Last updated: January 2026. Prices verified from UK dental practices. NHS charges effective from April 2025.
If you need a dental filling, you're probably wondering how much it will cost privately. With 97% of new patients unable to access NHS dentists, understanding private filling costs has never been more important. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay in 2026, from basic amalgam to premium ceramic options.
How Much Does a Private Filling Cost in the UK?
Private fillings in the UK cost between £50 and £950, depending on the material and complexity. Here's a quick overview:
| Filling Type | Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Composite (white) | £100–£300 | £150–£200 |
| Amalgam (silver) | £50–£160 | £90–£120 |
| Ceramic inlay/onlay | £450–£950 | £600–£700 |
| Glass ionomer | £60–£150 | £90–£110 |
| Gold inlay/onlay | £500–£1,200+ | £700–£900 |
For comparison, an NHS Band 2 filling costs £75.30 in England—but that's only if you can find an NHS dentist accepting new patients.
"NHS dental charges are set at specific costs that cover one course of treatment, no matter how many appointments you need." — NHS
Private Filling Costs by Material Type
Composite (White) Filling: £100–£300
White composite fillings are the most popular choice for private patients. They match your natural tooth colour and work well for both front and back teeth.
What affects the price:
- Small filling: £100–£150
- Medium filling: £150–£200
- Large filling: £200–£300
Premium practices may charge up to £250 for composite fillings, but this often includes rubber dam isolation (better results) and a 5-year guarantee. Budget options around £100 may have shorter appointment times and no warranty.
Longevity: 7–10 years typically, though clinical studies show a median survival time of 16.7 years with modern materials. Recent research found composite fillings now perform nearly as well as amalgam.
Amalgam (Silver) Filling: £50–£160
Amalgam remains the most affordable filling material. Despite being less popular due to its appearance, it's extremely durable—particularly for back teeth under heavy chewing pressure.
Typical cost: £90–£120 per tooth
Important notes:
- The EU banned amalgam from January 2025, but UK dentists can still use it
- Global phase-out target is 2034 under the Minamata Convention
- Many private dentists no longer offer amalgam due to patient preference for white fillings
Longevity: 10–15 years traditionally, with clinical studies showing median survival of 22.5 years.
Ceramic Inlay/Onlay: £450–£950
When a cavity is too large for a standard filling but doesn't require a crown, an inlay or onlay provides a strong, long-lasting solution.
Price examples from UK practices:
- The Bespoke Dentist: £895
- Waldron Dental: £595
- Smile Dentist: from £650
The difference:
- Inlay: Fills the space between the cusps (bumps) of your tooth
- Onlay: Covers one or more cusps for larger cavities
These are custom-made in a dental laboratory, which explains the higher cost. They're stain-resistant and designed to match your enamel exactly.
Longevity: 15–20+ years with proper care.
Glass Ionomer Filling: £60–£150
Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, helping prevent further decay. They're most commonly used for:
- Children's teeth
- Fillings below the gum line
- Temporary restorations
- Areas not subject to heavy biting forces
Typical cost: £60–£90
Longevity: Up to 5 years. Not suitable for back teeth under high chewing pressure.
Gold Inlay/Onlay: £500–£1,200+
Gold remains the most durable filling material available. While less popular due to its visible appearance, it outlasts all other options.
Regional pricing:
- London: from £600+
- Outside London: £400–£450
Longevity: 15–20+ years, often lasting decades with proper care.
Regional Price Comparison: Where Fillings Cost Most (and Least)
Private dental prices vary significantly across the UK. Edinburgh is surprisingly the most expensive city—even more than London.
Regional Price Comparison
| Region | Check-up Cost | Crown Cost | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | £95 | £1,000–£1,400 | Highest |
| London | £85 | £800–£1,200 | Very High |
| South West | £70–£85 | £700–£1,000 | High |
| Birmingham | £60–£75 | £600–£800 | Moderate |
| Manchester | £55–£70 | £500–£700 | Good Value |
| Cardiff | £50–£70 | £500–£700 | Good Value |
Why Edinburgh costs more: Limited dentist supply combined with an affluent demographic creates higher prices than even Central London.
