Dental implants have revolutionized treatment for people living with mass tooth loss, severe gum disease, or dental trauma.
Replacing the natural tooth entirely, each dental implant is made up of a three-part structure: the dental implant which replaces the root, an abutment that mimics the neck of the tooth, and the prosthetic akin to the tooth crown.
Once properly integrated into the jawbone, the dental implant fully restores function, allowing for the reinstatement of a full and varied diet, and easy communication. It also gives an even, natural-looking smile, giving patients the confidence to socialise once again.
So, what can you expect such a life-changing treatment to cost you?
How is dental implant price calculated?
The final cost of dental implants is generally based on the type of dental implants and any additional treatments required.
This can vary depending on the clinic and should include everything from scans to anaesthetics, the prosthesis to any medications needed for effective aftercare and healing.
Does the type of dental implant affect the cost?
With dental implants, an increased number of implants also means that your treatment will be more complex and detailed, with different components needed to create a strong and stable bite.
Dental implant types include:
- Singular tooth implants – £1,500 – £3,600 per implant
A single dental implant is used to replace one missing or failing natural tooth.
Each implant is made up of a titanium screw (the dental implant itself) and a crown, which can be attached through bonding or with an inner screw, negating the need for a separate abutment piece.
The crown or prosthetic tooth can be coloured to blend in with your existing teeth and should offer a seamless smile once fitted.
- Multiple dental implants – Individual implant price x number needed
Like the above individual implants, multiple implants can be used to fill in non-adjacent gaps in the arch.
The cost for these is calculated based on one implant x the number required.
- Implant-supported bridge – £4,000 – £12,000
If you have multiple missing teeth that are adjacent to each other, they can be replaced with more than one dental implant connected by a bridge.
This will include two or more implants and a prosthetic crown bridge that holds three to four teeth – therefore replacing multiple individual teeth with fewer implants.
This is a good solution because fitting multiple dental implants in the jaw in close proximity can be tricky, simply because of a lack of space.
Multiple bridge implants offer a full crown replacement, with the minimum number of implants needed and can also be blended in with the rest of the jaw.
- Implant-retained dentures – £10,000 – £16,000
Unlike traditional removable dentures, implant-retained dentures are held in place by dental implants, keeping them much more secure and steady in the mouth.
This stability gives patients better function, allowing them to eat a more varied diet and speak without worrying about slippage, but can still feel a little bulky in the mouth and can be trickier to keep clean.
- Smile-in-a-day dental implants – from £11,000 per jaw or £17,000 – £35,000 for both jaws
This is the most complete solution, replacing a whole arch’s worth of missing, rotten, or failing teeth with around 4, 5, or 6 dental implants.
Suitable for the upper, lower, or both jaws, smile-in-a-day implants can also be called all-on-4, same-day smile, or full-jaw dental implants.
- Clinic-specific solutions – STC but around £9,900 – £28,000
Some individual clinics across the country offer advanced alternatives to all-on-four dental implants, which come with various benefits.
What can additional treatments cost?
Additional treatments may be required for some patients before dentists can fit your dental implant treatment of choice.
This could be because of conditions such as gum disease or because the mouth does not currently have the room or sufficient bone quantity needed for dental implants thanks to your individual anatomy – in this case, you will likely need a sinus lift and/or a bone graft.
As entirely additional treatments to your dental implants, the cost of these is not likely to be included in the overall cost, so you should ensure you enquire about prices for this during your consultation.
How to find the best dental implant prices in the UK
Finding the right clinic for you and the best quality dental implants will take a little research and a few phone calls before you can make a decision.
You should try and get as much information as possible from different dental implant clinics while researching, taking into account their bedside manner or friendliness and helpfulness as well as the quality of their work.
Other good things to look out for while comparing dental implant cost includes:
- Transparent, clear, fuss-free pricing
- No-obligation information
- Free consultations or assessments
- Free scans – necessary to determine dental implant suitability
If you can find a clinic that offers you all of this, and a dental implant cost you are happy with, they are probably your best bet!
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.