How Much Is a Filling on the NHS in 2026?
A dental filling on the NHS in England costs £76.60 in 2026 under Band 2. This charge covers the complete course of NHS dental treatment rather than each individual filling. As a result, multiple fillings can be covered by the same Band 2 charge when they are part of one course of treatment. Some patients also qualify for free NHS dental treatment or reduced costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
How Much Does an NHS Filling Cost in England?
An NHS filling costs £76.60 in England from 1 April 2026 under Band 2 treatment.
The current NHS dental charges in England are:
NHS dental band | 2026 charge | What it covers |
Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis, clinically needed X-rays and preventive care |
Band 2 | £76.60 | Band 1 treatment plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions |
Band 3 | £332.10 | Band 1 and 2 treatment plus crowns, bridges and dentures |
Unscheduled Care | £27.90 | Necessary urgent treatment for severe pain or significant deterioration |
The £76.60 Band 2 charge applies to a filling when the treatment is clinically necessary and provided under the NHS.
You do not pay £76.60 for every tooth that needs a filling. NHS dental charges are based on the course of treatment, so several fillings can fall under the same charge when they are part of one course of treatment.
Do You Pay for Each Filling on the NHS?
No. NHS patients do not normally pay £76.60 for each filling when multiple fillings are part of the same course of treatment. The NHS applies one relevant band charge to the complete course of treatment.
For example:
- 1 filling in a Band 2 course → £76.60
- 2 fillings in the same Band 2 course → £76.60
- 3 fillings in the same Band 2 course → £76.60
The same charge applies when several Band 2 treatments are required during that course, including fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
The key difference is between an individual filling and the complete course of treatment. The NHS charge applies to the course rather than to each tooth separately.
When treatment from different bands is required, the highest applicable band charge applies. Treatment within the same band is charged only once for the course.
How Much Is a White Filling on the NHS?
A white or tooth-coloured filling can be provided on the NHS when it is clinically necessary and suitable for the tooth being treated. There is no separate standard NHS charge simply because the filling is white.
The dentist selects the filling material based on the clinical circumstances, including the tooth being restored and whether the material is suitable for that location.
An NHS patient does not automatically pay an additional NHS charge for a white filling. However, requesting a particular material does not automatically make it available under NHS treatment.
For a tooth-coloured composite filling provided as private treatment, the price is set by the dental practice rather than the NHS.
For example,Dental Fillings Leicester currently lists tooth-coloured composite fillings from £149. This private practice fee is separate from the NHS Band 2 charge.
Who Can Get an NHS Filling for Free?
Some patients qualify for free NHS dental treatment, so they do not pay the standard £76.60 Band 2 charge when the treatment is covered by their NHS entitlement.
Free NHS dental treatment can apply to people who are:
- Under 18
- Under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant or have given birth within the previous 12 months
- Receiving certain qualifying benefits
- Covered by a valid HC2 certificate
- Receiving qualifying Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or War Pension Scheme payments for an accepted disability
- Receiving treatment through certain NHS hospital dental services
Eligibility depends on the specific exemption or benefit. Not every benefit provides automatic entitlement to free NHS dental treatment.
Patients on a low income who do not qualify for completely free treatment may receive partial help with NHS dental costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. An HC3 certificate can specify the amount payable.
Free or reduced-cost treatment also depends on meeting the relevant eligibility conditions at the time of treatment. Incorrect claims can result in a penalty charge.
NHS Filling Cost vs Private Filling Cost
An NHS filling costs £76.60 under Band 2 in England, while private filling fees are set by individual dental practices.
Treatment route | Filling cost |
NHS Band 2 | £76.60 per course of treatment |
Private dental treatment | Practice-specific |
Dentist 111 Leicester private composite filling | From £149 |
The two prices are not directly equivalent. The NHS £76.60 charge covers the complete course of treatment, while a private practice may charge separately for individual fillings based on factors such as the material, tooth, complexity and treatment required.
Dentist 111 Leicester currently lists composite fillings from £149 on its dedicated dental fillings page. This is a private treatment fee and is separate from the NHS Band 2 charge.
What Does NHS Band 2 Cover?
NHS Band 2 covers all necessary Band 1 treatment plus treatments such as fillings, root canal treatment and tooth extraction. The current Band 2 charge in England is £76.60.
Band 2 can therefore include:
- Dental fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Necessary Band 1 examination and diagnostic treatment
- X-rays when clinically required
A root canal remains within Band 2 when it forms part of the NHS course of treatment.
Similarly, a necessary tooth extraction is included within Band 2 rather than creating a separate extraction charge when it forms part of the same NHS course.
If the required treatment reaches Band 3, the applicable charge is £332.10. Band 3 covers more complicated procedures such as crowns, bridges and dentures.
Does the NHS Filling Cost Differ Across the UK?
The £76.60 filling charge applies to NHS dental treatment in England from 1 April 2026; NHS dental charges differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This article focuses on England, so the £76.60 Band 2 charge applies to patients receiving NHS dental treatment in Leicester and elsewhere in England.
NHS dental charging systems are administered differently across the UK. For example, Scotland uses a different charging structure, while Wales has its own dental care packages and patient charges.
What If You Cannot Afford an NHS Dental Filling?
Patients who cannot afford the full NHS charge may qualify for free NHS dental treatment or help with part of the cost, depending on their circumstances.
Financial help can include:
- Free NHS dental treatment — available to people who meet specific age, pregnancy, benefit or other exemption criteria.
- NHS Low Income Scheme — may provide full or partial help with dental costs for people on a low income.
- HC2 certificate — can provide full help with NHS healthcare costs, including dental treatment.
- HC3 certificate — can reduce the amount payable for NHS dental treatment.
Eligibility must be checked before claiming an exemption. Claiming free NHS treatment without meeting the eligibility conditions can result in a penalty charge of up to £100, according to NHSBSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a filling on the NHS in 2026?
An NHS filling in England costs £76.60 under Band 2 from 1 April 2026, provided the treatment is NHS care and the patient is not exempt from charges.
Do you pay £76.60 for every filling?
No. The £76.60 charge applies to the complete course of treatment, so multiple fillings within the same Band 2 course do not normally result in a separate £76.60 charge for each filling.
How much is a white filling on the NHS?
A white filling has no separate standard NHS charge. When a tooth-coloured filling is clinically necessary and provided as NHS treatment, it falls under the applicable NHS treatment charge.
Are NHS fillings free for children?
NHS dental treatment is free for patients under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, when the treatment is covered by the NHS.
Are NHS fillings free during pregnancy?
Pregnant patients can receive free NHS dental treatment when they meet the NHS maternity exemption conditions. The exemption also applies to patients who have given birth within the previous 12 months.
Is a private filling more expensive than an NHS filling?
Private filling prices vary between dental practices. The NHS Band 2 charge in England is £76.60, while private practices set their own fees based on the treatment provided.
Does NHS Band 2 include root canal treatment?
Yes. NHS Band 2 includes necessary root canal treatment, fillings and tooth extractions.
What happens if a filling is not enough to restore the tooth?
The dentist assesses the tooth and selects the clinically appropriate treatment. A filling, root canal treatment or extraction can fall under Band 2, while more complex treatment such as a crown can fall under Band 3.
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