Tooth fillings are the most common restorative dental procedure, and their cost in the UK varies significantly depending on whether you are treated on the NHS or privately, the material used, and the size and location of the cavity. Understanding the real cost of fillings — and how it compares to treatment in Turkey — is increasingly relevant for patients who are either unable to access NHS dental care or who are already considering travelling for broader treatment and want to understand whether adding fillings to the plan makes financial sense.
NHS Tooth Filling Costs in the UK (2026)
|
NHS Band |
Patient Charge (2026) |
What’s Covered |
|
Band 1 |
£26.80 |
Examination, X-rays, scale and polish (no fillings) |
|
Band 2 |
£73.50 |
All fillings needed in one course of treatment, plus Band 1 treatment |
|
Band 3 |
£319.10 |
Crowns, dentures, bridges in addition to Bands 1 and 2 |
NHS Band 2 is particularly important to understand: the charge of £73.50 covers all fillings required within a single course of treatment, regardless of how many teeth need filling. However, accessing NHS dental treatment is increasingly difficult: data from NHS England shows that millions of patients are unable to register with an NHS dentist, with waiting lists in some areas extending beyond 18 months for new patients.
Private Filling Costs in the UK
|
Country / Region |
Average Cost |
Notes |
|
Composite (white) filling — small |
£80 – £150 |
Per tooth; simple single-surface cavity |
|
Composite filling — large/molar |
£150 – £300 |
Multi-surface or molar cavities requiring more material |
|
Amalgam (silver) filling |
£60 – £150 |
Increasingly rare in private practice; not available on NHS for adults |
|
Ceramic inlay or onlay |
£400 – £900 |
Laboratory-made; stronger than direct fillings for large cavities |
What Type of Filling Is Best?
Composite (tooth-coloured) resin — The most commonly used material in modern private dentistry. Bonds directly to the tooth, requires less removal of healthy tooth structure than amalgam, and is aesthetically natural. The material has improved significantly over the past decade and modern composite closely mimics the appearance of natural enamel.
Amalgam (silver) — Highly durable and still considered appropriate for large posterior cavities in some clinical guidelines. Less commonly placed in UK private practice due to aesthetic preference and phase-out under environmental regulations.
Ceramic inlay or onlay — Laboratory-fabricated and bonded to the prepared tooth. Stronger than direct composite for large posterior cavities where a filling would cover more than half the tooth surface. Requires two appointments but provides a more durable result.
Gold — Exceptionally durable; rarely requested due to aesthetic concerns and high cost. Some patients with a history of ceramic fracture specifically request gold for posterior teeth.
When a Filling Is Not Enough
Larger cavities, cracked teeth, or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often cannot be reliably restored with a filling. In these cases, a crown provides complete coverage and structural protection. The decision between a filling and a crown is clinical — your dentist will assess the remaining tooth structure and the risk of fracture under bite load. A general guide: if more than half the original tooth structure has been lost to decay or previous filling, a crown is usually preferable to a larger filling.
For patients already considering travelling to Turkey for broader treatment, this upgrade from a planned filling to a crown represents one of the most common treatment plan revisions. The cost difference between a large composite filling and a zirconia crown in Turkey is modest given the significant improvement in longevity and structural protection.
Filling Costs in Turkey
|
Country / Region |
Average Cost |
Notes |
|
Composite filling (small) |
£50 – £80 |
Per tooth; simple single-surface cavity |
|
Composite filling (large/molar) |
£80 – £130 |
Multi-surface or molar cavities |
|
Ceramic inlay |
£200 – £225 |
Laboratory-made; significantly less than UK equivalent |
Most patients travelling to Turkey for implants, crowns, or veneers have any required fillings addressed as part of the same trip, adding very little to the total cost. The per-filling saving when combined with a wider treatment plan is modest, but addressing all dental needs in a single visit avoids the cost of a return trip for routine work.
The Bigger Picture: Full Mouth Treatment in Turkey
For patients who have delayed dental treatment due to cost or access issues, Turkey offers a route to addressing multiple needs simultaneously. Patients with extensive decay, failing restorations, and missing teeth are often the best candidates for full-arch implant treatment, which replaces all failing teeth rather than restoring them individually. Dental Harmony Turkey offers the all on 6 dental implants in antalya protocol for patients who need full-arch rehabilitation, at per-arch pricing of £3,500–£4,500 in 2026 — a fraction of the equivalent cost in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a filling last? Composite fillings typically last 7–10 years; ceramic inlays and amalgam can last 15–20 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular dental reviews.
Does getting a filling hurt? Local anaesthetic is used for all but the smallest fillings. The procedure itself is painless under anaesthetic; mild sensitivity for 24–48 hours after is common.
Can I replace an amalgam filling with a white composite? Yes in most cases, though the final decision depends on the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining after removing the old filling and the size of the original cavity.
Final Thoughts
NHS filling costs in the UK remain one of the better-value aspects of dental treatment, but access is increasingly restricted. Private filling costs are rising, and for patients with significant dental needs beyond basic fillings, travel to Turkey for comprehensive treatment is worth serious consideration. Dental Harmony Turkey is an Affordable Dental Clinic in Antalya that handles both routine and complex cases for international patients, with transparent pricing and English-language coordination from start to finish.
