Tooth Implants on the NHS: Costs, Criteria, Availability & More

Can you get tooth implants on the NHS? Short answer: yes, but it's a complicated process. NHS patients in the UK can receive implants, but only under certain circumstances.

Tooth implants are a permanent, long-lasting option to replace missing teeth, but the costs involved in the UK make them unaffordable for many people. It's therefore unsurprising that so many Brits are wondering whether you can get tooth implants on the NHS, and if so, how to get them.

There is no need to worry about extensive research anymore. In this article, we'll cover the:

• Criteria for NHS tooth implants
• What you can do to increase your chances of being accepted
• Tooth implants cost on the NHS
• Alternative ways to lower the price of this treatment

We hope that this article answers all the questions that you may have about getting tooth implants on the NHS.

Can you get tooth implants on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS offers tooth implants primarily to patients with a clear medical need. Patients must be prioritized according to their medical needs since implant treatment is expensive and there is only a limited budget to supply them.

For this reason, many people who would like NHS implants will not be eligible. It is then advised to rather settle for available dental treatments or opt for private dental care.

This guide, published by the Royal College of Surgeons in 2019, lays out the complete eligibility criteria for NHS-funded tooth implants. It is ,however, 20 pages long. If you're short on time, we summarised all the key points below.

You can watch the video below for an even shorter answer:

NHS tooth implant criteria summarised

The main patient groups who will be prioritised for dental implants on the NHS are as follows:

Patients with missing or malformed teeth because of inherited, genetic conditions

People with congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia) make up a significant proportion of NHS tooth implant patients. Those missing multiple teeth will be prioritised, while those with a single missing tooth may be offered a bridge instead. A cleft palate or lip can also result in missing teeth.

Other rare genetic conditions cause imperfections in tooth size, shape and structure too. These teeth may not be suitable to support a bridge or denture for other missing teeth or may need to be extracted.

Finally, people with inherited aggressive periodontitis often lose their teeth early in life. Once the condition is under control, they may be allowed to get implants.

Patients who have lost teeth because of trauma or an accident

This is another common reason that patients may be referred for NHS implants. Significant facial trauma can damage teeth, gum tissue and supporting bone, resulting in immediate or eventual tooth loss.

There's unfortunately no guarantee that you will be accepted for tooth implants on the NHS after trauma, as the guidelines still recommend exploring conventional tooth replacement methods first.

Patients who have lost teeth because of other medical treatments

People with head and neck cancer and certain other conditions may have to have teeth removed as part of their treatment. Additionally, chemotherapy is known to affect the salivary glands and this, in turn, may worsen existing tooth decay and other oral health problems.

In the case of tooth loss for any of these reasons, patients may be eligible for NHS teeth implants.

Patients who are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws and can't wear dentures

The guidelines acknowledge that edentulous patients (who have no teeth) in one or both jaws may have trouble wearing dentures because of changes to the shape of their jawbone.

To be considered on this basis, the patient must first be assessed by an expert in restorative dentistry or prosthodontics. This expert will check that their dentures are technically a good fit, and confirm that all conventional options have been exhausted and deemed unsuccessful.

It is important to note that only patients who are physically unable to wear dentures will be considered.

There are some other categories, such as people with extremely dry mouths and those who need an implant as an anchor for orthodontic work. If you think you may be eligible on some other basis, you can enquire with your dentist to find out more.

Other considerations for eligibility

As well as meeting one of the criteria above, patients must satisfy certain other conditions before they will be considered for tooth implants on the NHS. They must:

• Be registered with a general dentist to receive regular checkups and ongoing care
• Have no untreated tooth decay, gum disease or failing restorations
• Comply with the care needed to maintain good oral hygiene
• Be a non-smoker

Smoking and tobacco use are known to increase the chances of complications and failure in tooth implants. If you have not smoked in over three months, you are more likely to be accepted as an implant candidate. But if you're found to be smoking during your implant treatment, it may be suspended until you quit again.

Your age may also influence whether you are accepted, and on what level of priority you are. Generally, implants won't be placed before the age of 18 because the face is still developing. There is no upper age limit for dental implants on the NHS, but your ability – both mental and physical – to care for your teeth in the future will be taken into consideration.

There are several reasons why patients can be denied eligibility. It may be because of a greater risk of complications or an inability to comply with oral care requirements.

Some of these reasons include:

• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Active bisphosphonate treatment
• Mental health issues
• Blood, bone and immunodeficiency disorders
• Poor dental health
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Do you have questions about your eligibility for implants? Visit JustAnswer to chat online with a qualified dentist and find out all the information you need – without having to take time out for a dental appointment. Their dentists are based in the US but are available 24/7 to help you out.

