Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers dental implant costs in the UK, including NHS eligibility, regional price variations, hidden costs, finance options, and how to choose a qualified implant dentist.
Dental implants are one of the most significant investments you can make in your oral health. With approximately 130,000 implants placed annually in the UK and a success rate of 95–98%, they've become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. But they're also one of the most expensive dental treatments available.
This comprehensive guide provides honest, up-to-date information about dental implant costs in the UK—including what affects pricing, hidden costs to watch for, and how to make this treatment affordable.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium screw placed into your jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant integrates with your bone (a process called osseointegration), it provides a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.
The Three Components of a Dental Implant
| Component | What It Does | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium implant (screw) | Anchors into jawbone | £400–£800 |
| Abutment (connector) | Connects implant to crown | £200–£400 |
| Crown (visible tooth) | The replacement tooth you see | £600–£1,200 |
"A dental implant is a hollow screw, usually made of titanium alloy, which is placed into the jaw. The implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth and acts as a support for a prosthesis." — Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Dental Implant Costs in the UK (2026)
Single Tooth Implant Prices
The cost of a single dental implant in the UK typically ranges from £1,800 to £4,500, with the national average around £2,415.
| Clinic Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget clinics | £1,800–£2,300 | Basic implant, standard crown, essential aftercare |
| Mid-range clinics | £2,100–£2,950 | Quality materials, comprehensive aftercare |
| Premium clinics | £3,000–£4,500 | Premium materials, extended warranties, advanced technology |
Multiple Implants and Full Mouth Costs
| Treatment | Per Arch | Full Mouth (Both Arches) |
|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 | £9,500–£16,000 | £18,000–£28,000 |
| All-on-6 | £12,000–£22,000 | £30,000–£40,000 |
| Full mouth restoration | £9,500–£28,000 | £25,000–£35,000 |
All-on-4 vs All-on-6:
- All-on-4: Uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch. Best for patients with significant bone loss. More cost-effective.
- All-on-6: Uses six implants for maximum stability and stronger bite force. Ideal for patients with thinner jawbones.
Regional Price Variations
Dental implant costs vary significantly depending on where you live:
| Region | Single Implant Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London & South-East | £2,000–£4,500 | 10–15% above UK average |
| Scotland (Edinburgh/Glasgow) | £2,300–£5,000 | Highest average costs |
| Northern Ireland | £2,000–£3,000 | Less transparent pricing |
| Wales | £1,800–£3,300 | Similar to Northern Ireland |
| North of England | £1,800–£3,000 | Generally lower than South |
Why prices vary:
- Local property costs and overheads
- Dentist expertise and experience
- Quality of materials used
- Clinic facilities and equipment
Hidden Costs to Watch For
One of the biggest surprises for patients is discovering additional costs that weren't in the initial quote. Always ask for a comprehensive breakdown.
Common Additional Procedures
| Procedure | Cost Range | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bone graft | £450–£2,000 | Required in ~30% of cases when jawbone is insufficient |
| Sinus lift | £650–£1,600 | For upper jaw implants when there's not enough bone |
| CT/CBCT scan | £100–£300 | Essential for treatment planning |
| Tooth extraction | £100–£350 | If damaged tooth needs removal first |
| IV sedation | £150–£450 | For anxious patients |
| Temporary teeth | £200–£500 | While waiting for permanent restoration |
Important advice: Not all clinics include the same components in their pricing. A "cheap" implant quote might exclude the crown, abutment, or diagnostic imaging. Always compare like-for-like and understand exactly what's included.
Can You Get Dental Implants on the NHS?
Dental implants are rarely available on the NHS. According to NHS guidance, implants are "usually only available privately and are expensive."
