"Simple, do not come to the UK."
An influencer has sparked debate online after revealing the eye-watering cost of dental treatment she was quoted in the UK.
Ashika DSouza shared a video on Instagram explaining her experience after visiting a dentist for what she believed would be a simple crown replacement.
Instead, she said she was advised to get a dental implant, with the quoted cost ranging between £5,000 and £7,000.
According to Ashika, the treatment journey would also take between six and nine months from start to finish.
She added that she would need a temporary denture during the process, which she claims was priced at around £1,000.
Framing the situation as a warning for prospective migrants, Ashika questioned whether people planning to move to the UK are prepared for such expenses.
Her video quickly sparked conversation about the realities of dental care in Britain, particularly for those navigating the system for the first time.
Many viewers said her story reflected a broader cost-of-living challenge that affects both migrants and long-term residents.
Others shared their own strategies for avoiding steep UK dental bills.
One commenter suggested they simply schedule dental treatments during visits to their home country.
Another pointed out that living in Britain does not prevent patients from travelling elsewhere in Europe for treatment.
Countries such as Turkey and Poland have become well-known destinations for dental tourism due to lower prices.
However, not everyone agreed with Ashika’s portrayal of the situation.
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Some viewers argued that the timeline she described is typical for implant procedures and depends on individual medical circumstances.
One commenter said the six-to-nine-month timeframe is common when dentists allow time for proper healing and bone integration.
Others acknowledged the quoted price sounded high but said it does not necessarily represent standard costs across the UK.
In England, dental care operates under a mixed system of NHS and private treatment.
NHS dentistry uses a banded payment system, where patients pay a single charge for a course of treatment.
While crowns and dentures can be relatively affordable through the NHS, dental implants are rarely provided.
They are usually reserved for complex medical cases such as facial trauma, congenital dental conditions or cancer-related reconstruction.
For most adults who lose a tooth through decay or gum disease, implants are only available through private dentistry.
This often means patients must pay significantly higher fees.
Private dental implants in the UK typically range from around £1,400 to £3,500 per tooth.
In London, prices frequently rise to between £2,000 and £5,500, depending on the clinic and expertise involved.
Packages including the implant, abutment and crown can also reach £4,500 or more in premium practices.
Against this backdrop, a quote between £5,000 and £7,000 would place Ashika’s estimate at the very top end of the private market.
Industry experts often attribute higher London prices to factors such as expensive commercial rents and specialist expertise.
Many clinics also invest heavily in advanced imaging technology, digital planning systems and high-end materials.
Ashika’s video also highlighted a wider issue affecting millions of people across England.
Access to NHS dentistry has become increasingly difficult in recent years.
Reports suggest almost a third of patients now rely on private dental care because NHS appointments are hard to secure.
This shift has forced many households to face full private prices for treatments that would otherwise be covered under NHS bands.
For migrants arriving from countries where dentistry is cheaper, the difference can feel especially stark.
Many assume that healthcare under the NHS means all essential dental treatment will be low-cost.
In reality, adults still pay charges and access to NHS dentists is limited in many regions.
Ashika’s viral video, therefore, taps into a wider conversation about healthcare expectations, migration realities and the rising cost of living in Britain.
For some viewers, it was a shocking revelation.
For others, it was simply another example of a financial pressure already familiar to many UK residents.
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