Dental Implant Cost UK 2026 Full Breakdown Hidden Fees And How To Save

Dental implants can be life-changing, but the pricing in the UK can feel confusing fast. In 2026, one clinic may quote £1,800 while another charges £4,500 for what seems like the same treatment, usually because different steps and “extras” are included. This guide breaks down what you really pay for, the hidden fees that push costs up, when the NHS may help, and the smartest ways to save without cutting corners on safety.

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2026 Dental Implant Prices At A Glance

If you’ve had completely different quotes for what seems like the “same” implant, you’re not imagining it. Implant pricing in the UK often varies because clinics bundle (or don’t bundle) key steps — and add-ons can change everything.

In 2026, a single dental implant with a crown is commonly priced around £1,800 to £4,500 per tooth, depending on your location, the clinic, and how complex your case is.

Quick way to interpret quotes:

  • Lower prices usually mean a simpler case and fewer “extras” included.
  • Higher prices often reflect bone loss, gum issues, sinus procedures, premium materials, specialist-led care, or London overheads.

Typical UK price ranges in 2026

TreatmentTypical UK Price RangeWhat it usually includes
Single implant with crown (one tooth)£1,800–£4,500Implant + abutment + crown (varies by clinic)
“Starts from” pricing at major providersFrom ~£2,400Often includes implant + abutment + crown at selected practices
All-on-4 full arch (per jaw)~£12,000–£25,000Fixed full arch on 4 implants (case-dependent)
Full mouth (both jaws)~£22,000–£38,000Two arches, technique-dependent

Smart move: don’t compare headline prices — compare what’s actually included.

What Is Included In The Price Of An Implant

Two clinics can quote very different totals and both be telling the truth, because implant treatment is usually priced in stages.

A full implant restoration typically includes:

  1. Implant fixture (the titanium screw placed in the jaw)
  2. Abutment (the connector)
  3. Crown (the visible tooth)

Some clinics advertise “all-in” pricing. Others charge separately at each stage — which is where budgets can get hit later.

Where costs appear in a standard implant journey

Step 1 Consultation and diagnostics

  • Assessment, planning, medical history
  • X-rays and sometimes a 3D CBCT scan (often extra)

Step 2 Preparatory work (only if needed)

  • Extraction
  • Gum treatment / hygiene work
  • Bone grafting or sinus work (more below)

Step 3 Implant placement

  • Surgical placement of the implant fixture
  • Reviews and aftercare guidance (varies)

Step 4 Healing and integration

  • Healing time before the final tooth
  • Extra review visits may be included or charged

Step 5 Crown fitting

  • Impressions/scans, bite adjustment, crown placement
  • Crown material can shift the price

Money-saving rule: get a fully itemised treatment plan before you pay a deposit.

Hidden Fees That Catch People Out

“Hidden” doesn’t always mean dishonest — it often means “not confirmed until scans and assessment.” But these are the extras that most commonly push a quote up:

  1. 3D CBCT scans and advanced imaging
  2. Bone grafting (often needed when bone has shrunk over time)
  3. Sinus lift (sometimes needed for upper back teeth implants)
  4. Temporary tooth during healing (especially for front teeth)
  5. Sedation (case-by-case, can add a lot)
  6. Aftercare and hygiene maintenance (implants need ongoing care)
  7. Correcting work done elsewhere (especially when follow-up is difficult)

If a clinic says “from £X”, always ask: “What’s the likely total for someone like me?”

NHS Dental Implants In The UK Who Qualifies And What You Pay

For most people, implants are private.

The NHS notes implants are usually only available privately, and are sometimes available on the NHS in specific circumstances (for example, where dentures can’t be worn, or after mouth cancer or an accident).

NHS dental charges in England (routine dentistry)

NHS dental charges in England are banded. The NHS page (last reviewed 13 March 2025) lists: Band 1 £27.40, Band 2 £75.30, Band 3 £326.70.
(Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different systems.)

How To Save Money Without Gambling Your Health

You can lower costs — the safest approach is value + clarity + aftercare, not the cheapest headline price.

  1. Get 2–3 consultations and compare like-for-like
  2. Ask for best-case, likely-case, and worst-case totals
  3. If missing multiple teeth, ask about alternatives (bridges, implant-retained dentures, full-arch options)
  4. Use finance carefully and avoid long expensive terms
  5. Don’t ignore gum health and hygiene (complications cost more than prevention)
  6. Check the clinician properly (registration, experience, who does surgery)
  7. Be cautious with “too good to be true” dental tourism offers

NHS England has specific guidance on when NHS intervention is appropriate after self-funded dental treatment (UK or abroad) — typically focusing on acute presentations/complications rather than taking over an elective treatment plan.

