How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost?

What are tooth fillings?

Tooth fillings are a treatment for cavities or minor tooth damage. They can repair the small holes that develop from tooth decay by filling in the space, which helps restore your tooth’s shape and function.

Dental fillings help prevent decay from spreading, reducing your risk of needing a crown or root canal down the line. By acting fast, you may avoid more serious dental issues and the associated costs of fixing them in the future.

How do tooth fillings work?

When you go in for a tooth filling, your dentist will:³

• Numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
• Remove the damaged or decayed parts of the tooth.
• Fill the space with a durable filling material, such as resin-based composite or amalgam.
• Use specialized tools to shape and polish the tooth after the filling hardens.

Types of dental fillings

Dental fillings can be made from several types of materials, including:

• Amalgam: These fillings feature a blend of metals, such as silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They're durable and cost-effective, but they’re often more noticeable than other options.
• Composite: These fillings are made from resin that matches your natural tooth color. They blend in better than amalgam, but they may not last as long as metal fillings.
• Gold: These fillings are strong and long-lasting, but they’re often more expensive and less commonly used today.
• Porcelain: Also known as inlays, these fillings are stain resistant and custom made to fit your teeth. They’re typically the most expensive option.

The right option may depend on your tooth’s location, budget and dentist’s recommendation.

How much does a cavity filling cost?

Dental charges for fillings can range from $100 to $1,150 per tooth, depending on the type of material you choose. Below are the average cost ranges for each filling type:²

Filling type	Cost range
Amalgam	$100 - $350
Composite	$100 - $400
Gold	$250 - $650
Porcelain	$500 - $2,800

Along with filling material, the following factors can impact the cost of dental fillings:

• Cavity size: Larger cavities usually require more filling material, so they may cost more to fill. This highlights how treating decay early can help you avoid higher costs later on.
• Number of teeth being filled: Some dentists may offer a discount when you need to receive multiple fillings, but costs can still add up. The more teeth you need to fill, the higher your overall costs may be.
• Additional services: If you need X-rays or extra anesthesia during your dental filling appointment, you may have to pay more.
• Insurance: Many dental insurance plans can help cover the cost of your dental fillings. But if you don't have dental insurance, you'll have to pay for your fillings out of pocket.

How much does a tooth filling cost without insurance?

The cost of a tooth filling with dental insurance depends on your plan’s deductible and coinsurance, as well as your dentist and location. Even after factoring these costs into your filling procedure, you’ll typically pay less than you would without insurance.

For instance, let’s say your dental insurance plan covers 80% of basic services, and you need a composite cavity filling for $400. In this case, your plan would cover $320, leaving you responsible for the remaining $80.