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When you lose a tooth in the “Aesthetic Zone” the area of your smile that is visible when you talk or laugh the goal of treatment isn’t just function; it is total invisibility. A successful front-tooth replacement should be indistinguishable from the teeth next to it.
Recently, Dr. Philip Gordon performed a single-tooth implant and crown restoration for a Kansas City patient that perfectly illustrates the intersection of dental surgery and fine art.
The Challenge: The Front Tooth Dilemma
Replacing a single front tooth is often more difficult than a full-mouth restoration. Why? Because the new crown must match the exact shade, translucency, and “emergence profile” (the way the tooth sits in the gum) of the natural neighboring teeth. If the implant is off by even a millimeter, the symmetry of the entire smile is lost.
The Specialist Solution: Digital Precision
As a Board-Certified Implant Specialist, Dr. Gordon utilized a high-tech digital workflow to ensure this patient’s result was flawless.
How we achieved a natural result:
3D Computer-Guided Placement: Using CBCT imaging, Dr. Gordon placed the titanium implant with sub-millimeter precision to ensure the bone and gum tissue would stay healthy and stable for decades.
Custom Abutment & Crown: We didn’t use a “stock” part. The patient received a custom-milled abutment and a hand-characterized porcelain crown.
Artistic Shade Matching: Our lab partners used multiple layers of porcelain to mimic the natural “mamelons” (ridges) and light-reflecting properties of the patient’s existing enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a single tooth implant take?
While the implant placement is a quick procedure (often under an hour), the process typically takes 3–6 months to allow the bone to fuse with the implant before the final permanent crown is placed.
Is it painful?
Most patients report that getting a single tooth implant is easier and less painful than a tooth extraction. We offer various sedation options at our Leawood office to ensure total comfort.
How long will a dental implant last?
When placed by a specialist and properly maintained, a dental implant is designed to be a lifetime solution.
“I was terrified that people would be able to tell I had a fake tooth. Now, I can’t even remember which one is the implant. Dr. Gordon is a true artist.” — Patient, KC
Why Choose a Board-Certified Specialist?
Restoring your smile in the aesthetic zone requires a level of expertise found in less than 1% of dentists. Dr. Philip Gordon is an ABOI Diplomate who has placed over 10,000 implants. When it comes to your front teeth, don’t settle for “good enough” demand the precision of a specialist.
📞 Call today for a consultation: (913) 649-5017
📍 Visit us: 3628 W 95th St, Leawood, KS 66206
🌐 View our Smile Gallery: gordondentalimplantsandcosmetics.com
