implants herself when your mouth suits it, and she fits the crown. She tells you what each option involves, how many visits it takes and what it costs, in writing, before you decide. If your case needs more than a general dentist should do, she refers you to an oral surgeon and says why.
The three options, compared in plain words
An exam and a scan before a plan
A written estimate before any treatment
Referral to an oral surgeon when a case calls for it
What happens, in order
Usually four to six visits over several months. Your own plan sets the number.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and scan
Dr. Kimbrough looks at the gap, the teeth beside it and the bone underneath. X-rays or a 3D scan show what she can't see, and she explains what they show.
- 02
Step 2: Your options and a written estimate
You get the implant, bridge and denture choices side by side, with a written estimate for each. Take it home. Nothing starts until you say so.
- 03
Step 3: Placing the implant
She numbs the area, places the implant post in the jaw and closes the gum over it. Most people go home the same day with after-care instructions in writing.
- 04
Step 4: Healing
The post and the bone need time to join. This often takes a few months, and we check on it. If anything feels wrong, call us; you don't have to wait for your next visit.
- 05
Step 5: The new tooth
When the implant is ready, she takes impressions or a scan and fits the crown. She checks your bite and shows you how to clean around it.
Your options
Three ways to replace one tooth
The same gap, three ways. Dr. Kimbrough goes through all of them and tells you which she would lean toward for your mouth, and why.
| Compare | Bridge | Partial denture | Implant |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | BridgeA crown on each side of the gap, holding a tooth between them. | Partial dentureA removable tooth on a small frame that clips to nearby teeth. | ImplantA post in the jaw with a crown on top. |
| The teeth beside the gap | BridgeShaped to carry crowns. | Partial dentureHeld by clasps; not shaped. | ImplantLeft as they are. |
| What it needs | BridgeHealthy teeth on both sides. | Partial dentureHealthy gums and teeth to clip to. | ImplantEnough jaw bone, which the scan shows. |
| Visits | BridgeUsually two or three. | Partial dentureUsually three or four. | ImplantSeveral, over months. |
| Care at home | BridgeCleaned underneath with floss threaders or a small brush. | Partial dentureTaken out to clean, and out at night. | ImplantBrushed and flossed like your own teeth; we show you how. |
Before you decide
Comfort
She numbs the area with a local anesthetic and checks that it has taken before she starts. Raise a hand any time you want a break.
If you wait
Teeth beside a gap can lean into it, and the tooth opposite can drift. Some people choose to leave a gap, and that is yours to decide. She tells you what she would watch for.
Risks and after-care
Swelling, soreness and a little bleeding are common for a few days. An implant can fail to join the bone, and the gum around it can become infected. She explains your own risks at the exam and gives you after-care in writing.
How it's billed
We give you a written estimate before any work starts. For one tooth the estimate lists the scan, the implant, the crown and each follow-up visit. Insurance, paying without it and financing are explained on the fees page.
How fees work
Questions about replacing one tooth
Does a general dentist place implants?
Some do. Dr. Kimbrough places and restores single implants herself when your mouth suits it. When a case needs more than a general dentist should do, she refers you to an oral surgeon and tells you why.
How many visits does one implant take?
Usually four to six over several months, including the scan, the placement, a check or two while it heals and the crown. Your plan may need more or fewer.
Will my insurance pay for it?
Some plans pay part of an implant and many don't. We check your benefits before your first visit and tell you what we find; the plan decides what it pays.
Who fits the crown?
Dr. Kimbrough does, in this office. If she refers the surgery, she still fits the crown once you have healed.
Start with an exam and a written estimate
Tell us you're asking about one tooth, and we will set aside time to go through the options.
Provided by a general dentist, Dr. Ivy Kimbrough, DDS.