Composite fillings (white fillings) on NHS

kirstiej

Looking for someone who can confirm that white fillings are available on the NHS. I have been told I need a white filling on my pre-molar (upper) that will be totally visible as it is on the side. It is my understanding that given that this filling will be visible and is on a non-biting surface , white fillings are available on the NHS. However, my dentist insists that he does not have to do it on the NHS and is asking £125 to do it privately..

Bronnie

Hi Kirstie and welcome!


There has been a recent thread on this subject on this board


http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1763029

Hope this helps!

kirstiej

thanks Bonnie, had seen that but not quite clear on the outcome. Why o why is there no specific NHS guideline on line

tirednewdad

White fillings are an NHS option, but usually only with certain types of cavities.

Unfortunately your dentist might/is probably correct. If they feel a silver filling is better for the tooth than a white filling, then that is probably the correct decision and what is recommended for the NHS.

The NHS has been reduced to using the most cost effective, suitable filling materail where suitable- and this sounds like what you will be given.

Sorry

abbecer

I enquired about white fillings on my recent visit to the dentist. He said he would supply white fillings where visible.

MoaningMyrtle

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a white crown on my pre-molar will be £200ish instead of the £400ish I was expecting. I can pay more and have a better quality white crown if I want to, apparently.

kirstiej

Thanks for all you replies. My dentist didn't say that an amalgam filling is better, just that if I wanted a white one I would have to pay.....