A cavity can develop with mild sensitivity, discomfort while chewing, or no noticeable symptoms at all. Once a filling is recommended, cost often becomes one of the first concerns.
So, how much does a dental filling cost? A filling commonly costs around $150 to $400 per tooth. The final price depends on the cavity size, tooth location, number of surfaces involved, filling material, diagnostic needs, and insurance coverage.
Keep reading to learn what affects dental filling costs, how prices vary by material, and what you may pay with or without insurance.
How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost in 2026?
A dental filling generally costs around $150 to $400 per tooth, depending on the cavity size, tooth involved, number of surfaces treated, and material used. A small one-surface cavity usually costs less than a larger filling that extends across multiple surfaces.
Before treatment, your dentist may recommend an examination and X-rays to determine how far the decay has progressed, whether the nerve is affected, how much healthy tooth structure remains, and whether a filling is appropriate.
Because every cavity is different, a personalized treatment estimate gives you a more accurate idea of your final cost than a general average.
What Is the Dental Filling Cost by Material?
The material used for your restoration can affect the tooth filling cost, appearance, durability, and treatment process.
Filling Material | Estimated Cost per Tooth | Key Features |
Composite Resin | $150–$400 | Tooth-colored, bonds directly to the tooth, and blends with natural enamel |
Amalgam | $100–$300 | Durable, silver-colored, and often less expensive than composite |
Glass Ionomer | $100–$350 | Tooth-colored and commonly used for smaller restorations or specific clinical needs |
Ceramic Inlay or Onlay | $400–$1,500+ | Custom-made indirect restoration with a natural appearance |
Gold Inlay or Onlay | $500–$1,500+ | Highly durable indirect restoration, but usually more expensive |
Note: Composite fillings are often selected for their natural appearance, while other materials may be better suited to certain teeth or larger restorations. The final choice depends on the cavity size, tooth location, bite pressure, and amount of healthy tooth structure remaining.
What Affects the Cost of a Dental Filling?
The filling cost per tooth can vary because not every cavity requires the same amount of treatment. Even two cavities in the same mouth may differ in size, depth, location, and complexity.
Several factors can affect the final cost:
- Number of surfaces: A one-surface filling is usually less involved than a restoration covering two or more sides of the tooth.
- Cavity size: Larger cavities require more preparation and restorative material.
- Depth of decay: Decay close to the nerve may need additional protection before the filling is placed.
- Tooth location: Back teeth, especially molars, can be more complex to access and restore.
- Filling material: Composite, amalgam, and indirect restorations have different costs and placement requirements.
- Diagnostic care: An examination and X-rays may be needed to assess the extent of decay.
- Existing dental work: Replacing an old or damaged filling may require more preparation than treating a new, smaller cavity.
Because these factors vary from one tooth to another, your dentist will need to examine the area before providing an accurate treatment estimate.
How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost With Insurance?
Dental insurance can reduce the amount you pay for a cavity filling, but your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan.
Your cost may be affected by:
- Annual deductible
- Coinsurance or copayment
- Annual benefit maximum
- In-network or out-of-network status
- The insurer’s allowed fee
- Type of filling material
- Alternate benefit provisions
Some plans may cover a composite filling but base reimbursement on the cost of an amalgam filling for a back tooth. In that case, you may be responsible for part of the difference.
Before treatment, ask the dental office to review your benefits or request a pre-treatment estimate. Your insurer makes the final coverage decision.
What Is the Dental Filling Cost Without Insurance?
Without insurance, a dental filling may cost approximately $150 to $400 per tooth, depending on the cavity size, tooth location, material, and treatment required. Additional fees may apply if an examination or X-rays are needed.
If you are paying out of pocket, ask for an itemized treatment estimate and available payment options. If you are uninsured or choosing to self-pay, you may also request a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for qualifying scheduled care.
Smile Boutique Group offers financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit for eligible patients. Approval and repayment terms vary by provider.
How Much Does a Molar Filling Cost?
The cost of a molar filling varies based on the cavity size, number of surfaces involved, and restorative material used. Molars have broad chewing surfaces with several grooves, so a small cavity may require less treatment than decay extending across multiple surfaces.
Your dentist may recommend a composite filling, another direct filling material, or an inlay or onlay when more tooth structure needs support. If the tooth is significantly weakened, a crown may be considered instead.
The recommendation depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and which restoration can protect it effectively.
What Happens If You Delay a Dental Filling?
Very early tooth decay may sometimes be managed before a cavity forms. Once tooth structure has been lost and a cavity develops, however, the damaged area generally requires restorative treatment.
Waiting can allow decay to move deeper into the tooth. As the cavity progresses, you may experience:
- Greater sensitivity
- Pain when chewing
- Food trapping
- Toothache
- A weakened or broken tooth
- Infection if decay reaches the pulp
A small filling may no longer be enough once substantial tooth structure is damaged. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatment could eventually involve a larger restoration, root canal therapy, a crown, or extraction.
Earlier care may help preserve more natural tooth structure.
Conclusion
A dental filling cost can vary based on the cavity size, tooth location, number of surfaces involved, filling material, and insurance coverage. Since each tooth requires an individual assessment, an examination is the best way to understand your treatment needs and expected cost. Treating decay before it progresses may help preserve more healthy tooth structure and reduce the likelihood of needing more extensive restorative care. If you notice sensitivity, discomfort while chewing, or other signs of decay, schedule a dental evaluation rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Schedule a Dental Filling at Smile Boutique Group
If you think you have a cavity, Smile Boutique Group can examine the tooth, explain your filling options, and provide a clear treatment estimate before care begins.
Our team provides restorative dental care for patients in Beverly Hills and Northridge, with financing options available for eligible patients.
Schedule an appointment with Smile Boutique Group to have the tooth evaluated and determine which restoration best fits your needs.
FAQs
The cost of one filling depends on the cavity size, material, tooth location, and number of surfaces being treated. An examination provides the most accurate estimate for your tooth.
Many dental insurance plans cover cavity fillings. Your deductible, coinsurance, annual maximum, network status, and the type of filling selected can affect your out-of-pocket cost.
The cost of a tooth-colored composite filling without insurance varies by the size and location of the cavity. Ask your dental office for a written self-pay estimate before treatment.
