Lost a tooth and not sure what to do next? You have three options and choosing the wrong one can cost you more in the long run. Here is a simple, honest breakdown.
Dental Implants
A titanium post is placed into your jawbone and topped with a natural-looking crown. It looks, feels, and functions exactly like a real tooth.
Best for: Patients missing one or a few teeth who want a permanent, long-term solution.
Lasts 20+ years often a lifetime
Preserves your jawbone prevents bone shrinkage
No damage to surrounding teeth
Brush and floss like a natural tooth
Requires minor surgery and healing time
Higher upfront cost
Cost in Abu Dhabi: AED 5,000 – 15,000 per implant
Dental Bridge
A false tooth suspended between two crowns, cemented onto the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighbouring teeth must be filed down to anchor the bridge — even if they are perfectly healthy.
Best for: Patients who need a faster, non-surgical solution or cannot undergo surgery.
No surgery required
Completed in 2–3 visits
Lower upfront cost than implants
Healthy adjacent teeth are permanently ground down
Bone loss continues beneath the gap
Lasts 7–15 years, then needs replacing
Cost in Abu Dhabi: AED 2,000 – 6,000
Dentures
Removable appliances full or partial that rest on your gums. Modern dentures are lighter and more natural-looking than older versions, but they remain a removable solution with real limitations.
Best for: Patients missing most or all of their teeth, or those for whom surgery is not currently an option.
No surgery needed
Most affordable option upfront
Can replace many teeth at once
Can slip or shift while eating and speaking
Jawbone shrinks over time affecting fit and face shape
Need daily removal and cleaning
Require relining or replacing every 5–8 years
Cost in Abu Dhabi: AED 2,000 – 8,000
So Which Should You Choose?
Go with implants if you want a permanent fix that protects your bone and surrounding teeth. It is the gold standard for a reason.
Go with a bridge if you need a quicker, non-surgical option and the teeth beside the gap are already heavily restored.
Go with dentures if you are missing most of your teeth or surgery is not currently possible. Implant-supported dentures are a strong middle-ground the stability of implants at a fraction of the full cost.
Why Patients in Abu Dhabi Choose California Medical Center
Every implant at our clinic in Shakhbout City is planned using 3D CT scanning for precision and fitted using CAD/CAM technology for a perfect, natural result performed by Dr. Haitham Othman Agha, our specialist Prosthodontist and Implantologist.
02 553 0663 
Shakhbout City, Al Rushd Street, Villa 35, Abu Dhabi 
Saturday – Thursday | 10:00am – 8:00pm
FAQ
Q: Which lasts longer , an implant or a bridge? A: Dental implants last 20+ years and often a lifetime with proper care. Bridges typically last 7–15 years before needing replacement.
Q: Do dental implants hurt? A: The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Most patients say it is more comfortable than they expected similar to a tooth extraction.
Q: Are dental implants covered by insurance in the UAE? A: Many UAE insurance plans cover implants for medically indicated cases. Our team will check your specific coverage before treatment.
Q: Can I get an implant if I’ve had a missing tooth for years? A: Usually yes, though bone grafting may be needed first. A 3D CT scan will confirm exactly what is required.
