A single dental implant in the UK costs between £2,000 and £3,500 on average, depending on the clinic location, implant brand, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are needed. Full mouth restorations using the All-on-4 technique range from £8,000 to £15,000 per arch. Dental implants are almost always a private treatment — NHS provision is limited to exceptional cases.
This guide breaks down every cost you need to know, what affects pricing, and how to find the right implant dentist.
Single dental implant cost breakdown
A single dental implant replaces one missing tooth with a titanium post, a connector (abutment), and a crown. Here's what each component typically costs:
| Component | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Implant fixture (titanium post) | £800 – £1,500 |
| Abutment (connector piece) | £200 – £500 |
| Crown (porcelain or zirconia) | £500 – £1,200 |
| Total per tooth | £2,000 – £3,500 |
These figures are UK-wide averages. Your quote may also include a CT scan (£100–£250) and a treatment planning fee.
London vs regional pricing
Location is one of the biggest factors in implant pricing. Central London practices typically charge 20–40% more than clinics outside the M25.
| Location | Single implant | All-on-4 (per arch) |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | £3,000 – £4,500 | £12,000 – £18,000 |
| Greater London | £2,500 – £3,500 | £10,000 – £15,000 |
| South East | £2,200 – £3,200 | £9,000 – £14,000 |
| Midlands | £2,000 – £2,800 | £8,000 – £12,000 |
| North of England | £1,800 – £2,500 | £7,500 – £11,000 |
| Scotland | £1,800 – £2,600 | £8,000 – £12,000 |
The premium in London reflects higher property costs, staffing, and the concentration of specialist implantologists — not necessarily a difference in quality.
Full mouth dental implant options
For patients replacing all or most of their teeth, there are several approaches at different price points:
| Treatment | Cost per arch | Total (both arches) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-on-4 | £8,000 – £15,000 | £16,000 – £30,000 | 4 implants support a full fixed bridge |
| All-on-6 | £10,000 – £18,000 | £20,000 – £36,000 | 6 implants for added stability |
| Implant-retained dentures | £4,000 – £8,000 | £8,000 – £16,000 | 2–4 implants hold a removable denture |
| Individual implants (full arch) | £15,000 – £30,000 | £30,000 – £60,000+ | Each tooth replaced individually |
The All-on-4 technique has become the most popular full-arch option because it provides fixed, non-removable teeth using fewer implants, which reduces cost and healing time.
What affects the price of dental implants?
Bone grafting
If you've had missing teeth for a while, your jawbone may have shrunk. A bone graft restores enough bone for the implant to anchor securely. This adds £400–£1,500 to your total depending on whether it's a minor graft or a sinus lift procedure.
Implant brand
Premium implant systems like Straumann and Nobel Biocare have decades of clinical evidence and long-term data. Budget systems may be cheaper upfront but carry less published research. Ask your dentist which system they use and why.
Crown material
Zirconia crowns are typically more expensive than porcelain-fused-to-metal but offer better aesthetics and durability. For front teeth, the material choice matters more for a natural-looking result.
Dentist experience and qualifications
Implant dentistry requires advanced training beyond the standard dental degree. Look for dentists with postgraduate qualifications in implantology, such as:
- A diploma or MSc in implant dentistry
- Membership of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI)
- Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons
More experienced implantologists may charge more, but research consistently shows that surgical experience correlates with better implant outcomes.
Can you get dental implants on the NHS?
In the vast majority of cases, no. The NHS considers dental implants a specialist treatment that's only funded in exceptional circumstances:
- Severe bone loss that makes conventional dentures impossible
- Reconstruction after oral cancer treatment or major facial trauma
- Cases referred by a hospital consultant through the secondary care pathway
If you are referred for NHS implants, expect a waiting list of 12–24 months in most areas. The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides further guidance on NHS referral criteria.
For everyone else, dental implants are a private treatment — but financing options can make them more accessible.
How to finance dental implants
Most UK clinics offer payment plans to spread the cost:
- 0% interest finance — typically over 6–12 months, sometimes up to 24 months
- Extended plans — 24–60 months with interest (8–15% APR)
- Dental insurance — some policies contribute toward implant costs (check your plan's exclusions)
- Health cash plans — providers like Denplan or SimplyHealth may cover a portion
A single implant at £2,500 on a 12-month 0% plan works out to roughly £208 per month. Many clinics also offer a discount for paying upfront.
How to compare implant quotes
When evaluating quotes from different clinics, make sure you're comparing like-for-like:
- Ask what's included — does the price cover the CT scan, the implant, the abutment, and the final crown? Some clinics quote per-component
- Check the implant brand — a £1,500 implant using an unbranded system is not the same as a £2,500 Straumann implant
- Ask about follow-up costs — are review appointments included? What about the permanent crown if a temporary one is placed first?
- Read patient reviews — look for specific mentions of implant experience on Google Reviews and Trustpilot
- Verify GDC registration — check your dentist's registration at the General Dental Council register
Pearlie tip: Don't choose purely on price. The cheapest quote may not include everything, and implant failure can be costly to correct. Focus on the dentist's experience, the implant system used, and the transparency of the pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more. The titanium post integrates permanently with your jawbone and can last a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing after 10–15 years due to normal wear. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene — brushing twice daily and cleaning around the implant — are essential for longevity. The Oral Health Foundation provides detailed aftercare guidance.
Is the procedure painful?
Implant placement is performed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure itself. Afterwards, some swelling, bruising and discomfort is normal for 3–7 days. Most patients manage this with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol. NHS guidance on post-surgical pain recommends avoiding hot food and drink on the day of surgery.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
The full process typically takes 3–6 months:
- Consultation and planning — 1–2 appointments including CT scan
- Implant placement surgery — 1–2 hours per implant
- Healing period (osseointegration) — 3–6 months for the implant to fuse with bone
- Final crown fitting — 1–2 appointments
Some clinics offer same-day implants where a temporary crown is placed immediately, though this isn't suitable for all cases.
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Implants offer several advantages: they're fixed (don't move when eating or speaking), they prevent bone loss in the jaw, and they look and feel like natural teeth. Dentures are considerably cheaper and don't require surgery. The British Dental Association notes that the choice depends on your oral health, bone density, budget and personal preference. Many patients start with dentures and upgrade to implant-retained dentures later.
Can smokers have dental implants?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure — studies suggest failure rates are twice as high in smokers. Most implant dentists strongly recommend stopping smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and for 8 weeks after. Some clinics may decline to place implants in heavy smokers due to the elevated risk.
What's the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of 95–98% over 10 years when placed by an experienced clinician, according to data from the ADI. Factors that can reduce success include smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and insufficient bone density.
Prices in this guide are indicative and based on UK market data as of February 2026. Always confirm pricing directly with your chosen clinic, as costs vary. Pearlie does not provide dental advice — all treatment decisions should be discussed with a GDC-registered dentist.
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