How Much Does a Filling Cost Without Insurance?

Dental fillings help restore the tooth structure and provide protection against further decay or injury.

According to the American Dental Association 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, without dental insurance, the average cost of a filling is $145 to $191.⁷

However, the cost can range from $104 to $472 depending on the size and location of your cavity, type of filling material, and other factors.

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Types of Fillings and their Costs

The type of material used is the most significant factor in determining the cost of dental fillings without insurance coverage.  

Cost of Composite Fillings

Composite, or composite resin fillings, usually cost between $130 to $332 for one or two surfaces or $189 to $472 for three or more surfaces.

Resin-based composite fillings are slightly more expensive than silver fillings. However, they are still cheaper than gold or porcelain fillings.

Their main advantage is that they are the same color as tooth enamel. They are especially popular for front teeth and surfaces that are clearly visible. 

The resin composite material is not as durable as metal, so they usually have to be replaced every five years. However, with proper maintenance, they can last longer, up to 10 or 15 years.

Cost of Silver Amalgam Fillings

Silver amalgams, also known as metal fillings, are the cheapest type of filling. These types of fillings cost $100 to $250 if one or two surfaces need to be filled or $155 to $360 for three or more tooth fillings. 

Silver amalgam fillings are made from a combination of various materials including:

• Silver
• Tin
• Zinc
• Mercury
• Copper

They are durable and can last up to 10 years.

However, they are less popular than other options because their silver coloring makes them much more noticeable than other types of fillings. There is also the potential for the metal to expand and cause fractures in the teeth.

Cost of Gold Fillings

Cast gold, gold foil, and gold inlays can cost between $300 and $1,000 for one or two surfaces and $450 to $1,800 for three or more fillings.

Gold fillings last a long time, up to several decades, and some people like the way they look more than silver fillings. However, it is rare to find a dentist that still uses gold for dental restorations.

Cost of Porcelain Fillings (Inlays)

Porcelain fillings, also known as inlays, will cost you anywhere from $700 to $1,418 per procedure. According to the ADA, inlays are not technically “fillings,” though they can serve the same purpose.

Porcelain-ceramic inlays are the longest and most expensive filling procedure. First, a dentist will drill your tooth. Then they will take an impression of your tooth and the inlay will be made in a lab, based on the impression.

These fillings are the most aesthetically pleasing as they are more resistant to staining. They last up to 15 years. 

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Other Factors That Affect Dental Filling Cost

Other factors that affect dental filling costs include:

• How many teeth need fillings — The more teeth that require fillings, the higher your total dental bill will be.
• Which teeth need fillings — Cavities in back molars are much more costly to repair than those in front teeth.
• Cavity size — The larger the cavity, the more expensive it is to fix.
• The current state of your oral health — If the tooth or gums are infected, multiple dental visits and treatments may be required, which will be additional costs.
• Clinic location and dentist's pricing — Dentists at smaller practices often have lower overhead expenses, which can translate into lower prices.

Additional Costs

There may be additional dental procedures required to diagnose your oral health or improve dental work quality. Additional dental services that may be necessary include:

*According to the American Dental Association 2020 Survey of Dental Fees

How to Save Money on Cavity Fillings

If you don’t have a dental insurance plan, the cost of check-ups, fillings, and other routine dental procedures adds up quickly. Many people accrue debt by putting their dental work on a credit card.

To save money, you can join a discount dental plan, which is a membership club. You will pay an annual membership fee, starting as low as $99.

This will give you discounted dental health care from practitioners in your network. You can save money on procedures including:

• Cavity fillings
• Inlays and onlays
• Root canal treatment
• Dental crowns
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening treatment
• Veneers

People with relatively healthy mouths, who don’t have significant gum or teeth issues, may save more money with a dental discount plan over traditional insurance.

If you only need routine teeth cleanings and occasional dental work, check out Dental Plans. There are also dental assistance programs for low-cost options.

Cavity Filling Cost FAQs