Implants on the NHS: Criteria, Costs & Availability
If you’ve done your research well, you’ll know that dental professionals consider dental implants the tooth replacement method worldwide.
You’ll also likely know dental implants are the only long-lasting, permanent option to replace missing teeth. But more likely, you’ll know that the cost of dental implants in the UK is not always so inviting.
So, there’s no surprise why so many Brits want to know if they can get this life-saving treatment through the NHS, and if they can, how do they go about getting them?
In this post, we’ll look at the NHS’s criteria for dental implants and specific ways you can increase your chances of being accepted.
We’ll also look into the cost of dental implants and ways you can lower the treatment price.
Can I get dental implants on the NHS?
The concise answer is yes, you can.
However, before you start running to your local cosmetic dentist, we need to tell you that there’s much more to it.
The NHS, in certain circumstances, offer dental implants to patients with a clear medical and clinical need. And even though missing teeth is a severe problem, it’s not enough to get you considered.
Many people who would like NHS implants will not be eligible and will be forced to settle for non-permanent, cheaper restoration treatments like bridgework or dentures. Or to opt for private care.
The massive demand for implants and a small budget to supply them means that the NHS prioritise patients according to their medical need.
The NHS-funded criteria:
We’re sharing points from the following report published by the Royal College of Surgeons in 2019, which outlines the eligibility criteria for NHS-funded dental implants.
Your chances of getting NHS-funded implants increase if:
- You have missing or malformed teeth because of an inherited or genetic condition. For example, patients with congenitally missing teeth.
- However, those who have lost their teeth due to trauma have no guarantee that they will be accepted for implant treatment after a concussion, as guidelines state that other more conventional replacement methods should be explored first.
- If you have lost your teeth because of cancer or other conditions, your teeth must be removed as part of treatment.
- Those experiencing total tooth loss in one or both jaws are unsuitable for dentures. First, a professional must confirm that all conventional options have been exhausted and deemed unsuccessful.
Additional factors for your eligibility
- You have to be registered with a general dentist
- You must receive regular checkups
- Have no untreated conditions like tooth decay or gum disease
- Comply with good oral hygiene standards
- Be a non-smoker
You may also be declined for implant-funded treatment if:
- Have poorly controlled diabetes
- Have any mental health issues
- Experience poor dental health
- Suffer from Bruxism
- Have any blood or bone disorders
Can I get All-on-4 dental implants on the NHS?
All-on-4 is a dental implant method and solution that only uses four implants, which usually helps patients cut the cost of their treatments as fewer implants are used.
However, the All-on method is rarely used or offered on the NHS. If you are missing all of your teeth, you are likely to be provided denture implants that use just two implants to secure an overdenture.
These implants will not take the full biting force, with your gums still bearing some pressure, but they will keep your dentures more securely in position.
Our dental implant costs
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We offer 0% interest finance across all of our restorative and cosmetic options, where our patients can break down the cost of treatment over manageable monthly instalments without paying a penny more for up to 24 months. In addition, our finance terms extend up to five years for those happy to be charged APR. Learn more.