Replacing a filling in the UK - when is it worth doing and how much does it cost?

Replacing a filling in the UK - when is it worth doing and how much does it cost?

On 12 October 202225 June 2024In Polish Dentist in the UK, General Dentistry

Even the best fillings on the market develop micro-damage, which can eventually lead to the need to replace the filling. It may also be necessary if your tooth becomes chipped, 'infested' with decay or you want all your teeth to be the same colour. Read our article to find out more about replacing fillings in the UK and the costs of doing so.

Replacing a filling in the UK - when is it necessary? 

A signal to change a filling, for example, could be a change in its colour - it could become darker, yellow, or even stain the tooth (this happens with amalgam fillings). Composite fillings, if they change colour, should not harm the dentition or leave colour on neighbouring teeth - so replacing them in this case will be purely for aesthetic reasons. 

You also need to know that nowadays fillings can be perfectly matched to the colour of your teeth, making them invisible.

Another reason to replace the seal is if it is cracked or damaged.. These you can sense yourself or your dentist will point out the problem. As with anything else - don't underestimate it and try to make an appointment for a replacement as soon as possible.  

The photograph shows a dentist wearing a protective mask performing a dental procedure on a patient sitting in a dental chair. A monitor showing an X-ray of the dentition is visible in the background. The dentist is using dental instruments to treat the patient's teeth.

It doesn't stop there! You may need to replace a seal in the UK if you experience a penetrating pain when consuming hot or cold drinks or food. Perhaps it is leaking or has broken. Remember that it is usually not possible to see the 'cavity' with the naked eye. Therefore, consult your dentist as soon as possible! 

You should also never underestimate a toothache. It may start with mild discomfort, until it eventually turns into throbbing painwhich you will not be able to ignore. If you experience such discomfort in a sealed tooth, it means that tooth decay may be developing. It is not difficult to treat in the early stages, but if you do not make an appointment early enough, you may not be able to avoid root canal treatment. 

You can also see caries with the 'naked eye' and also under the microscope at the dentist. 

That's not all - in extreme cases, an abscess or cyst can develop, or even - the need to extraction of a tooth. 

Our advice - take this subject seriously. The consequences of negligence can be varied - from just-developing decay, the effects of which can only be remedied by uncomfortable root canal treatment to, as we mentioned earlier, extraction. A quick response is key - then replacing a filling in the UK is a matter of one short visit. 

The painting shows a young smiling woman sitting in a dental chair during a dental procedure. A dentist wearing a gloved hand with dental instruments is working at her mouth. A colourful tattoo is visible on the dentist's forearm. The background has a turquoise hue.

Is it a difficult and painful procedure? 

We have good news - it is neither difficult nor painful. It can be performed in a single visit. The doctor first cleans the area that was previously infested by bacteria. He or she then prepares the material, fills the tooth and is done! Also read our other article where we write more about the types of fillings: "Filling a tooth in the UK - types of fillings in the UK and their prices". 

Remember, however, that just because you have a filling doesn't mean there's nothing going on underneath. You may find that the tooth needs to be treated - it's worth bearing this in mind! 

Is replacing a filling in the UK purely a health issue? 

Let's start by saying that replacing fillings is not always the dentist's idea - sometimes patients express a desire to do so, wanting to change their old amalgam silver fillings for new ones that match their teeth in colour. This way, they will not be conspicuous - and the patient has the chance to get a new smile.

It is also worth bearing in mind that there are two types of amalgam fillings. Such first-generation ones have mercury in them, which is released into the body - then replacing them is a must! You can read more about this in our article: "Are amalgam fillings with mercury hazardous to health?". 

The image shows a dentist in a dental office. A seated patient is being prepared for a procedure, while a standing doctor is smiling and holding a tablet in her hands. The interior is bright and modern, with professional dental equipment visible in the foreground.

Replacing a seal in the UK - how much does it cost? 

At our clinic, replacing a filling is a cost between £130 and £140, depending on how large the area that needs filling is. You can count on just a composite filling, the colour of which will match your own teeth. 

What's more, if you need a temporary seal, we can also provide you with a - in this case the cost is £90. 

We encourage you to make regular visits and take correct care of your oral hygiene. Read our article: "(Not) proper oral hygiene - the 10 biggest mistakes" to make sure you do everything right. 

If you are looking for a dentist in the UK - get in touch with us. We are here to help you. We will advise you, implement your treatment - all in a pleasant atmosphere.