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What if my NHS dental treatment goes wrong?

If you have had restorative dental treatment on the NHS, and something goes wrong, requiring repair or retreatment, within 12 months of the original treatment, then your dentist should do the necessary work free of charge.

Restorative dental treatment includes fillings, root fillings, inlays, porcelain veneers and crowns.

This 12-month guarantee will not normally apply if:

  • within the 12-month period another dentist has done any treatment on the same tooth that has been treated
  • you were advised at the time of the treatment that it was temporary
  • you were advised that a different treatment was more appropriate, but you chose another form of treatment
  • a repair or treatment is needed on the same tooth as a result of an injury

Making a complaint

If you're unhappy with your NHS dental work, you can make a complaint.

Find out how to complain about your dental treatment.

Page last reviewed: 17 April 2023
Next review due: 17 April 2026