Tooth Filling Costs Guide: What You'll Pay in 2026

A tooth filling typically costs $90–$300 without insurance. The material, the tooth's location, and the size of the cavity explain most of the range.

Fillings are the most common dental procedure in America — and one of the most affordable, especially compared to what happens if a cavity goes untreated. Still, "affordable" is relative: a single composite filling at a private practice can cost $300, while the same filling at a community clinic might cost under $100. Here's what determines where you land in that range.

Typical filling price ranges (per tooth, without insurance):

Amalgam (silver) filling: typically $90–$200
Composite (tooth-colored) filling: typically $135–$300
Glass ionomer filling: typically $90–$250
Multi-surface or large fillings: toward the top of each range or above

These are typical ranges — prices vary by location, provider, and cavity size. A filling is almost always cheaper than the root canal or extraction that an untreated cavity leads to.

Amalgam vs. composite: the price and the trade-off

The two common filling materials differ in price and properties. Amalgam (silver-colored, a mix of metals) is the less expensive option and very durable — it's often used for back teeth where chewing forces are highest. Composite (tooth-colored resin) costs more but blends with the tooth, making it the common choice for visible front teeth. Some offices have phased out amalgam entirely; if price is the priority, ask whether amalgam is offered for back teeth. Glass ionomer is a third option sometimes used for small fillings or children's teeth.

Note: material choice has clinical dimensions — discuss the right material for your specific tooth with your dentist. This guide covers the cost differences only.

What affects the price of a filling

Number of surfaces: dentists price by how many surfaces of the tooth are involved — a one-surface filling costs less than a three-surface one. Larger cavities cost more to fill.
Tooth location: molars with complex anatomy can cost more than straightforward front teeth.
Provider type: private practice > FQHC sliding scale > dental school, roughly speaking.
Geography: the same filling costs noticeably more in high-cost metros than in smaller cities.
New-patient add-ons: exam and X-rays ($75–$250) are often billed separately on a first visit.

The real cost comparison: filling now vs. waiting

This is the most important math on this page. A filling caught early: typically $90–$300. The same cavity left untreated can progress to needing a root canal plus crown (typically $1,500–$4,500 combined) or an extraction plus replacement ($3,000+ for an implant). There is no scenario in which waiting saves money — it only moves the bill to a bigger procedure.

Tip: If you need multiple fillings, ask the office to prioritize them — which cavities are most urgent, and which can safely wait a few months. Treating the worst ones first spreads the cost without letting anything progress to a root canal.

Ways to pay less for fillings

FQHC dental clinics — sliding-scale fees make fillings one of the cheapest procedures to get; see FQHCs explained.
Dental school clinics — fillings are core teaching procedures at reduced prices; see dental schools for affordable care.
Dental discount plans — 10–60% off at participating dentists, effective immediately; compare in discount plans vs. insurance.
Ask about amalgam for back teeth — where the office offers it, it's the lower-cost material option.
Cash/self-pay discount — many offices offer 5–10% off for payment at time of service.

How long fillings last — and what replacement costs

Fillings aren't permanent. Amalgam fillings typically last 10–15 years; composite fillings typically 5–10 years, with lifespan depending on the filling's size, its location, and your bite habits. Knowing this changes the cost math: a cheaper filling that needs replacing sooner can cost more over 20 years than a pricier one that lasts — though for most patients the difference is modest and either material is reasonable. When a filling reaches the end of its life, replacement typically costs the same as the original filling, but large or repeated replacements can weaken the tooth enough to need a crown instead (typically $800–$3,000). This is another reason early treatment wins: small fillings last longer and are cheaper to replace than the large fillings that result from waiting.

Do you need to replace old silver fillings?

Many patients with old amalgam fillings wonder whether to replace them with tooth-colored composite for aesthetic reasons. From a cost perspective, replacing a healthy, intact filling is spending money for looks alone — typically $135–$300 per tooth — and every replacement removes a bit more tooth structure. Dentists generally recommend replacing a filling only when it's cracked, leaking, or decayed underneath. If an old filling is doing its job, the cheapest option is leaving it alone. Discuss the condition of your existing fillings at your next exam rather than assuming they need upgrading.

Find affordable filling providers near you

Browse Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, or all states — LowCostDentalFinder lists verified low-cost clinics in 211 cities. Before booking, see our questions to ask about dental pricing so you get the full total upfront.

Information only — not medical advice. This guide covers dental costs and coverage options for general information only. It is not medical or dental advice, and nothing here diagnoses a condition or recommends treatment. Always consult a licensed dentist about your own situation.

Common questions

How much does a tooth filling cost without insurance?

Typically $90–$200 for an amalgam (silver) filling and $135–$300 for a composite (tooth-colored) filling, per tooth. Larger cavities involving more tooth surfaces cost more. Prices vary by location and provider type — community clinics and dental schools charge substantially less than private practices.

Is a composite or amalgam filling cheaper?

Amalgam is typically cheaper ($90–$200) than composite ($135–$300). Amalgam is very durable and often used for back teeth; composite blends with the tooth and is common for visible teeth. Ask your dentist which material suits your specific tooth — this guide covers costs, not clinical recommendations.

Why does my dentist charge more for a multi-surface filling?

Dentists price fillings partly by how many surfaces of the tooth are involved — more decayed surfaces mean more time and material. A one-surface filling on a small cavity is the cheapest; a large three- or four-surface filling costs more.

Is it cheaper to wait on a cavity?

No — waiting is the most expensive option. A $90–$300 filling left untreated can become a root canal plus crown ($1,500–$4,500 combined) or require extraction and replacement ($3,000+). Treating cavities early is one of the highest-value moves in dental spending.

Where can I get the cheapest tooth filling?

FQHC community health centers with sliding-scale fees and dental school clinics are typically the cheapest options. Dental hygiene schools don't do fillings, but dental discount plans can cut 10–60% off private-dentist filling prices immediately.