Last updated: June 2026. Written and reviewed by the Dentists Closeby editorial team. Information sourced from NHS.uk, NHSBSA, NHS inform Scotland, GOV.WALES, the BSO Northern Ireland and peer-reviewed dental research. NHS dental charges confirmed from 1 April 2026.
TL;DR A lost filling is rarely an emergency, but you should see a dentist within a few days to stop decay or a fracture taking hold. On the NHS in England a replacement falls under the Band 2 charge of £76.60, though it may be free if your original filling was fitted within the last 12 months.
Losing a filling can be unsettling, especially if the tooth suddenly feels sharp, sensitive or strange to the tongue. The good news is that a lost filling is usually a manageable problem rather than a crisis, as long as you act sensibly and arrange to see a dentist soon. This guide explains exactly what to do when a filling falls out, whether it counts as an emergency, how to cope until your appointment, and what a replacement costs across NHS and private dentistry in all four UK nations in 2026.
What to Do If a Filling Falls Out
If a filling falls out, stay calm and take a few simple steps to protect the tooth before you can see a dentist. Acting promptly reduces the risk of pain, decay or a fracture while you wait for treatment.
- Retrieve the filling, but do not try to refit it. If the filling came loose while eating, take it out of your mouth so you do not swallow or inhale it. A lost filling cannot be glued or pressed back in by yourself.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. A gentle rinse cleans the cavity and helps remove food debris. NHS 111 Wales advises careful cleaning around the affected tooth while you wait to be seen [6].
- Keep the area clean. Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, taking care around the exposed tooth so the cavity does not pack with food [6].
- Manage any discomfort. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease sensitivity, taken as directed. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief [5][6].
- Book a dental appointment. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to have the filling replaced. The longer the tooth is left unprotected, the higher the risk of further damage.
While you wait, avoid chewing on the affected side, skip very hot, cold or sugary foods that can trigger sensitivity, and try not to probe the cavity with your tongue [6].
Is a Lost Filling a Dental Emergency?
A lost filling is usually urgent rather than a true emergency, which means it can normally be dealt with during working hours rather than overnight. The NHS lists a "broken or loose filling" among the reasons to seek an urgent dental appointment, so you should arrange to be seen promptly even if you are not in severe pain [5].
You can use the NHS 111 service to find urgent care. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day at 111.nhs.uk or by phone, and can advise on the type of appointment you need or direct you to an urgent dental service [5]. Do not contact your GP for a lost filling, as GP surgeries cannot provide dental treatment [6].
Some symptoms do need same-day or immediate attention. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have heavy bleeding from the mouth that will not stop, or facial swelling that affects your breathing or vision [5]. Contact a dentist or NHS 111 urgently if you have severe pain that painkillers do not relieve, or a swelling that is growing, as these can signal an infection that needs prompt treatment [5]. If a lost filling comes with intense or throbbing pain, our guide on emergency toothache relief explains how to manage it while you arrange to be seen.
If you do not have a regular dentist, you are not alone. NHS dental access remains stretched, with the British Dental Association (BDA) estimating that nearly 14 million adults in England have an unmet need for dental care [18]. Our emergency dentist guide explains how to find urgent NHS and private care when you are not registered anywhere.
How to Manage a Lost Filling Until You See a Dentist
While you wait for your appointment, the aim is to keep the tooth clean and comfortable and to avoid making the damage worse. A lost filling leaves the inner tooth exposed, so a few practical habits make a real difference.
NHS 111 Wales sets out clear interim advice for a lost filling or crown: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes, avoid chewing hard foods on the affected tooth, and steer clear of very hot or cold food and drink that can trigger sensitivity [6]. Applying a sensitive-teeth toothpaste directly to the exposed area can also calm discomfort [6].
Temporary filling kits are sold in pharmacies and some supermarkets. The NHS directs patients to a pharmacist for advice on managing a lost filling while awaiting care, rather than recommending a specific product [5][6]. If you use a temporary dental cement, treat it strictly as a short-term stopgap and not a fix. It cannot address decay or other problems hidden beneath the surface, so you still need a dentist to examine and properly restore the tooth. Tell your dental team if you have used one, and never use household glues such as superglue, which are not safe in the mouth.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Filling on the NHS?
