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dental-oral

How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost?

A cavity filling typically costs $150 to $400 per tooth out of pocket. Tooth-colored composite fillings cost more than silver amalgam. With dental insurance covering 70–80% of basic restorative work, your cost is often $50–$150 after your deductible.

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Cost by filling material

Two materials are used for the vast majority of fillings:

Composite resin (tooth-colored): the most common choice today. Bonds directly to the tooth, matches the natural color, and requires removing less tooth structure 1. Higher material and placement cost than amalgam.

Amalgam (silver): a durable alloy used in restorative dentistry for over 150 years. The American Dental Association describes it as "a safe, affordable and durable restorative material" 2. Somewhat less expensive than composite. Less used for visible teeth due to aesthetics, but still appropriate in some back-tooth situations.

| Material | Typical cost (no insurance) | |---|---| | Composite resin | $200–$400 per surface | | Amalgam | $150–$300 per surface |

Fillings are billed per surface — a small cavity on one surface costs less than a larger decay spanning multiple surfaces.

What else affects the price?

  • Size and surface count: a two-surface composite filling costs more than a one-surface filling on the same tooth
  • Tooth location: back molars are harder to access and can take more time
  • Provider and location: dental fees vary by city and by practice; a specialist charges more than a general dentist
  • Additional X-rays: if the dentist needs diagnostic images to assess the decay, those are billed separately
  • Extent of decay: untreated cavities can grow to require a larger filling, a crown, or eventually a root canal — so waiting typically increases cost 1

How insurance covers fillings

Most dental plans classify fillings as basic restorative services, covering them at 70–80% after your deductible. A few things to know:

  • Some plans have an alternate benefit clause — they cover a composite filling only to the cost of an amalgam on back teeth; you pay the difference
  • Deductibles typically run $50–$150 per year; once met, you pay only your percentage
  • Fillings on baby teeth may be covered differently than on permanent teeth

Call your insurer with the CDT code D2391 (composite, one surface, posterior) or D2150 (amalgam, two surfaces) to get a specific coverage estimate.

Reducing out-of-pocket costs

If cost is a barrier:

  • Dental school clinics provide fillings at significantly reduced rates, supervised by licensed faculty dentists 1
  • Dental savings plans (not insurance) offer discounted fee schedules at participating practices
  • FSA/HSA funds can be used for fillings — they are qualified medical expenses and paid with pre-tax dollars
  • FQHC dental services: Federally Qualified Health Centers offer dental care on a sliding-fee scale for income-eligible patients 1

The NIDCR notes that dental fillings and crowns "do not last a lifetime and may need to be replaced" — regular dental checkups catch small cavities when fillings are simpler and less expensive 1.

Common questions

How long does a filling take and does it hurt?

A single filling typically takes 30–60 minutes. Local anesthetic is used so you should feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. The tooth and surrounding area may be tender for a day or two after.

Can I wait on a cavity to save money?

Small cavities in enamel can sometimes be watched or treated with fluoride. Once decay reaches the inner dentin, it progresses faster and a filling is needed. Untreated cavities can grow to require a larger filling, a crown, or eventually a root canal — so waiting usually increases cost over time.

How long do fillings last?

Amalgam fillings are durable and can last 10–15 years or more. Composite fillings typically last 7–10 years, though this varies with size, location, and how well the tooth is cared for. Your dentist will monitor fillings at routine exams.

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When to see a dentist soon

  • —Tooth pain that is spontaneous, throbbing, or wakes you from sleep
  • —Sensitivity to temperature that lingers for more than a few seconds
  • —Visible dark spot or hole in a tooth
  • —Pain when biting down

This article provides general cost information only. Actual fees depend on your specific cavity, material, and dentist. Gale does not provide dental care, but can help you find a dentist and prepare for your visit.

References

  1. 1.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2024). Dental Fillings Information. NIDCR Health Information. link ✓NIH/NIDCR overview: filling types (composite and amalgam), decay process, treatment necessity, durability of fillings, dental school as lower-cost option, need for replacement over time.
  2. 2.American Dental Association (2023). Amalgam — Oral Health Topics. American Dental Association (ada.org). link ✓ADA describes amalgam as 'a safe, affordable and durable restorative material' used in dentistry for over 150 years; 2021 systematic review found no association with systemic disease; amalgam is the less costly option compared to composite resin.

2 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.