The Complete Guide to Dental Implants in the UK

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses permanently with the bone over several months. An abutment and custom crown are then attached, creating a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions like a natural one.

This guide covers every aspect of dental implants — from the different types available to the full procedure timeline, recovery expectations, costs and how to choose the right implant dentist. Whether you're considering a single implant or full mouth restoration, this is the resource you need.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a three-part prosthetic tooth replacement:

1. The implant fixture — a small titanium or zirconia screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This acts as the artificial tooth root
2. The abutment — a connector piece that sits on top of the implant and protrudes above the gum line
3. The crown — a custom-made porcelain or zirconia tooth that attaches to the abutment

The key to implant success is osseointegration — the biological process where the titanium post fuses with the surrounding jawbone over 3–6 months. Once integrated, the implant provides a stable, permanent foundation that can last decades.

Unlike bridges (which require filing down adjacent healthy teeth) or dentures (which sit on top of the gums), implants are self-supporting and help preserve the jawbone by stimulating it the way natural tooth roots do.

Types of dental implants

Single tooth implants

The most common type. One implant replaces one missing tooth. This is ideal when surrounding teeth are healthy and don't need restoration. A single implant typically costs between £2,000 and £3,500 depending on location and the implant system used.

Implant-supported bridges

When 2–4 adjacent teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge uses two implants to support a row of connected crowns. This is more cost-effective than placing individual implants for each tooth and requires less surgery.

All-on-4 (full arch replacement)

The All-on-4 technique uses just four strategically angled implants to support an entire arch of fixed teeth. This is the most popular solution for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in one jaw. Two implants are placed vertically at the front and two are angled at the back, maximising contact with the available bone.

Benefits of All-on-4:

• Fixed, non-removable teeth in one day (temporary prosthesis)
• Often avoids the need for bone grafting
• Lower cost than individual implants for every tooth
• Proven long-term success rates of over 95%

All-on-6

Similar to All-on-4 but uses six implants per arch for additional stability. This is sometimes recommended when bone density is lower or when the patient prefers extra security. The cost is higher than All-on-4 but still considerably less than individual implants.

Implant-retained dentures

Also called snap-on dentures or overdentures. Two to four implants are placed and the denture clips onto them with special attachments. The denture is still removable for cleaning but is far more stable than a conventional denture. This is the most affordable implant option for full arch replacement.

Zygomatic implants

For patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who cannot have conventional implants even with bone grafting. Zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone. This is a specialist procedure available at a limited number of UK centres.

The dental implant procedure step by step

Step 1: Consultation and assessment

Your implant dentist will conduct a thorough examination including:

• 3D CT scan (CBCT) — provides detailed images of your jawbone to assess bone density, volume and the position of nerves and sinuses
• Dental impressions — either traditional moulds or digital scans of your teeth
• Medical history review — certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, active chemotherapy or heavy smoking may affect suitability
• Treatment planning — the dentist will explain the recommended approach, alternatives, timeline and costs

This consultation typically costs £100–£300, though many clinics apply this toward the treatment fee if you proceed.

Step 2: Preparatory procedures (if needed)

Some patients need additional procedures before implant placement:

• Bone grafting — if the jawbone has shrunk due to tooth loss or gum disease, a bone graft rebuilds sufficient volume. This adds £400–£1,500 and requires 3–6 months of healing before implant placement
• Sinus lift — if upper back teeth are being replaced and the sinus has expanded into the jaw space, a sinus lift procedure creates room for the implant. Cost: £800–£2,000
• Tooth extraction — if a damaged tooth needs to be removed first. In some cases an implant can be placed immediately after extraction (immediate placement)

Step 3: Implant placement surgery

The surgery itself is relatively straightforward and is typically performed under local anaesthetic:

1. A small incision is made in the gum to expose the bone
2. A series of precision drills create a channel in the bone
3. The titanium implant is carefully threaded into the channel
4. A healing cap or cover screw is placed on top
5. The gum is stitched closed around the healing cap

The procedure takes 30–60 minutes per implant. You will be awake but should feel no pain — only pressure and vibration. Sedation options (oral sedation or IV sedation) are available for anxious patients.

Step 4: Healing and osseointegration

This is the most important phase. Over the next 3–6 months, the titanium implant gradually fuses with your jawbone. During this time:

• You'll have a temporary tooth or gap (depending on the position)
• You should eat soft foods for the first 1–2 weeks
• Avoid smoking, as it significantly impairs healing
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled

With All-on-4 treatment, a temporary fixed bridge is usually fitted on the same day as surgery, so you leave with a full set of teeth.

Step 5: Abutment placement

Once osseointegration is confirmed (usually verified by X-ray), the healing cap is removed and replaced with the abutment — the connector piece that will hold your permanent crown.

A new impression is taken at this stage to create your custom crown. Some modern systems combine the abutment and crown fitting into fewer appointments.

Step 6: Crown fitting

Your permanent crown is custom-crafted in a dental laboratory to match your natural teeth in shape, size and colour. Options include:

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) — strong and affordable, with a slight opacity
• All-ceramic/zirconia — the most natural-looking option, excellent for front teeth
• Full zirconia — extremely strong, good for back teeth that take heavy biting force

The crown is either cemented or screwed onto the abutment. The entire process from placement to crown typically takes 3–6 months, though some cases may take longer if bone grafting was needed.

How much do dental implants cost in the UK?

Dental implant costs vary significantly based on location, the implant brand, the dentist's experience and any additional procedures needed. Here is a general overview:

Central London practices typically charge 20–40% more than regional clinics. For a detailed pricing breakdown by location, read our dental implant cost guide.

Can you get implants on the NHS?

