How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost?
Updated 26 March 2026
Tooth fillings cost $50 to $4,500 depending on the material. Most people pay $150 to $300 for a standard composite (tooth-coloured) filling.
Cost by Material
Detailed breakdown of each filling type with pros, cons, and what to expect.
Amalgam (Silver)
Back teeth (molars) on a budget
Budget-friendly and extremely durable. Best for back teeth where appearance is not a concern.
Pros
- +Lowest cost
- +10-15 year lifespan
- +Extremely strong and durable
- +Single visit placement
- +Best track record (150+ years of use)
Cons
- -Visible silver/dark colour
- -Contains mercury (FDA considers safe for most adults)
- -Requires more tooth removal
- -Some dentists no longer offer it
- -Restricted in several countries
Composite (Tooth-Coloured)
Front teeth, visible surfaces, most situations
Natural-looking and versatile. The most popular filling material chosen by patients and dentists today.
Pros
- +Virtually invisible (colour-matched)
- +Bonds directly to tooth
- +Less tooth structure removed
- +Mercury-free
- +Single visit placement
Cons
- -Shorter lifespan than amalgam
- -Costs more due to longer procedure time
- -Can stain over time
- -Technique-sensitive (needs dry field)
- -Some plans only pay amalgam rate
Gold Inlay/Onlay
Patients who want maximum longevity and do not mind the appearance
The gold standard for durability. Custom-made in a lab and fitted precisely to your tooth.
Pros
- +15-30+ year lifespan (longest lasting)
- +Extremely strong and biocompatible
- +Does not corrode
- +Gentle on opposing teeth
- +Precise lab-made fit
Cons
- -Very expensive
- -Requires two visits (impression + placement)
- -Highly visible gold colour
- -Lab fabrication time (1-2 weeks)
- -Rarely chosen today
Ceramic/Porcelain
Large cavities, premium aesthetics, patients wanting durability without visible metal
Premium aesthetics with excellent durability. Made from porcelain in a lab or milled same-day with CEREC.
Pros
- +Excellent natural appearance
- +Stain-resistant
- +15-20+ year lifespan
- +CEREC option for same-day placement
- +Strong and biocompatible
Cons
- -Most expensive material
- -Can be brittle under heavy bite force
- -May require two visits (unless CEREC)
- -Classified as major procedure by some insurers
- -Not ideal for very small cavities
Filling Cost Calculator
Estimate your out-of-pocket cost based on material, tooth, and insurance.
Each extra surface adds roughly $30-$80
Composite (Tooth-Coloured)
1 surface · Molar (back teeth) · No insurance
$95 - $263
Estimated out-of-pocket cost
Cost Breakdown
| Total filling cost | $95 - $263 |
| You pay | $95 - $263 |
Money-saving tip
Dental schools offer the same filling for 50-70% less. A composite filling could cost as little as $30-$80 at a dental school.
Compare All Materials
| Material | Base Range | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (Silver) | $50-$150 | 10-15 yrs |
| Composite (Tooth-Coloured) | $90-$250 | 5-10 yrs |
| Gold Inlay/Onlay | $250-$4,500 | 15-30 yrs |
| Ceramic/Porcelain | $250-$4,500 | 15-20 yrs |
Insurance Coverage for Fillings
What dental insurance typically covers and what you need to know before your appointment.
80%
Amalgam coverage
Most plans cover amalgam fillings at 80% after deductible. This is the highest coverage tier for restorative work.
50-80%
Composite coverage
Coverage varies by plan. Some pay 80%, others only pay the amalgam rate and you pay the difference in cost.
0-50%
Gold/Ceramic coverage
Many plans classify gold and ceramic as "major" procedures. Basic plans may not cover them for posterior teeth at all.
Key things to know about dental insurance and fillings
Annual maximum
Most plans cap benefits at $1,000-$2,000 per year. Once you hit the maximum, you pay 100% out of pocket for the rest of the year.
Waiting periods
Some plans have 6-12 month waiting periods for restorative work (fillings). Preventive care (cleanings) usually has no waiting period.
UCR rates
Plans pay based on "Usual, Customary, and Reasonable" rates, which may be lower than your dentist actually charges. You pay the gap.
Downgrade clauses
Some plans will only pay the amalgam rate even when you choose composite. The difference (typically $40-$100) comes out of your pocket.
With Insurance vs Without Insurance
| Material | Full Price | With Insurance | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam | $50-$150 | $10-$30 | $40-$120 |
| Composite | $90-$250 | $18-$75 | $72-$175 |
| Gold | $250-$4,500 | $125-$2,250* | $125-$2,250 |
| Ceramic | $250-$4,500 | $125-$2,250* | $125-$2,250 |
*Gold and ceramic: assumes 50% coverage on a premium plan. Basic plans often provide 0% coverage for these materials. All figures assume 80% coverage for amalgam/composite after deductible has been met.
