A cavity filling costs $170 to $450 per tooth in 2026
Pearl's May 2026 figures, built on ADA fee survey data, put a tooth colored filling at $170 to $450, about $260 on average. Fillings are billed per surface, so a one surface filling costs far less than a four surface one. Most PPO plans pay 70 to 80 percent.
Cost by filling size
| Average filling | $170 to $450, about $260 (Pearl, May 2026). |
|---|---|
| One surface composite | $170 to $300. |
| Three or four surfaces | $400 to $600. |
| Silver amalgam | Usually $30 to $80 less per filling. |
| With a PPO plan | Often 70 to 80 percent covered. |
What pushes a quote up
| Surfaces | Each extra surface adds cost. |
|---|---|
| Material | Tooth colored composite costs a little more than silver. |
| Tooth | Back teeth usually need bigger fillings. |
| X-rays | Often a separate line. |
| Sedation | Extra beyond numbing. |
Cavity filling cost by region
| Lower cost states | $135 to $350. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $170 to $450. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $220 to $575. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Suburban and community offices often charge 15 to 30 percent less than dense metro practices.
Why two fillings on one bill can cost very different amounts
The dentist removes the decay, cleans the hole and fills it, usually with tooth colored resin. Pearl notes the fee depends on how many surfaces of the tooth are involved, so ask that number before you sit down.
Fixing a small cavity early is the cheapest dental work there is. Left alone, decay can reach the nerve and turn into a root canal and a crown, which cost many times more.
When a filling is too big
If the cavity covers more than about half the tooth, a filling is likely to fail. Your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay or a crown instead. A second opinion is fair before a bigger job.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask how many surfaces.
- Ask which material.
- Ask if X-rays are extra.
- Ask how long it should last.
- Ask the price before a crown is suggested.
Ways to pay less
- Fix cavities early.
- Use preventive visits to catch them small.
- Check a dental savings plan.
- Try a dental school clinic.
Before you decide
This page covers prices only. It is not medical or dental advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what treatment you need, and ask for a written estimate and your insurer's pre-authorization before you start.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much is a filling without insurance?
About $170 to $450, around $260 on average.
Is a silver filling cheaper?
Yes, usually $30 to $80 less.
Does insurance cover fillings?
Most PPO plans pay 70 to 80 percent after the deductible.
How long does a filling last?
About 5 to 10 years on a back tooth, longer on front teeth.