Dental implants are usually expensive and can only be provided by private practice clinics, this is mainly because of their complexity and the technology used in the treatment. However, irrespective of the costs involved, they are also available on the NHS for people who can demonstrate clearly their medical need for it. To make it clear, NHS will not pay for something which you have chosen to have for lifestyle reasons. All treatment that is necessary in your dentist’s opinion to protect and maintain good oral health is available on the NHS. This means the NHS provides any treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. In circumstances where you require implants because of an accident or injury; a congenital defect or ill fitting dentures then the NHS may pay but you need to check this with your dentist.

Teeth implants on the NHS can be made available to people who are unable to wear dentures as a fixed alternative. Other patients who may qualify for the treatment include persons who have been born with missing teeth, a child born with a cleft lip and palate would be a prime example of having a clear medical need for dental implants. Also a person who has lost all their teeth and is below forty years old may also be eligible for treatment.

Due to the stringent budget that they have to work with and the overwhelming demands made on it, NHS has to prioritize treatment according to the needs and benefits of the people. If you can demonstrate that teeth implant procedure will result in a major benefit for you then you may be eligible for the package. However, there are a number of medical and dental factors which have to be taken into consideration before treatment; they include age and life expectancy, general health, tobacco smoking, available bone and oral hygiene.

Having met the said criteria, you can go forward and demand for a NHS package to cover your teeth implant treatment, note that this should be done in consultation with the dentist. If you do not merit for the program, you should seek other options available, there are private hospitals that have payment schemes that are friendly, dental schools also offer dental treatment at a cut price.