Best value areas: Northern England and Wales typically offer prices 20–30% below London equivalents. Manchester, in particular, benefits from a surplus of dental graduates, creating healthy competition.
The 17-Mile Price Difference
Dental pricing can triple within a short distance. A composite filling costing £70 in Luton might cost £250 at a premium Central London practice just 30 miles away. If you're flexible on location, shopping around can save hundreds of pounds.
NHS vs Private Filling Costs
Understanding when NHS or private treatment makes more sense can save you money—or significant waiting time.
Direct Cost Comparison
| Treatment | NHS Cost | Private Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard filling | £75.30 | £100–£300 | NHS covers multiple fillings |
| Ceramic inlay/onlay | £326.70 | £450–£950 | NHS Band 3 |
| Multiple fillings | £75.30 | £200–£600+ | NHS charges once per course |
Important: NHS Band 2 (£75.30) covers all fillings needed in one treatment course. If you need three fillings, the NHS charges £75.30 total, while private treatment might cost £300–£600.
When NHS Makes Sense
- You already have an NHS dentist
- You need multiple fillings (one fee covers all)
- Cost is your primary concern
- You're eligible for free treatment
When Private Makes More Sense
- You can't access NHS care — 97% of new patients are unable to get NHS appointments
- You need treatment quickly — Private: 24–72 hours vs NHS: 8–20 weeks
- You want white fillings on back teeth — NHS typically uses amalgam for molars
- You prefer longer appointments — NHS: 10–15 minutes vs Private: 30–60 minutes
- You want premium materials with extended warranties
"Office for National Statistics data shows 96.9% of those without an existing dentist who tried to access NHS dental care were unsuccessful." — British Dental Association
White Fillings on the NHS
The NHS does provide white fillings, but with restrictions:
- Front teeth: White fillings available on NHS
- Back teeth (adults): Amalgam is standard; white only if clinically justified
- Children under 15: White fillings are now standard (amalgam restricted since 2025)
If you want white fillings on your back teeth for aesthetic reasons, you'll likely need to pay privately.
Is a Private Filling Worth the Extra Cost?
The value calculation depends on your situation:
Cost Per Year of Use
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam | £100 | 15 years | £6.67/year |
| Composite | £175 | 10 years | £17.50/year |
| Ceramic inlay | £650 | 20 years | £32.50/year |
Amalgam offers the best value if appearance isn't important. Composite provides a good balance of aesthetics and cost. Ceramic inlays cost more upfront but may need fewer replacements over your lifetime.
Private Is Worth It When:
- Access is the issue — No NHS dentist available
- Time matters — Need treatment within days, not months
- Aesthetics important — Want tooth-coloured fillings everywhere
- Quality assurance — Want longer appointments and warranties
NHS Is Worth It When:
- You have access — Already registered with an NHS dentist
- Multiple treatments needed — One fee covers all fillings
- Budget is tight — £75.30 vs £150+ makes a significant difference
- You qualify for free treatment — Under 18, pregnant, on certain benefits
How to Reduce Your Private Filling Cost
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Prices for the same treatment can vary by 50% or more between practices. Call 3–5 dentists in your area before booking. Ask for:
- Cost per filling (specify material)
- Whether consultation is included
- Any guarantee offered
2. Consider 0% Finance
Many private practices offer interest-free payment plans. Typical terms:
- 6–24 month repayment periods
- No interest if paid within promotional period
- Subject to credit approval
Example: A £300 filling spread over 12 months = £25/month with no interest.
3. Look into Dental Payment Plans
Denplan and similar schemes let you spread costs:
- Monthly fee set by your dentist based on your oral health
- Covers regular check-ups and hygiene
- Some plans include or discount treatment
Plans start from around £10–£50 per month depending on coverage level.
