Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
You felt the twinge. You ignored it. Now your dentist says you need a filling — and it’s going to cost you. But how much are we talking? A minor repair… or a major bill?
Let’s drill into it. (Pun 100% intended.)
💡 Quick Answer:
Type of Filling |
With Insurance |
Without Insurance |
Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
Silver Amalgam |
$30 – $100 |
$75 – $200 |
10–15 years |
Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored) |
$90 – $250 |
$150 – $450 |
5–10 years |
Ceramic (Porcelain) |
$250 – $500 |
$400 – $1,000+ |
15+ years |
Gold |
$400 – $700 |
$600 – $1,500 |
20+ years |
🧾 National average (without insurance): $200–$300 per filling
🛠️ Cost Depends On…
Factor |
Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
Material Type |
Composite & porcelain = $$$ |
Tooth Location |
Molars cost more (harder to reach + larger cavity) |
Cavity Size/Depth |
Bigger = more material = higher cost |
Dentist Experience |
Cosmetic specialists charge more |
Insurance Coverage |
Might only cover amalgam (not cosmetic fillings) |
X-rays/Exam Fees |
May be added to the total bill |
🏷️ Real-World Cost Examples by City
City |
Composite Filling (No Insurance) |
Silver Amalgam |
|---|---|---|
Los Angeles, CA |
$250 – $400 |
$150 – $200 |
Dallas, TX |
$180 – $300 |
$100 – $160 |
Chicago, IL |
$200 – $350 |
$120 – $180 |
New York, NY |
$300 – $450 |
$150 – $250 |
Phoenix, AZ |
$150 – $275 |
$90 – $160 |
🦷 Composite vs. Amalgam: The Showdown
Feature |
Composite (White) |
Amalgam (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
Looks Natural |
✅ Yes |
❌ Nope |
Cost |
❌ Higher |
✅ Cheaper |
Durability |
⚠️ Less in large fillings |
✅ Very strong |
Used on Front Teeth? |
✅ Ideal |
❌ Never |
Insurance-Friendly |
❌ May not be fully covered |
✅ Usually covered 100% |
📉 How to Lower Filling Costs
- Ask for amalgam if you’re on a budget (especially for back teeth)
- Use dental schools for discounted treatment
- Check in-network vs. out-of-network pricing
- Use an FSA or HSA to pay tax-free
- Ask your dentist for a payment plan (most offer it, few advertise it)
💭 Final Thoughts: Cheap Now or Root Canal Later?
Look, skipping a filling now to save $200 could turn into a $1,500 root canal + $1,000 crown later. So yeah, it sucks — but it’s the lesser evil.
Get it filled. Don’t wait for the pain (and bill) to grow.
🔚 Bottom Line
- Without insurance? Expect $150–$450 depending on material
- With insurance? Composite may still cost extra — check your plan
- Silver is cheap, white looks better, gold is for people with yacht money
- Delay = decay = pay
