Private Dental Implants vs. NHS Dental Implants

If you are considering the option to have dental implants placed you may find it interesting to note that they are available on the NHS as well as privately. However those people who approach an NHS dentist to get the implant they require may be in for a shock. The cost of having an implant has meant that the NHS will only provide them for those people who have a medical need for them. This means that in many cases the only course of action for those wishing to have dental implants is to opt for private treatment.

Are you eligible to have dental implants provided and paid for by the NHS?

There are only a few very specific situations in which a patient will be able to get implants performed on the NHS. Those who have fought oral cancer or who have been facially or dentally injured in an accident are likely to be accepted for such treatments.

There are strict guidelines in place, set down in 1997, to help determine which candidates will be accepted for free dental implants courtesy of the NHS. The guidelines highlight probable cases for implants which may include the following patients:

• Those with no teeth who are under 40 years of age
• Those born with some or all teeth missing
• Those born with a cleft palate and/or lip

As you can see this typically relates to people who have a congenital deformity or who have suffered illness or injury resulting in the need for dental implants to be inserted. The groupings are generally divided into those with no teeth, those with some teeth and those who require more work to rebuild or build up the facial tissues or parts of the skull to achieve the required result.

If you are considering dental implants for purely personal, aesthetic or cosmetic reasons, you are very likely to have to opt for private treatment to get the results you desire.

Is it possible to obtain financial assistance towards the cost of private dental implants?

Yes this can occur in some cases. But once again each case is considered on its own merits. For example the candidate’s lifestyle will be considered to determine the likelihood of success of any procedure either partly or fully funded by the NHS. This will include their age, whether or not they smoke, how likely they are to adhere to all care instructions given to them before and after the procedure and so on. The amount of bone available to perform dental implants will also be considered, as will any health conditions experienced by the candidate. The best course of action is to discuss your needs and situation with your dentist. They will be able to advise you of the likelihood of getting any financial help for your dental implants on the NHS.