How much does replacing a missing tooth cost in the UK?

A missing tooth can affect chewing, speech or how you feel about your smile. There are several ways to replace it, and the right choice depends on the position of the gap, the surrounding teeth and gums, your health and your budget.

Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the options. Not every gap needs immediate replacement: in some circumstances, monitoring it may be reasonable. Your dentist can explain the possible effects of leaving it, including movement of neighbouring teeth, without assuming that further tooth loss is inevitable.

Dentures, bridges and implants

A removable partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth. It is taken out for cleaning and usually overnight. The design depends on the remaining teeth and the support available. Our guide to dentures explains the main types.

A bridge is a fixed replacement supported by suitable teeth or, in a different treatment plan, by implants. A conventional tooth-supported bridge involves preparing supporting teeth for crowns. A resin-bonded bridge uses a wing bonded to a tooth and can require less preparation. The position of the gap and your bite help determine which design is suitable. Read more about dental bridges.

An implant is placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth root. A connector, called an abutment, and a crown complete a typical single-tooth restoration. An implant is not automatically the best option for everyone: it requires assessment of the bone and gums, a surgical procedure, healing time and ongoing care. Complications and failure are possible, even when treatment is carefully planned.

The crown replaces the visible part of the tooth; it does not imitate or replace jawbone. Its material and shape are chosen to suit the position and bite, rather than one material being the most durable or attractive in every case.

A temporary replacement may be useful while tissues heal or a restoration is made. Whether you need one, how it will be supported and how long treatment takes should be part of the plan.

Current fees at our practice

The following are fees for specific services at our practice, rather than UK-wide averages:

• Partial denture with a metal framework replacing 1–3 teeth: £700 per arch.
• Zirconia bridge: £500 per unit.

A bridge unit is not the same as a whole bridge. A bridge replacing one missing tooth may involve several units, so the number in your treatment plan matters. See our prosthodontic fees for the listed services.

For implants, refer to the current implant fee page and ask for a complete written estimate. The implant, abutment and crown are distinct components; the abutment is not included in the listed implant or crown fee. The plan should also state whether any scans, bone grafting, temporary restoration or other preparation is needed and how these are charged.

Different options have different maintenance needs. When comparing costs, include future reviews, repairs and possible replacement as well as the initial treatment. Ask how to clean your chosen restoration and when to have it checked.

Can the cost be spread over instalments?

Finance may be available, subject to status, affordability and the applicable terms. The monthly payment depends on the amount borrowed and the repayment period. Do not assume that a quoted monthly amount covers every stage of restoring a tooth or that every term is interest-free.

Our current finance information explains the available arrangements. Medical-Dent acts as a credit broker, not a lender.

Contact the practice to discuss the gap, compare suitable treatments and obtain an individual estimate.