Dental Concerns
Missing Teeth Replacement London | Implants & Bridges | South Kensington
Expert missing teeth replacement in South Kensington. New Patient Exam £30. Dental implants from £2,500, bridges & dentures. Members: 50% OFF. Book consultation.
Replace Missing Teeth—Permanently
A missing tooth isn't just a gap—it's a domino effect waiting to happen. Adjacent teeth shift, opposing teeth drift, bone shrinks, and your bite changes. The good news? Modern tooth replacement is more natural-looking and long-lasting than ever.
Complete: Implant + abutment + crown
3-unit bridge (1 missing tooth)
Assessment + X-rays + treatment options
Why Missing Teeth Matter More Than You Think
Whether lost to decay, gum disease, trauma, or extraction, a missing tooth creates consequences that extend far beyond the visible gap. What starts as one missing tooth can gradually affect your entire mouth, your face, and your health.
At our South Kensington practice, we see patients who've lived with missing teeth for years, often unaware of the slow changes occurring. The neighbouring teeth tilt. The opposing tooth drifts down (or up). The jawbone where the root once sat begins to shrink. The bite becomes unbalanced. What could have been a straightforward single implant becomes a complex reconstruction.
The message is clear: replace missing teeth sooner rather than later. Today's options—particularly dental implants—provide permanent, natural-looking results that can last a lifetime with proper care.
What Happens When You Don't Replace a Missing Tooth
Adjacent Teeth Shift
Teeth on either side of the gap gradually tilt toward the empty space. This creates new gaps, affects your bite, and makes teeth harder to clean—increasing risk of decay and gum disease.
Opposing Tooth Over-Erupts
The tooth that used to bite against the missing one has nothing to stop it. It gradually drifts out of its socket (super-eruption), becoming loose and vulnerable.
Bone Loss (Resorption)
The jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its volume. Without that stimulation, bone shrinks—up to 25% in the first year alone. This can eventually make implant placement more difficult.
Bite Changes
As teeth shift, your bite becomes unbalanced. This puts extra stress on remaining teeth and can cause TMJ problems, headaches, and accelerated wear.
Facial Changes
Multiple missing teeth (especially back teeth) can cause the face to collapse inward, making you look older. The cheeks sink, the chin moves forward, and lines deepen around the mouth.
Difficulty Eating
Missing teeth—especially molars—significantly reduce chewing efficiency. People often compensate by avoiding certain foods, swallowing larger pieces, or favouring one side, which can affect nutrition and digestion.
Timing Matters: The bone loss following tooth extraction happens fastest in the first 3-6 months. If you're considering an implant, the sooner you act, the better your bone quality will be—and the simpler (and less expensive) the procedure.
Tooth Replacement Options
We offer three main approaches to replacing missing teeth. The best choice depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are, the condition of surrounding teeth and bone, and your preferences and budget.
1. Dental Implants (From £2,500 per tooth)
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over 3-6 months. A custom porcelain crown is then attached, creating a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like your own.
Advantages
- • Most natural-looking and feeling option
- • Preserves jawbone (prevents resorption)
- • Doesn't affect adjacent teeth
- • Can last 25+ years—often a lifetime
- • Full chewing function restored
- • Easy to clean like natural teeth
Considerations
- • Requires surgery (minor, under local anaesthetic)
- • Treatment time 3-6 months total
- • Higher upfront cost (but often cheaper long-term)
- • Requires adequate bone (grafting available if needed)
- • Not suitable for some medical conditions
Implant Pricing Breakdown
- Single Implant (complete): From £2,500 – Includes implant, abutment, and porcelain crown
- Implant-Supported Bridge: From £5,500 – 2 implants supporting 3-4 teeth
- All-on-4 Full Arch: From £12,000 – Complete upper or lower arch on 4 implants
- Bone Graft (if needed): From £500 – To build up bone for implant placement
2. Dental Bridges (From £1,800)
A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap to support a replacement tooth (pontic). The supporting teeth are fitted with crowns, which are connected to the false tooth in the middle.
