Symptoms, explained
Missing a tooth: what your options really are
There is no single best replacement for every missing tooth. Your remaining teeth, gums, bone, health, preferences and budget affect the choice. We explain the options and costs after assessing the gap.
This page can’t diagnose you. Similar symptoms can have different causes. A dentist uses your history, an examination and any appropriate tests to explain what is happening and what care you need.
Toothache right now? Call reception to check the next available appointment.
Call nowGo to an emergency department NOW — don’t wait for us — if you have: swelling under the tongue or into the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, an eye swelling shut, or rapidly spreading facial swelling with fever. These are medical emergencies first and dental problems second. Two more that can’t wait: a permanent tooth knocked out just now is a race against the clock — contact us or the nearest dentist immediately. If you can, push it gently back into its socket right away, or carry it in milk — never in water, never dry. And an extraction socket that won’t heal, or teeth going loose with no explanation, needs an urgent appointment — not watching and waiting.
Does every gap need a replacement?
Sometimes monitoring a gap is reasonable. In other cases, missing teeth affect chewing, appearance or the bite. Teeth and bone can change over time, but the extent varies; an assessment helps you weigh the choices.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
A bonded bridge
A bonded bridge attaches a replacement tooth to a neighbouring tooth. It may conserve tooth structure in suitable cases, but suitability depends on the bite, location and supporting tooth. It can become loose and need further care.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
A dental implant
An implant supports a replacement tooth from the jawbone. It may help with function and appearance, but it involves surgery and healing. Suitability depends on health, bone, gums and other factors.
Complications can include infection, loosening or failure. Some cases need preparatory treatment, and ongoing cleaning and reviews matter. Timing and lifespan vary; ask for the benefits, risks and full staged costs.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
A conventional bridge
A bridge uses neighbouring teeth for support. Preparing those teeth has consequences, so we compare it with other options and explain care and maintenance. A bridge is not suitable for every gap.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
A removable denture
A denture can replace one or more teeth and is removed for cleaning. Fit, comfort and stability vary. Adjustments or replacement may be needed over time.
Implants can sometimes support a denture, but the number and arrangement depend on assessment; there is no universal two-implant plan for every patient.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
Planning before an extraction
If a tooth may need removal, ask about replacement options before the procedure. Bone-preservation or grafting procedures are considered individually and add their own risks and costs; they are not automatic.
What you should do
Arrange a dental assessment to discuss the cause and options. Tell reception if pain, swelling, injury or a recent change makes the problem more urgent.
What it costs
We quote before we treat. Ask reception about consultation fees and your medical aid. Cover depends on your scheme, plan and available benefits; co-payments may apply. Confirm benefits and any required authorisation before treatment.
On a medical aid? Understand medical aid and treatment quotes — then check your plan’s benefits and any authorisation with your scheme. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Related dental guides
Sources for this guide
General patient information supports this guide. Your dentist assesses your own symptoms, treatment and aftercare; overseas service numbers and payment rules do not apply here.
Not sure which pattern is yours?
Tell reception what you’re feeling and ask for an appointment. Reception confirms availability and your date and time. After-hours messages are reviewed when the practice reopens; urgent symptoms should not wait for a reply.