Missing Teeth · Implant or Bridge
Dental implant vs bridge: which is better for a missing tooth?
Toothi London, Edgware · Last reviewed 25 October 2026
For one missing tooth between healthy teeth, an implant usually lasts longer and leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched. A bridge is quicker and needs no surgery, but the teeth either side are prepared to carry it. At Toothi in Edgware an implant is £1,995 including the crown; a conventional bridge is from £595 per unit. A typical one-tooth bridge has three units.
The Difference
What is the difference between a tooth implant and a dental bridge?
An implant replaces the missing root with a titanium post in the jaw and carries its own crown, so it stands alone. A conventional bridge spans the gap with a false tooth held by crowns on the teeth either side, so it relies on those teeth for support.
| Dental implant | Conventional bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee at Toothi | £1,995 including crown | from £595 per unit (usually 3 units) |
| Neighbouring teeth | Left alone | Prepared for crowns |
| Surgery | Minor, under local anaesthetic | None |
| Typical time | Around 3–6 months, including healing | Usually two visits a few weeks apart |
| Jaw bone under the gap | Loaded like a root, which helps preserve it | Continues to shrink gradually |
| Cleaning | Like a natural tooth | Floss threaded under the false tooth |
| Extra cost | CBCT scan paid to the imaging centre; graft only if needed | None usually |
Prices are fixed and taken from our fees page.
The Short Answer
Is a dental bridge or implant better?
It depends on the teeth around the gap. An implant is usually the stronger long-term choice when the teeth either side are healthy and there’s enough bone. A bridge often makes more sense when those teeth already need crowns, or when surgery isn’t right for you.
Implant
What are the pros and cons of a dental implant?
- ✓ Stand-alone. No work on the neighbouring teeth, and if they later need treatment the implant is unaffected.
- ✓ Helps preserve bone. It loads the jaw like a root. A bridge can’t.
- ✓ Can last many years with good care, though the crown may need replacing over time.
- ✓ Longer process. Healing typically takes a few months before the final crown.
- ✓ Needs enough bone and healthy gums. A bone graft (from £395) may be needed, and smoking or poorly controlled diabetes raise the risk of failure.
- ✓ Minor surgery under local anaesthetic. See do dental implants hurt?
Bridge
What are the pros and cons of a dental bridge?
- ✓ Quicker. Usually finished in two visits a few weeks apart.
- ✓ No surgery and no CBCT scan needed in most cases.
- ✓ Priced per unit (from £595 per unit at Toothi), with the number of units confirmed at assessment.
- ✓ A good fit when neighbours need crowns anyway, because preparing them costs little extra tooth.
- ✓ Depends on the supporting teeth. If one develops decay or needs a root canal, the bridge is affected.
- ✓ Bone under the gap still shrinks, which can leave a small space under the false tooth over time.
More on bridges at Toothi: dental bridges in Edgware.
Cost Over Time
How does the cost of a bridge vs implant compare over time?
A conventional bridge is from £595 per unit, and a one-tooth bridge usually has three units. An implant is £1,995 including its crown. Both may need some upkeep over the years: a bridge may need remaking, an implant crown replacing. So think about how long you want the result to last, not just the first invoice. For several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge combines both approaches. For the wider picture, including dentures, read implants vs dentures vs bridge and our guide to missing tooth replacement options. Full implant fees are in the dental implant cost UK guide.
Dental implant results from our patients
Missing teeth replaced with implants at Toothi in Edgware.
Photos of our own patients, shared with their consent. Individual results vary.
Common Questions
Implant or bridge FAQs
Is an implant better than a bridge?
For a single gap between healthy teeth, often yes, because it leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched and helps preserve bone. A bridge can be better when the neighbouring teeth already need crowns or surgery isn’t suitable.
How much is a bridge compared with an implant?
At Toothi in Edgware a conventional bridge is from £595 per unit, and a one-tooth bridge usually has three units. A single implant is £1,995 including the crown; the CBCT scan is paid separately to the imaging centre.
Which lasts longer, a bridge or an implant?
An implant can often last many years with good care, though its crown may need replacing. Bridges commonly last around 10 to 15 years. Neither lifespan is guaranteed; hygiene, habits and general health all matter.
Can I have an implant if I already have a bridge?
Often, yes. When a bridge needs replacing, an implant may be possible if there’s enough bone. A CBCT scan shows what’s available.
Does a bridge damage the neighbouring teeth?
The supporting teeth are prepared for crowns, which removes some tooth structure. That matters more if they’re healthy and unfilled, and less if they need crowns anyway.
How long does each take?
A bridge is usually completed in two visits a few weeks apart. An implant typically takes around 3 to 6 months from placement to crown, because the bone needs to heal.
Call 020 3148 2444 or WhatsApp us · 1 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6LD · Open seven days. More on dental implants at Toothi.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment. Prices correct as of October 2026.
