Single Dental Implant Case Study — Advanced Implant & Prosthodontic Center
Patient Overview
A 52-year-old female patient (initials M.R.) presented to Advanced Implant & Prosthodontic Center with a long-standing missing molar in the lower right posterior region. Dr. Michael Reynolds, DDS, FACP, treated the case with a single titanium dental implant and a custom zirconia crown following minor bone grafting.
Chief Complaint
The patient had been missing a lower right molar for several years. Her primary concerns were difficulty chewing on that side, food trapping in the edentulous space, and a sense that her adjacent teeth had begun to shift out of position.
Diagnostic Findings
Clinical examination and CBCT imaging revealed:
- Moderate bone loss in the edentulous site, attributable to the length of time since the original extraction
- Sufficient residual ridge volume to support an implant, provided that minor bone grafting was performed
- Slight drifting of the teeth adjacent to the edentulous space
Treatment Options Considered
Four options were reviewed with the patient, along with the advantages and limitations of each:
- No treatment — leaving the space as-is
- A removable partial denture
- A fixed dental bridge supported by the adjacent teeth
- A single dental implant
Selected Treatment Plan
After reviewing all options, the patient selected a single dental implant. This plan was recommended as the most conservative option because it preserved the adjacent teeth — neither required preparation nor reduction — and it offered a predictable, long-term solution for restoring function in the posterior mandible.
Procedures Performed
- CBCT-guided treatment planning to evaluate bone volume and plan implant position
- Socket site preparation with minor bone grafting to augment the available ridge
- Placement of a titanium dental implant
- Healing period to allow osseointegration
- Final restoration with a custom abutment and a zirconia crown
Materials and Technologies Used
- CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) imaging for guided planning
- Titanium dental implant
- Bone graft material for ridge augmentation
- Custom abutment
- Zirconia crown
Clinical Challenges
The principal challenge in this case was limited bone height at the implant site, a consequence of the years that had passed since the original extraction. This was managed through careful CBCT-guided implant positioning combined with minor bone grafting at the time of placement, which allowed the implant to be seated in adequate bone without compromising vital anatomy.
Final Outcome
The implant integrated successfully. The final zirconia crown restored both the appearance and function of the missing molar, and the patient reported that she was able to chew comfortably on that side again. Food trapping was resolved and the adjacent teeth were stabilized by the restored contact points.
Clinical Lesson for Other Dentists
This case reinforces two practical principles. First, replacing a missing tooth sooner rather than later helps preserve alveolar bone and typically simplifies the treatment required. Second, when planned properly — with three-dimensional imaging and appropriate grafting where needed — dental implants remain a highly predictable long-term solution for single-tooth replacement in the posterior region, even when some bone loss is already present.
Patient FAQ
How long does a single dental implant treatment take from start to finish?
Timelines vary depending on the condition of the site and whether bone grafting is required. In cases like this one, the implant is placed after any needed grafting, followed by a healing period to allow the implant to integrate with the bone before the final crown is placed.
Do I need a bone graft if I have been missing a tooth for years?
Often, yes. When a tooth has been missing for an extended period, the bone in that area tends to shrink. In this case, moderate bone loss was found, and minor grafting was performed so the implant could be placed in adequate bone.
Is a dental implant better than a bridge for a single missing molar?
Both are valid options, but an implant is typically more conservative because it does not require reduction or preparation of the adjacent teeth. That was a key reason this patient chose an implant over a fixed bridge.
What is a zirconia crown and why is it used on implants?
Zirconia is a strong, tooth-colored ceramic material used for the visible portion of the implant restoration. It is well suited to posterior teeth because it tolerates the chewing forces in that region and delivers a natural-looking result.
Why does my dentist recommend CBCT imaging before placing an implant?
CBCT provides a three-dimensional view of the jaw, which allows the implant to be planned around the available bone and surrounding anatomy. In this case, CBCT planning made it possible to place the implant predictably despite limited bone height.
Related Services
Schedule a Consultation
If you are missing a tooth and wondering whether a dental implant is right for you, Dr. Michael Reynolds and the team at Advanced Implant & Prosthodontic Center can evaluate your case and review your options. Call [REPLACE WITH YOUR PRACTICE PHONE NUMBER] or request a consultation online.