In England, replacing a filling is a Band 2 NHS treatment, which costs £76.60 from 1 April 2026 [1]. The band charge is a flat fee for the whole course of treatment, so it covers the examination, the replacement filling and any other Band 1 or Band 2 work you need at the same time, however many fillings are involved [1][2].
NHS dentistry in England uses three flat-rate charge bands, updated each April [1]:
| NHS band (England) | Charge from April 2026 | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish, advice [1] |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions [1][2] |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges [1] |
| Urgent care | £27.90 | Emergency treatment to relieve pain, including a temporary or urgent filling [1] |
If you only need emergency relief, for example a temporary dressing to settle the tooth, that may be charged at the urgent rate of £27.90, with a permanent replacement filling arranged separately [1]. To understand how the banding system applies to other treatments, see our NHS dental charges guide.
The NHS 12-Month Guarantee: You May Pay Nothing
Here is the fact most patients do not know: NHS fillings are guaranteed for 12 months. If a filling fitted on the NHS needs to be repaired or replaced within a year, you will not be charged again, and this applies even if the filling has fallen out and been lost. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) puts it plainly [3]:
"Some NHS dental treatments are guaranteed for 12 months. You'll not be charged if any of these need to be repaired or replaced within 12 months of the original being fitted. This includes if the item has been lost."
Five treatments carry this 12-month guarantee: fillings, root fillings, inlays or onlays, porcelain veneers and crowns [3]. To claim a free repair you must return to the same practice that carried out the original work [3][4]. A few exceptions apply: the guarantee does not cover you if you have since had private treatment on the same tooth, if the original was only a temporary filling, or if the damage was caused by an accident or injury [3]. A dentist can fit a slightly different restoration where there is a clinical reason, and it still counts as guaranteed work [3].
So before you assume you will pay £76.60, check when your filling was originally placed. If it was within the last 12 months and you go back to the same NHS dentist, the replacement should be free [3].
NHS Filling Costs Across the UK
NHS dental charges are devolved, so what you pay to replace a filling depends on which UK nation you live in. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run a different charging system in 2026.
| Nation | How NHS charges work | Typical cost to replace a filling |
|---|---|---|
| England | Three flat-rate bands | Band 2: £76.60 [1] |
| Scotland | You pay 80% of the cost; check-ups free | Examples from about £14 to £30, capped at £384 per course [8] |
| Wales | Care-package model (new contract April 2026) | Simple restorative package: £36.03, capped at £384 [7] |
| Northern Ireland | You pay 80% of the cost up to a maximum | Check current figures with your dentist [10][11] |
In Scotland, NHS dental examinations are free for everyone, and patients who are not exempt pay 80% of treatment costs up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment [8]. NHS inform gives example filling costs of roughly £14 for a small metal filling to about £30 for a larger one, based on the fee schedule reviewed in early 2026 [8]. Scottish fees were uplifted in 2024 and again in 2025, so treat these as examples and confirm the cost with your practice [8][9].
Wales replaced its old three-band system with a new NHS dental contract on 1 April 2026. Paying patients now contribute towards fixed-price care packages up to an annual cap of £384 [7]. A filling falls under the "simple restorative" care package, for which the patient charge is £36.03 and which covers up to four teeth, and around half of the Welsh population is exempt from charges altogether [7]. Because the system is new, it is worth asking your Welsh practice what a replacement filling will cost under the current contract [7].
In Northern Ireland, NHS patients who are not exempt pay 80% of the cost of treatment up to a maximum charge per course [10]. The maximum figure published by the Business Services Organisation should be checked directly, as the current cap could not be confirmed from a clearly dated source, so ask your dentist for a precise quote before treatment [10][11].
