You usually get what you pay for, in the UK there are a few different clinicians that will place dental implants:
- Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Consultant Restorative Dentist
- Consultant Oral Surgeon
- Registrar or Staff Grade in Oral Surgery or Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery working on a private basis (but also usually in hospital)
- Specialist/Associate Specialist in Oral Surgery
- Dentist with Special Intrest in Oral Surgey
- Dentist with any/all of the following:
- Diploma or MSc in Implants/Implantology
- Certification/Relevant CPD or training in
Implants/Implantology
- there are also a few other 'categories of clinician' that place implants
Who exactly is the best person to place implants is debatable, however what the above 'groups' all have in common is that they will all have relevant training and experience for the type of oral implant work they do (or they should)
More important than the cost is finding out what training/experience the clinician has, it is possible to go on a 'weekend course' and place implants on the monday, not necessarily a good idea.
The cost of implants in the UK is higher than elsewhere for many reasons, however I would strongly advise against looking for the 'cheapest' this may end up costing you alot more than money in the long run.
You need to find out what experience the implant surgeon has and if applicable the success rate.
Sometimes it is possible for a dentist in practice who is training under a specialist to take you with them and have your implants placed as part of their training.
This has the advantage that usually you only pay the 'material cost' (therefore alot cheaper) and you are being treated under 'specialist supervision'.