Amalgam (Silver) Filling
Amalgam (Silver) Filling — Procedure, Risks & What to Expect
Quick answer
Amalgam fillings on the NHS cost £76.60 in England (Band 2). Privately they cost £80–£150 — generally £20–£100 less than a white composite filling of similar size. UK regulations restrict amalgam for children under 15 and pregnant or breastfeeding patients in line with the Minamata Convention. Most cosmetic-led practices have stopped offering amalgam altogether.
Key facts
- NHS England (Band 2): £76.60
- Private small filling: £80–£110
- Private large filling: £100–£150
- Banned for under-15s and pregnant patients in the UK
- Average lifespan: 10–15 years (longer than composite)
- Being phased out across the UK
Amalgam fillings are made from a mix of metals including silver, tin and mercury. The EU Minamata Convention restricts amalgam use, but it is still permitted in the UK for adult back teeth when clinically appropriate. Amalgam is harder-wearing than composite but very visible.
What is an amalgam (silver) filling?
Amalgam fillings are being phased out across the UK following EU regulation. They are no longer used for children under 15 or pregnant patients, and many cosmetic-led private practices have stopped offering them altogether. For NHS patients with heavily loaded back molars, amalgam can still be the most durable option — the price is the same as a white filling because both fall under Band 2.
Who needs this treatment?
- Patients with heavily loaded back molars where durability outweighs aesthetics
- Anyone on the NHS where the dentist judges amalgam clinically superior for the tooth
- Patients with a history of recurrent decay around white fillings
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure is similar to a white filling but slightly faster (15–30 minutes) because amalgam does not need layered placement and light curing. The dentist removes decay, places a matrix band to shape the filling, packs the amalgam into the cavity and carves it to match your bite. Amalgam sets within 24 hours — you should avoid chewing on the tooth for the first hour.
Recovery time
Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal. Avoid hot drinks for an hour and very hard foods on the new filling for 24 hours while it fully sets.
How long does it last?
Amalgam fillings typically last 10–15 years, often longer in patients with low decay risk. Their durability is the main reason some NHS dentists still recommend them for back molars.
NHS Coverage
Falls under Band 2. NHS practices increasingly offer composite as the default; amalgam is largely reserved for back molars in adults.
In England the NHS charge is £76.60 (effective from 1 April 2026). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each set their own rates.
NHS charges for all four nations compared →Going Private
Amalgam is being phased out in cosmetic-led practices; many private clinics no longer offer it at all.
Privately, an amalgam (silver) filling costs £80–£150 (per tooth) across the UK, with central London typically 30–50% above that range.
Full price breakdown, option by option →What Affects the Cost
- Practice policy (some private practices are amalgam-free)
- Size and location of the cavity
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Covered by the NHS Band 2 charge (£76.60). Increasingly reserved for adult back teeth where the dentist judges amalgam clinically appropriate.
How to save money on this treatment
- Accept amalgam if your NHS dentist recommends it for a back tooth — durability often saves money long-term
- Get all fillings done in one Band 2 course to pay £76.60 once
- Do not pay extra to “replace” healthy amalgam fillings purely for cosmetic reasons — it removes more tooth structure
Does dental insurance cover this?
Amalgam fillings are covered by all UK dental insurance and capitation plans on the same basis as composite fillings.
Risks and side effects
- Visible silver appearance (cosmetic concern only)
- Tiny mercury release during placement and removal — well within WHO safety thresholds for adults
- Possible long-term tooth darkening (greyish hue) under the filling
- Galvanic reaction (mild metallic taste) if a gold crown is placed next to amalgam
Red flags to watch for
- “Mercury removal” clinics charging £200+ per tooth for routine amalgam replacement without medical justification
- Dentists who insist on replacing all amalgam fillings at first consultation
Alternatives to consider
- White (Composite) Filling — Composite (white) filling — tooth-coloured but typically shorter-lived on chewing surfaces.
- Inlays & Onlays — Lab-made ceramic or gold restoration — best for very large cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are amalgam fillings safe?
Major health bodies including the NHS and WHO consider amalgam fillings safe for adults. They are no longer used for children under 15 or pregnant patients in the UK.
Will amalgam be banned in the UK?
A full UK ban is being considered as part of the Minamata Convention timeline. Use is already restricted for children, pregnant patients and breastfeeding mothers.
Should I have my amalgam fillings replaced?
Not unless they are leaking, cracked, recurrent decay is present, or you specifically want them changed for cosmetic reasons. Healthy amalgam fillings are best left alone.
Does removing amalgam release mercury?
Yes, small amounts of mercury vapour are released during drilling. UK dentists must follow specific protocols (rubber dam, high-volume suction) for safe removal.
How long does an amalgam filling take to set?
It sets within 24 hours. You should avoid hard chewing for the first hour and very hard foods (nuts, ice) for the first day.