NHS Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify for NHS-funded implants only if you have:
- Congenital conditions — Such as ectodermal dysplasia, cleft palate, or hypodontia (congenitally missing teeth)
- Cancer treatment — Head and neck cancer patients who lost teeth following chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Severe facial trauma — Significant injury when conventional dentures cannot restore adequate function
- Inability to tolerate dentures — Due to severe anatomical issues, neurological disorders, or extreme gag reflexes
"Approximately 95% of applicants do not meet eligibility requirements for NHS-funded dental implants." — Brighton Implant Clinic
If You Do Qualify for NHS Implants
Even NHS-funded implants aren't entirely free. You'll pay the Band 3 charge:
| Nation | Band 3 Cost |
|---|---|
| England | £326.70 |
| Wales | £260.00 |
| Scotland | 80% of cost, max £384.88 |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost, max £384.88 |
Why Dental Implants Aren't Usually Available on NHS
- Cost: Implants are expensive; NHS prioritises essential treatments within limited budgets
- Cosmetic classification: Often classified as elective rather than medically necessary
- Alternatives available: Dentures and bridges are available as NHS-funded alternatives
- Specialist requirements: Requires equipment and training not available in all NHS facilities
Finance and Payment Options
With costs potentially reaching tens of thousands of pounds, most patients need to spread payments over time.
Interest-Free Finance
Most implant clinics offer 0% finance for 12–24 months, making treatment more accessible:
| Finance Term | Deposit Required | Example Monthly Payment* |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | Often none | £200/month for £2,400 implant |
| 18 months | 35% typical | £130/month (after £840 deposit) |
| 24 months | 35% typical | £100/month (after £840 deposit) |
*Examples based on £2,400 single implant treatment
Extended Payment Plans
For larger treatments, extended finance is available:
- Up to 60 months with interest (typically 9.9% APR)
- All-on-4 from approximately £78–£189 per month
- Subject to credit check and approval
Dental Insurance
Most standard dental insurance policies do not cover implants as they're considered cosmetic. However, some premium policies offer partial coverage:
| Provider | Coverage | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | 50% of cost | £500/year |
| Vitality | 80% of cost | £400/year |
| Denplan | Extra premium option | Up to £20,000 |
Waiting periods: Most insurers require 3–12 months before you can claim for implants.
The Implant Procedure: What to Expect
Understanding the treatment timeline helps you plan financially and practically.
Treatment Timeline
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | 1 hour | Assessment, X-rays, treatment planning |
| Implant placement | 45–90 minutes | Surgery under local anaesthetic |
| Osseointegration | 3–6 months | Implant fuses with jawbone |
| Abutment fitting | 30 minutes | Connector attached to implant |
| Crown placement | 1–2 hours | Final restoration fitted |
Total treatment time: Minimum 6 months, typically around one year for straightforward cases. Complex cases requiring bone grafts may take 12–18 months.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate recovery (Days 1–7):
- Mild swelling, bleeding, and discomfort (normal)
- Most people return to work within a day
- Avoid strenuous exercise
Short-term recovery (1–2 weeks):
- Stick to soft foods (soups, yoghurt, mashed potatoes)
- Maintain gentle oral hygiene
- Pain should subside within a few days
Long-term healing (3–6 months):
- Bone integration happens gradually
- Regular check-ups to monitor progress
- Full healing before final restoration
Success Rates and Longevity
Dental implants are one of the most successful dental procedures available.
Success Statistics
| Timeframe | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| 10 years | 96.8% survival |
| 15 years | 94.0% survival |
| 20+ years | 90%+ with proper care |
"Single-tooth implants show high survival rate with good long-term prognosis. Stable bone levels suggest promising prognosis even after nearly 40 years." — Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, 2025
What Affects Longevity?
The titanium implant itself can last 20+ years or even a lifetime. However:
- Crowns may need replacement after 10–15 years due to wear
- Smoking increases failure rate from 5% to 11%
- Poor oral hygiene can lead to peri-implantitis and bone loss
- Teeth grinding can damage restorations
Alternatives to Dental Implants
If implants aren't suitable or affordable, other options exist:
| Treatment | Private Cost | NHS Cost | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental bridge | £750–£4,800 | £326.70 (Band 3) | 5–15 years | Good adjacent teeth available |
| Dentures | £600–£2,000/arch | £326.70 (Band 3) | Varies | Multiple missing teeth |
| Implant bridge | £5,000–£15,000 | Not available | 20+ years | Multiple missing teeth, want fixed solution |
When Alternatives May Be Better
Consider alternatives if you have:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Heavy smoking (20+ cigarettes daily)
- Severe osteoporosis
- Previous radiation therapy to jaw
- Insufficient bone and unwilling/unable to have bone graft
How to Choose a Qualified Implant Dentist
Choosing the right dentist is crucial for a successful outcome.
