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How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost in 2026?
A cavity filling costs between $100 and $300 for a small tooth-colored filling without insurance, and as little as $20 to $80 out of pocket with a typical dental insurance plan. The final number depends on three things: the size and location of the cavity, the filling material used, and whether you have insurance. This guide breaks down every factor with real 2026 figures so you know exactly what to expect before you walk into the dentist’s office.
The most important cost insight before we go further: the earlier you treat a cavity, the less it costs. A small filling today typically runs $100 to $300. That same cavity, ignored for a year, can become a root canal and crown costing $2,000 or more.
2026 Cavity Filling Cost: Quick Reference
These are current national average figures for the United States. Costs will vary by region, practice type, and cavity complexity – but these ranges reflect what most patients pay at a general dentistry practice in 2026.
| Filling Type | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance (Est.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite (tooth-colored, 1 surface) | $150–$300 | $20–$80 copay | Front teeth and visible areas |
| Composite (2–3 surfaces) | $200–$450 | $40–$150 copay | Medium to large cavities |
| Amalgam (silver, 1 surface) | $100–$250 | $20–$75 copay | Large back-tooth cavities |
| Amalgam (2–3 surfaces) | $150–$350 | $30–$100 copay | Durable back-tooth restorations |
| Glass ionomer cement | $75–$200 | $15–$60 copay | Baby teeth; patients at high decay risk |
| Ceramic inlay/onlay | $700–$1,800 | $200–$700 copay | Large cavities on molar chewing surfaces |
| Gold inlay/onlay | $900–$2,500 | $250–$900 copay | Maximum durability in back teeth |
What Most People Actually Pay
The most common filling placed in a U.S. dental office today is a single-surface composite filling – tooth-colored resin for a small cavity. Without insurance, expect $150–$300. With a standard PPO plan, most patients pay $20–$80 after insurance processes the claim.
Molar fillings are slightly more expensive because the tooth is harder to access and cavities there tend to be larger by the time they’re caught.
Cost by Filling Material: Composite vs. Amalgam vs. Other
The material your dentist uses is the single biggest driver of cost variation for same-size cavities. Here’s what each option means in practice.
Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored Filling)
Composite is the most commonly placed filling material in the U.S. today. It’s a blend of plastic resin and fine glass particles that the dentist bonds directly to the tooth surface. It matches the tooth color, requires less drilling than amalgam in some cases, and is virtually invisible once placed.
- Cost range: $150–$300 for one surface; $200–$450 for two or three surfaces.
- Lifespan: 7–12 years on average, depending on location, bite forces, and oral hygiene.
- Insurance coverage: Most PPO plans cover composite at 80% for back teeth fillings; some older plans still apply a ‘least expensive alternative’ clause and cover only the amalgam rate, leaving the patient to pay the difference.
Amalgam (Silver Filling)
Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years. It’s a durable metal alloy that withstands the heavy chewing forces on back teeth better than composite over long periods. It’s less expensive but visually obvious – silver-colored against the tooth.
- Cost range: $100–$250 for one surface; $150–$350 for two or three surfaces.
- Lifespan: 10–15+ years – typically outlasts composite, especially in molars.
- Insurance coverage: Covered at 80% by most PPO plans. Often the filling type insurance prefers to pay for on back teeth.
Glass Ionomer, Ceramic, and Gold
- Glass ionomer cement: $75–$200. Used primarily for baby teeth, root surface cavities near the gumline, and patients at very high decay risk. Releases fluoride into the tooth as it sets, which helps prevent re-decay. Less durable than composite or amalgam.
- Ceramic (porcelain) inlay or onlay: $700–$1,800. Lab-fabricated and bonded in place. Used for larger cavities that a simple filling can’t adequately restore – provides excellent durability and appearance. Requires two appointments.
- Gold inlay or onlay: $900–$2,500. The most durable filling material available – gold restorations in well-maintained mouths have lasted 40+ years. Highest upfront cost; covered partially by most PPO plans.