Advantages
- • No surgery required
- • Faster treatment (2-3 appointments)
- • Lower initial cost than implants
- • Fixed in place—not removable
- • Natural appearance
Considerations
- • Requires shaping (grinding) adjacent teeth
- • Doesn't prevent bone loss under the pontic
- • Lifespan typically 10-15 years
- • If bridge fails, may lose supporting teeth too
- • Harder to clean underneath
When a Bridge Makes Sense: Bridges are often ideal when the adjacent teeth already need crowns (due to large fillings or damage), when implant surgery isn't suitable, or when cost is a primary concern.
3. Dentures (From £800)
Removable dentures remain a viable option, particularly for replacing multiple missing teeth. Modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than their predecessors.
Partial Dentures
Replace one or several teeth. Metal or flexible frameworks clip onto remaining teeth.
From £800
Full Dentures
Replace all teeth in upper or lower arch. Rely on suction and adhesive for retention.
From £1,200
Implant-Retained Dentures: For patients with full dentures who struggle with stability, 2-4 implants can provide "clip-in" retention—dramatically improving comfort and function while remaining more affordable than full implant bridges.
Comparing Your Options
| Factor | Implant | Bridge | Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 10-15 years | 5-10 years |
| Bone Preservation | Yes | No | No |
| Affects Adjacent Teeth | No | Yes | Minimal |
| Chewing Function | 100% | 90% | 25-50% |
| Treatment Time | 3-6 months | 2-3 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Starting Price | £2,500 | £1,800 | £800 |
Our Implant & Restorative Team
Tooth replacement is one of our core specialties. Our team combines over 40 years of experience with the latest implant technology and digital planning.
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."— Carlos Rosa, Google Review
The Implant Process
Understanding what's involved helps many patients feel more comfortable about implant treatment:
Consultation & Planning
We examine your mouth, take X-rays (often a 3D CBCT scan), and assess bone quality. We discuss options, answer questions, and create a detailed treatment plan with costs.
Implant Placement
Under local anaesthesia (sedation available), the titanium implant is placed into the jawbone. Most patients report less discomfort than expected—often less than a tooth extraction. A temporary tooth can be provided during healing.
Osseointegration
Over 3-6 months, the implant fuses with your jawbone (osseointegration). This creates an incredibly strong foundation. You'll have check-ups to monitor progress.
Final Crown
Once integrated, we attach the abutment (connector) and fit your custom porcelain crown. The crown is colour-matched and shaped to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Aftercare
Care for your implant like a natural tooth—brush, floss, and attend regular check-ups. With good maintenance, your implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental implant surgery painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Under local anaesthesia, you won't feel pain during placement. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter painkillers. Many say it's easier than a tooth extraction.
How long do dental implants last?
The implant itself (the titanium post) can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top typically lasts 15-25 years before needing replacement. Overall, implants offer the best long-term value of any tooth replacement option.
Can I get an implant years after losing a tooth?
Yes, though bone grafting may be needed if significant resorption has occurred. We assess your bone with 3D imaging and can build it up if necessary. It's never too late, but earlier treatment is simpler and more predictable.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There's no upper age limit. We regularly place implants in patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. What matters is overall health, bone quality, and whether you're fit for minor surgery. Age alone isn't a barrier.
What if I'm missing all my teeth?
Full arch solutions include All-on-4 implants (a complete arch supported by just 4 implants), implant-retained dentures, or traditional full dentures. We'll discuss which option best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Related Dental Concerns
Don't Let Missing Teeth Hold You Back
Whether you've just lost a tooth or have been living with gaps for years, we can help. Book a consultation to explore your options and get a personalised treatment plan.
