Table of Contents
Case Study: Dental Implant to Replace a Missing Lower Canine Tooth
Losing a single tooth-especially a canine tooth-can have a much bigger impact than most patients realize. Canines play a critical role in bite stability, chewing efficiency, and overall smile symmetry. When a lower canine is missing, patients often experience shifting teeth, bite imbalance, and reduced confidence when smiling or speaking.
This patient from Kansas City came to Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics after his lower canine tooth had been previously extracted. Over time, the missing tooth began affecting his bite and smile, and he wanted a permanent solution that looked and functioned like a natural tooth.
After a comprehensive evaluation, we restored the missing tooth using a dental implant and custom porcelain crown, returning full function, stability, and aesthetics to his smile.
Why Replacing a Missing Canine Tooth Is So Important
Canine teeth are sometimes referred to as the “cornerstones” of the bite. When one is missing, it can lead to:
Shifting of neighboring teeth
Bite misalignment and uneven wear
Bone loss in the jaw where the tooth is missing
Changes in facial support over time
Reduced confidence when smiling or eating
Unlike removable partials or bridges, a single tooth dental implant replaces both the tooth and the root, preserving bone and preventing future complications.
The Dental Implant Solution
For this patient, we recommended a single dental implant with a porcelain crown, which is widely considered the gold standard for single tooth replacement.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
Comprehensive Consultation & 3D Imaging
Using advanced CBCT imaging, we evaluated bone volume, bite alignment, and ideal implant positioning.
Dental Implant Placement
A titanium implant was precisely placed into the jawbone in the location of the missing lower canine. This implant acts as a replacement root.
Healing & Osseointegration
Over the following months, the implant naturally fused with the bone, creating a strong and stable foundation.
Custom Porcelain Crown
Once healed, a custom-designed porcelain crown was attached, carefully shaped and shaded to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
The final result is a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural canine.
Why a Dental Implant Is Better Than Other Options
Compared to bridges or removable appliances, dental implants offer long-term advantages:
✔ Permanent, non-removable solution
✔ Prevents jawbone loss
✔ Does not damage adjacent teeth
✔ Natural appearance and bite function
✔ Easy to care for-brush and floss normally
For patients in Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, and surrounding areas, dental implants provide unmatched durability and predictability when placed by an experienced specialist.
Specialist-Level Care Makes the Difference
At Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics, all implant procedures are performed by Dr. Philip J. Gordon, a Board-Certified Dental Implant Specialist (ABOI Diplomate) with:
Over 10,000 dental implants placed and restored
Advanced training in implant surgery and esthetics
Extensive experience with single tooth implants, front tooth implants, and complex cases
In-house digital planning and guided implant technology
This level of expertise is especially important when replacing visible or functionally critical teeth like canines.
The Final Result
Today, this Kansas City patient has:
A fully restored lower canine tooth
A stable, balanced bite
Preserved jawbone structure
Renewed confidence when eating, speaking, and smiling
Most importantly, his dental implant is designed to last for decades with proper care.
Considering a Dental Implant in Kansas City or Overland Park?
If you are missing a tooth due to extraction, trauma, or failed dental work, a single tooth dental implant may be the best long-term solution.
📍 Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics proudly serves
Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, and surrounding communities
📞 Schedule your implant consultation today and learn why patients trust our office for advanced dental implant care.
