Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments in dentistry. They are used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear, fracture or a lost piece of old filling. A good filling does more than simply “plug a hole”. It helps restore the shape of the tooth, protects the remaining tooth structure, makes chewing more comfortable and reduces the risk of the problem getting worse.
For many people, the confusing part is not whether they need a filling, but which type of filling is best. Should you choose a white filling or a silver filling? Is a white filling available on the NHS? How much does a filling cost privately? How long should it last? And does needing a filling always mean the tooth has been badly neglected?
This guide explains dental fillings in plain English, including the difference between white and silver fillings, what is usually available on the NHS, when private treatment may be worth considering, what affects the cost, and how to make a filling last as long as possible.
What is a dental filling?
A dental filling is a material placed into a tooth to repair damage. Most fillings are used after tooth decay has created a cavity. The dentist removes the decayed or weakened part of the tooth, cleans the area and fills the space with a suitable material.
Fillings can also be used for small chips, worn biting edges, exposed root surfaces, minor cracks, acid erosion, tooth wear from grinding, or replacing an old filling that has broken down. In some cases, a filling is a simple treatment. In others, it is part of a wider plan to protect a tooth that has already lost a lot of structure.
The aim is to keep as much healthy tooth as possible. Modern dentistry is usually conservative where it can be. That means the dentist will try to repair and protect the tooth rather than remove more tooth structure than necessary.
If your filling is being recommended after a routine examination, you may find it helpful to read our guide to dental check-ups. If your dentist has used imaging to check the tooth, our guide to dental X-rays explains why X-rays are sometimes needed before treatment.
Why might you need a filling?
The most common reason for a filling is tooth decay. Decay happens when bacteria in plaque use sugars from food and drink to produce acids. Over time, these acids weaken enamel and can create a cavity. Once a true hole has formed, brushing alone cannot repair it, and a filling may be needed.
Early decay may not cause pain. This is why people are sometimes surprised when a dentist recommends a filling even though the tooth feels fine. A cavity can grow quietly between teeth or under an old filling before symptoms appear. By the time a tooth starts to ache, the decay may already be deeper and closer to the nerve.
You may also need a filling if a tooth has chipped, cracked or worn down. Grinding, clenching, acidic drinks, acid reflux, aggressive brushing and old dental work can all contribute to tooth damage. Sometimes a filling is used to rebuild the shape of the tooth and reduce sensitivity.
A lost filling is another common reason for treatment. If a filling falls out, the exposed tooth can become sensitive and more vulnerable to decay or fracture. Our guide to lost fillings and crowns explains what to do while waiting for an appointment.
Fillings are not always the answer. If the cavity is very large, the tooth may need a crown, onlay, root canal treatment or extraction instead. Your dentist should explain why a filling is suitable, or why another option would protect the tooth better.
White fillings vs silver fillings: what is the difference?
The two filling types patients most often ask about are white fillings and silver fillings. Both can be effective, but they behave differently and are used in slightly different ways.
Silver fillings are usually dental amalgam. Amalgam is a metal-based material that has been used in dentistry for many years. It is strong, durable and often performs well in back teeth where chewing forces are high. It is less natural-looking because it appears grey or silver in the mouth.
White fillings are usually composite resin. Composite is a tooth-coloured material that bonds to the tooth and can be matched to the surrounding shade. It is often preferred for visible teeth because it looks more natural. It can also be useful for smaller repairs, chipped teeth and areas where preserving tooth structure is important.
The choice is not only cosmetic. The best filling depends on the size of the cavity, the position of the tooth, how much biting pressure it takes, how dry the area can be kept during treatment, whether the filling is near the gumline, your decay risk, your budget and your preferences.
For front teeth and visible areas, white fillings are usually preferred because appearance matters. For large fillings in back teeth, the decision can be more nuanced. A white filling may still be suitable, but it needs careful placement and may cost more privately. A silver filling may be stronger in some situations, but it is less discreet.
Are white fillings available on the NHS?
White fillings can be available on the NHS when they are clinically appropriate. However, NHS dentistry is based on clinical need, not purely cosmetic preference. This means the NHS should provide treatment needed to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, but cosmetic upgrades are usually private.
In practice, white fillings are more likely to be used on front teeth or visible areas where appearance is part of restoring the tooth properly. For back teeth, your dentist may offer the most clinically suitable filling material, which may be amalgam or composite depending on the case.
If you want a white filling mainly because you do not like the appearance of a silver filling, and there is no clinical need to replace it, this is usually considered cosmetic and may need to be done privately. Replacing sound silver fillings with white ones purely for appearance is not always a good idea either, because removing an old filling can involve removing some tooth structure and may irritate the tooth.
The most important thing is to ask your dentist what is available in your situation. Useful questions include:
- Is a white filling clinically suitable for this tooth?
- Would this be available on the NHS, or would it be private?
