Private Dental Treatment Price List: A Complete Guide to UK Costs

Finding the right balance between quality dental care and affordable pricing can be challenging, especially with private dental treatments in the UK. Private dental services often appeal to those who want faster service, a wider range of treatment options, and more flexibility than NHS dental care can typically provide. However, private dentistry comes with its own price range, which can vary significantly depending on the treatment, the dentist, and the location.

This article will break down the essential information about private dental treatment prices in the UK, providing a comprehensive overview to help you understand the cost structure and make informed decisions for your dental health.

Factors Affecting Private Dental Treatment Prices

Private dental treatment prices are influenced by various factors:

• Location of the Dental Practice: London-based practices often have higher fees than smaller towns due to rental and staffing costs.
• Complexity and Type of Treatment: More advanced treatments, like implants or orthodontics, come at a higher cost compared to routine check-ups or fillings.
• Dentist’s Experience and Qualifications: Highly experienced dentists or specialists typically charge more due to their expertise and additional certifications.

Initial Consultation Fees

An initial consultation is the first step toward private dental treatment, where the dentist evaluates your dental health and discusses potential treatments.

• Average Cost Range: £50 – £120 for a standard consultation, but more complex assessments (such as those involving digital X-rays or consultations with specialists) can go up to £200.
• What’s Included: The consultation fee generally includes a basic oral examination, a discussion of concerns, and sometimes X-rays or intraoral scans, though these may be charged separately.

Routine Dental Check-Ups

Routine dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health and catching potential issues early. Private check-ups tend to be more detailed than NHS visits, often involving more time and advanced diagnostic tools.

• Cost Range: £40 – £100 per check-up
• Benefits: Private routine check-ups may include digital X-rays, more extensive cleaning, and personalised care plans to prevent long-term dental issues.

Preventive Treatments

Preventive treatments are designed to maintain oral hygiene and prevent more severe dental problems. This category covers regular cleanings, fluoride applications, and other minor protective treatments.

• Dental Cleanings and Polishing: £50 – £100 per session. This may be recommended every 3-6 months, especially for patients with plaque or tartar build-up.
• Fluoride Treatments and Sealants: These treatments cost between £20 – £60, with the aim of strengthening teeth and protecting against decay.

Restorative Dental Treatments

Restorative treatments are necessary when teeth are damaged or decayed, restoring functionality and appearance.

• Fillings: Ranges from £80 – £250. Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings are more expensive than amalgam (metal) fillings.
• Crowns and Bridges: Crowns typically range from £400 – £800 per tooth, while bridges can range from £800 – £1,500 depending on materials and complexity.
• Inlays and Onlays: These semi-permanent fillings range between £300 – £700, often recommended for larger cavities.

Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Cosmetic dental treatments improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and smile.

• Teeth Whitening: £200 – £500, with options including in-clinic bleaching or at-home kits.
• Veneers: Typically cost between £300 – £1,000 per tooth, depending on the material used (porcelain being the most durable and expensive).
• Bonding: Ranges from £100 – £400 per tooth for minor corrections like chips or discolouration.

Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments align teeth and correct bite issues. They are often more affordable privately than many realise, though costs can still vary widely.

• Traditional Braces: Typically cost between £2,000 – £5,000, depending on treatment length and complexity.
• Invisalign and Clear Aligners: Usually priced at £2,000 – £4,500, based on the number of aligners and treatment duration.
• Retainers: After treatment, retainers cost between £100 – £300 and are essential for maintaining alignment.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth but come with a high upfront cost.

• Single Tooth Implant: Costs range from £1,800 – £3,500, covering implant surgery, abutment, and crown placement.
• Multiple Implants: Procedures for multiple teeth cost around £7,000 – £20,000, depending on the number and location of implants.
• All-on-4 Implants: Generally priced at £8,000 – £15,000, this approach replaces an entire arch and offers high stability.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, an affordable option in private dentistry.

• Full Dentures: Cost around £600 – £1,500, depending on the materials and customisation.
• Partial Dentures: Typically priced between £300 – £800, these are ideal for replacing only a few teeth.
• Overdentures: Cost £2,000 – £5,000 when supported by implants, offering more stability.

Endodontic Treatments (Root Canal)

Root canal treatment saves a damaged or infected tooth, often requiring the expertise of an endodontist.

• Root Canal for Front Teeth: £150 – £400
• Root Canal for Molars: £400 – £700, due to the complex structure and more time-intensive treatment.

Periodontal Treatments

Periodontal treatments address gum health, often necessary for patients with gum disease.

• Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): £100 – £300 per session.
• Gum Grafting: Priced between £500 – £1,200, depending on the affected area and technique.
• Periodontal Surgery: Major treatments can cost £800 – £2,500.

Oral Surgery Costs

Oral surgery costs vary based on complexity and anaesthesia requirements.

• Tooth Extractions: £80 – £300 per tooth, depending on the complexity.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: Can cost up to £500 per tooth for surgical extraction.
• Anaesthesia or Sedation: Adds an additional £100 – £400, if required.

Additional Costs and Financing Options

To help manage costs, some clinics offer:

• Anaesthesia and Sedation Fees: Often separate from treatment costs.
• Payment Plans and Financing: Available for high-cost treatments.
• Private Dental Insurance: Covers preventive care and partial treatment costs.

How to Choose a Private Dentist

Selecting a private dentist is crucial:

• Research Experience and Reviews: Look for qualifications and patient feedback.
• Ask for Cost Estimates and Payment Plans: Confirm the expected treatment cost.

Conclusion

Private dental care offers excellent, personalised services at a price, but the value it brings is undeniable. Understanding these costs and evaluating options can help you find quality treatment that meets your needs and budget.