Can You Get Dental Implants on the NHS?

Most people pay privately for dental implants. The NHS only provides them in limited cases. Here is who may qualify, how referral works and the NHS alternatives.

Updated · 4 min read

Illustration of a dental implant screw in a jawbone supporting a replacement tooth

Dental implants are rarely available on the NHS. The NHS website says they are usually only available privately, but are sometimes provided for people who cannot wear dentures for certain reasons, such as mouth cancer or an accident. For most people, the NHS options for replacing missing teeth are dentures or a bridge.

What a dental implant is

An implant is a fixed replacement for a missing tooth. A small titanium screw is placed into the jawbone, and once it has bonded with the bone, it supports a crown, bridge or denture. Implants can replace a single tooth or several teeth.

Because they are fixed, implants do not move like removable dentures. That is why many people want them.

When the NHS may provide implants

The NHS provides treatment that is clinically needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. For most missing teeth, dentures or bridges do this well enough, so implants are not offered.

Implants may be considered when dentures are not a workable option, for example:

  • after surgery for mouth or head and neck cancer
  • after a serious injury to the face or jaw, such as from an accident

These cases are usually treated in hospital dental departments, such as restorative dentistry or oral and maxillofacial surgery, not at a high street practice. Each case is assessed individually, and being in one of these groups does not guarantee implants.

How to be considered

  1. See your NHS dentist. Explain why you are struggling with dentures or other options.
  2. Ask about a referral. If your dentist thinks you may meet the criteria, they can refer you to a hospital specialist.
  3. Assessment. The specialist team decides whether implants are clinically appropriate and available in your case.

If you have had treatment for mouth cancer or a facial injury, ask your hospital team directly. Replacing teeth is often planned as part of that care.

Cost if you get implants on the NHS

The NHS website says treatment from a hospital dentist in an NHS hospital is free, although you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges. Ask the hospital team what charges, if any, will apply to you.

NHS alternatives to implants

Dentures

Removable full or partial dentures cost £332.10 as a Band 3 treatment in England in 2026/27. Our guide to NHS denture costs explains what is included and what replacements cost.

Bridges

A bridge is a fixed replacement tooth attached to the teeth either side of the gap. Bridges are also Band 3, so they cost £332.10, and they are usually made from metal and porcelain.

Your dentist will advise which is suitable, depending on the health of the teeth around the gap.

Paying privately for implants

Most people who have implants pay privately. Prices vary widely between practices and depend on how many teeth are replaced, whether you need bone grafts, and the type of crown or denture fitted on top. Before agreeing:

  • get a written treatment plan and full quote, including follow-up appointments
  • ask how many implants the dentist places and what training they have
  • check the dentist is registered with the General Dental Council
  • ask what happens and what it costs if the implant fails
  • be cautious about finance deals, and make sure you understand the total cost

Some NHS dentists also offer private implants. If so, they must make clear which treatment is NHS and which is private.

Is an implant right for you?

Implants are not suitable for everyone. Dentists usually consider your gum health, the amount of bone in your jaw, whether you smoke, and any medical conditions. Implants need good daily cleaning and regular check-ups, just like natural teeth. Your dentist can talk you through the risks and benefits.

Why replacing missing teeth matters

The NHS website explains that losing your natural teeth makes it harder to chew food, which can affect your diet, and can cause the muscles in your face to sag. That is why the NHS does provide ways to replace missing teeth, even though implants are rarely one of them.

Making NHS dentures work well

If you have dentures instead of implants, good care makes a big difference to comfort. The NHS dentures page advises:

  • brushing your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening
  • taking your dentures out and brushing them with soft soap or washing-up liquid every morning and evening, not toothpaste
  • cleaning them over a sink of water or a towel, as they can break if dropped
  • taking them out at night, unless your dentist advises otherwise

If dentures feel loose or sore, go back to your dentist. Small adjustments cost £27.90 (Band 1) and repairs are free.

Questions to ask your dentist about missing teeth

  • Which NHS options would work for my gap: a denture or a bridge?
  • What are the pros and cons of each for my mouth?
  • Would I meet the criteria for a hospital referral?
  • If I paid privately, what would the full treatment involve?

Implant questions

Can I get a referral just because I do not like dentures?

Usually not. Preferring implants is not normally enough for NHS treatment. Talk to your dentist about improving the fit of your dentures first.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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