Can You get Fillings on the NHS?

NHS does cover basic fillings, but there may be extra charges for cosmetic options like composite fillings to match your tooth colour. Eligibility criteria is as follows:...
NHS does cover basic fillings, but there may be extra charges for cosmetic options like composite fillings to match your tooth colour. Eligibility criteria is as follows:...
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Published on
August 11, 2025

Understanding NHS Dental Charges for Fillings

When seeking dental care under the National Health Service (NHS), it’s important to know how much you might need to pay for treatments like fillings. Here’s a clear guide to how NHS dental charges work and whether you pay per filling.

NHS Dental Charges Overview

NHS dental treatment across the UK is not completely free but is generally more affordable than private dental care. NHS dental fees are standardised nationwide, meaning the cost for treatments like fillings is consistent regardless of where you receive care.

NHS Treatment Bands

Dental charges are organised into three treatment bands. Fillings fall under Band 2, which covers various procedures including fillings, root canal treatments, and extractions.

How Band 2 Charges Work

The Band 2 charge is a fixed fee that applies to all treatments within this category during a single course of care. This means whether you need one filling or several in the same treatment session, you pay the same Band 2 fee.

No Additional Fees Per Filling

Unlike many private dental practices that charge for each filling individually, NHS dentists do not charge extra for additional fillings during the same course of treatment. The cost stays the same regardless of the number of fillings provided.

Transparent Pricing

NHS dental providers are required to clearly inform patients about all treatment costs before beginning any work. This ensures you know upfront how much you will need to pay for fillings or other NHS treatments, avoiding unexpected charges.

Exceptions to Band 2 Charges

While most fillings are included under Band 2, some exceptions exist. For example, if you choose a cosmetic (tooth-coloured) filling instead of a standard amalgam filling, you may be asked to pay an additional fee to cover the higher cost of the cosmetic material.

Payment and Eligibility

Payment for NHS dental treatments is usually made at the time of your appointment. Some patients may qualify for exemptions or reductions in charges based on their age, pregnancy status, or receipt of certain benefits.

Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dental Treatment?

Certain groups are entitled to free NHS dental care, exempt from charges altogether. These include children under 18, full-time students under 19, pregnant women, and individuals receiving specified benefits like Income Support or Universal Credit.

Summary

NHS dentists charge a standard Band 2 fee for fillings, no matter how many fillings you need in one treatment. It’s important to discuss any possible extra costs, such as cosmetic fillings, with your dentist before treatment begins. Understanding how NHS dental charges work can help you access affordable care without surprises.

Why Choose Private Dental Care at Edgbaston Smile Clinic?

Edgbaston Smile Clinic @Ora Dental offers a premium dental experience tailored to your unique needs, combining advanced technology, expert care, and exceptional patient comfort. Choosing private dental care here means you benefit from:

  • Cutting-Edge Facilities: Located within the state-of-the-art Ora Dental Centre in the Edgbaston Medical Quarter, the clinic boasts world-class equipment and an on-site dental laboratory. This allows for faster treatment times—including same-day smile restorations—giving you convenience without compromising quality.
  • Highly Skilled Specialists: Our team includes experts across restorative dentistry, oral surgery, implantology, and cosmetic dentistry. Their extensive training and experience ensure you receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.
  • Comprehensive Treatment Options: From cosmetic enhancements to complex smile rehabilitations, Edgbaston Smile Clinic offers a full spectrum of dental services designed to restore function, improve aesthetics, and boost confidence.
  • Personalised Patient Care: We prioritise your comfort and wellbeing throughout your journey. With options like sedation and gentle pain management, combined with a friendly, attentive team, we make every visit as stress-free as possible.
  • Convenience & Accessibility: Just five minutes from central Birmingham, with free on-site parking and flexible online or WhatsApp appointment bookings, accessing expert private dental care has never been easier.
  • Exceptional Patient Experience: We are committed to transparent communication, answering your questions promptly, and ensuring you feel fully supported from consultation to completion.

By choosing private dental care at Edgbaston Smile Clinic, you invest in a premium, personalised approach designed to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with confidence and comfort.

Edgbaston Smile
Edgbaston Smile Clinic in Birmingham offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to refresh, restore and rejuvenate your smile. Our aim is to promote oral health and achieve great aesthetic and functional results.

Our ethos is to place our clients’ needs at the centre of everything that we do and provide the highest quality of service.
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