Can You Get NHS Dental Implants? Criteria & Availability

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth following an extraction, or multiple implants could be used to support a full dental arch with a much smaller baseplate than a denture. In this guide, we’re looking at how you can get dental implants on the NHS.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a restorative technique that uses a small titanium implant that bonds with the jaw bone to provide support for a crown, bridge or denture. This technique is the only way to fully restore the function of a tooth as it distributes the force of your bite over your jawbone rather than the surrounding teeth. This can help to stop bone loss in your jaw which can lead to the sunken appearance that is common after tooth loss.

Does the NHS offer dental implants?

Dental implants are not commonly available on the NHS. This is because it is considered to be a cosmetic restoration, and there are cheaper alternatives if you need to replace a missing tooth.

The only instance where dental implants might be offered would be in cases where someone might have suffered a facial trauma that has led to extensive tooth loss. Younger people are more likely to be offered dental implants to restore their smiles in rare circumstances. The majority of times, dental implants are only available through private dentists.

In the future, as dental implants become more accessible and affordable, we could see them added to the NHS band treatments, but this is unlikely. The NHS will cover dentures, so it’s more likely that this treatment would be offered instead of implants.

What is the criteria for NHS dental implants?

As mentioned above, dental implants would typically only be available on the NHS in rare situations. This could include situations where a younger person has suffered an injury that requires facial reconstruction. Rather than offer dentures, which would be a reminder of the accident, dental implants could be offered to help with the recovery process. This is exceedingly rare, and it would be offered on a case-by-case basis.

How can I get dental implants privately?

If you are unable to secure dental implants on the NHS, you could explore private options. Thankfully, many dental practices (including ours) offer helpful payment plans that enable you to spread the cost of your treatment. This can help to make dental implants more accessible and affordable to more people. The predictable monthly payments make it easy to budget for your treatment and will also avoid the need for a large, upfront payment.

There will still be an eligibility criteria for dental implants, so just because you are willing to pay for them privately, it doesn’t always mean that you will be accepted for treatment. You will need to visit a dentist for a consultation to learn more about the treatment plan and find out if you could be a suitable candidate.

Final thoughts

Dental implants are only available on the NHS in very rare circumstances, so it’s better to head down the private route if you want to enjoy this kind of permanent restoration. To find out if you’re a good candidate for a permanent dental restoration like dental implants, get in touch with our team to arrange a consultation.