Dental Filling Cost UK 2026: NHS vs Private White & Amalgam Prices

A dental filling on the NHS costs £76.60 in England (Band 2, April 2026) — this covers all fillings needed in a single course of treatment. Privately, a white composite filling costs £90–£250 per tooth and a silver amalgam filling costs £80–£150. This guide explains every cost, what affects the price, and when private is worth choosing over NHS.

NHS filling costs 2026 — what you actually pay

In England, NHS fillings fall under Band 2 (£76.60, April 2026). One Band 2 charge covers all fillings you need in a single course of treatment — one filling or six, the charge is the same. This is what makes NHS dentistry extraordinary value for patients who need multiple fillings.

What filling material does the NHS use?

The NHS provides whatever filling material the dentist judges clinically appropriate. This is usually composite (white) for front teeth and has historically been amalgam (silver) for back teeth, though many NHS dentists now use composite throughout. The NHS does not guarantee a white composite filling on every tooth — but in practice, most NHS dentists use tooth-coloured materials for all visible teeth.

From 2025, NHS England and Wales are phasing out amalgam use in line with the Minamata Convention, so composite is increasingly the default NHS filling material.

Private filling costs — white (composite)

Private composite fillings use higher-grade materials, take longer (the dentist layers and sculpts the composite), and involve a more thorough shade-matching process. The result is typically more aesthetic than an equivalent NHS composite, though for back teeth the difference is minimal.

Private filling costs — amalgam (silver)

Amalgam is rarely chosen for new private fillings now — most patients prefer tooth-coloured composite even on back teeth. Amalgam is still used to repair or replace existing amalgam restorations and in NHS practices where composite is clinically unsuitable.

Why is there such a big price difference between NHS and private?

NHS Band 2 (£76.60) covers all fillings in the course — composite materials, dentist time, and follow-up. A private composite filling per tooth at £90–£250 reflects:

• Premium composite materials (e.g., Enamel Plus, Empress Direct)
• Longer appointment time for meticulous layering and polishing
• No cross-subsidy from NHS funding contracts
• Practice overheads in a private-only clinic

The gap is real but not always worth paying. For most back-tooth fillings, the NHS result is clinically equivalent. Private is worth considering for highly visible front teeth or for patients who want to control material choice.

Is a white composite filling better than amalgam?

• Appearance: Composite wins — tooth-coloured and invisible. Amalgam is silver and darkens over time.
• Durability: Amalgam lasts 10–15+ years on back teeth; composite typically 5–10 years but improving with modern materials.
• Tooth preparation: Composite is bonded to the tooth (less drilling required). Amalgam uses mechanical retention (more drilling).
• Safety: Both are safe. Mercury in amalgam is stable once set. The EU and UK are phasing out amalgam for environmental reasons.
• Cost: Similar or marginally cheaper for amalgam on the NHS; no significant difference privately.

When to choose private over NHS for a filling

• You want guaranteed composite (tooth-coloured) on all teeth, including back molars
• You want a specific premium composite brand
• You cannot register with an NHS dentist in your area
• You want a longer appointment with more attention to aesthetics
• You need a filling urgently and your NHS practice has a long wait

Frequently asked questions

How much does a filling cost on the NHS in the UK?

In England, an NHS filling costs £76.60 (Band 2, April 2026). This covers all fillings in one course of treatment. Wales: £56.00. Scotland: 80% of item-of-service fee. Northern Ireland: item-of-service charge from £9.36 per filling.

How much does a private filling cost?

Private white composite fillings cost £90–£250 per tooth depending on size and location. Private amalgam fillings cost £80–£150. London practices charge 30–50% more than the national average.

Are NHS fillings as good as private?

For most back-tooth fillings, clinically yes. The main differences are appointment length, material grade, and the level of aesthetic attention. Private front-tooth composite fillings tend to have more careful shade-matching and layering.

How long does a filling last?

Composite fillings typically last 5–10 years (improving with modern materials). Amalgam fillings last 10–15+ years on chewing surfaces. Lifespan depends heavily on oral hygiene, diet and the size of the original cavity.

Will my filling hurt?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic — you should feel only pressure, not pain. Post-filling sensitivity to hot, cold and biting is common for 1–4 weeks and usually resolves without treatment. If sensitivity persists beyond 4 weeks, contact your dentist.

Can I eat after a filling?

After a composite filling: yes, immediately (the composite is cured solid with a blue light). After an amalgam filling: wait 2 hours before chewing on that side; full hardening takes 24 hours. Avoid very hard foods for the first day.

Why is my filling falling out?

Fillings fail due to decay at the margins, excessive bite forces, or the filling being too large for the cavity. A lost filling is a dental emergency — call your dentist for a same-week appointment. An unprotected cavity will decay rapidly and may require a crown rather than a simple refill.