If you have been told you need a filling or you are trying to budget for dental care before an appointment, understanding dental filling prices in the UK is a sensible starting point. The cost varies considerably depending on whether you are seen on the NHS or privately, the material used, and where your dentist is based. This guide from Fitzroy Dental Practice in Fitzrovia sets out what you can realistically expect to pay, what the differences mean in practice, and what options are available for patients looking for high-quality tooth-coloured restorations in London.
What determines the cost of a dental filling in the UK?
The single biggest factor in filling cost is whether you are treated under the NHS or privately. NHS treatment is provided at fixed, government-set patient charge rates that do not vary between practices. Private filling costs, by contrast, are set by each practice individually and reflect the materials used, the time allocated per appointment, and the clinical expertise of the treating dentist.
Other variables that influence the cost of a filling include the size and depth of the cavity, the tooth’s position in the mouth, the number of tooth surfaces the filling covers, and whether any preparatory treatment, such as a previous old filling needing removal, is required first.
Does the size or position of a cavity affect how much a filling costs?
Yes, for private fillings. A small single-surface cavity in a front tooth requires less material and less time than a large multi-surface restoration in a back molar. NHS treatment bands cover all fillings within a course of treatment for a fixed charge, so the size and number of fillings do not change the patient charge, but in a private practice, each filling is typically priced according to its complexity.
Will I need a separate consultation fee before the filling appointment?
At most private practices, an initial examination is charged separately from the treatment itself. At Fitzroy Dental Practice, we are transparent about all fees from the outset. You will receive a written treatment plan with a clear cost estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
How much does an NHS filling cost in the UK?
NHS dental treatment is divided into three charge bands. Most fillings fall under Band 2, which has a fixed patient charge of £76.60. This charge covers all fillings placed during a single course of treatment, along with any X-rays taken at that visit and certain other basic procedures, regardless of whether you need one filling or five during that period of care.
Band 1, which covers an examination and any necessary X-rays, costs £27.90. If a filling is then identified and placed, the charge steps up to Band 2; the Band 1 payment is not charged again separately.
Does the NHS Band 2 charge cover just one filling, or multiple fillings at the same visit?
The Band 2 charge of £76.60 covers all fillings placed during a single course of treatment, so if your dentist places three fillings at one visit, or across a series of connected appointments, you pay the Band 2 charge once. This represents excellent value for patients who need multiple restorations within a short period.
Are NHS fillings free for any patients, children, pregnant women, or those on benefits?
Yes. NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 (or under 19 if in full-time education), for pregnant women and those who have given birth in the past 12 months, and for patients receiving certain qualifying benefits including Universal Credit, Income Support, and Pension Credit Guarantee. Full details of NHS dental charge exemptions are available on the NHS.uk website.
Is it hard to find an NHS dentist for a filling in London?
NHS dentist availability in central London has become increasingly limited in recent years. Many patients find that self-referring to a private practice either as a one-off or on a regular basis is the more practical route, particularly when treatment is needed promptly. Fitzroy Dental Practice welcomes new patients on a self-referral basis and can typically offer appointments within a much shorter timeframe than NHS waiting lists in the area.
How much do private dental fillings cost in London?
Private dental filling prices in London typically range from around £90 to £300 or more per tooth, depending on the material used, the complexity of the restoration, and the practice. At Fitzroy Dental Practice, we provide a written fee estimate at your consultation appointment so you know exactly what to expect before any treatment begins.
The difference in price between NHS and private treatment reflects a number of genuine clinical differences: longer appointment times, premium materials, shade-matching for composite fillings, the use of techniques such as rubber dam isolation to improve the quality of the bond, and more thorough finishing and polishing of the final restoration.
Why does a private filling cost more than an NHS filling? What am I actually paying for?
Private treatment allows your dentist to spend more time on your care, use the best available materials, and focus on achieving the most precise and durable result. A well-placed private composite filling colour-matched, bonded under isolation, and carefully polished is a more refined restoration than what the time constraints of NHS dentistry typically allow for. For patients who value the longevity and appearance of their teeth, most find the additional cost worthwhile.
Is there a big price difference between London and other parts of the UK for private fillings?
Private dental fees are generally higher in London than in other parts of the UK, reflecting higher practice overheads and the cost of living. Patients based outside central London may find comparable private treatment at slightly lower prices, though the quality of materials and clinical care at a reputable practice should be consistent regardless of geography.
How much does a composite filling cost in London, and is it worth it?
A composite dental filling, the tooth-coloured resin restoration that matches the shade of your surrounding teeth, is the standard choice for private patients in London and the material Fitzroy Dental Practice uses as its default. Composite filling cost in London typically ranges from around £90 to £250 per tooth for straightforward restorations, with larger or more complex fillings, particularly in back teeth, priced accordingly.
