Table of Contents
Introduction: Solving the Missing Tooth Problem Permanently
If you are missing a single tooth, especially a front tooth like a lateral incisor , you already know how it affects your daily life. A visible gap can impact confidence, eating, speech, and social comfort. Many patients are initially given a temporary removable retainer or “flipper,” but quickly discover its limits.
More patients across Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, and Olathe are choosing the permanent solution: single tooth dental implants.
At Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics, Dr. Philip Gordon is a Board-Certified Implant Specialist (ABOI Diplomate) who has placed and restored over 10,000 implants. Our focus is delivering predictable, long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Flipper vs. Implant: Why Temporary Fixes Don’t Last
Many patients begin with a flipper, but flippers are not designed for long-term use. They often lead to frustration and embarrassment.
Flipper Challenges vs. Dental Implant Advantages
| Flipper Problems | Single Tooth Implant Benefits |
|---|---|
| Bulky, artificial appearance | Custom porcelain crown looks completely natural |
| Must be removed to eat, clean, or sleep | Permanent – eat, talk, and smile confidently |
| Can slip or break at inconvenient times | Does not move – anchored securely into bone |
| Does not preserve bone | Stimulates bone to prevent atrophy and facial changes |
| Not durable | Designed to last decades with proper care |
A dental implant is the only tooth replacement that truly functions like a natural tooth, root and all.
Why Specialist Care Matters for a Single Tooth Implant
Front-tooth implants require precise surgical placement and expert cosmetic design. This is where most general dentists fall short.
Dr. Gordon’s Advantage
- Board-Certified Implant Specialist (only a small percentage of dentists achieve this)
- 10,000+ implants placed with predictable success
- Extensive experience matching shape, color, translucency, and symmetry for front-tooth esthetics
- A trusted resource for complex single-tooth implant cases in Kansas City and Overland Park
When replacing a highly visible tooth, expertise matters.
Advanced Technology for Perfect Implant Placement
Your long-term success depends on accuracy. At our Leawood implant center, we use:
3D CBCT Imaging
Provides a detailed scan of bone, roots, nerves, and sinus structures, far more precise than standard X-rays.
Computer-Guided Implant Surgery
We digitally design the ideal implant position before surgery and create a custom guide to ensure perfect placement.
This ensures:
- Correct angulation
- Stable bone integration
- Natural gumline support
- Beautiful final crown alignment
The result is a tooth that looks like it was always there.
Your Step-By-Step Path to a Permanent Tooth
- Consultation & 3D Scan – Evaluate bone, gum health, and implant candidacy.
- Implant Placement – Quick, precise, minimally invasive.
- Healing Phase – Implant integrates securely with your jawbone.
- Final Crown – A custom porcelain crown is attached, completing your smile.
Most patients say the process is easier than a filling, and life-changing once complete.
FAQs About Single Tooth Dental Implants
How long do single tooth implants last?
Most last decades many for life, with good home care.
Do tooth implants hurt?
Most patients feel minimal discomfort; far easier than a tooth extraction.
Will the new tooth match my smile?
Yes. Your crown is custom-designed for shape, translucency, and color.
Can implants replace a lateral incisor?
Absolutely. Lateral incisors are one of the most common teeth replaced with implants, and results are highly predictable with proper planning.
Do I need a bone graft?
Sometimes, especially if the tooth has been missing for a while. Your 3D scan will determine whether grafting is needed.
Goodbye Flipper. Hello Confidence.
This Kansas City patient had been missing her lateral incisors and was tired of relying on a removable flipper. After receiving single tooth implants at Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics, she now eats, smiles, and lives confidently, with a smile that looks completely natural.
If you’re ready to replace a missing tooth permanently and beautifully, our team is here to help.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today
Serving Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Leawood, and Prairie Village
