A dental filling cost depends on the material, the size of the cavity, and whether you have insurance. If you have been told you need a filling, understanding the dental filling cost upfront helps you make informed decisions about materials and providers.
Cavities are one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States. The CDC reports that over 90% of adults aged 20-64 have had at least one cavity. Fillings are the standard treatment, and fortunately, they are among the more affordable dental procedures. Here is what you need to know. For more on healthcare pricing, check our healthcare costs guide.
Average Dental Filling Costs by Material
The type of filling material is the single biggest factor in the price. Each option has trade-offs between cost, durability, and appearance.
Silver amalgam: $50-$200 per filling. Amalgam has been used for over 150 years and remains the most affordable option. It is durable and can last 10-15 years or longer. The main drawback is its silver-gray color, which makes it visible in the mouth. The FDA considers amalgam safe for adults and children aged 6 and older.
Composite resin (tooth-colored): $90-$350 per filling. Composite is the most popular choice today because it matches your natural tooth color. It bonds directly to the tooth and requires less removal of healthy tooth structure. Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years before needing replacement.
Ceramic (porcelain): $250-$600 per filling. Ceramic fillings, also called inlays or onlays, are fabricated in a lab or milled with CAD/CAM technology. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and virtually invisible. They are best for large cavities where a standard filling might not provide enough structural support.
Gold: $300-$1,000 per filling. Gold fillings are the most durable option, lasting 20-30 years or more. They require two visits because they are custom-fabricated in a lab. Few patients choose gold today due to the cost and visible metallic appearance, but some dentists still consider gold the superior material for back teeth.
Glass ionomer: $50-$250 per filling. This material releases fluoride, which can help protect against further decay. It is less durable than composite or amalgam and is primarily used for small fillings, baby teeth, and areas below the gum line.
What Determines Your Final Price?
Beyond the material, several other factors influence what you will pay for a dental filling.
Cavity size and location: A small filling on a front tooth costs less than a large, multi-surface filling on a molar. Dentists describe fillings by the number of surfaces involved. A one-surface filling is the cheapest, while a three- or four-surface filling can cost 2-3 times as much.
Number of fillings: If you need multiple fillings, some dentists offer a slight discount for treating several teeth in a single visit, since the setup and anesthesia costs are shared.
Geographic location: Dental fees in metropolitan areas on the coasts run 20-40% higher than in the Midwest and Southeast. A composite filling that costs $150 in Ohio might cost $250 in Boston.
Dentist vs. specialist: General dentists perform the vast majority of fillings. If your case requires a prosthodontist (a specialist in dental restoration), expect higher fees.
Dental Filling Cost With and Without Insurance
Dental insurance handles fillings differently depending on the material and your plan type.
With insurance: Most plans classify fillings as a “basic” procedure and cover 70-80% of the cost after your deductible. For a $200 composite filling, you might pay $40-$80 out of pocket. However, some plans only cover amalgam at the basic rate and require you to pay the difference if you choose composite. Check your plan’s details.
Without insurance: You pay the full amount, which is why comparing providers is essential. Dental discount plans can reduce filling costs by 20-40% for an annual membership fee of $80-$200.
Keep in mind the annual maximum on most dental plans, which is typically $1,000-$2,000. If you need several fillings plus other dental work, you may exhaust your benefits before the year is up. Strategically timing procedures across two benefit years can maximize your coverage. For related dental costs, see our tooth extraction cost breakdown.
How to Save on Dental Fillings
Several strategies can lower your dental filling cost, whether or not you have insurance.
Dental schools: Accredited dental schools offer fillings at 30-60% below private practice rates. Work is performed by students under direct supervision of licensed faculty. Quality is excellent, though appointments take longer.
Community health centers: HRSA-funded health centers provide dental services on a sliding fee scale. Fillings can cost as little as $25-$75 for patients who qualify based on income.
Choose amalgam when appropriate. If the filling is on a back molar that is not visible when you smile, amalgam saves you $50-$150 per filling compared to composite with no difference in function or longevity.
Preventive care: The cheapest filling is the one you never need. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and getting regular cleanings (which most insurance covers at 100%) can prevent cavities from developing in the first place.
Ask for a cash-pay discount. Many dental offices offer 5-15% off for patients who pay at the time of service without billing insurance.
What Happens During a Filling Procedure?
Understanding the process can ease anxiety about cost and the visit itself. A typical filling appointment takes 30-60 minutes.
Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia, remove the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill or laser, clean the cavity, and fill it with the chosen material. Composite fillings are applied in layers and hardened with a special curing light. Amalgam fillings are packed into the cavity and shaped. Both types are functional immediately, though your mouth may remain numb for 1-3 hours after the appointment.
Sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few days to a few weeks after a filling. If sensitivity persists beyond 4-6 weeks, or if you experience sharp pain when biting, contact your dentist as the filling may need adjustment.
When a Filling Is Not Enough
Sometimes the damage is too extensive for a standard filling. Your dentist may recommend a crown ($800-$1,800), an inlay or onlay ($250-$1,500), or in severe cases, a root canal ($700-$1,500) followed by a crown. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction becomes necessary.
Catching cavities early, when they are small, keeps treatment simple and affordable. This is one of the strongest arguments for regular dental checkups every 6-12 months, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental fillings last?
Amalgam fillings last 10-15 years on average. Composite fillings last 5-10 years. Gold and ceramic fillings can last 15-30 years. Longevity depends on the filling size, location, your oral hygiene, and habits like teeth grinding. Regular dental checkups help catch failing fillings before they cause problems.
Do dental fillings hurt?
The procedure itself should not hurt because your dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure and vibration. The injection itself causes a brief pinch. After the anesthesia wears off, mild sensitivity is normal for a few days but should not be painful.
Is it worth getting a tooth-colored filling?
For visible teeth (front teeth and premolars), composite fillings offer a clear cosmetic advantage at a modest price premium. For back molars that no one sees, amalgam provides equal or better durability at a lower cost. Discuss the trade-offs with your dentist based on the specific tooth and cavity size.
Can I replace my old amalgam fillings with composite?
Yes, but it is generally not recommended unless the old filling is damaged, leaking, or causing problems. Removing a sound amalgam filling means drilling away healthy tooth structure. The cost to replace is the same as a new filling ($90-$350 per tooth). If you want to replace fillings for cosmetic reasons, discuss the risks and benefits with your dentist.
The Bottom Line
Dental filling cost ranges from $50 for a basic amalgam filling to $1,000 for a gold restoration. Most patients pay $90-$300 for composite fillings, with insurance typically covering 70-80% of the cost. To save money, consider dental schools, community health centers, and cash-pay discounts. Most importantly, invest in preventive care to minimize the number of fillings you need over your lifetime.