Getting a filling in the UK - options and price

Getting a filling in the UK - options and price

On 5 November 20254 November 2025In Polish Dentist in the UK, General Dentistry

Pain when eating, a chipped tooth or a dark spot that is getting bigger by the day - these are all signs that it is time to have a filling inserted in the UK. Patients living in the UK often wonder what their options are? How much does treatment cost and which fillings are best for their teeth? In this article, we show you when a filling is necessary, what materials are available and how they differ in price, what the treatment itself is like and how you can spread the cost of treatment in instalments.

When is it necessary to insert a filling?

A filling becomes necessary when a tooth becomes decayed or mechanically damaged, such as by chipping or cracking. If you do not react in time, the changes can worsen. This leads to pulp infections, pain, root canal treatment, and, in extreme cases, the loss of a tooth.

Often patients ignore for monthsThey experience discreet pain or temporary sensitivity, and by the time they arrive at the surgery, the cavity is advanced and requires more serious intervention than a simple filling. Early detection and prompt insertion of a filling in the UK avoids costly and more complicated treatments. 

A dentist wearing white protective gloves examines the teeth of a patient lying in a dental chair in a modern dental office with medical equipment visible in the background.

Types of seals - which will be best for you?

Various filling materials are available in the UK and the choice depends on the location of the tooth, the size of the cavity and aesthetic expectations.

Amalgam, the traditional silver filling, has a long life and a lower price. However, it is very rarely used anymore and only in specific cases. 

Composite, or white filling, is aesthetically pleasing and similar in colour to the natural tooth. It is the most common choice of patients in the UK, especially for anterior teeth. It requires more precision in application and is less durable than amalgam, but its appearance compensates for this inconvenience.

Ceramic or porcelain are top-quality fillings, resistant to discolouration and very aesthetically pleasing. Their cost is higher, but the visual effect and durability are excellent. This makes them suitable for patients looking for the best solutions.

Gold or metallic alloy seals are used infrequently, mainly in posterior teeth in patients requiring very durable fillings. They are resistant but costly and less aesthetic.

A dentist wearing white gloves performs the filling procedure on a patient with an open mouth, using a blue dental instrument.

What is the procedure for placing a filling in the UK?

It is not complicated. After an examination (and often an X-ray), the dentist assesses the size of the cavity. He or she then anaesthetises the tooth and its surroundings, making the procedure painless. The next step is to clean the cavity - removing decay and preparing the surface for the filling.

The doctor applies the chosen material in layers, moulds it and cures it (e.g. with LED light in the case of composite). Finally, he polishes the surface and adjusts the bite to make the tooth look natural and function properly. 

The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes and, in the case of ceramic fillings, may require two visits.

A dentist wearing goggles and a protective mask performs a dental procedure on a young patient lying in a dental chair.

How much does it cost to have a filling inserted in the UK and how do I spread the payment?

The cost of having a filling inserted in the UK depends on whether you use the NHS or privately, and the type of material.

There are so-called 'bands' within the NHS: Band 1 - £27.40 for an examination and prophylaxis, Band 2 - £75.30 for cavity treatment and filling, and Band 3 - £326.70 for more complex procedures such as crowns or dentures.

Privately, prices vary depending on the material: Amalgam costs around £60-£120, composite £140-£250 and ceramic can go up to £200-£400 or more. The price will also depend on the size of the filling. For example, at our clinic you will pay £140 for a small composite filling, £150 for a large one.

If these sums scare you at the moment rest assured - you can spread the cost in instalments. More specifically, if your treatment costs exceed £350 you can take advantage of our instalment scheme. Importantly, the first 12 months are zero interest, meaning you only pay back the amount you spent on treatment. 

The system is safe in 100% and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628), which is the government's financial regulator. And you can read more about it in the article “Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase“. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.