It typically costs around 100–300 USD per tooth to fill a small–moderate cavity , but the price can be lower or much higher depending on the material, tooth, and where you live.

Typical price ranges (per tooth)

These are rough national ranges in the U.S. for a single filling on one tooth.

  • Simple small filling: about 120–300 USD (one surface of the tooth).
  • Larger / multi‑surface filling: about 200–600 USD.
  • Overall “average” ballpark: many sources cluster around 150–300 USD per filling , though some offices quote averages near 200–260 USD.

If your dentist recommends an inlay/onlay (porcelain or gold), the cost can jump into the hundreds to over 1,000 USD per tooth.

Cost by filling material

Different materials have very different price brackets.

  • Silver amalgam (basic “metal” filling)
    • Roughly 100–250+ USD for a small filling.
* Often the lowest‑cost option.
  • Composite resin (tooth‑colored, most common now)
    • Typical averages around 190–250 USD , with ranges from about 135–400+ USD , depending on size and tooth.
* More aesthetic, usually a bit more than amalgam.
  • Gold filling
    • Often 400–800+ USD , sometimes higher for large restorations.
* Very durable but expensive and not tooth‑colored.
  • Porcelain/ceramic (inlay/onlay)
    • Commonly 500–1,200+ USD , with some guides listing up to ~1,700–2,800 USD for complex cases.
* Tooth‑colored, used when a large part of the tooth needs rebuilding.

Think of it like choosing phone models: same basic function, but premium materials and aesthetics raise the price.

With vs. without insurance

  • With dental insurance
    • Many plans cover preventive and basic restorative care (like fillings) at 50–80% after your deductible, especially if you use an in‑network dentist.
* Your out‑of‑pocket might be closer to **50–150 USD** for a typical composite filling, but it varies by plan and annual maximums.
  • Without insurance
    • You pay the full procedure plus any exam, X‑rays, and anesthesia fees.
    • Many practices quote about 120–300 USD for a small filling and 200–600 USD for larger ones , as above.
* Some chains and local clinics offer **discount plans, cash discounts, or payment plans** to bring the cost down.

Other things that change the price

Dentists often explain that the price depends on a bundle of factors, not just “a cavity.”

  • Size and complexity of the cavity – one tiny spot vs. several surfaces or an old filling to replace.
  • Tooth location – front teeth are usually easier and cheaper than back molars.
  • Where you live – big‑city, high‑cost‑of‑living areas often charge more than small towns.
  • Extra procedures – X‑rays, numbing, possible sedation, or a build‑up can add to the bill.
  • Type of clinic – corporate chains, private practices, dental schools, and community clinics can all have different fee structures.

An example: a small composite filling on a front tooth at a dental school clinic might be under 150 USD, while a large porcelain onlay on a molar in a high‑end city practice could exceed 1,000 USD for that one tooth.

How to get a realistic quote (and save)

Because online ranges are broad, the only way to know your actual cost is to ask a specific office for an estimate with your X‑rays. To get the most accurate number, you can ask:

  1. “What is the total cost for this filling, including exam, X‑rays, and anesthesia?”
  1. “What are the price differences between amalgam vs. composite (and any other options) for this tooth?”
  1. “Do you offer a discount for paying in full, or any membership/discount plan?”
  1. “If I have insurance, what will my estimated out‑of‑pocket be after coverage?”

Many dentists also point out that treating a cavity early is much cheaper than waiting ; delaying can turn a simple filling into a root canal and crown, which can run into the thousands of dollars per tooth.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.