Key facts about NHS filling costs:
- NHS fillings cost £73.50 under Band 2 treatment in England (2025-26)
- This covers all necessary fillings in a single course of treatment, not per tooth
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different pricing structures
- Some people qualify for free NHS dental treatment
- The same Band 2 charge includes examinations, X-rays, and other treatments completed within the same course
If you need a filling, understanding NHS dental costs can help you budget for your treatment and know exactly what to expect when you visit the dentist. The good news is that NHS dental charges are standardised and transparent, making it easy to plan ahead.
NHS Filling Costs in England
In England, NHS dental treatment is organised into three bands. Fillings fall under Band 2, which costs £73.50 for the 2025-26 tax year.
What makes NHS dental charges particularly good value is that you pay one Band 2 charge for your entire course of treatment, regardless of how many fillings you need. If your dentist identifies three cavities that all need filling, you'll still only pay £73.50 in total, not per tooth.
This Band 2 charge also covers:
- Your dental examination
- Any necessary X-rays
- Scale and polish (cleaning)
- Root canal treatment if required
- Tooth extractions
- Other necessary treatments completed in the same course
A course of treatment includes all the work your dentist considers necessary to achieve dental fitness. Once you've paid your Band 2 charge, any additional treatments completed within two months (or 12 months for more extensive treatments) are covered under the same fee.
NHS Dental Costs in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
While England uses the three-band system, other UK nations have different arrangements:
Scotland: NHS dental treatment is free for those under 26 or over 60. For others, you pay 80% of the treatment cost up to a maximum of £384. A single filling typically costs between £20-40.
Wales: Wales also uses a three-band system. Band 2 treatment (including fillings) costs £67.70 as of 2025.
Northern Ireland: The band system is similar to England, with Band 2 treatment costing £67.00.
If you're unsure about costs in your area, you can find an NHS dentist near you and contact them directly for precise pricing information.
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
Many people in the UK qualify for free NHS dental care, regardless of which band their treatment falls under. You don't pay anything if you're:
- Under 18 years old (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
- Receiving certain benefits, including Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- Named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs)
If you qualify for free treatment, you should bring evidence to your appointment. For pregnancy exemption, you'll need a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx). For benefits, recent award letters or certificates are usually sufficient.
Some people also qualify for reduced-cost treatment through an HC3 certificate, which provides partial help with health costs based on your income.
What Types of Fillings Are Available on the NHS?
NHS dentists typically offer two main types of fillings:
Amalgam fillings (silver-coloured) are the standard NHS option for back teeth. They're durable, long-lasting, and clinically effective. Amalgam has been used safely in dentistry for over 150 years.
Composite fillings (tooth-coloured) are available on the NHS for front teeth where appearance matters. Some NHS dentists also offer composite fillings for back teeth on the NHS, though this varies by practice.
Both types are covered under the same £73.50 Band 2 charge. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material based on the location and size of the cavity.
If you specifically want tooth-coloured fillings for back teeth and your NHS dentist doesn't provide them under NHS treatment, you may need to pay privately. To understand the potential costs, you might find our NHS vs private cost calculator helpful for comparison.
When Might You Pay More Than £73.50?
While the Band 2 charge covers most filling treatments, there are situations where you might pay additional charges:
Multiple courses of treatment: If you need to return for a separate issue after your initial course is complete, you'll start a new course of treatment and pay another Band 2 charge.
Upgrading to private treatment: If you choose private options not available on the NHS (such as premium tooth-coloured materials or same-day ceramic fillings), you'll pay private fees on top of or instead of NHS charges.
Failed to attend appointments: If you miss appointments without adequate notice, some practices may charge a fee, though this isn't part of standard NHS charging.
Emergency appointments: If you need urgent care and aren't registered with a practice, you may pay for a Band 1 examination (£26.80) before any Band 2 treatment.
Always confirm costs with your dental practice before beginning treatment to avoid surprises.
How to Access Affordable NHS Fillings
The first step to accessing NHS dental care is finding a dentist accepting NHS patients. Unfortunately, not all dental practices offer NHS treatment, and some have waiting lists.
To find available NHS dentists in your area, search by postcode to see practices with availability. Once registered, attend regular check-ups so problems are caught early when they're easier and less expensive to treat.
If you're concerned about meeting dental costs, consider whether you qualify for free treatment or help with health costs. You can check your eligibility on the NHS website or ask your dentist's reception team.
For those who don't qualify for free treatment but want to spread costs, some people find dental payment plans helpful. You can compare dental plans to see if a monthly payment option suits your budget better than paying per visit.
Finding an NHS Dentist for Your Filling
If you need a filling and don't currently have an NHS dentist, don't delay seeking treatment. Untreated cavities only get worse, potentially requiring more extensive (and expensive) treatment later.
Use DentistSearch to find NHS practices near you that are accepting new patients. You can search by postcode, check patient reviews, and contact practices directly to book an appointment. The sooner you address dental problems, the simpler and more affordable the treatment tends to be.
Remember, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are the best ways to avoid needing fillings in the first place, but when you do need one, NHS treatment offers excellent value for comprehensive dental care.