- What are the pros and cons of amalgam and composite in this tooth?
- How long would each option be expected to last?
- Would a crown or onlay be more reliable than a large filling?
For official information on what is available, see the NHS page on NHS dental services.
How much does a filling cost on the NHS?
In England, fillings that are clinically needed usually fall under NHS Band 2 treatment. From April 2026, NHS Band 2 is £76.60. This includes all Band 1 items, such as examination, diagnosis, advice and X-rays if needed, plus treatment such as fillings, extractions and root canal treatment.
You normally pay one NHS charge for a course of treatment, not a separate charge for each appointment within that course. For example, if you need more than one visit to complete treatment in the same course, you should not usually pay a new full charge each time.
If you need more complex treatment, such as a crown, bridge or denture, this may fall under Band 3. If you are in pain and need urgent dental care, urgent NHS treatment has a separate charge.
NHS dental charges differ across the UK. England has national bands, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different systems and exemptions. Some people do not have to pay NHS dental charges, including certain people on qualifying benefits and some groups such as children, depending on location and eligibility.
You can check current official charges on the NHS page for NHS dental treatment costs. If you may be eligible for help, the NHS Business Services Authority also explains help with NHS dental costs.
How much does a private filling cost?
Private filling costs vary widely. The price depends on the dental practice, the size of the filling, the tooth involved, the material used, whether the treatment is simple or complex, and whether X-rays or other appointments are needed.
As a rough UK guide, a small private white filling may cost from around £80 to £180, while larger or more complex white fillings can cost £200 to £350 or more. Some clinics charge by filling size, such as small, medium or large. Others charge by tooth type or time needed. Private amalgam fillings may sometimes cost less than private composite fillings, but many private patients choose composite for appearance.
Private fees can be higher in large cities, specialist clinics or practices offering longer appointments, advanced materials, digital scanning or cosmetic shaping. A filling on a front tooth for appearance and contour may also be priced differently from a straightforward cavity repair on a back tooth.
Before agreeing to private treatment, ask for a written estimate. It should explain the tooth being treated, the material, the fee, whether X-rays are included, and what could happen if the tooth is more damaged than expected once treatment begins.
If you are comparing treatment costs, our guide to private dentist prices in the UK gives wider examples across common dental treatments.
What happens during a filling appointment?
A filling appointment usually begins with the dentist confirming which tooth is being treated and explaining the plan. If the tooth is likely to be sensitive during treatment, local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area. Not every small filling needs anaesthetic, but many do, especially if decay is deeper.
The dentist removes the decayed, weak or broken part of the tooth. The area is cleaned and shaped so the filling can be placed securely. If the cavity is between teeth, a small band or matrix may be used to help rebuild the correct shape and contact point.
For a composite white filling, the tooth needs to be kept dry. The dentist may use cotton rolls, suction or a rubber dam. The tooth surface is prepared with bonding agents, and the composite is placed in layers. Each layer is hardened with a blue curing light. The filling is then shaped, polished and checked against your bite.
For an amalgam filling, the material is packed into the prepared cavity and shaped. Amalgam does not bond to the tooth in the same way as composite, so the cavity shape helps hold it in place. The dentist checks the bite and smooths the surface.
At the end of the appointment, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours if anaesthetic was used. Avoid chewing on the numb side until normal feeling returns, because it is easy to bite your cheek or tongue accidentally.
How long do fillings last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan for a filling. Some last many years, while others fail earlier because of decay, tooth fracture, heavy biting forces, grinding, poor cleaning, dry mouth or the size and position of the filling.
As a broad guide, amalgam fillings often last around 10 to 15 years or longer, especially in back teeth where strength is important. Composite white fillings may last around 5 to 10 years or longer, depending on their size, position and how well they are placed and maintained. Smaller fillings often last longer than very large fillings because more natural tooth remains to support them.
These are only general estimates. A well-placed white filling in a low-risk patient can last a long time. A large silver filling in a heavily loaded tooth can crack the surrounding tooth. A filling in someone with high decay risk may fail quickly if the underlying cause is not controlled.
A filling is not a one-time fix that makes the tooth invincible. The join between tooth and filling needs to stay clean. If plaque builds up around the edge, new decay can start. If you grind your teeth, the filling or tooth may chip. If the filling is very large, a crown or onlay may eventually be needed to protect the tooth better.
If a tooth has had repeated fillings, deep decay or nerve symptoms, root canal treatment may be needed. Our guide to root canal treatment explains when this becomes necessary.
When is a filling not enough?
A filling is suitable when there is enough healthy tooth left to support it. If too much tooth has been lost, a simple filling may not be strong enough.
Your dentist may recommend a crown, onlay or inlay if the cavity is very large, the tooth is cracked, a cusp has broken, the tooth has had root canal treatment, or an old filling has left the tooth weak. A crown covers more of the tooth and can help protect it from splitting, but it is more expensive and involves more preparation.
