Replacing a missing tooth: implant vs bridge vs denture costs
The three usual ways to replace a missing tooth, compared on published private prices from practices across the North of England, and on the NHS.
Written by Sul Malik, dental student at Newcastle University and founder of DentalCompare · Updated 30 October 2026 · Prices checked October 2026
Dental implant
Typical (median)
£2,800
From £997 · 188 practices publish a price
Full dental implant pricesDental bridge
Typical (median)
£750
From £165 · 177 practices publish a price
63 of these prices are per unit; a bridge usually has two or three units.
Full dental bridge pricesPartial denture
Typical (median)
£708
From £250 · 172 practices publish a price
1 package or set price not included.
Full partial denture pricesPublished private "from" prices, last checked October 2026. On the NHS, bridges and dentures are Band 3 (£332.10).
Side by side
| Feature | Dental implant | Dental bridge | Partial denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical private price | £2,800 | £750 | £708 |
| What it is | A titanium post placed in the jaw, with a crown fitted on top | A false tooth fixed to the teeth either side | A removable plate with one or more false teeth |
| Removable? | No | No | Yes |
| Effect on other teeth | Neighbouring teeth are not prepared | Neighbouring teeth are usually prepared to support it | Clips onto remaining teeth; little or no preparation |
| Time to complete | Usually several months, to let the implant heal | Usually a few weeks, for the laboratory work | Usually a few weeks, over several fitting visits |
| On the NHS? | Only in limited cases, usually through a dental hospital | Yes, Band 3 | Yes, Band 3 |
Typical prices by area
| Area | Dental implant | Dental bridge | Partial denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle | £2,550 (28) | £666 (27) | £770 (25) |
| Durham | £2,875 (16) | £800 (13) | £715 (15) |
| Sunderland | £2,600 (10) | £925 (6) | £725 (6) |
| Middlesbrough | £2,105 (7) | £723 (4) | £589 (6) |
| Gateshead | £2,853 (12) | £800 (5) | £750 (8) |
| Darlington | £3,133 (6) | £780 (3) | £735 (6) |
| Hartlepool | £1,800 (3) | £400 (6) | £290 (6) |
| North Tyneside | £2,200 (7) | £655 (6) | £488 (8) |
| South Tyneside | £2,636 (7) | £800 (7) | £650 (4) |
| Stockton-on-Tees | £3,050 (12) | £910 (14) | £983 (10) |
| Bishop Auckland | £2,700 (3) | £780 (5) | £790 (5) |
| Consett | £2,808 (4) | £800 (5) | £586 (4) |
| Northumberland | £2,967 (12) | £780 (15) | £700 (10) |
| York | £2,850 (23) | £815 (24) | £725 (25) |
| North Yorkshire | £2,900 (27) | £750 (25) | £650 (26) |
| East Yorkshire | £2,775 (4) | £725 (3) | £740 (4) |
Typical (median) published price; number of practices in brackets. Only areas where at least 3 practices publish a price for every option are shown.
Before you decide
- Check what each published price covers. Some implant prices include the crown and some are for the implant alone; scans and any bone grafting are often extra. Many bridge prices are per unit, and a bridge replacing one tooth usually has two or three units.
- An implant usually costs the most up front. Ask each practice about the expected lifespan and maintenance costs of each option, as well as the first bill.
- Not everyone is suitable for every option. A dentist will advise after an examination and X-rays.
This page compares published prices and general features. It isn't clinical advice: the right option for you depends on an examination by a dentist.
Sources
- NHS: what is included in each band
- Newcastle Hospitals: NHS-funded implants (eligibility)
- How DentalCompare collects prices
NHS charges in England, effective 1 April 2026. Source: NHS.uk. Last checked 12 October 2026. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland charge differently.