New Patient Offer: £30 Exam | Members: 50% OFF Treatment
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL

Expert Insight
"We approach missing teeth replacement london | implants & bridges | south kensington not just as a procedure, but as a pivotal restoration of self. Precision is our baseline; artistry is our signature."
— Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
The Process
- 01.
Comprehensive Diagnostics & 3D Imaging.
- 02.
Bespoke Treatment Planning & Aesthetic Calibration.
- 03.
Precision Execution & Final Artistry.
Benefits
- Improved Facial Harmony
- Restored Function & Longevity
- Seamless, Natural Aesthetics
Client Voices
"We had an appointment with Dr. Yasha Shirazi, and he was absolutely wonderful... The clinic is new and fully renovated, offering a completely different level of service... far beyond what we typically experience in London."
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."
"Amazing treatment. Receptionist is welcoming and kind. Jack did my treatment — super amazing. He explained everything in detail. I love my teeth after treatment. Thanks 😊"
"I had the absolute pleasure of being seen by Layla... Layla provided an exceptional hygiene service — thorough, gentle, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling refreshed, confident, and incredibly satisfied."
"Jack is a wonderful hygienist! I suffer from TMJD and usually struggle... but this visit was completely different. He put me at ease right away. For the first time in a long while, the cleaning didn’t hurt much at all."
"We were fortunate enough to be looked after by Jack... His professionalism and friendly manner were exceptional. If you are looking for an amazing, caring hygienist, we absolutely recommend Jack."
"We had an appointment with Dr. Yasha Shirazi, and he was absolutely wonderful... The clinic is new and fully renovated, offering a completely different level of service... far beyond what we typically experience in London."
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."
"Amazing treatment. Receptionist is welcoming and kind. Jack did my treatment — super amazing. He explained everything in detail. I love my teeth after treatment. Thanks 😊"
"I had the absolute pleasure of being seen by Layla... Layla provided an exceptional hygiene service — thorough, gentle, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling refreshed, confident, and incredibly satisfied."
"Jack is a wonderful hygienist! I suffer from TMJD and usually struggle... but this visit was completely different. He put me at ease right away. For the first time in a long while, the cleaning didn’t hurt much at all."
"We were fortunate enough to be looked after by Jack... His professionalism and friendly manner were exceptional. If you are looking for an amazing, caring hygienist, we absolutely recommend Jack."
"We had an appointment with Dr. Yasha Shirazi, and he was absolutely wonderful... The clinic is new and fully renovated, offering a completely different level of service... far beyond what we typically experience in London."
"By far, the best dental procedure I have received. Clean place, welcoming reception staff. The doctor is nice, straightforward, clear, and concise. Could not ask for more."
"Amazing treatment. Receptionist is welcoming and kind. Jack did my treatment — super amazing. He explained everything in detail. I love my teeth after treatment. Thanks 😊"
"I had the absolute pleasure of being seen by Layla... Layla provided an exceptional hygiene service — thorough, gentle, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling refreshed, confident, and incredibly satisfied."
"Jack is a wonderful hygienist! I suffer from TMJD and usually struggle... but this visit was completely different. He put me at ease right away. For the first time in a long while, the cleaning didn’t hurt much at all."
"We were fortunate enough to be looked after by Jack... His professionalism and friendly manner were exceptional. If you are looking for an amazing, caring hygienist, we absolutely recommend Jack."
Location
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic20 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 3DL
Located 2 minutes walk from South Kensington Station.
Opening Hours
- Mon - Wed09:00 - 18:00
- Thu09:00 - 20:00
- Fri09:00 - 17:00
- Sat10:00 - 16:00
- SunClosed
Uncompromising Standards
True artistry requires a foundation of absolute safety. Our practice operates under the strictest clinical governance, ensuring that your journey is as safe as it is transformative. We are fully regulated, transparent, and dedicated to the highest tenets of medical ethics.
Begin Your Journey
Private consultations available in South Kensington. Join our membership for exclusive courtesies.