Can you get All-on-4 dental implants on the NHS?

The All-on-4 system uses just four implants to secure a full set of false teeth. This is a popular solution for people wanting to save money on full-mouth implants, but it is rarely offered on the NHS.

In the case of missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, you are more likely to receive denture implants on the NHS that secure an overdenture with only two implants. Your gums still bear some pressure when you bite down on the implants, but they keep the dentures in place securely.

Tooth implants cost on the NHS

NHS tooth implants are charged according to standard NHS dental fees. For some people, this means NHS dental implants are free. Others will have to pay fees of:

• £282.80 in England (the Band 3 treatment fee)
• £203 in Wales (the Band 3 treatment fee)
• £384 in Scotland and Northern Ireland (the maximum charge)

The good news is that fees apply per treatment course. Whether you need a single tooth implant or a full mouth, you'll pay the same.

Note that once your treatment is complete, you will be responsible for the cost of regular checkups and any follow-up treatment you may need. If you later need a replacement crown or one of your implants fails, there is no guarantee that the NHS will fund a replacement.

How to apply for tooth implants on the NHS

It's best to visit your usual NHS dentist for an initial assessment, after which they will refer you for a further assessment by the local facility providing the implants provided that you meet the criteria.

Some dental hospitals allow you to apply directly. However, since there is no centralised process for applying for NHS tooth implants, it's best to go via your dentist.

You can expect to wait several months between your initial referral and your next assessment. The waiting list for accepted candidates can take over a year. If you don't want to wait this long to replace your missing teeth, you'll need to consider private treatment.

It's worth noting that each local NHS Foundation Trust has its own guidelines for referrals. Although the criteria mentioned above are national guidelines, the exact requirements and exclusions in each area can vary. Each local area is subject to its own funding restrictions, too.

Other ways to fund your teeth implants

It will be necessary to look for ways to fund your own tooth implants if you're not eligible for them on the NHS.

Because of the high cost of implants in the UK – £2,300 each or more on average – a popular option is to look at travelling abroad for dental work. Countries like Turkey, Hungary and Spain have developed an excellent reputation for high-quality dental treatment at 50-70% less than you'd pay in the UK. Even factoring in the cost of flights and accommodation, it can mean a big saving; especially if you need costly treatment like All-on-4.

To find out more about how this works, you can visit Dentaly Go. Their dental tourism service puts you in touch with reputable dental clinics abroad that meet strict quality standards. Alternatively, fill in your details below to request a free quote.

Travelling abroad still comes with its own risks. You can read our full dental tourism guide to learn more about the pros and cons.

If you'd rather stay closer to home, it's certainly worth getting quotes from a few different dentists, since there can be considerable variation between practices. Our cheap dental implants page has more tips for finding a good price. A loan or payment plan could also help make your treatment more affordable.

It may even be possible to get free dental implants by volunteering for a clinical trial or approaching a dental school, but these opportunities are unfortunately rare.

Alternative NHS treatments

People missing one, several or all of their teeth do have other options for NHS teeth replacements.

Dentures are the most common solution as they are relatively cheap and incredibly versatile. They can be used to replace any number of teeth and look quite natural. Some people do have problems wearing dentures, but often a reline or good denture adhesive can help them fit more securely.

There is also the option of a dental bridge to replace a single tooth or two in a row. This is a fixed, long-term restoration. TUnfortunately, some healthy enamel must be removed from the anchor teeth. If you're planning to get a tooth implant in the future, a bridge may not be the best option as you'll then need to crown the adjacent teeth.

These restorative solutions should be available to any NHS patients who need them, so they are much easier to access than teeth implants.

Conclusion

The simple way to know if you can get tooth implants on the NHS is to ask yourself this: Are you missing teeth for reasons beyond your control, like a medical condition or facial trauma? In this case, you may well be able to get NHS implants; you'll just have to be patient about going through the system.

If you need implants because of poor oral health in the past, you are less likely to be accepted as a candidate. Regular smokers are also highly unlikely to be considered. The best option is to consult your dentist about your eligibility.

FAQs

Can you get free dental implants on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS offers free dental implants under certain circumstances, mainly to people who have a clear medical need. However, due to the strict eligibility criteria, many people unfortunately do not qualify.

What is the cost of tooth implants on the NHS?

NHS tooth implants are charged according to standard NHS dental fees. For some people, this means NHS dental implants are free. Others will have to pay fees of:
£282.80 in England, £203 in Wales, £384 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Can you get All-on-4 dental implants on the NHS?

All-on-4 treatment is a popular solution for people wanting to save money on full-mouth implants, but it is rarely offered on the NHS. In the case of missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, you are more likely to receive denture implants on the NHS that secure an overdenture with only two implants.