A dental filling restores tooth structure lost through decay or minor damage. Learn what fillings do, when they’re needed, the materials used, what to expect after treatment, and how long they can last.
How long does a dental filling take? Learn the typical treatment time for one filling, what happens during the procedure, factors that affect timing, and how long multiple or deep fillings may take.
How long does a dental filling take? Learn the typical treatment time for one filling, what happens during the procedure, factors that affect timing, and how long multiple or deep fillings may take.
Find out how much a dental filling costs on the NHS in England in 2026, whether you pay for each filling, how white fillings are charged, who qualifies for free treatment, and how NHS costs compare with private fillings.
Cavity fillings can be made from five main material groups: composite resin, dental amalgam, glass ionomer, ceramic, and gold-containing alloys. Learn what each filling material is made of and how they differ.
Dental fillings can last anywhere from several years to two decades or more, depending on the material, filling size, tooth location, biting forces, oral hygiene and restoration quality.