A tooth-colored composite filling typically costs $150 to $300 per tooth without insurance. Silver amalgam fillings run $100 to $200 per tooth. With dental insurance covering 50% to 80%, most patients pay $50 to $150 out of pocket. Your total depends on the filling material, the size and location of the cavity, and your dentist’s fees.
Finding out you have a cavity is never fun, but at least fillings are one of the most affordable dental procedures. Still, costs vary depending on what material you choose and how much of the tooth needs to be repaired. Here’s what different types of fillings cost, what affects the price, and how insurance typically handles it.
Key Takeaways
- Composite (tooth-colored) fillings cost $150 to $300 per tooth. Amalgam (silver) fillings cost $100 to $200.
- Insurance covers fillings at 50% to 80% as a basic restorative procedure.
- The size of the cavity and the number of tooth surfaces involved are the biggest price factors.
- Composite fillings cost more but match your natural tooth color. Amalgam is cheaper but more visible.
- Treating a cavity early with a filling prevents the need for a more expensive crown or root canal later.
- Filling a single cavity takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on size and location.
Filling Cost by Material
The type of material your dentist uses has the biggest impact on price.
| Filling Material | Avg Cost Per Tooth | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite (tooth-colored) | $150 to $300 | 5 to 10 years | Front and back teeth, natural appearance |
| Amalgam (silver) | $100 to $200 | 10 to 15 years | Back teeth where durability matters most |
| Gold | $600 to $2,500 | 15 to 30 years | Durability (rarely used today) |
| Porcelain/ceramic | $250 to $4,500 | 10 to 15 years | Large restorations, stain resistance |
Composite fillings are the most popular choice. The resin matches your natural tooth color, making them nearly invisible. They bond directly to the tooth, which can help strengthen the remaining structure. They cost more than amalgam because the placement process takes longer and requires more precision.
Amalgam fillings are the most affordable and most durable option. They’re made from a blend of metals and have been used safely for over a century. The main drawback is their silver color, which makes them noticeable on visible teeth. Many patients prefer them for molars where appearance matters less and chewing forces are high.
When Do You Need a Filling?
Your dentist recommends a filling when decay has created a hole in the tooth that needs to be repaired. Common signs include sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods, visible dark spots on the tooth, and pain when biting down. But many cavities have no symptoms at all, which is why regular exams matter. Your dentist can spot decay on X-rays before it causes discomfort.
Not every dark spot is a cavity, and not every cavity needs immediate treatment. Your dentist evaluates each case individually and recommends treatment based on the size, depth, and progression of the decay.
What Happens During a Filling
The procedure itself is straightforward. Your dentist numbs the area with local anesthetic, removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the cavity, and fills it with the chosen material. For composite fillings, the resin is applied in layers and hardened with a curing light. Your dentist shapes and polishes the filling to match your bite.
Most fillings take 20 to 60 minutes depending on size and location. You can eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off, usually within one to three hours. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, which is normal and typically resolves on its own.
What Affects the Cost
Cavity size and surfaces: A small cavity on one surface of a tooth costs less than a large cavity that spans multiple surfaces. More surfaces mean more material and more time.
Tooth location: Back teeth (molars) are harder to reach and may cost more to treat. Front teeth are more accessible but often require composite for aesthetics.
Number of fillings: If you need multiple fillings, the total adds up, though some dentists offer a slight per-filling discount when treating several teeth in one visit.
Geographic location: Dental costs vary by region. Urban practices typically charge more than suburban or rural offices.
Does Insurance Cover Fillings?
Most dental insurance plans cover fillings at 50% to 80% as a basic restorative procedure. Fillings are considered medically necessary, so coverage is standard on most plans. Some insurers pay only the amalgam rate for composite fillings on back teeth, leaving you to pay the difference if you choose tooth-colored material.
Check your plan before your appointment. If your insurer applies the “least expensive alternative” rule, you’ll pay the difference between the amalgam and composite price on molars. On front teeth, most plans cover composite at the same rate since it’s the standard material for visible teeth.
Why Treating a Cavity Early Saves Money
A small filling today costs $150 to $300. If that same cavity goes untreated, it grows deeper into the tooth. Once it reaches the nerve, you need a root canal ($600 to $1,600) and a crown ($800 to $1,500). That’s potentially $1,400 to $3,100 for a problem that started as a $200 fix.
Catching cavities early during regular dental exams is one of the most practical ways to keep your dental costs low. The smaller the cavity, the less material and time the filling requires, and the less it costs.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Filling lifespan depends on the material and your oral habits. Amalgam fillings typically last 10 to 15 years. Composite fillings last 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer with good care. Gold and porcelain last the longest but cost significantly more.
Fillings don’t last forever. Over time, they can crack, wear down, or develop gaps where bacteria can get underneath. Your dentist checks the condition of your existing fillings at every exam and recommends replacement before a failing filling leads to bigger problems.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding biting hard objects like ice and pen caps all help extend the life of your fillings.
How to Make Fillings More Affordable
Confirm your insurance coverage before scheduling. Ask your dental office to submit a pre-treatment estimate if you’re uncertain about your out-of-pocket cost. For patients without insurance, many offices offer payment plans or discount membership programs.
If you have a cavity or think you might, schedule your appointment with our team in Rohnert Park. Treating it early keeps the fix simple and the cost low.