Worked example: $200 composite filling with insurance
Dentist charges: $200
Your annual deductible remaining: $50
Plan covers 80% of remaining balance: 80% of $150 = $120 covered
You pay: $50 (deductible) + $30 (your 20%) = $80 out of pocket
How to Save on Fillings
Ranked by savings impact, from biggest savings to smallest.
Dental schools
50-70% less$30-$80 for a composite fillingUniversity dental programs provide supervised treatment by students. The work is reviewed and approved by licensed faculty at every step. Appointments take longer (2-3 hours vs 30-60 minutes) but the quality is the same.
Dental discount plans
15-50% off$80-$150 per year membershipPrograms like Aetna Vital Savings, Cigna Dental Savings, and DentalPlans.com charge an annual fee and give you discounted rates at participating dentists. Not insurance, but immediate savings with no deductibles or waiting periods.
Cash-pay discount
10-20% offFree to askSimply ask your dentist for the cash price. Most practices offer 10-20% off when you pay in full at the time of service. Insurance billing is expensive for practices, so they pass some of those savings to cash patients.
Community health centres
Sliding scale based on incomeVariesHRSA-funded community health centres (Federally Qualified Health Centers) offer dental care on a sliding-fee scale based on your income. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Dental tourism (Mexico)
40-70% less$30-$80 for composite in border citiesCities like Los Algodones, Tijuana, and Cancun have established dental tourism industries. Many dentists are US-trained. Best for patients in border states who need multiple procedures. Factor in travel costs when calculating savings.
Preventive care
Avoid fillings entirely$50 per cleaning, twice a yearA $100 per year investment in cleanings and checkups prevents cavities that cost $200+ to fill. Fluoride treatments ($20-$50) strengthen enamel. Catching cavities early means smaller, cheaper fillings.
Filling Material Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all four filling types.
| Feature | Amalgam | Composite | Gold | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50-$150 | $90-$250 | $250-$4,500 | $250-$4,500 |
| Lifespan | 10-15 yrs | 5-10 yrs | 15-30 yrs | 15-20 yrs |
| Appearance | Silver | Tooth-coloured | Gold | Tooth-coloured |
| Strength | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Very good |
| Visits required | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1-2 |
| Mercury-free | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stain resistant | Yes | Moderate | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Back teeth, budget | Most situations | Max durability | Large cavities, aesthetics |
When a Filling Becomes a Crown
Sometimes a filling is not enough. Here is how to know when you need something more.
The 50-60% rule
If more than 50-60% of the tooth structure is damaged or decayed, a filling will not hold. The tooth needs a crown to maintain structural integrity. Your dentist will make this call based on X-rays and visual examination.
Signs you need a crown instead
- -Large existing filling that is cracking or failing
- -Cracked or fractured tooth
- -Root canal has been completed
- -Severe decay covering multiple surfaces
| Restoration | Cost Range | When used |
|---|---|---|
| Standard filling | $50-$250 | Small to medium cavities, less than 50% of tooth |
| Inlay | $500-$1,500 | Medium cavity within the cusps of the tooth |
| Onlay | $500-$1,500 | Larger area extending over one or more cusps |
| Crown | $800-$3,000 | More than 50-60% of tooth structure is compromised |
Getting a second opinion is reasonable. If your dentist recommends a crown and you were expecting a filling, many cavities fall in a grey zone between the two. A second opinion from another dentist can confirm whether a filling, inlay, or crown is the right approach.
What to Expect During the Procedure
A step-by-step walkthrough of getting a dental filling.
Numbing (2-5 minutes)
Your dentist applies a topical anaesthetic gel, then injects local anaesthetic. The injection is a brief sting. Full numbness takes 2-5 minutes. You will not feel pain during the procedure.
Removing decay (5-15 minutes)
Using a dental drill (or laser in some practices), the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth. You may feel vibration and pressure but not pain. A rubber dam may be placed to keep the area dry.
Filling placement (10-20 minutes)
For composite: the filling is applied in layers, each cured with a UV light. For amalgam: the material is packed into the cavity. For gold/ceramic: an impression is taken and a temporary filling placed (second visit for permanent).
Shaping and polishing (5-10 minutes)
The dentist checks your bite using articulating paper, trims excess material, and polishes the filling smooth. You should be able to bite normally without any high spots.
Aftercare
Numbness wears off in 1-3 hours. Avoid eating on that side until feeling returns. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days to two weeks. Contact your dentist if sensitivity persists beyond two weeks or if you notice a high bite.
Total time and pain level
Procedure time
30-60 minutes per filling
Pain level
Minimal with local anaesthetic. Most patients report feeling only pressure.