Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Missing teeth

Missing teeth

Routine3 treatment options

Gaps from lost teeth can affect eating, speech and confidence. Compare dentures, bridges and implants, and why the gap itself matters.

How urgent is it? Routine

Not urgent in itself. If a tooth has just been knocked out, treat it as an emergency and contact a dentist immediately.

What it is

Teeth can be lost through decay, gum disease or injury, and some people are born without certain adult teeth. Missing teeth can make it harder to chew and speak clearly, and many people feel self-conscious about the gap even when it causes no other problems.

Gaps can also cause changes over time. The Oral Health Foundation notes that neighbouring teeth can drift or tip into the space, which can affect your bite and make food more likely to get trapped. Missing back teeth can also affect the bite and the jaw joint.

The main ways to replace teeth are dentures, bridges and dental implants, and leaving the gap is also a legitimate choice. Which suits you depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your remaining teeth, gums and jawbone, your preferences and your budget.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • A visible gap when you smile
  • Difficulty chewing on one side
  • Neighbouring teeth tipping or drifting into the space
  • Food trapping around the gap
  • Changes in speech

Usual causes

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease loosening teeth
  • Injuries and knocked-out teeth
  • Teeth that never developed (hypodontia)
  • Extractions for crowding or failed treatment

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Dentures

    Replacing one, several or all teeth with a removable option; immediate dentures can usually be made within a few days, and dentures are an NHS Band 3 treatment.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  2. Bridges

    One or a small number of missing teeth when the neighbouring teeth are strong and healthy; resin-bonded bridges need little or no drilling.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  3. Dental implants

    A fixed replacement for one or more teeth when the jawbone is suitable - usually private and the most involved option.

    Sometimes on the NHSRestorative

What you can do now

  • Keep the teeth next to the gap especially clean, as they can trap food
  • If you wear dentures, remove and clean them daily and take them out at night unless your dentist advises otherwise

Preventing it

  • Protect your remaining teeth by brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth and cutting down on sugar
  • Treat gum disease early
  • Wear a mouthguard for contact sports

Common questions

Do I have to replace a missing tooth?

No. Accepting the gap is a valid option, but ask your dentist whether neighbouring teeth are likely to drift or your bite could be affected.

Are implants available on the NHS?

Rarely. The NHS says implants are usually only available privately, although they are sometimes provided on the NHS for people who cannot wear dentures for particular reasons, such as mouth cancer or an accident.

How soon can I have a bridge after a tooth is removed?

Usually the gum needs time to heal first. The Oral Health Foundation says healing can take around six months, and a temporary replacement may be offered meanwhile.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

TePe Bridge & Implant Floss

Pre-cut spongy floss with stiff ends that thread under wires, bridges and around implants – handy for anyone with fixed braces.

Features & who it suits

Waterpik Cordless Advanced water flosser

A rechargeable, cordless water flosser that is easier to store and travel with than a countertop unit, at the cost of a smaller…

Features & who it suits

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.