Winnetka single tooth implants with guided placement
Replace one missing tooth and leave the teeth beside it untouched
Written by the Winnetka Dental Group team. Medically reviewed by Dr. Amanda Murphy. Last reviewed: October 2026.
When one tooth needs replacing
Maybe a cracked molar can’t be saved, or an old gap has started to change how you chew. We plan and place Winnetka single tooth implants in our downtown office, a short drive from Wilmette, giving that one space a new root and crown.
How is an implant different from a bridge?
A single tooth implant stands on its own post in your jawbone and holds a custom crown, so the teeth beside the gap stay as they are. A bridge anchors to those teeth instead, which usually means reshaping them for crowns.
Missing more than one tooth? Implants can also support a bridge or a denture.
How does guided implant
surgery work?
We plan your implant’s angle and depth on a 3D scan, then place it through a custom surgical guide that follows the plan. The Winnetka Dental Group team includes Dr. Aditi Patel, who completed an implant residency in 2020.
- 3D scan: A cone beam CT scan maps your jawbone, and a dental radiologist reviews it for signs of disease.
- Digital plan: An iTero scan records your teeth and bite for the plan.
- Bone care: If the tooth still has to come out, socket preservation helps the bone keep its shape.
- Placement and crown: The guide directs the post into place. Once it bonds with the bone, over a few months, your custom crown goes on.
Financing and membership plans available.
Your smile while the implant heals
Maybe you’re worried about a gap showing for a few months, especially if it’s a front tooth. While the post bonds with your jawbone, we can fit a temporary tooth so you can smile, talk, and eat with confidence until your crown is ready.
- Front teeth: A removable temporary fills the space and blends in with your smile.
- Back teeth: We’ll talk through whether a temporary makes sense, since the gap is often out of sight.
- Everyday comfort: Softer foods on that side help the area heal, and we check your progress at each visit.
Costs and coverage
for your implant
Your fee depends on what the tooth needs first, such as an extraction or a bone graft, and we’ll go over the full cost before treatment begins. We’re not in network with any dental insurance plan, but we file your claims and estimate your benefits when we can.
You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. You can also use financing or join one of our membership plans.
Dr. Murphy is incredibly thorough, patient, and truly cares about her clients.
“The supporting staff at Winnetka Dental Group are professional and amazing as well. I have been treated with nothing but kindness and care since I have been a client here. I cannot recommend them enough!”
– Allison W.
Dr. Murphy is incredibly thorough, patient, and truly cares about her clients.
“The supporting staff at Winnetka Dental Group are professional and amazing as well. I have been treated with nothing but kindness and care since I have been a client here. I cannot recommend them enough!”
– Allison W.
Planned and placed in our Winnetka office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an implant if I lost the tooth years ago?
Often, yes. Your jawbone can shrink after you lose a tooth, and a bone graft can rebuild it before the implant goes in. If your gums are healthy and you have enough bone, or bone we can graft, a Winnetka single tooth implant may be a good fit for you. A 3D scan and an exam show where you stand.
How many visits does a single tooth implant take?
Most take several visits over a few months: a 3D scan and planning, placement, then the crown once the post has bonded with your jawbone. An extraction or a bone graft adds a step and healing time. At your consultation, we’ll lay out each visit so you can plan around work and travel.
Will insurance help pay for my implant in Winnetka?
It depends on your plan. Some plans pay toward an implant or its crown, and others exclude implants. We’re not in network with any insurer, but we file your claims for you. You’ll see the full fee before treatment begins, and financing can spread out what your plan doesn’t cover.
Does getting an implant hurt?
We numb the area before placing the implant, so you’ll likely feel pressure rather than pain. Afterward, you might be sore for a few days, and soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers help. If soreness gets worse instead of better, call or text our Winnetka office at (847) 441-5939 so we can check the area.
How do I care for my implant?
Brush twice a day, clean around the implant daily with floss or a water flosser, and keep your regular cleanings. The crown can’t get a cavity, but the gum and bone around it can still become infected, so checkups matter. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard helps protect the new crown.
Ready when you are
If you are looking for a dental practice built on trust, experience, and thoughtful care, we invite you to connect with our team. Pick your own time online, or call or text us. Questions are always welcome.
VISIT US
Experience a practice built on relationships and thoughtful care. Located in downtown Winnetka, we welcome patients and families from across the North Shore who value personalized dentistry in a relaxed, modern setting.
715 Elm St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
Get Directions
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8am-5pm
Friday: 8am-4:30pm
Saturday: Open two Saturdays a month, 9am-1pm — call to confirm dates
