The short answer
Dentures are removable, need no surgery and cost the least. A bridge is fixed but needs the teeth either side to be crowned. An implant is fixed, does not touch the neighbouring teeth and feels closest to a natural tooth, but needs healthy gums, enough bone and a few months, and costs the most. A dental assessment tells you which are possible for you, with the price of each.
Start with a dental assessmentMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
How they compare
Each has a place. The right one depends on your mouth, your health and your budget.
- Denture: removable, quickest and least costly, can feel bulky at first, needs replacing as the gums change
- Bridge: fixed, two visits or more, uses the teeth either side as supports
- Implant: fixed, a minor operation, months to complete, highest cost, needs enough bone
Who an implant may not suit
Uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, active gum disease, or too little bone where the tooth was can rule an implant out or mean it needs other treatment first.
Do you need to replace the tooth at all?
Not always. A single gap at the back may cause no problem. The dentist tells you whether leaving it is reasonable.
Common questions
Do flexible dentures last?
They can last several years with care, but they are harder to repair or add a tooth to than acrylic dentures.
Can an implant hold a denture?
Yes. Two or more implants can be used to hold a denture firmly, which helps people whose lower denture moves.
Where do I start?
With a dental assessment and an X-ray. You are told which options are possible and the price of each before deciding.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Dentures. NHS. Patient information.
- Dental treatments. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 4 November 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.