Essential Checks
- GDC registration — Verify on the General Dental Council register
- Implant-specific training — Look for postgraduate qualifications in implantology
- Experience — Ask how many implants they've placed and their success rate (should be around 95%)
- Before and after photos — Review their actual work
- Patient reviews — Read verified patient experiences
Questions to Ask Before Treatment
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| How many implants have you placed? | Experience correlates with success |
| What is your success rate? | Should be 95%+ |
| Do you have CT scanning technology? | Essential for safe, accurate placement |
| Which implant system do you use? | Quality varies significantly |
| What's included in the price? | Avoid surprise costs |
| What guarantee do you offer? | Average is 3 years |
| What if something goes wrong? | Understand their aftercare policy |
Red Flags to Watch For
- Prices significantly below market average
- No CT scan included in treatment planning
- Reluctance to discuss success rates or show past work
- Pressure to proceed without time to consider
- No clear breakdown of costs
Risks and Complications
While dental implants have high success rates, understanding potential risks helps you make an informed decision.
Common Complications
| Complication | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peri-implant mucositis | Up to 50% | Reversible gum inflammation, usually from plaque build-up |
| Peri-implantitis | 10–20% | More serious infection that can cause bone loss |
| Integration failure | 2–5% | Implant doesn't fuse properly with bone |
| Nerve damage | Rare | Can cause numbness or tingling |
Risk Factors for Failure
- Smoking: Failure rate doubles (11% vs 5%)
- Untreated gum disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Inexperienced practitioner
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, the titanium implant can last 20+ years or even a lifetime. Crowns may need replacement after 10–15 years due to normal wear.
Are dental implants painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. Most patients describe it as less painful than having a tooth extracted.
Can I get dental implants on the NHS?
NHS-funded implants are only available for patients with severe medical conditions such as cancer treatment, congenital defects, or significant trauma. Approximately 95% of applicants don't meet the eligibility criteria.
How much do full mouth dental implants cost in the UK?
Full mouth restoration using All-on-4 typically costs £18,000–£28,000 for both arches. All-on-6 ranges from £30,000–£40,000. Costs vary by region, materials, and clinic.
Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implants?
Yes. Dental bridges (£750–£4,800 private, £326.70 NHS) and dentures (£600–£2,000 private, £326.70 NHS) are more affordable alternatives. However, they don't last as long and don't preserve jawbone like implants do.
What is included in the cost of a dental implant?
This varies by clinic. A complete quote should include: consultation, CT scan, implant, abutment, crown, and aftercare appointments. Always ask for a detailed breakdown and clarify what's excluded.
How do I find a good implant dentist near me?
Check GDC registration, look for implant-specific qualifications, review before/after photos, read patient testimonials, and ensure they have CT scanning technology. Use our search to find qualified implant dentists in your area.
Find Qualified Implant Dentists Near You
Dental implants represent a significant investment in your oral health and quality of life. While the costs are substantial, the longevity and natural feel of implants make them the gold standard for tooth replacement.
The most important factors in a successful outcome are choosing a qualified, experienced dentist and maintaining excellent oral hygiene after treatment. Take your time to research, compare quotes, and ask questions—this is a decision that will affect you for decades.
Use our search to find experienced implant dentists in your area, compare services, and book a consultation to discuss whether implants are right for you.
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Dentists Closeby Team
Editorial Team
The Dentists Closeby editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about dental care in the UK. Our team includes dental professionals, health writers, and patient advocates.
