A cavity filling without insurance usually costs about $100 to $450 per tooth in the United States. Amalgam (silver) fillings sit at the low end, and tooth-coloured composite fillings are typically in the middle. Gold, porcelain and large multi-surface repairs can cost considerably more.
Prices vary by region and dentist, so use these figures as a guide and ask for a written estimate before treatment.
Cavity Filling Cost by Material (Typical Ranges)
| Filling type | Typical cost per tooth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (silver) | $100 to $250 | Durable and the cheapest option, but visible |
| Composite (tooth-coloured) | $150 to $450 | Matches the tooth, most common choice for front teeth |
| Large or multi-surface composite | $200 to $600 | More time and material |
| Gold or porcelain inlay | $600 and up | Lab-made, often two visits |
These are estimates compiled from typical US dental fee ranges, not a quote. Check with local dentists for your area.
What Affects the Price of a Filling
- Material: amalgam costs least, composite more, gold and porcelain the most.
- Size and depth: a bigger cavity, or one touching several tooth surfaces, takes more time.
- Tooth location: back teeth are harder to reach and often cost more.
- Where you live: city practices often charge more than rural ones.
- Extras: X-rays and the exam are often billed separately.
What Happens During a Filling
- The dentist numbs the area.
- Decayed material is removed with a drill or similar tool.
- The cavity is cleaned and the filling placed and shaped.
- Composite is hardened with a curing light, then your bite is checked.
Most fillings take under an hour. Per the CDC, small cavities can sometimes be halted early, but larger ones need a filling, and a cavity near the nerve may need a root canal.
How to Pay Less Without Insurance
- Ask for the cash or self-pay price, which is often lower than the listed fee.
- Try a dental school clinic, where supervised students treat patients at reduced fees.
- Look for community health centres with sliding-scale fees.
- Ask about payment plans or a dental discount plan.
- Treat early. A small filling costs far less than a root canal and crown.
Is It Worth Waiting?
No. Untreated decay keeps growing and can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss, which cost much more to fix. If you have a cracked tooth as well, see our guide to fixing a cracked tooth. For a different view of the same treatment, read the cost to fix a cavity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cavity filling cost without insurance?
Typically about $100 to $450 per tooth in the US. Amalgam is cheapest, composite costs more, and gold or porcelain can be $600 or more.
Is composite or amalgam cheaper?
Amalgam is usually cheaper, at about $100 to $250, while composite is typically $150 to $450 but matches the colour of your tooth.
Can I get a filling cheaper without insurance?
Yes. Ask for the self-pay price, try a dental school or community health centre, or ask about a payment plan.
What happens if I do not fill a cavity?
Decay keeps spreading and can cause pain, infection and tooth loss, and may lead to a root canal or extraction that costs more than a filling.
