Key points
- Implant: fixed in the bone, neighbouring teeth untouched, takes months
- Bridge: fixed to the teeth either side, usually two visits
- Denture: removable, quickest and simplest, needs relining over time
- Replacing a gap helps stop neighbouring teeth drifting
Dental implant
A small titanium post is placed in the jawbone as a new root, and once the bone has grown around it, usually in 3 to 9 months, a crown is fitted on top. It doesn't need the neighbouring teeth filing down, and it helps keep the jawbone from shrinking. Cleveland Clinic describes implants as the closest thing to natural teeth. You need healthy gums and enough bone; some people need a bone graft first. Read our dental implants guide.
Bridge
A bridge fills a gap of one to four teeth by anchoring a false tooth to crowns on the teeth either side. It is fixed, usually takes two visits a few weeks apart, and typically lasts 5 to 15 years. The trade-off is that the teeth either side are reshaped to hold it. Read about crowns and bridges.
Denture
A partial denture fills gaps and clips onto your remaining teeth; a complete denture replaces a whole arch. It is removable, made over several weeks, and usually lasts 7 to 10 years, though gums and bone slowly change shape so it may need relining every year or two. Dentures can also snap onto implants for a firmer fit. Read our dentures guide.
How to choose
If the neighbouring teeth are healthy and you have enough bone, an implant avoids touching them. If the neighbours already need crowns, a bridge can do two jobs at once. If several teeth are missing, or surgery isn't right for you, a denture is the simplest route. Whichever you choose, ask for the full cost and timeline before starting.
When to see a dentist
See a dentist if you have
- Soon after losing a tooth, to plan the replacement before neighbouring teeth drift
- If a denture clicks, slips, rubs or hurts
How Dental Plus can help
At Dental Plus, implants are placed by Dr Ahmad Mahmood (C-Implantology), and bridges and dentures are made by our consultant prosthodontist, Dr Hafsa, so you can compare all three options with one team.
Common questions
Which lasts longest: implant, bridge or denture?
An implant can last a lifetime with care (the crown on it around 15 years). Bridges usually last 5 to 15 years and dentures 7 to 10.
Is an implant better than a bridge?
Often, because it doesn't involve the neighbouring teeth and helps preserve the bone. But it needs surgery and takes months, so a bridge can suit some people better.
Do I have to replace a missing back tooth?
It is usually worth it. A gap can let the teeth around it drift and change your bite.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Marham, a Pakistani doctor-listing site, puts a single implant with a crown at PKR 90,000 to 250,000 in 2026. Ask what a quote includes. Our dental implant cost guide explains the full breakdown.
Sources
Checked on 16 October 2026. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried, see a dentist.