ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
One missing tooth may only seem like just a small gap, but the effects ripple through everything around it. The neighboring teeth begin to drift, the jawbone underneath starts to recede, and even the way you bite and speak can shift over time. A single-tooth dental implant stops that chain reaction at the source, replacing the entire tooth from root to crown with a solution built to feel and function like a real tooth.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we have been placing dental implants for patients across Virginia Beach for decades, guided by an independent, community-rooted philosophy that puts our patients first. Our dental implants services are led by Dr. Scott R. Goodove, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose training and commitment to continuing education allow us to offer fully guided implant treatments using 3D cone beam CT imaging and precision surgical guides for the highest level of accuracy and predictability.
Our Virginia Beach office draws single-tooth implant patients from across Hampton Roads, including Newport News, Hampton, and York County, many of whom have lived with a missing tooth for years after being told they needed a specialist referral for placement. For those who have been waiting, our evaluation process is straightforward, and in many cases the timeline to a permanent restoration is shorter than patients expect.
A single-tooth implant is a three-part restoration that replaces a missing tooth without involving the teeth on either side. This system consists of a titanium implant post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, an abutment that connects the post to the visible restoration, and a custom-fabricated crown designed to match your surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color.
What makes an implant fundamentally different from a bridge or denture is the process of osseointegration, which is how it fuses into the jaw. Over the weeks and months following implant placement, the titanium post fuses directly to the surrounding bone tissue.
This biological bond creates a stable, load-bearing foundation that stimulates the jaw the way a natural tooth root does, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs after an extraction. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, dental implants are considered the standard of care for tooth replacement due to their long-term stability and preservation of surrounding bone.
The implant process typically unfolds over several months and begins with a thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging to assess bone volume and plan a precise surgical approach. Placement of the implant post is performed at our Virginia Beach office, followed by a healing period while it fuses with the bone.
Once the implant has fully integrated, the abutment and crown are attached, completing the restoration. Some patients may require bone grafting prior to implant placement if the jawbone has experienced resorption after tooth loss, a step we assess and discuss thoroughly during the consultation.
Most adults with a missing tooth and adequate bone volume are candidates for a single-tooth implant. General health, gum health, and bone density all factor into eligibility. Patients who have experienced bone loss after extraction may still qualify once a bone graft has been completed and healed.
Certain health factors can influence the implant timeline or require additional planning. Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, or a history of certain medications affecting bone metabolism may require coordination with a patient’s physician before surgery. Tobacco use is another factor our team discusses as it can affect healing outcomes. Since we perform a comprehensive evaluation before treatment, we are able to identify any considerations early and tailor your plan accordingly.
Our surgical team is trained to manage patients with complex medical histories. We hold operating privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, giving us the clinical resources to care for patients who require additional anesthetic considerations or a more controlled surgical environment.
A dental bridge is a common alternative, but it requires reshaping the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. A removable partial denture offers another path, but one that involves daily removal and a fit that can shift over time. A single-tooth implant preserves the integrity of every tooth around it, integrates with the jaw itself, and is maintained exactly like a natural tooth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
Patients who want to understand the full range of implant options before making a decision can explore our procedures overview, where we outline the services we offer across both our Virginia Beach and Chesapeake locations. Those curious about what makes implant outcomes successful can also find guidance in our post on dental implant success and why experience matters.
When it comes to replacing a single missing tooth, the quality of the outcome depends heavily on the precision of the surgical process, the experience of the surgeon, and the technology behind the procedure. At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we use fully guided implant techniques supported by in-office 3D imaging to plan and execute every case with a level of accuracy that reduces error and supports reliable healing. Dr. Goodove has spent decades refining this work in Hampton Roads, remaining independent by choice to make decisions based on what is best for each patient and family.
To learn more about what sets Dr. Scott R. Goodove apart as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Virginia Beach, we invite you to explore his background and training. When you are ready to take the next step toward a complete, functional smile, contact our Virginia Beach office to schedule your consultation where we will build a treatment plan that fits your life.
A properly placed and maintained dental implant can last a lifetime. The titanium post integrates permanently with the jawbone, while the custom crown on top may need replacement after 15 to 25 years due to normal wear. Routine brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are the primary requirements for keeping your implant healthy long-term.
Implant placement is performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal for most patients. Sedation options are available for those with dental anxiety or for more complex cases. Some mild soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal and is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find the experience far more comfortable than they anticipated.
The total cost depends on your specific treatment plan, including whether bone grafting is needed before implant placement. We accept most major PPO dental plans, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs benefits, and offer financing through both CareCredit and Cherry Financing. A detailed cost estimate is provided after your consultation once Dr. Goodove has reviewed your imaging and confirmed your treatment path.
During the healing phase after implant placement, we recommend a soft diet to protect the surgical site. Once the implant has fully integrated with your bone and the final crown is in place, you can return to eating normally. Unlike removable partial dentures, a dental implant is anchored in the jaw and functions just like a natural tooth, including when chewing.
Implant failure is uncommon when performed by a trained oral surgeon using guided techniques, but it can occur in rare cases due to factors like infection, smoking, or insufficient bone. At Goodove Oral Surgery, we use 3D cone-beam CT imaging and fully guided surgical templates to maximize precision and support successful osseointegration. If an issue arises during healing, our team will address it directly and discuss your options.
No referral is required. While many of our patients come to us through their general dentist, you are welcome to contact our Virginia Beach office directly to schedule a consultation. Our team will coordinate with your regular dentist as needed throughout the implant process.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
