How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost?
A dental filling costs $100-$400+ per tooth depending on the material, cavity size, and insurance coverage. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings cost more than amalgam (silver) but look natural. Enter your details for an accurate estimate.
Dental Filling Value Calculator
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Why Knowing Your Dental Filling Value Matters
Dental fillings are the most common dental procedure — over 175 million are placed annually in the US. A composite (tooth-colored) filling costs $150-$300 per surface, while amalgam (silver) costs $100-$200. Most dental insurance covers fillings at 50-80% after deductible, reducing out-of-pocket costs to $30-$120 per filling. Catching cavities early (small fillings) is far cheaper than waiting until you need a crown ($800-$1,500) or root canal ($700-$1,500). Regular dental checkups every 6 months are the best way to minimize filling costs.
Key Factors That Affect Dental Filling Value
Understanding what drives the price of dental filling helps you get the most accurate valuation.
Material
Amalgam (silver): $100-$200/surface. Composite (tooth-colored): $150-$300/surface. Gold: $250-$500/surface (rare, custom-made). Ceramic/porcelain inlay/onlay: $500-$1,500 (for large cavities, lab-made). Most dentists now default to composite for cosmetic reasons.
Cavity Size (Surfaces)
1 surface (small cavity): $100-$200. 2 surfaces (medium): $150-$300. 3 surfaces (large): $200-$400. 4+ surfaces: may require a crown instead ($800-$1,500). Each additional surface adds $50-$100. The more tooth structure destroyed by decay, the more expensive the restoration.
Tooth Location
Front teeth: composite only (cosmetics). Back teeth (molars): composite or amalgam. Amalgam is slightly cheaper for back teeth and historically considered more durable for biting surfaces, though modern composite is very durable. Many dental schools still teach amalgam placement.
Insurance Coverage
Most plans cover fillings at 80% (amalgam) or 50-80% (composite). Some plans cover composite only at the amalgam rate — you pay the difference. With 80% coverage: $20-$60 out of pocket per filling. With 50% coverage: $50-$150 out of pocket. No insurance: $100-$300.
Provider
General dentist: standard pricing. Pediatric dentist (for children): similar pricing. Dental school: 40-60% less. Community health center: sliding scale. Some dental offices offer in-house savings plans ($200-$400/year) that include 2 cleanings + 20-40% off procedures.
Tips for Valuing Dental Filling
Get the most accurate estimate by following these tips when evaluating your dental filling.
Specify the tooth and approximate cavity size if known
Note your preferred material (composite or amalgam)
Include your dental insurance coverage percentage
Mention how many fillings you need (some dentists offer multi-filling discounts)
Dental Filling Market Insights
The dental industry has shifted overwhelmingly to composite (tooth-colored) fillings — amalgam placement has declined 50%+ over the past decade due to cosmetic preferences and mercury concerns (though the FDA considers amalgam safe). Same-day CEREC ceramic restorations are replacing large fillings that previously required crowns. Preventive care (fluoride, sealants) reduces filling needs by 30-50% in children. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an emerging non-drill treatment that can arrest cavities for $10-$50 per tooth.
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Dental Filling Valuation FAQ
How much is a filling without insurance?
Amalgam (silver): $100-$200 per tooth. Composite (white): $150-$300 per tooth. These are per-surface prices — a 2-surface filling costs more than a 1-surface. Dental schools offer fillings for $50-$150.
Amalgam vs composite: which is better?
Composite (tooth-colored): looks natural, bonds directly to tooth, mercury-free, slightly more technique-sensitive. Amalgam (silver): cheaper, very durable for back teeth, contains mercury (FDA considers safe in cured form), increasingly avoided for cosmetic reasons. For front teeth: always composite. For back teeth: both work well — composite is more popular today.
Does getting a filling hurt?
With local anesthesia (numbing injection): the filling procedure itself is painless. You may feel pressure and vibration but not pain. The injection itself is a brief pinch. Some sensitivity to hot/cold is normal for 1-2 weeks after a filling. Small, shallow cavities sometimes don't even need anesthesia.
How long does a dental filling last?
Amalgam: 10-15 years (often much longer). Composite: 7-10 years. Gold: 15-30 years. Ceramic inlay: 10-15 years. Longevity depends on filling size, location (back teeth take more force), oral hygiene, and grinding habits. Larger fillings fail sooner than smaller ones.