Composite requires more time to place than amalgam, uses more costly materials, and demands greater technique sensitivity from the dentist. The result, however, is a restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth structure and that bonds to the tooth in a way that conserves more healthy enamel and dentine.
Does a composite filling on a back tooth cost more than on a front tooth?
Generally, yes, back teeth tend to have larger cavities, and the filling covers more surfaces, which increases both material and time costs. A small single-surface composite filling on a front tooth is typically towards the lower end of the price range; a larger multi-surface composite on a molar sits higher. For very large cavities in back teeth, your dentist may recommend a ceramic inlay instead, which, whilst more expensive, offers superior long-term durability.
Can I replace my old amalgam fillings with composite, and how much would that cost?
Yes, and this is something many of our patients at Fitzroy choose to do either for aesthetic reasons or because an old amalgam is failing. The cost of replacing a filling depends on the size of the original restoration and the complexity of the composite replacement. If the existing filling is clinically sound and not causing problems, there is no urgency to replace it. Your dentist will give you an honest assessment of whether replacement is advisable and what it would involve.
Are there other types of fillings, and how do their costs compare?
Whilst composite is the most widely chosen private filling material, other options are available depending on the clinical situation:
- Glass ionomer cement tooth-coloured, fluoride-releasing, used in areas of lower bite pressure such as root surfaces; typically less expensive than composite
- Ceramic (porcelain) inlays laboratory-fabricated restorations bonded to the tooth, requiring two appointments; usually £400–£900+ in London depending on size and complexity
- Temporary fillings, short-term protective restorations placed between appointments; cost is typically included within the overall treatment fee
What is a ceramic inlay, and when would a dentist recommend it over a filling?
A ceramic inlay is a custom-made restoration fabricated in a dental laboratory to fit precisely within a prepared cavity, then bonded permanently in place at a second appointment. It is typically recommended for larger cavities in back teeth where a conventional composite filling might not provide sufficient structural support over the long term. Ceramic inlays are exceptionally durable and aesthetically excellent, and many patients view the additional cost as a worthwhile long-term investment.
How much does a temporary filling cost, and why would I need one?
A temporary filling is a short-term protective restoration placed between appointments, most commonly during root canal treatment, whilst a laboratory crown or inlay is being fabricated, or to allow a tooth to settle before definitive treatment. The cost of a temporary filling is generally included within the broader treatment fee rather than charged separately, though your dentist will confirm this when presenting your treatment plan.
How can I keep dental filling costs as low as possible?
The most effective way to manage filling costs over the long term is prevention. Small cavities detected early are quicker, simpler, and less expensive to treat than large restorations, and some very early lesions can even be remineralised without a filling at all if caught at a routine check-up. Consistent brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, a low-sugar diet, and regular professional examinations are the most reliable strategies for avoiding the cycle of decay and repair.
Does Fitzroy Dental Practice offer payment plans or 0% finance for fillings?
Yes. We offer 0% interest-free finance over 12 months with no deposit required, which makes private composite filling treatment accessible without a large upfront payment. Please speak to our reception team when you book for full details.
How often should I have a check-up to avoid needing larger and more expensive fillings?
Your dentist will recommend a recall interval based on your individual risk profile, typically every six months for most adults or every three to four months for patients with a higher susceptibility to decay. The earlier a cavity is identified, the smaller and less expensive the filling it requires. Attending your recommended check-ups consistently is, in the long run, the single most cost-effective thing you can do for your dental health.
If you would like to discuss your filling options, receive a transparent quote, or book an appointment at Fitzroy Dental Practice, our team is always glad to help. We are based at 14 Fitzroy Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 6AH. Call us on 020 7387 3317 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an NHS filling cost in 2026?
Most NHS fillings are covered under Band 2 treatment at £76.60. This single charge covers all fillings placed during one course of treatment. NHS dental treatment is free for children, pregnant women, and patients receiving qualifying benefits.
How much does a composite filling cost in London?
Composite filling cost in London typically ranges from £90 to £250+ per tooth for standard restorations, with larger or more complex fillings priced higher. Fitzroy Dental Practice provides written fee estimates at consultation and offers 0% interest-free finance.
Is a private filling better than an NHS filling?
Private fillings allow for more appointment time, premium materials, precise shade-matching for composite, and more thorough finishing. For patients who prioritise aesthetics and longevity, the additional cost of a private filling typically represents good value over the long term.
How many fillings are covered by the NHS Band 2 charge?
The NHS Band 2 charge covers all fillings placed during a single course of treatment, whether that is one filling or several. The charge does not increase per filling within the same course of treatment.
Can I get a tooth-coloured composite filling on the NHS?
NHS composite fillings are available on front teeth as standard. For back teeth, the NHS more commonly uses amalgam or functional materials. Private practices such as Fitzroy offer composite as standard throughout the mouth, regardless of tooth position.
