Whether you lost a tooth last week or years ago, there's an option that fits your situation. Implants, bridges, dentures — we'll tell you which makes sense for your teeth and your budget.
A missing tooth is easy to put off dealing with. If it's at the back, it's not visible. If it's been there for years, you've adapted. But the consequences of leaving a gap tend to build quietly over time — adjacent teeth drift towards the space, the bone underneath begins to shrink, and biting load shifts to compensate. None of this is catastrophic in the short term. Over a decade, it is.
We see patients at all stages. Some come in within weeks of losing a tooth, wanting to know their options before anything changes. Others come in after years, by which point bone loss has reduced what's available. The sooner you have the conversation, the more options remain open.
Pinner Green Dental treats patients from Pinner, Harrow, Northwood, Ruislip and Eastcote for missing teeth. Dr Ravi Ganatra has a postgraduate qualification in implantology and has been placing implants at the practice since 2005.
Book a Free Consultation →There isn't one right answer here. Each option has genuine advantages and real limitations, and the best choice depends on factors specific to your mouth.
A titanium post placed into the jawbone acts as an artificial root. A porcelain crown is fitted on top once the implant has integrated — usually 3–6 months later. The result looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. It doesn't involve the adjacent teeth and it preserves the bone underneath.
Full details →A bridge fills a gap using crowns on the teeth either side as anchors for a false tooth in between. No surgery required. Treatment takes two appointments over two to three weeks. The main trade-off is that the supporting teeth need preparation — that's a permanent change to otherwise healthy tooth structure.
Full details →Removable full or partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth. Modern dentures fit well and look more natural than many patients expect. They don't require surgery and are the most affordable option for replacing several teeth. Implant-retained dentures are also available for patients who want a more stable, fixed result.
Full details →Prices from pinnerdentist.co.uk/fees. Discounts on multiple implants. Finance available through a regulated lender.
The first appointment is a conversation, not a commitment. We look at the gap, assess the surrounding teeth and bone, and talk through what's realistic. Most patients leave with a clear plan and a written quote.
We take clinical photographs and X-rays — and for implant planning, a CBCT scan if needed. This tells us how much bone is available, the position of nerves and sinuses, and whether any preparatory work (such as a bone graft) is required.
We go through the realistic options for your specific situation. We don't push the most expensive treatment. If a bridge or denture is more appropriate than an implant for your case, we'll say so.
You receive a written plan with the full cost of each option before you decide anything. There's no pressure to commit at the appointment. Many patients take the plan away and come back weeks later when they're ready.
Implants take 3–6 months from placement to final crown. Bridges take two appointments across two to three weeks. Dentures involve several fitting appointments to get the bite right. We set realistic timelines at the outset.
Implants are reviewed at 3 months, 6 months, and annually. Bridges and dentures are checked at your regular dental examinations. We're available between appointments if anything doesn't feel right.
Free consultation available Monday to Friday. No commitment required — just an honest assessment of what's possible for your teeth.
No single option is right for everyone. Here's how they compare across the factors patients most often ask about.
| Factor | Implant | Bridge | Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (from) | £2,800 | £745/unit | £795 |
| Surgery needed? | Yes | No | No |
| Affects other teeth? | No | Yes — anchoring crowns | No |
| Preserves bone? | Yes | No | No |
| Removable? | No — fixed | No — fixed | Yes |
| Time to complete | 3–6 months | 2–3 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Longevity | Lifetime (crown 15–20 yrs) | 10–15 years | 5–10 years |
| Best for | Single tooth, long-term solution | 1–3 adjacent missing teeth | Multiple missing teeth, budget-conscious |
All prices from pinnerdentist.co.uk/fees. Discounts on multiple implants.
The case for doing nothing is mainly that it's cheaper and easier in the short term. That's fair. But there are some specific consequences of leaving a gap that are worth knowing about before you decide.
When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported its root gradually resorbs. This happens because bone requires stimulation from chewing to maintain its volume. Without the root to provide that stimulation, the body reabsorbs the bone over months and years. This is relevant if you later want an implant — less bone means more complex or potentially impossible implant surgery.
Adjacent teeth drift. The teeth on either side of a gap move towards it, and the tooth above or below drifts into the space. Over years, this shifts the bite and can create wear patterns and jaw problems.
Chewing load redistributes. The remaining teeth take on more work to compensate, which can accelerate wear and increase fracture risk over time.
None of this happens overnight. But it does happen. If you're on the fence about replacing a tooth, having a consultation now costs nothing and keeps all your options open.
Book a consultation →"Had two implants placed by Dr Ganatra. The whole process took about four months from consultation to crown fitting. Pain was minimal, the team were incredibly professional, and the result looks completely natural. Worth every penny."
"I was nervous about getting a bridge but the consultation was thorough and unhurried. They explained all the options clearly and were honest about what would and wouldn't suit my situation. Really appreciated that."
"Had full dentures fitted and the difference is remarkable. I was expecting them to look false but they look genuinely natural. The fit is excellent — no slipping, no discomfort eating."
Dr Ganatra holds a postgraduate Master's degree in Implantology. Implant placement at this practice isn't a side offering — it's a treatment he's been performing here since 2005.
We've been at this address since before many of our current patients had their own teeth. That kind of continuity means we follow cases over years and decades, not just to the handover appointment.
We have a CBCT scanner at the practice for implant planning. Most practices refer out for this. Having it in-house means faster planning, fewer referrals, and more accurate treatment.
Some patients don't have sufficient bone for an implant. Others are better served by a bridge or denture for clinical or financial reasons. We say so clearly and give you the genuine options.
Implant patients specifically mention Dr Ganatra by name across multiple reviews. That's meaningful for a treatment where the relationship lasts years rather than weeks.
Implant treatment can be spread across monthly payments through a FCA-regulated finance provider. Details available at reception or on request before you book.
No obligation. No commitment. We'll assess your teeth, go through the options, and give you written costs before you decide anything.
A short walk from Pinner Underground station (Metropolitan line). We see patients from across Pinner, Harrow, Northwood, Ruislip and Eastcote. Free parking available nearby.
