Dental Fillings in Lagos: Types, Costs, and How Long They Actually Last

Dental Treatments
📅 June 11, 2026
⏱ 6 min read
By Dovers Dental Clinic, Lekki

Dental fillings are one of the most performed procedures in Lagos — yet many patients don’t know there are multiple types, at very different price points, with significant differences in longevity and appearance. This guide tells you everything you need to know before your next cavity is treated.

Types of Dental Fillings Available in Lagos

Lagos dental clinics typically offer three main categories of filling material, each with distinct advantages:

1. Composite Resin (White Fillings)

The most commonly requested filling in Lagos today. Composite is tooth-coloured, bonds directly to the tooth structure, and requires less removal of healthy tooth than amalgam. Modern composites are durable, stain-resistant, and virtually invisible. They are the standard of care for front teeth and are increasingly used for back teeth as well.

2. Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)

A white filling material that chemically bonds to tooth structure and releases fluoride, which helps prevent future decay. Less strong than composite and used primarily for baby teeth, non-load-bearing areas, and below the gum line. Also commonly used in areas where moisture control is difficult.

3. Amalgam (Silver Fillings)

Traditional silver fillings made from mercury alloy. Extremely durable and inexpensive. Still used by some Lagos clinics, though less popular due to aesthetics and global movement away from mercury-containing materials. Considered safe by major dental organisations, but many patients prefer mercury-free options.

Dental Filling Costs in Lagos (2026)

Filling Type	Per Tooth (Small)	Per Tooth (Large/Complex)
Composite resin (white)	₦20,000 – ₦50,000	₦50,000 – ₦120,000
Glass ionomer cement	₦10,000 – ₦30,000	₦25,000 – ₦60,000
Amalgam (silver)	₦8,000 – ₦25,000	₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Ceramic inlay/onlay	₦80,000 – ₦180,000	₦150,000 – ₦300,000

How Long Do Fillings Last?

With proper care: amalgam 10–15+ years, composite 5–10 years (improving with newer materials), glass ionomer 3–7 years, ceramic inlays/onlays 15–20+ years. The longevity of any filling depends heavily on the size and location of the cavity, the dentist’s technique, and the patient’s habits (grinding, diet, oral hygiene).

Why Composite Costs More Than AmalgamComposite fillings require a dry field (moisture-sensitive material), more precise placement technique, and layer-by-layer curing with a light — the procedure typically takes 50% longer than an amalgam filling. The extra cost reflects the additional time, skill, and material cost, and for most patients the aesthetic and structural benefit is worth it.

Signs You Need a Filling

• Sensitivity to cold, sweet, or acidic foods that lingers briefly
• A visible dark spot, hole, or rough area on a tooth
• Food consistently getting stuck in the same tooth
• A sharp edge on a tooth where there wasn’t one before
• A small filling that has chipped or fallen out
• No symptoms at all — cavities found on routine X-rays are common and should be treated early

Small Cavities Don’t Stay SmallUntreated decay expands. A cavity that costs ₦20,000–₦50,000 to fill will become a ₦120,000–₦250,000 root canal if left to reach the nerve. The most expensive filling you’ll ever pay for is the one you kept delaying. Most Lagos dentists agree: treating decay early is where the real savings are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a filling hurt?

Modern composite fillings are placed under local anaesthetic — you’ll feel pressure and vibration but not pain. The injection itself may cause brief discomfort. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is compared to their expectations.

Can I eat immediately after a filling?

With composite fillings, you can eat as soon as the anaesthetic wears off (usually 1–2 hours). Avoid very hard foods for the rest of the day. Amalgam fillings need 24 hours to fully harden — avoid hard food on that side until the next day.

Cavity? Fix It Before It Gets Worse

Dovers Dental offers tooth-coloured composite fillings with transparent pricing. The sooner it’s treated, the simpler and less expensive the solution. Book your check-up today.

Book Now

At Dovers Dental Clinic, fees are quoted before treatment begins so you can plan with confidence.

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Practical Tips You Can Use Today

While you wait for your appointment, keep meals less acidic, rinse with water after sugary drinks, and avoid aggressive scrubbing if your gums are sore. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. If you are in severe pain, swelling, or fever, treat it as urgent and contact an emergency dentist in Lagos rather than waiting.

What Happens at a Dovers Consultation

Your dentist reviews your history, examines your teeth and gums, and explains findings in plain language. You receive a clear plan and a quote before treatment. Many patients combine preventive care such as scaling and polishing with cosmetic or restorative options when appropriate.

FAQs for Dental Fillings in Lagos: Types, Costs, and How Long They Actually Last

How soon should I book? If symptoms are getting worse, book within 24–48 hours. For routine concerns, schedule within the week so small problems do not become expensive ones.

Do you accept walk-ins? We try to accommodate urgent cases the same day when diaries allow. WhatsApp or call ahead so we can prepare for your visit.

Will I know the cost upfront? Yes. We quote before treatment. Preventive scaling starts from ₦40,000 and whitening from ₦50,000; other treatments are priced after examination.

Where are you located? Dovers Dental Clinic is in Lekki Phase 1 with free on-site parking. Patients visit from Ikate, Ajah, Sangotedo, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.

Practical Tips You Can Use Today

While you wait for your appointment, keep meals less acidic, rinse with water after sugary drinks, and avoid aggressive scrubbing if your gums are sore. Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. If you are in severe pain, swelling, or fever, treat it as urgent and contact an emergency dentist in Lagos rather than waiting.

What Happens at a Dovers Consultation

Your dentist reviews your history, examines your teeth and gums, and explains findings in plain language. You receive a clear plan and a quote before treatment. Many patients combine preventive care such as scaling and polishing with cosmetic or restorative options when appropriate.

FAQs for Dental Fillings in Lagos: Types, Costs, and How Long They Actually Last

How soon should I book? If symptoms are getting worse, book within 24–48 hours. For routine concerns, schedule within the week so small problems do not become expensive ones.

Do you accept walk-ins? We try to accommodate urgent cases the same day when diaries allow. WhatsApp or call ahead so we can prepare for your visit.

Will I know the cost upfront? Yes. We quote before treatment. Preventive scaling starts from ₦40,000 and whitening from ₦50,000; other treatments are priced after examination.

Where are you located? Dovers Dental Clinic is in Lekki Phase 1 with free on-site parking. Patients visit from Ikate, Ajah, Sangotedo, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.