Cost by Cavity Size and Number of Surfaces
Dental billing codes – and therefore your invoice – are based on how many surfaces of a tooth the filling covers. A tooth has five surfaces: the chewing surface (occlusal), the front face (mesial), the back face (distal), the cheek face (buccal), and the tongue face (lingual)..
| Surfaces Filled | Cavity Size | Composite Cost (Avg.) | Amalgam Cost (Avg.) | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 surface | Small cavity | $150–$300 | $100–$250 | Decay confined to one face of the tooth - most common at early detection |
| 2 surfaces | Medium cavity | $200–$400 | $150–$300 | Decay spans two faces - often caught at Stage 3 when sensitivity begins |
| 3 surfaces | Large cavity | $300–$450 | $200–$350 | Significant decay - may warrant evaluation for inlay or crown instead |
| 4–5 surfaces | Very large | Consider inlay or crown | Consider inlay or crown | A 4–5 surface filling is often less structurally sound than a crown; dentist may recommend restoration instead |
The takeaway: a cavity caught at Stage 1 or 2 almost always requires only a 1-surface filling. A cavity ignored until sensitivity starts is usually at Stage 3 by then – and the filling is larger, more invasive, and costs more.
Molar Cavity Filling Cost
Fillings in back teeth (first molars, second molars, and wisdom teeth) cost slightly more than fillings in front or premolar teeth. There are two reasons for this.
First, access. Molars sit deep in the mouth, require more instrument angulation, and take longer to work on – dentists factor time into pricing.
Second, cavity size. Molar cavities are more often caught at a larger size because early decay sits in deep, hard-to-see grooves. By the time sensitivity begins, the cavity frequently spans two or three surfaces rather than one.
| Filling | Molar Cost (Without Insurance) | Molar Cost (With PPO Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Composite, 1 surface | $175–$350 | $25–$90 copay |
| Composite, 2–3 surfaces | $250–$500 | $50–$175 copay |
| Amalgam, 1 surface | $125–$275 | $25–$80 copay |
| Amalgam, 2–3 surfaces | $175–$375 | $35–$120 copay |
| Ceramic inlay/onlay | $800–$1,800 | $200–$800 copay |
Real Example: Molar Filling Cost
Rachel, 36, goes to a routine checkup and her dentist finds a Stage 2 cavity in the groove of her lower left first molar – one surface, no sensitivity yet.
With no insurance: composite filling, 1 surface = $210. One appointment, 50 minutes.
With her PPO plan (80% coverage after $75 deductible): she pays $42 out of pocket.
Six months earlier, the same cavity was a white spot – reversible with fluoride. Six months later, it would likely have been a two-surface filling at $340 without insurance.
How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost Without Insurance?
Without dental insurance, you’re paying the dentist’s full fee-for-service rate. These vary significantly by practice and location, but national averages give a reliable baseline.
| Procedure | Average Cost Without Insurance | Range You Might See |
|---|---|---|
| Exam + X-rays (required before any filling) | $100–$350 | $75–$500 depending on region and X-ray type |
| Single-surface composite filling | $150–$300 | $100–$400 |
| Two-surface composite filling | $200–$400 | $150–$500 |
| Single-surface amalgam filling | $100–$250 | $75–$350 |
| Full cleaning + single filling (same visit) | $250–$550 | $175–$700 |
| Molar composite, 2 surfaces | $250–$500 | $175–$600 |
The exam and X-rays are a separate line item. Most dentists require a current X-ray before placing a filling – they need to confirm the exact extent of decay and rule out pulp involvement. Budget for $100–$200 in addition to the filling cost if you’re a new patient or haven’t had X-rays in over a year.
How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost With Insurance?
Dental insurance doesn’t eliminate the cost of a filling – it significantly reduces it. Here’s how the math typically works with a standard PPO plan.
| Cost Component | Typical PPO Plan Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual deductible | $50–$150 - applies before insurance pays anything |
| Preventive care (exams, cleanings) | 80–100% covered - usually no out-of-pocket cost |
| Basic restorative (fillings) | 70–80% covered after deductible |
| Major restorative (crowns, root canals) | 50% covered after deductible |
| Annual maximum benefit | $1,000–$2,000 - total insurance pays per calendar year |
| Waiting periods | Some plans require 6–12 months before covering basic or major work |
Example: What You'd Actually Pay With Insurance
Say you have a PPO plan with a $100 deductible and 80% coverage on basic restorative work. Your dentist charges $250 for a two-surface composite filling.
- Insurance applies your $100 deductible first – leaving $150 of the bill.
- Insurance pays 80% of that $150 = $120.