Dental Implant Finance Options UK 2026 0 Percent Vs APR And What It Really Costs

Finance can make implants feel “affordable” — but it can also quietly turn a £3,500 treatment into thousands more over time. The trick is to understand the difference between 0% options and interest-bearing credit before you sign.

Option 1 Interest-free 0% finance

Many clinics and major providers advertise 0% APR over certain terms (often up to a set number of months), meaning you repay only the treatment cost if you meet the terms and are accepted. For example, Bupa Dental Care shows representative examples where 0% APR applies with set repayment terms.

Simple 0% repayment examples (no interest):

  • £2,400 over 12 months = £200/month
  • £3,600 over 12 months = £300/month
  • £4,500 over 24 months = £187.50/month

Option 2 Interest-bearing finance (common representative APRs)

Some clinics advertise low-interest credit around 9.9% APR on longer terms, while others show higher APRs depending on term and provider. Examples in UK clinic finance pages commonly mention 9.9% APR for longer terms.
Evo Dental also publishes a representative example at 9.9% APR with a monthly repayment figure for an implant-related plan.

Quick finance checklist (use this before you apply)

  • Is it 0% APR or “from 0%” (big difference)?
  • What happens if you miss a payment — does it switch to a higher rate?
  • Is there a required deposit?
  • Are there admin fees or early repayment charges?
  • Is the finance for the full plan, or only part of it?

AdSense-friendly tip (and real-life saving tip): ask for the cash price and the finance total repayable side-by-side. It stops nasty surprises.

Questions To Ask Before You Choose A Clinic Copy And Paste Checklist Plus Red Flags

Most people don’t overpay because they’re careless — they overpay because they don’t know what to ask. Use this checklist and you’ll instantly spot whether a quote is good value or a future headache.

Copy-paste questions to ask at consultation

Pricing and what’s included

  • Is this quote fully itemised (implant, abutment, crown, scans, follow-ups)?
  • Are X-rays and CBCT included or extra?
  • Does the quote include all review appointments until the crown is fitted?
  • What costs might appear later (graft, sinus lift, extraction, temporary tooth)?

Materials and lab work

  • What implant brand/system are you using?
  • What crown material is included (e.g., zirconia vs other options)?
  • Who makes the crown (in-house or external lab)?

Clinical team and responsibility

  • Who will place the implant and who will fit the crown?
  • How many implants like mine does the clinician place each year?
  • If complications happen, what support is included?

Aftercare and long-term maintenance

  • What aftercare is included in the price?
  • What maintenance appointments do you recommend and what do they cost?
  • What’s the plan if inflammation or infection occurs?

Warranty and guarantees

  • How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
  • What could void it (smoking, missed hygiene, not attending reviews)?
  • Is the warranty written into the treatment plan?

Red flags that should make you pause

  • Refuses to provide a written, itemised plan
  • Can’t explain likely add-on costs (graft/sinus/temporaries)
  • Won’t tell you the implant brand or crown material
  • Pushes “same-day” solutions without clearly explaining suitability
  • Warranty sounds good but excludes most real-world scenarios
  • No clear aftercare plan

If you’re thinking about treatment abroad

The GDC advises patients to understand risks, expectations, and complaint processes before going abroad for dental treatment.
The NHS also provides a checklist for people considering treatment overseas, including factoring in return trips and complications.
And NHS England has published guidance on NHS intervention after self-funded dental treatment where complications arise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Costs

How much is one dental implant in the UK in 2026?
A common range is £1,800 to £4,500 per tooth, depending on what’s included and whether extra procedures are needed.

Why do London quotes tend to be higher?
Higher overheads, demand, and premium clinic pricing all play a role. Regional variation is normal in private dentistry.

Can I get a dental implant on the NHS?
Implants are usually private, and only sometimes available on the NHS in specific situations (such as after cancer or an accident, or when dentures can’t be worn).

What’s the biggest hidden cost with implants?
Usually preparatory work: bone grafting, sinus lift, extractions, gum treatment, or 3D imaging.

Is it cheaper to replace multiple teeth with implants?
Sometimes. Multiple single implants can be expensive; bridges or full-arch solutions may reduce cost per tooth if clinically suitable.


Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified dentist or specialist. Prices vary by clinic, location, and clinical need.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in our Affiliate Disclosure.
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