How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost?

A filling is one of the cheapest things a dentist does, and one of the smartest to not put off.

Quick Answer

A cavity filling costs about $150 to $450 without insurance, depending on the material and how large the cavity is. Tooth-colored composite fillings sit in the middle of that range; silver amalgam costs less. With insurance, fillings are usually covered at 50 to 80 percent. Waiting turns a cheap filling into an expensive root canal.

What sets the price

Two things drive the cost: the material and the size. A small one-surface filling costs less than a large one that wraps around the tooth. Tooth-colored composite, which most people choose now, costs a bit more than old silver amalgam.

Where you live matters too. Coastal California runs higher than the national average.

With insurance versus without

Most dental plans cover fillings at 50 to 80 percent after any deductible, since they count as basic restorative care. That can drop your share to $30 to $150. Without insurance, you pay the full $150 to $450, though many offices discount cash upfront.

A dental savings plan can cut the cash price if you have no coverage.

Why waiting costs more

A cavity does not stop. Left alone, it reaches the nerve, and then a $200 filling becomes a $1,500-plus root canal and crown. The filling is the bargain, and it is the moment to act.

If a tooth already aches with heat, cold, or biting, the decay may be deeper than a filling can fix. Read why your tooth hurts.

Keeping fillings to a minimum

The cheapest filling is the one you never need. Brush with fluoride, floss daily, cut back on constant snacking and sipping, and keep your cleanings so small spots get caught early.

Our prevent cavities guide covers the habits that keep you out of the chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a filling without insurance?

About $150 to $450, depending on the material and the size of the cavity. Tooth-colored composite costs a little more than silver amalgam.

Does insurance cover cavity fillings?

Usually. Most plans cover fillings at 50 to 80 percent as basic restorative care, which can bring your share down to roughly $30 to $150.

What happens if I don't fill a cavity?

It keeps growing. Untreated decay reaches the nerve and turns a simple filling into a root canal and crown, which cost far more and take longer.