- You pay: $100 (deductible) + $30 (your 20%) = $130 out of pocket.
Once you’ve met your deductible for the year, subsequent fillings cost only your 20% copay. A $250 filling would then cost you just $50. This is why having multiple fillings done in the same calendar year often makes financial sense – your deductible has already been met.
The 'Least Expensive Alternative' Clause
Some dental plans include a provision that pays only the rate for the least expensive filling that is clinically acceptable. For a back tooth, that’s usually amalgam. If your dentist places composite on a back molar and your plan has this clause, the insurance pays only the amalgam rate – and you pay the difference between composite and amalgam costs out of pocket. Always ask your plan about this before your appointment.
What Does a Cleaning and Filling Cost Together?
If your cavity is discovered at a routine cleaning appointment, many dentists will schedule the filling as a separate visit. But some practices will do a simple filling the same day if their schedule allows and the clinical picture is straightforward.
| Combined Procedure | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Routine cleaning + exam + 1 small filling | $280–$600 | $0–$100 (cleaning often fully covered; filling at 80%) |
| Deep cleaning (scaling/root planing) + filling | $600–$1,200 | $100–$400 (deep cleaning at 80%; filling at 80%) |
| Full-mouth X-rays + exam + 1 filling | $350–$700 | $50–$150 (X-rays often covered; filling at 80%) |
When your insurance has already paid for the cleaning in the same visit, only the filling portion is billed as a restorative procedure. This makes the same-visit combination financially efficient if your plan allows it.
How to Find Low-Cost Cavity Fillings Near You
If you’re uninsured or your coverage doesn’t go far enough, several legitimate pathways provide significant cost reductions.
- Dental school clinics. Dental students in their final years – supervised by licensed faculty – perform fillings at 50–70% below private practice rates. Quality is closely monitored. Search accredited programs at ada.org/find-a-dentist. Expect longer appointment times and more thorough documentation.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These are community health clinics funded by the federal government that offer dental care on a sliding-scale fee based on income. You might pay $20–$50 for a filling. Find your nearest location at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
- In-house dental membership plans. Many private practices offer annual membership plans for $150–$350/year. These typically include two cleanings, two exams, and 15–20% discounts on all other procedures – including fillings. No insurance needed, no claims to process. Ask your dentist’s front desk if they offer one.
- Dental savings discount plans (not insurance). Programs like Careington or DentalPlans.com charge a monthly fee ($8–$15) and provide pre-negotiated lower rates with participating dentists. Not the same as insurance – you pay the discounted rate directly at the office, but it’s typically 20–50% less than full price.
- Free or reduced-cost dental events. Many states and dental associations organize community dental care days where fillings, cleanings, and extractions are provided free or at minimal cost. Search your state dental association website for upcoming events.
What Affects the Price in Your City?
The same filling can cost dramatically different amounts in different parts of the country. Here’s why.
| Cost Factor | Lower Cost | Higher Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic region | Rural Midwest and Southeast | Major metros: NYC, LA, SF, Boston, Seattle |
| Practice type | Community clinic or dental school | Private specialist or boutique cosmetic practice |
| Filling material | Amalgam (silver) | Ceramic inlay or gold restoration |
| Cavity size | 1-surface, caught early | 3-surface, caught late - or complex anatomy |
| Tooth location | Premolar or front tooth | Molar - harder access, often larger cavity |
| Technology used | Traditional drill and fill | CEREC same-day ceramic; laser cavity removal |
To get a fair price in your area, call two or three dental practices and ask for the fee for a ‘D2391’ (one-surface posterior composite) and a ‘D2392’ (two-surface posterior composite). These are ADA procedure codes dentists use for billing. Comparing these two numbers across practices tells you quickly where the local price range sits.
Key Takeaways
- Average cost without insurance: $150–$300 for a common single-surface tooth-colored filling. Molar fillings run $175–$350. Larger, multi-surface fillings cost $200–$450.
- With a PPO dental plan: $20–$80 out of pocket for most standard fillings after your deductible. Once your deductible is met, subsequent fillings within the same year cost only your 20% share.
- Act early – every delayed stage multiplies the cost. A small filling costs $150–$300. The same cavity at Stage 4 requires a root canal and crown at $1,900–$3,500. There is no scenario where waiting reduces the bill.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a cavity filling cost on average in 2026?
