A tooth filling is a dental procedure used to treat cavities and restore damaged teeth. They replace tooth structure that has been lost due to decay or fracture and can help prevent further damage. Whether you have dental insurance or not, understanding the cost of fillings and coverage options can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.

How much does a tooth filling cost?

The cost of a tooth filling depends on your individual health needs, the details of your dental benefits plan, and the materials used to create the filling. 

• Composite fillings are made with tooth-colored resin material. The price for composite fillings can vary based on the number of surfaces being filled and where the fillings are placed in your mouth. But on average, costs without insurance are $145 to $480 for front teeth and $165 to $530 for back teeth.¹
• Amalgam (silver) fillings are made of a metal alloy containing silver, mercury, tin, copper, and other trace metals. They are durable, used mostly for back teeth, and less expensive than composite fillings. On average, the cost without insurance for amalgam fillings are $110 to $455 dollars, depending on the number of surfaces being filled.²

Use our cost estimator tool to discover price ranges for a tooth filling in your area. 

What does the price of a filling include?

Generally, price includes the materials used, local anesthesia, and your dentist’s time to complete the procedure. The exact inclusions will vary based on your individual needs.

Are there alternatives to fillings?

Treatment options for cavities and tooth decay will vary depending on the severity. Your dentist may suggest one of the following treatments to restore your tooth:

• Fluoride treatments: If decay is mild and still just on the surface/in the enamel, it may be reversed with professional fluoride treatments.
• Crowns: If the decay is deep or extensive, your dentist may not be able to restore your tooth with a filling. In those cases, they may remove the decay and put a crown over the tooth to protect it.
• Tooth extractions: Usually reserved as a last resort, a severely decayed or fractured tooth may need to be removed.
• Root canals: When decay is deep and has reached the pulp of the tooth, a root canal is the most common way to treat it. 

Are fillings covered by insurance?

Dental plans typically cover between 50-80% of the cost of basic procedures, including fillings. Coverage will depend on your dental benefits plan and the type of filling you receive. 

Does Delta Dental offer insurance that covers fillings?

Yes. Delta Dental offers a range of insurance plans that cover composite and silver fillings.

• If you have dental benefits, speak with your group benefit administrator or log in online to learn more about what your plan covers.
• If you need dental coverage, you can browse individual and family plan options on our website.

How can I pay for the remaining costs not covered by dental insurance?

While dental benefits can significantly reduce the costs of dental care, there are other ways you can lower your remaining expenses. These options include:

• Payment plans: Many dentists offer payment plans to patients to spread out the cost of fillings over time. Talk to your dentist to learn more.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): HSAs let you set aside money (pre-tax) to help pay for qualified medical expenses such as dental procedures and fillings. Savings roll over from year to year. Check if your employer’s health benefit plan offers an HSA.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): These employer-funded health plans reimburse employees tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs are similar to HSAs but with some differences. They are employer-provided, have lower contribution limits, and typically do not allow you to carry over funds from year to year. 

It is important to note that fillings do not always qualify under your HSA, HRA, or FSA, so check the details of your plan to see if your procedure qualifies.

Talk to your dentist about fillings

Cavities are preventable with good brushing and flossing routines. However, if you do get a cavity, having a filling placed is an easy way to repair your tooth and preserve your oral health. If you think you may need a filling, you can find nearby dentists using our dentist finder tool.