Last updated: January 2026. Verified pricing from NHS and UK government sources.
Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments in the UK, with over 70% of adults having at least one filling. Whether you need an NHS filling or are considering private options, understanding your choices and their costs is essential. This comprehensive guide covers NHS Band 2 pricing, private filling costs, the different types of materials available, and what the NHS will and won't cover.
How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost?
The cost of a dental filling varies significantly depending on whether you choose NHS or private treatment, and which filling material is used. Here's a quick overview:
| Treatment Type | Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| NHS Band 2 (England) | £75.30 | All fillings needed in one course of treatment |
| NHS (Scotland) | 80% of fee, max £384 | Multiple fillings covered |
| NHS (Wales) | £60 (Band 2) | All fillings in treatment course |
| NHS (Northern Ireland) | 80% of fee, max £384 | Multiple fillings covered |
| Private Amalgam | £90–£250 | Single filling |
| Private Composite (White) | £140–£300 | Single filling |
| Private Ceramic Inlay | £450–£950 | Custom laboratory-made restoration |
| Private Gold Inlay | £330–£500+ | Custom gold alloy restoration |
Important: With NHS treatment, you pay one Band 2 charge regardless of how many fillings you need in that course of treatment. With private treatment, you typically pay per filling.
NHS Dental Filling Costs by Region
England: NHS Band 2 Charge
The current NHS Band 2 charge in England is £75.30 (as of April 2025).
Band 2 includes all fillings needed during your treatment, plus:
- Root canal procedures
- Tooth extractions
- Gum disease treatment
- Sealants for tooth grooves
"£75.30 is the charge for Band 2 treatment." — NHS England
Key benefit: If you need multiple fillings, you still only pay one Band 2 charge. Need three fillings? That's £75.30 total, not £75.30 each.
Scotland: 80% Payment System
In Scotland, NHS patients pay 80% of the treatment cost, capped at a maximum of £384 per course of treatment.
"NHS patients who pay for their treatment pay 80% of the treatment costs, which continues to be capped at a maximum of £384 per course of treatment." — NHS Inform Scotland
Good news for Scotland: Dental examinations are free for everyone in Scotland.
Wales: Band 2 Charge
Wales currently uses a band system similar to England, with Band 2 costing £60 for fillings.
"This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the £20.00 charge plus: additional fillings, root canal treatments, extractions, periodontal treatment (for gum disease)." — GOV.WALES
Coming April 2026: Wales is introducing a new system where patients pay 50% of treatment costs, capped at £384 maximum.
Northern Ireland: 80% Payment System
Northern Ireland uses the same 80% payment system as Scotland, with a maximum charge of £384.
Sample costs (patient pays 80%):
- Single amalgam filling: £8.13–£20.92
- Root canal (molar): £91.74
"Patients who aren't eligible for free treatment pay 80 per cent of the dentist's fee up to £384." — nidirect
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment (including fillings) if you:
Based on age:
- Are under 18 years old
- Are under 19 and in full-time education
Based on circumstances:
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Are an NHS hospital inpatient receiving dental treatment from the hospital dentist
Based on benefits:
- Receive Income Support
- Receive Universal Credit (meeting criteria)
- Receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Hold a valid NHS Low Income Scheme certificate (HC2)
"If you claim free NHS prescriptions or NHS dental treatment when you're not entitled, you could face a £100 penalty charge. Even if it's by mistake." — NHS England
Scotland bonus: In Scotland, free treatment extends to everyone under 26.
Private Filling Costs Explained
Private dental fillings cost more but offer greater choice of materials and often shorter waiting times.
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: £90–£250
Amalgam fillings remain one of the most durable and affordable options for back teeth.
What you're paying for:
- Strong, time-tested material
- Quick placement (less chair time)
- Proven durability (10–15 years average lifespan)
Best for: Large cavities in back teeth where strength matters more than appearance.
Composite (White) Fillings: £140–£300
White fillings are popular for their natural appearance and are the standard choice for front teeth.
Why the price range varies:
"That £90 filling uses basic composite, takes twenty minutes, and comes with no warranty. The £250 filling uses premium ceramic composite, takes an hour with rubber dam isolation, and includes a five-year guarantee." — Pure Dental Health
Best for: Front teeth, visible areas, patients who prefer metal-free options.
Ceramic/Porcelain Inlays: £450–£950
Ceramic inlays are custom-made restorations for larger cavities that need extra strength.
What makes them expensive:
- Laboratory fabrication
- Premium materials
- Multiple appointments required
- 15–20 year lifespan
- Stain resistant
Best for: Large cavities where a standard filling might fail, patients wanting long-term durability.
Gold Inlays: £330–£500+
Gold remains the gold standard (literally) for longevity.
