There are four answers to a missing tooth, and the right one depends on where the gap is, what is either side of it, the bone beneath it, and what you want from the result.
| Implant | Bridge | Removable denture | Nothing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touches neighbouring teeth? | No | Yes: they are shaped to carry it | Rests on them and the gum | Teeth may drift over years |
| Time to complete | Months | Weeks | Weeks | — |
| Surgery | Yes, minor | No | No | No |
| Typical lifespan | Long, with maintenance | 10–15 years | 5–10 years, with relines | — |
| Cost | Highest initially | Middle | Lowest | None now |
The assessment adds the facts about your mouth to this table. A written plan sets out which options are available to you and what each would cost.
Dr. Aashish PanditBDS, MDS, Periodontology & Implantology · Periodontist & Oral Implantologist
Your dentist for this: Dr. Aashish Pandit Updated 12 November 2026.