A filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay, after the decayed part has been removed under local anaesthetic. The two main materials are silver-coloured amalgam and tooth-coloured composite, often called white fillings. On the NHS in England, fillings are part of the Band 2 charge, and white fillings are available on the NHS when clinically necessary.
What a filling is
When decay goes beyond the earliest stage, NHS inform says the dentist may recommend a filling or a crown. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, the decay is removed, and the hole is filled. If decay reaches the centre of the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed, and if the tooth cannot be saved it may be removed.
Amalgam (silver) fillings
The Oral Health Foundation describes amalgam as a mix of metals, including mercury, silver, tin and copper. It says extensive research shows amalgam is safe for most people, and that there is no reliable evidence that amalgam fillings cause illness or long-term health problems. Amalgam fillings usually last longer and resist wear better, especially on back teeth.
Use of amalgam is restricted for some groups. Under UK law, since 1 July 2018 amalgam should not be used for baby teeth, for children under 15, or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless the dentist considers it strictly necessary for the patient's specific medical needs. The Oral Health Foundation explains that many countries are reducing the use of amalgam mainly for environmental reasons, because mercury can affect the environment if it is not handled properly.
White (composite) fillings
The Oral Health Foundation describes white fillings as a tooth-coloured mix of glass or ceramic particles and resin that hardens once placed. It says older composites did not last as well as amalgam, but modern materials are much stronger and in many cases last just as well. How long any filling lasts depends on its position, size, your bite and how well you look after your teeth.
Temporary fillings
A temporary filling is a short-term repair. The NHS lists temporary fillings among the treatments that can be given at an urgent appointment, and the Oral Health Foundation notes they give you time to get a dental appointment and have the filling properly repaired.
Who needs a filling
NHS inform lists signs of tooth decay including toothache, sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drink, grey, brown or black spots on the teeth, bad breath and an unpleasant taste. Early decay can sometimes be managed with advice on sugar and a fluoride gel, varnish or paste, so not every problem needs a filling. Regular check-ups help spot decay before it causes pain.
NHS or private
In England, fillings are part of Band 2, which costs £76.60 from 1 April 2026. The NHS says white fillings are available on the NHS when clinically necessary. The urgent treatment charge of £27.90 can include a temporary filling. You pay one charge per course of treatment, so several fillings in the same course are covered by a single Band 2 charge. Treatment is free for some groups, including under 18s, people under 19 in full-time education, and people who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.
Private fees vary by practice, by the size of the filling and by the material used. The Oral Health Foundation says the practice should give you a written treatment plan with prices before you start. See our costs guide and our guides to NHS dentists and private dentists.
How to choose a practice
- Check the dentist on the General Dental Council register. Everyone providing dental treatment in the UK must be registered.
- Ask which materials are suitable for your tooth and why.
- Ask whether the filling would be done on the NHS or privately, and get the cost in writing.
Replacing old fillings and aftercare
The Oral Health Foundation advises that fillings are usually replaced only when they are worn, broken or have decay underneath. Removing a sound filling takes away more of the tooth. For amalgam specifically, it notes that removal can briefly release mercury vapour and may weaken the tooth.
To protect your fillings and your other teeth, NHS inform advises cutting down on sugary food and drink, especially between meals, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth. If a filling falls out or the tooth becomes painful, contact your dentist. Our emergency dentist guide explains how to get urgent care, or call NHS 111.
Sources: NHS inform: Tooth decay; NHS: How much NHS dental treatment costs; NHS: Understanding NHS dental charges; The National Health Service (Primary Dental Services and Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2026; NHS: Who can get free NHS dental treatment; Oral Health Foundation: Amalgam fillings; Oral Health Foundation: White fillings; Oral Health Foundation: Different filling materials; Regulation (EU) 2017/852 on mercury, Article 10, as it applies in the UK; General Dental Council: Registration.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice.