Front Tooth Implants: What to Expect When Replacing a Visible Tooth

Losing a front tooth is different to losing a back tooth — it’s visible every time you speak, smile or laugh, so getting the result right matters. A front tooth implant can replace both the root and the crown of the missing tooth, but because the result sits in full view, planning it takes extra care around gum shape, tooth proportions and shade matching.

Why Front Tooth Implants Need Extra Planning

Back teeth are mostly about function — chewing and bite strength. Front teeth are about both function and appearance. A front tooth implant needs to:

• Match the shade of your surrounding natural teeth precisely
• Sit at the correct height and angle relative to your gum line
• Have the right size and shape to look proportionate with the teeth either side
• Support healthy-looking gum tissue around the implant, known as the “emergence profile”

At The Smile Designer, we use digital smile design and 3D imaging to plan front tooth implants before any surgery takes place, so the final result blends naturally with the rest of your smile.

The Front Tooth Implant Process

1. Consultation, Scans and Digital Planning

We assess your gum health, bone volume and bite, and take 3D scans to plan the exact position, angle and shade of your new tooth before we begin.

2. Implant Placement

The implant post is placed into the jawbone under local anaesthesia or sleep dentistry. Depending on your bone volume and gum health, a temporary tooth may be fitted the same day so you’re not left with a visible gap while healing.

3. Healing (Osseointegration)

The implant fuses with the jawbone over several months. This healing period is important for long-term stability, even though it can feel like the slowest part of the process when the tooth is visible.

4. Final Crown Fitting

Once healed, your final custom crown is fitted — shade-matched and shaped to sit naturally alongside your existing teeth.

Will I Be Without a Visible Tooth While It Heals?

Not necessarily. Depending on your specific case, a temporary crown or removable temporary tooth can often be fitted while the implant heals underneath, so you’re not left with a gap during the healing period. We’ll discuss whether this is suitable for you at your consultation.

What Affects the Result?

• Gum health — healthy gum tissue supports a natural-looking result around the implant
• Bone volume — adequate bone at the front of the jaw helps maintain gum contour and avoid a “sunken” appearance
• Shade matching — front teeth can vary subtly in colour and translucency, which digital shade analysis helps replicate
• Timing since tooth loss — bone and gum tissue can begin to change shape once a tooth is missing, which is one reason timely treatment is often recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a front tooth implant look natural?

Yes — front tooth implants are planned using digital smile design and shade matching specifically because the aesthetic result matters most in this part of the mouth.

Do I need a temporary tooth while it heals?

Often, yes — many patients are fitted with a temporary crown or removable option so there isn’t a visible gap during the healing period. We’ll discuss what’s suitable for your case.

How long does the whole process take?

From placement to final crown, the process typically spans a few months to allow the implant to properly integrate with the jawbone, though initial temporary options can often be fitted sooner.

Is a front tooth implant more expensive than a back tooth implant?

The implant itself is priced similarly, but front tooth cases sometimes involve additional planning, digital smile design, or temporary restorations to manage the visible healing period, which can affect the overall quote.

Book a Consultation

The Smile Designer provides front tooth implants for patients across Preston, Reservoir, Bundoora, Coburg, Heidelberg and Melbourne’s inner north. Book a consultation to discuss your options for a visible missing tooth.

Book a Consultation