4. Check NHS Support Schemes
Even if you can't find an NHS dentist, you may qualify for help with private costs if you're on low income:
- HC2 Certificate: Free NHS dental treatment (if you can access it)
- HC3 Certificate: Reduced payment based on income
Apply through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
5. Consider Dental Schools
University dental schools offer treatment by supervised students at significantly reduced rates. Treatment takes longer, but quality is monitored closely by qualified dentists.
What Affects Your Filling Price?
Several factors determine your final cost:
1. Cavity Size and Depth
- Small surface cavity: Lower cost
- Large cavity approaching the nerve: Higher cost, may need additional treatment
2. Tooth Location
- Front teeth: Often slightly less expensive
- Back molars: May cost more due to difficulty of access
3. Material Quality
- Basic composite: £100–£150
- Premium ceramic composite with rubber dam: £200–£300
4. Practice Location
- Central London: 25–40% premium
- Northern England: 20–30% below average
5. Additional Procedures
- Anaesthetic: Usually included
- X-rays: May be separate charge (£10–£40)
- Emergency appointment: May carry premium
6. Warranty
- No guarantee: Lower cost
- 5-year warranty: Higher cost but better long-term value
Children's Fillings: Special Considerations
Free NHS treatment for under-18s: All children qualify for free NHS dental care, including fillings.
White fillings now standard: Since 2025, NHS dentists must use white fillings for children under 15 unless there's a specific clinical reason for amalgam.
Private options for children: If NHS access is unavailable, private children's fillings typically cost:
- White composite: £80–£180
- Glass ionomer: £50–£100
Many private practices offer family packages that reduce per-child costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a private filling take?
A standard private filling appointment takes 30–60 minutes, including anaesthetic. This is longer than typical NHS appointments (10–20 minutes), allowing more time for precise placement and finishing.
Is getting a filling painful?
Modern anaesthetics make fillings virtually painless. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure. Any post-treatment sensitivity usually resolves within a few days.
How long do private fillings last?
Depends on the material:
- Composite: 7–10 years (up to 15+ with modern materials)
- Amalgam: 10–15 years (up to 20+)
- Ceramic: 15–20+ years
- Gold: 20+ years
Proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups extend lifespan significantly.
Can I get a white filling on the NHS?
Yes, but with limitations. White fillings are available on NHS for front teeth and for children under 15. For adult back teeth, the NHS typically uses amalgam unless white filling is clinically necessary.
Do private dentists offer emergency fillings?
Yes. Most private practices offer same-day or next-day emergency appointments. Expect to pay £50–£100 for the emergency consultation plus the filling cost.
What if I can't afford a private filling?
Options include:
- 0% finance plans at many practices
- Dental payment schemes like Denplan
- NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3 certificates)
- Dental school treatment at reduced rates
- Keep trying NHS practices—some have occasional availability
Summary: Private Filling Costs at a Glance
| Filling Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | £100–£300 | Most patients wanting tooth-coloured fillings |
| Amalgam | £50–£160 | Budget-conscious, back teeth where appearance less important |
| Ceramic inlay | £450–£950 | Large cavities, long-term durability |
| Glass ionomer | £60–£150 | Children, temporary fillings |
| Gold inlay | £500–£1,200+ | Maximum durability, not concerned about appearance |
Key Takeaways:
- NHS Band 2 (£75.30) is cheapest if you can access it, covering multiple fillings
- Private composite fillings average £150–£200, with significant regional variation
- Edinburgh is the UK's most expensive city for dental care, even surpassing London
- 97% of new patients cannot access NHS dentists, making private care necessary for many
- 0% finance and payment plans make private care more accessible
- Getting multiple quotes can save you 30–50% on private treatment
Need a filling? Use our Find a Dentist tool to compare private practices in your area, with transparent pricing and real patient reviews.
