Missing Tooth? Implant, Bridge, Denture

The three main ways to replace a missing tooth are a dental implant, a bridge or a denture. Each has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your teeth, gums, bone and budget. At Pennington Dental in Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon, bridges start from £825 per unit, acrylic dentures from £1,260 and a single implant from £3,000.

Below is a plain comparison to help you prepare for a conversation with your dentist.

Do I need to replace a missing tooth?

Not always. Some gaps, especially at the back, cause few problems. Others can affect chewing, speech or appearance, and the teeth next to a gap can slowly tip or move. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area also tends to shrink over time. Your dentist can tell you whether replacing the tooth is worthwhile for you.

What is a dental implant?

A titanium post is placed in the jaw bone and a crown is fitted on top once it has healed. It does not rely on the neighbouring teeth for support, and it can help keep the bone in that area. It needs surgery, takes a few months and costs more at the start. Implant treatment is provided at our Stratford-upon-Avon practice. A single implant including abutment and crown is from £3,000.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a false tooth fixed to one or both of the teeth next to the gap. A conventional bridge means shaping those teeth for crowns, which is easier to justify if they already have large fillings. An adhesive (Maryland) bridge is glued to the back of a neighbouring tooth and needs little or no drilling, but it suits fewer situations. Bridges are from £825 per unit.

What is a denture?

A denture is a removable plate with one or more false teeth. It is usually the least invasive and quickest option, and it can replace several teeth at once. Some people find dentures less stable for chewing and need time to get used to them. Acrylic dentures start from £1,260 and chrome (metal-based) dentures from £1,420. Implants can also be used to help hold a denture in place.

How do the options compare?

• Effect on other teeth: implants usually leave them alone; conventional bridges need them shaped; dentures rest on them.
• Treatment time: dentures and bridges take weeks; implants take months.
• Cleaning: implants and bridges are cleaned in the mouth, with special brushes or floss under a bridge; dentures come out to be cleaned.
• Cost: see the fees above. Your dentist will give you a written estimate.

No option is right for everyone. Gum disease and decay should be treated first, whichever you choose.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to replace a missing tooth?

It depends on your case. At Pennington Dental, private fees start from £825 per unit for a bridge (most bridges have two or more units) and from £1,260 for an acrylic denture. On the NHS, dentures and bridges are Band 3 treatments (£332.10 from 1 April 2026), where they are clinically needed.

Is an implant better than a bridge?

Not always. An implant avoids shaping the neighbouring teeth and can help keep the bone, but it needs surgery and costs more. A bridge can be a good choice if the teeth next to the gap already need crowns.

Can I have a denture while I wait for an implant?

Often, yes. A temporary denture can fill the gap during healing. Your dentist will advise whether this suits your case.

What should I read next?

• Dental implants in Kenilworth and Stratford: cost and process
• Do implants hurt? Recovery and aftercare

How do I book in Kenilworth or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Find out more about dental implants and dentures. Your first appointment is a free consultation: book a free consultation.

Call Kenilworth on 01926 863 236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205 254, or book an appointment online. Find directions for our Kenilworth practice and our Stratford-upon-Avon practice.

New to us? See our new patient information and the full list of fees on our treatment costs page. To spread the cost of check-ups and hygiene visits, see the Pennington plan.

Further reading: NHS: dentures.

Prices correct at time of publishing (9 November 2026).

Reviewed by Dr Fuz, BDS, BSc, MSc (Restorative Dentistry), GDC 76311. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.