How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost?
A composite filling costs $150–$450 per tooth. Here's how size, material and location affect the price, and what insurance typically covers.
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How much does a cavity filling cost?
A tooth-colored composite filling costs $150–$450 per tooth in the US, with the price rising for larger cavities and back teeth. The main cost drivers are the number of surfaces the cavity covers (a one-surface filling is cheapest, a three-surface molar filling is most expensive), the material (composite resin is standard; older silver amalgam is cheaper but less common now), and your location. Dental insurance usually covers fillings as "basic" care at 70–80% after your deductible, making your out-of-pocket share modest if you're insured. Without insurance, expect to pay the full $150–$450, though many offices offer cash discounts, payment plans, or membership pricing. Filling a cavity promptly is far cheaper than waiting — an untreated cavity can progress to needing a root canal and crown ($1,900–$3,300) or even an extraction and implant ($3,000–$6,000), so early treatment is the budget-friendly choice.
What affects the price
- Surfaces: 1-surface ($150–$250), 2-surface ($200–$350), 3+ surface ($300–$450).
- Material: composite (tooth-colored) is standard; amalgam is cheaper but less popular.
- Tooth location: molars cost more than front teeth.
- Office location.
Composite vs amalgam
Composite resin matches your tooth color and bonds well, which is why it's now standard. Silver amalgam is durable and cheaper but visible and less commonly offered. Most patients choose composite.
Insurance and fillings
Fillings are "basic" care, usually covered 70–80% after a small deductible — among the better-covered procedures. See our insurance guide.
Without insurance
Expect the full $150–$450, but ask about cash discounts, memberships and payment plans. Dental schools and community clinics charge less — see our no-insurance options.
Why not to wait
A small cavity is cheap to fix. Ignore it and decay can reach the nerve, turning a $250 filling into a $3,000 root canal and crown or an extraction and implant. Prompt fillings are the frugal choice.