Private Filling Costs in the UK
If you cannot get an NHS appointment quickly, or you prefer to go private, replacing a filling privately is widely available. Private dental fees are not regulated and there is no national tariff, so prices vary widely by practice, location, and the size and material of the filling.
As an indicative guide, a private composite (tooth-coloured) filling commonly ranges from around £100 to £300, depending on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved and where the practice is based, with London and other large cities typically at the higher end. These are general market ranges rather than official figures, so always ask for a written, itemised quote before treatment. The consumer group Which? notes that private filling prices vary with the size and complexity of the work, and that upgrading to a tooth-coloured composite often costs little more than a metal filling in private practice [17].
White composite fillings are also available on the NHS where clinically appropriate, particularly for front teeth, while amalgam (silver) fillings may be used on back teeth [2]. If you are weighing up the difference, our guide comparing NHS and private dental costs explains the trade-offs, and our dental filling cost guide breaks prices down by material.
Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dental Treatment?
Replacing a filling is free for patients who qualify for an NHS dental exemption, so it is worth checking whether you are eligible before you pay. In England, you receive free NHS dental treatment if you are [12]:
- Under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
- Pregnant, or have had a baby in the previous 12 months (with a valid maternity exemption certificate)
- Receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit [12]
- Receiving Universal Credit and meeting the qualifying earnings threshold [13]
- Named on a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate or HC2 certificate [12][14]
If you are on a low income but do not receive a qualifying benefit, the NHS Low Income Scheme can still help. An HC2 certificate gives full help with NHS dental charges, while an HC3 gives partial help [14]. For a fuller breakdown, see our free NHS dental treatment eligibility guide.
Even if you do not qualify for free care, remember the 12-month guarantee above. A recent NHS filling that has fallen out should be replaced free regardless of your exemption status, as long as you return to the same practice [3].
Why Do Fillings Fall Out?
Fillings do not last forever, and several well-documented factors cause them to loosen, crack or fall out over time. Understanding why helps you reduce the risk of it happening again.
Decay around the edges is the most common reason a filling fails. A clinical study of replaced fillings found softened, decayed dentine beneath around 70% of the restorations that were removed, showing how often fresh decay forms at the margin of an old filling [15]. As bacteria work their way into tiny gaps, the bond between the filling and the tooth breaks down.
Age and wear also play a part. Fillings are under constant pressure from biting and chewing, and the same study found composite (white) fillings lasted an average of around nine years and amalgam (silver) fillings around fifteen years before needing replacement [15]. Larger fillings are more vulnerable than small ones, because less natural tooth remains to support them [15].
Other contributors include teeth grinding (bruxism) and heavy biting forces, which stress the filling margins, plus the gradual shrinkage and fatigue of filling materials in the warm, acidic, constantly moving environment of the mouth [16]. Biting down on something hard, such as ice or a popcorn kernel, can also dislodge a filling in one go.
What Happens If You Leave a Lost Filling?
Leaving a lost filling untreated allows small problems to grow into bigger, more painful and more expensive ones. Once the protective filling is gone, the inner layers of the tooth are exposed and vulnerable.
In the short term, the exposed dentine often causes sensitivity and pain, especially with hot, cold or sweet foods, because the dentine contains tiny tubules that connect to the tooth's nerve [16]. The open cavity also traps food and bacteria, which speeds up further decay [16].
Over time the risks grow more serious. The weakened tooth can fracture under chewing pressure, and if decay reaches the nerve it can cause irreversible pulpitis, where the nerve becomes inflamed and eventually dies [16]. That can progress to a painful dental abscess needing root canal treatment or even extraction. A simple filling is far quicker, cheaper and less invasive than the treatment required once an infection sets in, which is why prompt replacement matters. If you develop swelling or throbbing pain, see our guide on dental abscesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is losing a filling a dental emergency?
A lost filling is usually urgent rather than a true emergency, so it can normally be treated in working hours. Arrange a dental appointment promptly to protect the tooth. Seek same-day help if you have severe pain, spreading swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, and call 999 if swelling affects your breathing [5].
How long can you leave a lost filling before seeing a dentist?
