A single-tooth implant is a titanium post that Dr. Jennifer Okhiria places in the jaw to replace one missing tooth. After it bonds with the bone, a crown goes on top. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, every implant is planned on a 3D CBCT scan first.
One missing tooth, replaced without touching its neighbors
What does an implant actually replace?
The root. The implant sits in the bone where the root used to be, and the crown on top is what you see and chew with.
Dr. Okhiria is careful about how she describes it. "Dental implants are not a replacement. They're just a tool to help you chew." A good implant works hard for years. It still needs cleaning, checkups and a healthy mouth around it.
How is the implant planned?
We take a CBCT scan in the office. It shows the height and width of the bone, the nerve in the lower jaw and the sinus above the upper teeth. Dr. Okhiria plans the implant's position on that scan, often with a surgical guide.
If the bone is too thin, she'll tell you at the consult and explain whether a graft comes first.
What happens on surgery day?
You can choose local anesthesia alone, laughing gas or IV sedation. Dr. Okhiria places the post, closes the area and sends you home with written instructions.
Who is not a good candidate?
Heavy smokers and people who struggle to keep their teeth clean have a harder time keeping an implant healthy. Dr. Okhiria will say so plainly at the consult rather than place an implant she doesn't expect to last.
Honest limits
Dr. Okhiria places the implant. The final crown is usually made by your general dentist, who knows your bite and will be caring for the tooth for years. We send them the scan, the implant details and a report so the handoff is clean.
Cost and scheduling
Cost depends on whether you need a graft, which sedation you choose and your insurance. You'll leave the consult with a printed estimate, and we offer third-party financing.
Questions patients ask about single-tooth implants
How long does a dental implant last?
With good home care and regular checkups, an implant can last many years. It isn't guaranteed for life. Smoking, gum disease and skipped cleanings are the biggest threats. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta will talk through your specific risks at the consult so you know what affects how long yours lasts.
Does getting an implant hurt?
The area is fully numb during surgery, and many patients also choose laughing gas or IV sedation. Afterward, most people describe soreness for a few days that over-the-counter pain relievers handle. You go home from our Atlanta office with written instructions and a follow-up call from Dr. Okhiria herself.
How long until I get the final tooth?
The implant needs time to bond with the bone, usually a few months, before the final crown is made. If a bone graft is needed first, add the graft's healing time. Your timeline is laid out at your consult at our Atlanta office.
Can I get an implant years after losing a tooth?
Often yes, but the bone may have thinned since the tooth was lost. A CBCT scan at our Atlanta office shows how much bone is left. If there isn't enough, a bone graft can rebuild it before the implant goes in.
Do you make the crown too?
Usually your general dentist makes the final crown, because they know your bite and will care for the tooth long term. Dr. Okhiria places the implant and sends your dentist everything they need. If you don't have a dentist in Atlanta, ask us for a recommendation.
Request a consult
Send a request and our team will call you to find a time. Most patients come with a referral from their dentist, and you're welcome without one.