In the vast majority of cases, no. The NHS only funds dental implants in exceptional circumstances — typically reconstruction after oral cancer, major trauma or cases where conventional options are medically unsuitable. For everyone else, implants are a private treatment. Learn more about NHS vs private dental care.

Financing options

Most UK clinics offer payment plans:

• 0% finance — 6–24 months interest-free
• Extended plans — 24–60 months with 8–15% APR
• Dental insurance — some policies cover a portion of implant costs
• Health cash plans — providers like Denplan or SimplyHealth may contribute

Recovery and aftercare

First 24 hours

• Some bleeding is normal — bite gently on gauze pads
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
• Avoid hot food and drink
• Don't rinse your mouth vigorously
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated

First week

• Swelling peaks around days 2–3 and then subsides
• Bruising may appear on the cheek and jaw
• Take prescribed painkillers (usually ibuprofen and paracetamol)
• Eat soft foods — soups, yoghurt, mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs
• Avoid the surgical area when brushing

Weeks 2–6

• Stitches dissolve or are removed at the 1–2 week follow-up
• Gradually return to normal foods, avoiding very hard or crunchy items near the implant site
• Continue gentle brushing and use a chlorhexidine mouthwash if prescribed

Long-term care

Once your implant is fully restored with a crown, care is similar to natural teeth:

• Brush twice daily with a soft or medium toothbrush
• Use interdental brushes or floss around the implant
• Attend regular dental check-ups (every 6–12 months)
• Professional cleaning to remove plaque build-up around the implant
• Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, pen caps, packaging)

With proper care, dental implants have a 95–98% success rate over 10 years. The titanium post can last a lifetime, though the crown may need replacing after 10–15 years.

Risks and complications

Dental implants are a well-established, safe procedure, but like any surgery there are potential risks:

• Implant failure — the implant doesn't integrate with the bone (2–5% of cases). Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene and insufficient bone
• Infection (peri-implantitis) — bacterial infection around the implant, similar to gum disease. Preventable with good hygiene and regular professional cleaning
• Nerve damage — rare, can cause numbness or tingling in the lip, chin or tongue. Careful treatment planning with CBCT scans minimises this risk
• Sinus perforation — when placing upper jaw implants, there is a small risk of perforating the sinus membrane. A sinus lift procedure addresses this
• Crown fracture — the porcelain crown can chip or crack, especially in patients who grind their teeth. A night guard may be recommended

If you smoke, your implant failure risk approximately doubles. Most implant dentists strongly recommend stopping smoking at least 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after surgery.

How to choose the right implant dentist

The skill and experience of your dentist is arguably the most important factor in implant success. Here is what to look for:

Qualifications

Look for dentists with postgraduate training in implantology:

• Diploma or MSc in implant dentistry from a recognised university
• Membership of the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI)
• Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons

Experience

Ask how many implants the dentist has placed. A clinician who has placed hundreds or thousands of implants will have encountered and resolved a wide range of situations. Research shows that surgical experience directly correlates with better outcomes.

Technology

Modern implant practices should have:

• On-site CBCT scanner for 3D imaging
• Digital treatment planning software
• Guided surgery capabilities for precision placement

Reviews and case examples

• Check Google Reviews and Trustpilot for patient feedback specifically mentioning implants
• Ask to see before-and-after photos of previous cases
• Look for patient testimonials on the clinic's website

Transparency

A good implant dentist will:

• Provide a detailed written treatment plan with all costs itemised
• Explain the implant brand they use and why
• Discuss all alternatives (bridges, dentures) honestly
• Give realistic timelines and expectations
• Not pressure you into a decision

GDC registration

Always verify your dentist's registration at the General Dental Council register. This confirms they are licensed to practice in the UK.

Dental implants vs alternatives

Implants vs dentures

Implants vs bridges

A traditional dental bridge requires filing down the two teeth on either side of the gap to support the prosthetic tooth. An implant is self-supporting and doesn't affect adjacent teeth. Bridges typically last 10–15 years, while implant posts can last a lifetime.

However, bridges are faster (2–3 weeks vs 3–6 months), cheaper (£800–£2,000 vs £2,000–£3,500) and don't require surgery. For patients who aren't suitable for implants or prefer a quicker solution, a bridge may be the better option.

Frequently asked questions

How long do dental implants last?

The titanium implant post can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear. Success rates are 95–98% over 10 years when placed by an experienced clinician.

Is the procedure painful?

Implant placement is done under local anaesthetic, so you should feel no pain during surgery — only pressure. Post-operative discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers for 3–7 days. Most patients report the experience is less uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted.

Can I have implants if I have bone loss?

Yes, in most cases. Bone grafting can rebuild lost jawbone, and techniques like All-on-4 use angled implants to maximise contact with available bone. Zygomatic implants are an option for severe upper jaw bone loss. Your dentist will assess your bone with a CT scan and recommend the best approach.

How long does the full process take?

From consultation to final crown, expect 3–6 months for a straightforward single implant. If bone grafting is needed, add 3–6 months of healing before implant placement. All-on-4 patients receive a temporary fixed bridge on the day of surgery, with the permanent bridge fitted 3–6 months later.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants have been used successfully for over 40 years and are one of the most researched procedures in dentistry. Complications are uncommon when placed by a qualified, experienced clinician. The main risk factors for failure are smoking and poor oral hygiene.

What happens if an implant fails?

The failed implant is removed (a minor procedure), the site is allowed to heal for 2–3 months, and a new implant can usually be placed. Most clinics offer a warranty or guarantee that covers replacement if the implant fails within a specified period.

This guide is for informational purposes. All treatment decisions should be discussed with a GDC-registered dentist. Prices are indicative and based on UK market data as of February 2026.