Aim to see a dentist within a few days. While a lost filling is not usually an emergency, the exposed tooth is prone to sensitivity, decay and fracture, and problems worsen the longer it is left. If you have pain or swelling, seek urgent advice from your dentist or NHS 111 straight away [5][16].
Will the NHS replace a lost filling for free?
Possibly. NHS fillings are guaranteed for 12 months, so if your filling was fitted within the last year and you return to the same practice, the replacement is free, even if the filling was lost. Otherwise a replacement is a Band 2 charge of £76.60 in England, unless you qualify for free treatment [1][3].
Can I use a temporary filling kit from the pharmacy?
A pharmacy temporary filling kit can be a short-term stopgap, and the NHS suggests asking a pharmacist for advice while you wait. However, it is not a substitute for treatment, as it cannot fix decay beneath the surface, so you still need a dentist to examine and properly restore the tooth. Never use household glue [5][6].
Does it hurt when a filling falls out?
Not always. Some people feel nothing at first, while others notice sharp sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods because the inner dentine is exposed. A rough edge may also be felt with the tongue. If you develop throbbing or severe pain, it can signal decay reaching the nerve, so seek dental advice promptly [16].
Why do my fillings keep falling out?
Recurring filling loss often points to an underlying issue, such as fresh decay forming at the edges, a filling that has become too large for the remaining tooth, or heavy grinding and biting forces. A dentist can identify the cause and may suggest a different restoration, such as an onlay or crown, for a longer-lasting result [15][16].
Is a lost filling treated the same as a lost crown?
The first steps are similar: keep the area clean, avoid chewing on it, and see a dentist soon. Both fillings and crowns carry the NHS 12-month guarantee. A lost crown can sometimes be recemented, which a filling cannot. For crown-specific advice, read our guide on what to do if a crown falls off [3].
Conclusion
A lost filling is rarely the emergency it can feel like in the moment. Keep the tooth clean, avoid chewing on it, manage any sensitivity with painkillers or a pharmacist's advice, and book a dental appointment within a few days. Acting promptly is what keeps a simple, low-cost filling from turning into a painful infection and a far bigger bill.
Before you assume you will pay, check when your filling was fitted, because a recent NHS filling that has fallen out should be replaced free within 12 months at the same practice. Search for a dentist near you on Dentists Closeby to compare NHS and private practices offering urgent appointments in your area.
Sources
- What are the current costs of NHS treatment in England? (KA-03997) -- NHSBSA, charges from 1 April 2026 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- How much NHS dental treatment costs -- NHS.uk, last reviewed 13 March 2025 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- What are 'guaranteed items' of NHS dental treatment? (KA-04756) -- NHSBSA (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Where can I find information about guaranteed items? (KA-01987) -- NHSBSA (accessed 2026-06-07)
- How to find an urgent NHS dental appointment -- NHS.uk, last reviewed 14 May 2025 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Lost Filling or Crown -- NHS 111 Wales, last reviewed 18 February 2025 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- NHS dental charges and exemptions -- GOV.WALES, contract from 1 April 2026 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Receiving NHS dental treatment in Scotland -- NHS inform, last reviewed 7 January 2026 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Increased fees for NHS dentists -- GOV.SCOT (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Dental Charges and Fees -- BSO Northern Ireland (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Dental costs -- nidirect (Northern Ireland) (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Who can get free NHS dental treatment -- NHS.uk, last reviewed 11 February 2025 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Help with health costs for people getting Universal Credit -- NHS.uk (accessed 2026-06-07)
- NHS Low Income Scheme -- NHSBSA (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Decision criteria for replacement of fillings: a retrospective study (Kirsch et al.) -- Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, 2016 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Recurrence of caries and restoration failure -- PMC, peer-reviewed research (accessed 2026-06-07)
- Private and NHS dental charges -- Which?, last updated 26 May 2026 (accessed 2026-06-07)
- England: charge hike a kick in the teeth for millions on modest incomes -- British Dental Association (accessed 2026-06-07)
