A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay or trauma, returning it to its proper function and shape. The process involves removing the decayed material, cleaning the area, and filling the cavity with a restorative material. Understanding the financial commitment in the United Kingdom requires looking exclusively at the private dental sector. Private costs are determined by the individual practice, reflecting the material options, the complexity of the repair, and the clinic’s operational expenses.
Typical Price Ranges by Material
The primary factor influencing the cost of a private dental filling in the UK is the material used. The two most common options are composite and amalgam, which have different price ranges and aesthetic results. Composite (white) fillings are frequently chosen in private practices because they are color-matched to the natural tooth, offering a virtually invisible repair. This aesthetic preference results in a higher average price, typically ranging from £80 to £300 per tooth depending on the clinic and the size of the cavity.
Amalgam (silver) fillings are made from a mixture of metals and are known for their durability and strength, making them well-suited for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. While less aesthetically pleasing, they remain a cost-effective private option, generally priced between £50 and £160 per tooth. Some private clinics may no longer offer amalgam, focusing instead on tooth-colored restorations. The price difference reflects not only the cost of the raw materials but also the greater skill and time required to place and bond composite resin.
For repairs involving substantial tooth structure loss, dentists may recommend indirect restorations like porcelain or ceramic inlays and onlays. These custom-made fillings are fabricated in a dental laboratory and bonded to the tooth, offering superior longevity and strength. Such ceramic options are considerably more expensive, often starting from £450 and reaching up to £950 or more per tooth. Gold fillings are also available privately and, due to their material cost and complexity, are typically priced at the top end of the scale.
Variables That Affect Filling Costs
Beyond the material choice, the final cost of a private filling is influenced by the specific circumstances of the procedure. The size and complexity of the decay are primary cost drivers, as a small, single-surface filling requires less time and material than a deep cavity involving multiple surfaces. For instance, a single-surface composite filling might be priced around £125, but the cost can increase to over £220 for a three-surface restoration. Extensive decay requires the dentist to spend more time isolating the tooth, removing the infected tissue, and carefully layering the restorative material to ensure a proper seal.
Geographical location within the UK creates substantial price disparities across private dentistry. Practices situated in London and the South East typically charge a premium due to higher overheads, including rent and staff wages. Patients in these areas can expect to pay 20% to 40% more for the same filling procedure compared to those in regional cities or the North of England.
A clinic’s reputation and the level of practitioner expertise also factor into the fee structure. Dentists who invest in premium-grade materials and advanced equipment, such as dental lasers or rubber dam isolation, will command higher prices for their work.
Associated Costs and Fees
The price quoted for the filling itself does not always represent the total cost of the visit; several associated fees may apply. A mandatory initial examination or consultation fee is required before any restorative treatment can begin, especially for new patients. This fee often includes a thorough oral health inspection and advice, with costs ranging from £50 to £150.
Diagnostic imaging is necessary to assess the full extent of the decay and ensure the integrity of the tooth roots. A single X-ray can cost between £12.50 and £40, and multiple images may be required depending on the case’s complexity. If the patient is anxious or the procedure is extensive, the cost of sedation, which goes beyond standard local anesthetic, will be added to the final bill. Patients should confirm which preparatory steps and pain management methods are included in the primary filling fee to avoid unexpected charges.
How Private Costs Differ from NHS Charges
The fundamental difference between private and National Health Service (NHS) dental costs lies in the payment structure. Private dentistry operates on an itemized, fee-for-service model, where the cost is determined by the material, the procedure’s complexity, and the clinic’s overhead. This allows the patient full choice over materials, such as selecting a composite filling for a back tooth for aesthetic reasons. Private treatment also offers shorter waiting times and access to newer technologies and specialist expertise.
In contrast, the NHS system uses a fixed, banded charge that covers an entire course of treatment, regardless of how many fillings are needed. Fillings fall under the NHS Band 2 charge, which is a set fee of £73.50 (as of April 2024). This Band 2 fee covers the initial examination, X-rays, and completion of the filling. However, the NHS primarily offers amalgam fillings for back teeth and only provides white composite fillings where clinically necessary, meaning aesthetic choice is not guaranteed.