A filling may also not be enough if decay has reached the nerve inside the tooth. In that case, the tooth may need root canal treatment or extraction. Symptoms that may suggest deeper problems include spontaneous toothache, pain that wakes you at night, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, pus, or pain when biting.
If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may discuss extraction and replacement options such as a denture, bridge or implant. You can read more in our guides to dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures and dental implants.
How to look after a filling
The best way to make a filling last is to protect the tooth around it. Most fillings fail because of new decay, cracking, heavy bite forces or poor cleaning around the margins.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing at night. Clean between the teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes. Reduce how often you have sugary snacks and drinks, because frequency matters as much as quantity. If you sip sweet drinks throughout the day, your teeth are exposed to repeated acid attacks.
Pay attention to the edges of fillings when brushing. Food trapping, rough edges, floss that tears, a bad taste, sensitivity or pain when biting may suggest the filling needs checking. Do not wait until the tooth breaks badly.
If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist whether a night guard may help. Grinding can chip fillings, crack teeth and cause jaw pain. If you have gum disease, dry mouth or a high decay risk, you may need more frequent dental reviews and extra prevention.
Regular dental check-ups help your dentist monitor old fillings before they become emergencies. If you are prone to sensitivity after treatment, our guide to sensitive teeth may also be useful.
When to contact a dentist after a filling
Mild sensitivity after a filling is common, especially to cold, pressure or air. It often improves over days or weeks as the tooth settles. However, not all symptoms should be ignored.
Contact your dentist if the bite feels high, because a filling that is slightly too tall can make the tooth sore when chewing. This is usually easy to adjust. You should also get advice if pain is getting worse, sensitivity is severe or lingering, the tooth hurts at night, the filling feels loose, the tooth cracks, or you develop swelling or a bad taste.
Severe pain, facial swelling, fever or feeling unwell may suggest infection and should be assessed urgently. A filling cannot always calm a tooth if the nerve has already become inflamed or infected. In those cases, root canal treatment or extraction may be needed.
If a filling falls out, try to keep the area clean and avoid chewing hard food on that side. Pharmacy temporary filling kits may help protect the tooth for a short time, but they are not a permanent repair. Book a dental appointment as soon as practical.
FAQ
Are white fillings better than silver fillings?
Not always. White fillings look more natural and bond to the tooth, which can be useful in many situations. Silver amalgam fillings are strong and can work well in back teeth. The best choice depends on the tooth, cavity size, bite forces, appearance, cost and clinical suitability.
Can I get a white filling on the NHS?
White fillings can be available on the NHS when clinically appropriate. They are more commonly used in visible areas. If you want a white filling purely for cosmetic reasons, especially to replace a sound silver filling, you may need to pay privately.
How much is a filling on the NHS?
In England, a clinically needed filling usually falls under NHS Band 2. From April 2026, Band 2 is £76.60. This includes the examination and necessary treatment within that course. Charges vary in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How much is a private white filling?
Private white fillings vary widely. A small filling may cost around £80 to £180, while larger or more complex fillings can cost £200 to £350 or more. Always ask for a clear written estimate before treatment.
How long does a filling take?
A simple filling may take around 20 to 40 minutes. Larger fillings, multiple fillings, deep cavities or more cosmetic front tooth repairs may take longer.
Will a filling hurt?
The treatment should not be painful if the tooth is properly numb. You may feel pressure, vibration or water spray. Some mild sensitivity after treatment is common, especially if the cavity was deep.
How long should a filling last?
Many fillings last for years. Amalgam fillings may last around 10 to 15 years or longer, while composite fillings may last around 5 to 10 years or longer. Lifespan depends on size, position, oral hygiene, diet, grinding and decay risk.
Can a filling fall out?
Yes. Fillings can fall out because of new decay, fracture, heavy biting forces, age, poor bonding or trauma. If this happens, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side and book a dental appointment.
Should old silver fillings be replaced?
Not automatically. If an old silver filling is sound, comfortable and not causing problems, replacing it may not be necessary. Replacement may be recommended if it is cracked, leaking, loose, causing decay around the edges, or if the tooth needs a different type of restoration.
Are amalgam fillings safe?
Dental amalgam has been used for many years and is considered suitable in many situations. It contains mercury combined with other metals in a stable alloy. Some restrictions and environmental rules apply, and your dentist can explain whether amalgam is appropriate for your case.
Can a filling fix toothache?
A filling can fix toothache if the pain is caused by a cavity or damaged area that has not affected the nerve too badly. If the nerve is inflamed or infected, a filling alone may not be enough and root canal treatment or extraction may be needed.
Can I eat after a filling?
If you had local anaesthetic, wait until the numbness wears off before chewing, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. With white fillings, the material is usually fully set when you leave. With amalgam, your dentist may advise avoiding hard chewing on that side for a period of time.
