Dental implants are rarely free in the UK. For most people, private treatment is the realistic route. Dental implants on the NHS are only possible in exceptional cases when there’s a severe medical need, and usually only through a hospital referral.
If you’re looking for private dental implant treatment in Preston, get in touch with us at Holly Dental Practice. We’re a private practice with open, honest pricing and finance options to spread the cost.
Can you get free dental implants on the NHS?
Yes, but only in exceptional cases, after your dentist refers you to a hospital specialist. NHS-funded implants may be possible in cases such as:
- Congenital conditions like hypodontia (where the teeth never develop) or cleft lip and palate.
- Tooth loss after experiencing severe facial trauma or serious accidents, when dentures and other options are not suitable.
- Reconstruction after treatment for oral, head or neck cancer.
- Being physically unable to wear dentures, for example, because of a severe gag reflex.
Meeting the criteria mentioned above doesn’t mean you automatically get free dental implants on the NHS. First, you’ll need to go through a comprehensive, multi-step review. Your dentist refers you, a hospital consultant assesses your case, and funding depends on your local NHS area.
What if you don’t qualify for free dental implants?
If free dental implant treatment is not possible, you can consider these alternatives instead:
Private treatment
For private dental implant treatment in Preston, contact us at Holly Dental Practice, where our friendly staff members will answer your questions or schedule your consultation. Our highly qualified dental team, led by our in-house implant dentist Dr Shammi Rouf, will guide you through your smile restoration journey if you have missing teeth or want to solve loose denture problems. Implants start from £2,700 per restored tooth, and finance options are available to help spread the cost, subject to approval.
Dental schools offering subsidised treatment
Some dental teaching hospitals and institutions may offer dental implants at a significantly reduced rate. The treatment is carried out by postgraduate dentists under consultant supervision. Places are limited and selection is strict.
Dentures
Removable dentures fill in large gaps caused by tooth loss or replace all the missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They’re typically more affordable than dental implants and are available on the NHS in England, and privately, including here at Holly Dental Practice.
Bridges
If you lose a tooth or several teeth, a dental bridge will close the resulting space to help restore the look and function of your smile. Bridges are available on the NHS in England, and privately here at Holly Dental Practice.
Your next steps to having dental implants
Even if you qualify for free dental treatment on the NHS, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be eligible for dental implants. We recommend getting a professional assessment, so we can tell you if implants or another option for replacing missing teeth would work best for your condition and needs.
Book an implant consultation with Dr Rouf at Holly Dental Practice. The consultation costs £75, paid when you book, and we’ll talk you through your options and their costs so you can choose what’s right for you.
FAQs
Can you have dental implants on the NHS?
Typically, you can’t, because dental implants are not routinely offered on the NHS. In rare cases, when the treatment is determined to be medically necessary, a dental implant may be provided on the NHS, with the procedure usually done in a hospital dental department.
How much do dental implants cost in the UK?
At Holly Dental Practice in Preston, dental implants start from £2,700 per restored tooth. Your exact cost is set out in your implant report and treatment plan, so you’ll know the full figure before treatment begins. The price can vary depending on:
- Number of implants required
- Implant system used
- Type of restoration attached to the implant
- Preparatory procedures, including bone grafting
- Case complexity
Can I get dental implants through the NHS if I have no teeth?
It depends on your condition, which will be evaluated initially by your dentist, and then by a hospital-based specialist following a formal referral. Since dental implants are not commonly available on the NHS, you’ll be eligible for the treatment only if the evaluation determines your condition medically requires the procedure.
Are there more affordable alternatives to dental implants?
Yes. Dentures and bridges are lower-cost ways to replace missing teeth, and both are available privately here at Holly Dental Practice. If implants are your preferred option, finance options are available to spread the cost, subject to approval. Your consultation will help you compare options and costs, so you can choose what suits you best.
