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Why you might need a filling
A filling repairs a hole in a tooth, most often from a cavity. The dentist numbs the tooth, removes the decay, and fills the space so the tooth can bite and chew normally again.
A small cavity often doesn’t hurt at all. When it does, the first sign can be a twinge with cold or sweets. If your tooth throbs or keeps you up at night, start with what to do for a toothache right now.
If a filling has already fallen out, see lost a filling.
What a filling costs
These are prices without insurance. Delta Dental’s ranges come from its 2024 internal data; CareCredit’s come from a 2024 national survey done for it by ASQ360°.
| Filling | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Composite (tooth-colored), front tooth | $145 to $480 | Delta Dental |
| Composite (tooth-colored), back tooth | $165 to $530 | Delta Dental |
| Amalgam (silver) | $110 to $455 | Delta Dental |
| Composite, national survey | $173 to $439 (average $226) | CareCredit |
| Amalgam, national survey | $108 to $256 | CareCredit |
| Glass ionomer | $116 to $285 | CareCredit |
| Gold inlay or onlay | $361 to $817 | CareCredit |
| Porcelain inlay or onlay | $755 to $1,774 | CareCredit |
The two sources don’t match exactly, which is normal. Treat them as a rough guide, and ask for a written estimate before any work starts, with the material and number of surfaces named on it.
Composite vs amalgam
Most fillings today are one of these two.
- Composite (tooth-colored). A resin that’s matched to your tooth color, so it’s hard to spot. It usually costs more than amalgam.
- Amalgam (silver). A mix of mercury with silver, tin and copper. The FDA calls it strong, long-lasting and the least expensive filling material. It’s silver in color, so it shows.
About the mercury: the FDA says most evidence shows amalgam doesn’t harm the general population. It does encourage other materials, where suitable, for some groups. Those include pregnant or nursing women, women planning a pregnancy, children (especially under 6), and people with kidney problems, neurological disease or a mercury allergy.
The FDA also says not to remove amalgam fillings that are in good condition unless a health professional considers it medically necessary. Drilling out a sound filling costs money and removes healthy tooth.
Cleveland Clinic says fillings can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the material.
Gold and porcelain fillings (inlays and onlays) are made in a lab and usually take two visits. Cleveland Clinic says they’re used when a tooth has too much damage for a regular filling but not enough to need a crown.
What drives the price
- The number of surfaces. Delta Dental says the price varies with how many surfaces of the tooth are filled. A small cavity on the chewing surface may be one surface. One that also wraps between two teeth covers more, and usually costs more.
- Front or back tooth. Delta Dental’s composite prices run a little higher for back teeth.
- The material. Composite usually costs more than amalgam; gold and porcelain cost the most.
- Where you live and the office. Each office sets its own fees.
- What else is on the bill. The exam and X-rays may be separate lines. Ask whether they’re included.
A very large cavity may need more than a filling. If there isn’t much tooth left, the dentist may suggest a crown. If the decay has reached the nerve, it may need a root canal.
With insurance
Delta Dental says dental plans typically cover 50 to 80 percent of basic procedures, including fillings. You pay the rest, plus any deductible. If you want a tooth-colored filling on a back tooth, ask your plan before the visit whether it pays the same share for composite as for amalgam.
How to pay less
- Fix it while it’s small. A one-surface filling costs less than a large one, and far less than a root canal or crown.
- Get a written estimate and ask about options. Amalgam may cost less for a back tooth. Ask about a discount for paying in full, or a payment plan.
- Try a dental savings plan. If you don’t have insurance, a dental savings plan (a discount membership, not insurance) can lower the price at participating dentists. DentalPlans.com says its plans have no waiting periods. Compare plans at DentalPlans.com.
- Check a dental school. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says dental school clinics let students gain experience treating patients, at a reduced cost.
- Look for a community health center. NIDCR says these federally funded centers charge what you can afford, based on income.
To rough out a total before you call, try the dental cost estimator. If you’re paying for everything out of pocket, see going to the dentist without insurance.
After the filling
Cleveland Clinic says minor sensitivity after a filling is normal and should go away in a week or two. If it doesn’t, or your bite feels off, see tooth pain after a filling.
How to avoid the next one
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, for two minutes.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or a water flosser.
- Cut back on sipping sugary or acidic drinks through the day.
- Keep up with checkups, so cavities get filled while they’re small.
A good electric toothbrush makes the first habit easier. See the best electric toothbrush.
Reviewed by Ryan Smith, DDS on September 26, 2026. It explains tooth pain in general and isn't a diagnosis. Medical disclaimer.