Why dentists value gold:
- Lasts 10–20+ years
- Extremely strong
- Kind to opposing teeth
- Precise fit
Best for: Back teeth where durability is the priority, patients not concerned about appearance.
Types of Dental Filling Materials
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Amalgam is a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Despite containing mercury, dental amalgam is considered safe by UK health authorities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Mercury, silver, tin, copper |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years (some last 20+ years) |
| Best for | Back teeth, large cavities |
| NHS available | Yes |
| Private cost | £90–£250 |
Advantages:
- Extremely durable and strong
- Ideal for back teeth used for chewing
- Less expensive than alternatives
- Quick to place
- Long track record of safety
Disadvantages:
- Silver colour is noticeable
- May discolour surrounding enamel over time
- Requires more healthy tooth removal for placement
- Contains mercury (though research supports safety)
"The most common type of filling is an amalgam made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin and copper." — NHS England
Composite (White) Fillings
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material made from plastic and glass particles.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Plastic resin and glass particles |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
| Best for | Front teeth, visible areas |
| NHS available | Yes (with conditions) |
| Private cost | £140–£300 |
Advantages:
- Matches natural tooth colour
- Less tooth structure removed
- Bonds directly to tooth
- Less post-treatment sensitivity (some patients report)
- Mercury-free
Disadvantages:
- Shorter lifespan than amalgam
- More expensive
- Takes longer to place
- May stain over time
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer is a tooth-coloured material that releases fluoride.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Polyacrylic acid and silicate glass powder |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years |
| Best for | Baby teeth, temporary fillings, areas near gum line |
| NHS available | Yes |
Why dentists use glass ionomer:
- Releases fluoride to strengthen tooth
- Bonds well in wet conditions
- Ideal for children's teeth
- Good for root surface cavities
"Glass ionomer releases fluoride over time, strengthening tooth and maintaining good dental health. It bonds exceptionally well to the tooth, preventing further decay or leaking." — Sussex Community NHS
Limitation: Less durable than other options, typically used for temporary situations or children's teeth.
Ceramic/Porcelain Fillings
Ceramic inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for larger cavities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Best for | Large cavities, long-term solution |
| NHS available | No (private only) |
| Private cost | £450–£950 |
Advantages:
- Highly durable
- Excellent aesthetics
- Stain resistant
- Biocompatible
Disadvantages:
- Most expensive option
- Requires multiple appointments
- Private treatment only
Gold Fillings
Gold inlays are cast gold alloy restorations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 10–20+ years (longest lasting) |
| Best for | Back teeth where longevity matters |
| NHS available | No (private only) |
| Private cost | £330–£500+ |
Why gold lasts longest:
- Gold alloy is extremely strong
- Precise laboratory fabrication
- Kind to opposing teeth
- Doesn't crack or wear down
Can You Get White Fillings on the NHS?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The answer depends on which tooth needs filling.
Front Teeth: Yes
White fillings are routinely provided on the NHS for front teeth (incisors and canines).
"If you need a filling for one of your front teeth, your dentist may suggest a tooth-coloured (white) filling." — NHS Business Services Authority
Back Teeth: It Depends
For back teeth (premolars and molars), NHS dentists typically use amalgam unless there's a clinical reason for white fillings.
"White (tooth-coloured) fillings can be provided on the NHS if they are clinically justified and the materials used are suitable for the clinical situation." — NHS England
Clinical reasons for NHS white fillings on back teeth:
- Allergy to amalgam
- Replacing an existing white filling
- Small cavity where composite is clinically appropriate
Children: White Fillings Standard
"The NHS now ensures children only have white fillings unless there is a clinical reason for amalgam." — Sharrow Vale Dental Care
Want White Fillings on Back Teeth?
If you want white fillings on back teeth purely for cosmetic reasons, you have two options:
- Ask about private options at your NHS practice (they may offer this)
- Go fully private for that treatment
"Your dentist should explain your options to you. If you'd prefer a white filling, your dentist will be able to advise you about private costs and the risks and benefits." — NHS England
Is Amalgam Safe?
The safety of amalgam fillings is a common concern. Here's what UK authorities say:
NHS Position
The NHS describes amalgam as "the most common type of filling" without expressing safety concerns. The NHS website does not include warnings about amalgam use.
British Dental Association Position
"There is no evidence-based reason to restrict dental amalgam use in either pregnant women or young children on health grounds." — British Dental Association Position Paper, February 2024
The BDA emphasises that amalgam restrictions are based on environmental concerns (mercury in wastewater), not health safety issues.
UK Restrictions
As a precautionary measure, the UK restricts amalgam use in:
- Children under 15
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
These restrictions follow EU guidelines and are precautionary, not based on evidence of harm.
Amalgam Allergies
True mercury allergy is rare.