The national average for a single-surface tooth-colored (composite) filling in the U.S. is $150 to $300 without insurance. A silver amalgam filling for the same cavity runs $100 to $250. Larger cavities spanning two or three tooth surfaces cost $200 to $450 for composite and $150 to $350 for amalgam. Molar fillings sit at the higher end of these ranges due to access difficulty and larger average cavity size.
How much does a cavity filling cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a typical composite filling costs $150 to $300 for a small one-surface cavity and $200 to $450 for a medium two-to-three-surface cavity. Amalgam fillings run about $50 to $75 less for equivalent cavity sizes. Add $100 to $350 for the exam and X-rays required before any filling is placed, particularly if you are a new patient. For low-cost options without insurance, dental school clinics and FQHCs (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov) reduce these figures by 50 to 70 percent.
How much does a cavity filling cost with insurance?
With a typical PPO dental plan, a standard filling costs $20 to $80 out of pocket after insurance processes the claim. Most PPO plans cover 70 to 80 percent of basic restorative procedures like fillings after your deductible – typically $50 to $150 per year – is met. Once your deductible is satisfied, subsequent fillings in the same calendar year cost only your 20 percent copay share. Check whether your plan includes a least-expensive-alternative clause for back-tooth composite fillings.
What is the cheapest type of cavity filling?
Amalgam (silver) is the least expensive filling material, averaging $100 to $250 for a single-surface cavity. Glass ionomer cement is sometimes cheaper ($75 to $200) but is generally limited to low-stress areas like baby teeth or root cavities. If cost is the primary concern and the cavity is on a back tooth where appearance is less important, amalgam provides the most durability per dollar spent and tends to last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Does dental insurance cover cavity fillings?
Yes. Most dental PPO plans classify fillings as basic restorative procedures and cover 70 to 80 percent of the cost after your deductible. HMO dental plans typically require a small fixed copay per filling. Some plans have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months before basic coverage applies. Important: check whether your plan has a ‘least expensive alternative’ clause for back teeth, which may limit composite coverage to the amalgam rate, requiring you to pay the difference.
How much does a molar filling cost?
A molar cavity filling costs slightly more than the same size filling in a front or premolar tooth. Expect $175 to $350 for a single-surface composite molar filling and $250 to $500 for two surfaces – without insurance. With a PPO plan, your out-of-pocket cost is typically $25 to $175 depending on surfaces and plan details. Molar fillings cost more because access is harder and molar cavities are frequently larger by the time they are caught, often spanning multiple tooth surfaces.
What does a filling and cleaning cost together?
If you need a routine cleaning and a filling in the same calendar year, expect to pay $280 to $600 together without insurance, or $0 to $150 out of pocket with a PPO plan. Cleanings are typically covered at 80 to 100 percent by most plans – sometimes with no cost to you at all – while the filling is covered at 70 to 80 percent after your deductible. Having both done once your deductible is met makes the most financial sense.
How can I find a low-cost cavity filling near me?
The most reliable low-cost options are dental school clinics (50 to 70 percent below private rates), Federally Qualified Health Centers at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov (sliding-scale fees based on income), and in-house dental membership plans offered by many private practices for $150 to $350 per year. Dental discount plans through services like DentalPlans.com also provide 20 to 50 percent reductions at participating offices. State dental association community events occasionally offer free fillings.
Why does the cost to fill a cavity vary so much between dentists?
Four factors drive the variation: geographic location (major coastal cities cost 30 to 60 percent more than rural areas for identical procedures), practice type (boutique or specialist practices charge more than community clinics), filling material (composite costs more than amalgam; ceramic or gold costs significantly more than both), and cavity complexity (number of surfaces involved and the tooth’s position in the mouth). Calling practices and asking for their fee on ADA code D2391 is the fastest way to compare pricing in your area.
What does current guidance say about cavity filling materials?
According to MedlinePlus, dental fillings are the standard treatment for tooth decay once it has progressed past early demineralization. The American Dental Association supports both composite and amalgam as safe, effective filling materials for adults. The FDA updated its amalgam recommendations in 2020, advising that certain groups – pregnant women, children under 6, people with kidney disease – should avoid amalgam when alternatives are available. For most adults, the choice between composite and amalgam is primarily one of cost, aesthetics, and durability.