"Mercury is considered a weak sensitiser... True allergy to mercury is rare but is more common in females." — British Dental Journal
Symptoms of amalgam allergy (rare):
- Skin rashes in the oral area
- Itching
- Swollen lips
- Localised eczema-like lesions
Should You Replace Existing Amalgam Fillings?
No, unless you have an allergy.
"Sound amalgam restorations should not be replaced except in patients with an allergy or adverse local reaction to any of the components of dental amalgam." — SDCEP Clinical Guidance
The Oral Health Foundation advises against replacing working amalgam fillings, as the removal process can weaken teeth.
EU Amalgam Ban and UK
The EU banned dental amalgam from January 2025. However, the UK (now outside the EU) has adopted a phase-down approach rather than an outright ban.
"The UK government have agreed to 'phase down' provision of new amalgam fillings, but these can still be provided if clinically justified." — NHS Business Services Authority
How Long Do Fillings Last?
| Filling Type | Average Lifespan | Best Case |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam | 10–15 years | 20+ years |
| Composite | 5–7 years | 10+ years |
| Glass Ionomer | Up to 5 years | — |
| Ceramic | 15–20 years | 25+ years |
| Gold | 10–20 years | 30+ years |
Factors affecting filling lifespan:
- Location in mouth (back teeth bear more pressure)
- Size of filling (smaller lasts longer)
- Your oral hygiene
- Diet (acidic foods and drinks)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Quality of placement
UK Dental Filling Statistics
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| UK adults with at least one filling | 70–84% |
| Average filled teeth per adult | 7.2 |
| Region with most fillings per capita | Northern Ireland |
| Adult NHS patients seen (24 months to March 2025) | 18 million |
"During 2022/23, Northern Ireland dentists filled significantly more teeth (just under 36,000) per 100,000 population than any other UK region." — Electric Teeth
NHS Contract Changes (April 2026)
Good news for NHS patients needing multiple fillings: from April 2026, dentists will receive fairer payment for complex Band 2 work.
Previously, dentists received the same payment whether you needed one filling or three. The new system increases payments for treatments involving 3 or more fillings or extractions.
What this means for patients: Potentially better access to NHS dental care, as the new payment structure makes complex treatments more sustainable for dentists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a filling on the NHS?
NHS fillings in England cost £75.30 (Band 2 charge), regardless of how many fillings you need in that course of treatment. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you pay 80% of the treatment cost up to a maximum of £384. In Wales, Band 2 costs £60.
How much does a private filling cost UK?
Private fillings typically cost £90–£250 for amalgam (silver) and £140–£300 for composite (white). Ceramic inlays cost £450–£950, and gold inlays cost £330–£500+. Prices vary by location, with London typically being more expensive.
Can I get white fillings on the NHS?
Yes, for front teeth. For back teeth, NHS dentists typically use amalgam unless there's a clinical reason for white fillings (such as allergy). If you want white fillings on back teeth for cosmetic reasons, you may need to pay privately.
Is it worth paying for private fillings?
It depends on your priorities. NHS fillings are excellent value, especially if you need multiple fillings. Private treatment offers more choice of materials, potentially shorter waiting times, and longer appointments. For front teeth where appearance matters, you may prefer private composite fillings with a warranty.
How long does a filling last?
Amalgam fillings last 10–15 years on average (some last 20+ years). Composite fillings last 5–10 years. Ceramic and gold inlays can last 15–20+ years. Lifespan depends on filling size, location, your oral hygiene, and whether you grind your teeth.
Why are composite fillings more expensive?
Composite fillings take longer to place (requiring layering and curing with UV light), use more expensive materials, and require more technique-sensitive placement. The material itself costs more than amalgam, and the procedure is more time-consuming.
Are amalgam fillings safe?
Yes, according to UK health authorities. The British Dental Association states there is "no evidence-based reason to restrict dental amalgam use on health grounds." While the UK has precautionary restrictions for children under 15, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, these follow EU guidelines rather than evidence of harm.
Should I replace my old amalgam fillings with white ones?
Not unless they're failing or you have an allergy. Dental authorities advise against replacing working amalgam fillings, as the removal process can weaken teeth. If an amalgam filling fails naturally, you can choose a composite replacement.
Conclusion
Dental fillings remain one of the most common and effective treatments for tooth decay. The best choice depends on your priorities:
Choose NHS if:
- Cost is your primary concern
- You need multiple fillings (one Band 2 charge covers all)
- You're not concerned about amalgam for back teeth
- You qualify for free treatment
Consider private if:
- You want white fillings on back teeth
- You prefer premium composite materials with warranties
- You want ceramic or gold for maximum durability
- You want more flexibility with appointment times
Whatever option you choose, addressing cavities promptly with fillings prevents more extensive (and expensive) treatment later.
Looking for a dentist for your filling? Use our search to find NHS and private practices near you.
