Cavities happen. Even if you brush and floss religiously, about 90% of adults have had at least one cavity by age 40. The good news? Getting a cavity filled is one of the most straightforward (and common) dental procedures out there. The less good news? Costs vary a lot depending on what type of filling you get.
Let's break down what you'll actually pay in 2026.
Types of Dental Fillings
Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored)
The most popular choice these days. Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin that blends in with your natural teeth. They bond directly to the tooth structure and work on both front and back teeth.
Cost: $150–$400 per tooth
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Silver Amalgam
The old-school silver fillings your parents probably have. They're made from a mix of metals (silver, mercury, tin, copper) and are extremely durable. They're less popular now because they're visible, but they still have their place — especially for back teeth where appearance doesn't matter as much.
Cost: $75–$200 per tooth
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Glass Ionomer
These fillings release fluoride over time, which can help prevent future decay. They're often used for small cavities, in children's teeth, and for fillings below the gumline. They're not as durable as other options.
Cost: $100–$250 per tooth
Lifespan: 5–7 years
Ceramic/Porcelain (Inlays/Onlays)
Custom-made in a dental lab, ceramic fillings are stain-resistant and very durable. They're the premium option — typically used when a filling is large or for patients who want the most natural-looking, longest-lasting restoration.
Cost: $800–$1,200 per tooth
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Gold Fillings
Rarely used anymore, but gold fillings are incredibly durable. Most dental offices don't offer them routinely — they're typically custom-ordered.
Cost: $400–$700 per tooth
Lifespan: 15–30 years
Filling Cost Comparison Table
| Filling Type | Cost Per Tooth | Lifespan | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Amalgam | $75–$200 | 10–15 years | Silver/dark | Back teeth, budget-friendly |
| Composite Resin | $150–$400 | 5–10 years | Tooth-colored | Visible teeth, most popular |
| Glass Ionomer | $100–$250 | 5–7 years | Tooth-colored | Small cavities, kids' teeth |
| Gold | $400–$700 | 15–30 years | Gold | Maximum durability |
| Ceramic/Porcelain | $800–$1,200 | 15–20 years | Tooth-colored | Large fillings, premium option |
What Affects the Cost of a Filling?
- Size of the cavity: A small surface filling costs less than a large, multi-surface filling
- Location in the mouth: Back teeth (molars) can be harder to access and may cost more
- Number of surfaces: Dentists categorize fillings by how many tooth surfaces are involved — one-surface fillings are cheapest, three-surface fillings cost the most
- Material chosen: Amalgam is cheapest, ceramic is most expensive
- Dentist's location and experience: Prices in Salt Lake City may differ from rural Utah communities
- Additional needs: If the cavity is near the nerve, a pulp cap or liner may be needed, adding $50–$100
Does Insurance Cover Fillings?
Yes — fillings are typically classified as a "basic" procedure and most dental insurance plans cover them at 70–80% after your deductible.
- With insurance, your cost for a composite filling: $30–$120 per tooth
- With insurance, your cost for an amalgam filling: $15–$60 per tooth
- Important note: Some insurance plans cover amalgam fillings at a higher rate than composite. If you choose composite, you may pay the difference out of pocket (called a "downgrade"). Ask your insurance company before your appointment.
- Utah Medicaid: Covers both amalgam and composite fillings for adults and children
How to Know If You Have a Cavity
Cavities don't always hurt — especially in the early stages. That's why regular dental check-ups are so important. Symptoms to watch for:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Visible holes or dark spots on your teeth
- Pain when biting down
- Spontaneous toothache
Don't wait for pain to see a dentist. A small cavity that costs $150 to fill can turn into a root canal ($700–$1,500) or crown ($1,000–$1,500) if you let it grow. Read more about how to choose a dentist in Utah to find the right provider for you.
Utah Filling Costs: How We Compare
The good news for Utahns is that filling costs in our state tend to be right at or slightly below the national average. According to CareCredit's state-by-state pricing data, the average dental exam in Utah costs about $203 — right at the national median. This extends to most restorative procedures including fillings.
Utah also benefits from a competitive dental market, especially along the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake City to Provo). With hundreds of general dentists in the area, many compete on pricing and offer cash-pay discounts of 5–15%. If you're paying out of pocket, don't be shy about asking for a discount or getting quotes from multiple offices. Our guide to dental costs without insurance has more strategies.
For families with kids who seem to get cavities no matter how much you monitor their brushing (we've all been there), consider asking about sealants. At about $42 per tooth, they're one of the most cost-effective preventive measures — they reduce cavity risk on molars by up to 80% in the first two years.
What to Expect During a Filling
- Numbing: Local anesthesia is applied so you don't feel anything
- Removal: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed with a drill or laser
- Filling: The filling material is placed, shaped, and hardened (composite is cured with a UV light)
- Adjusting: Your dentist checks your bite and makes final adjustments
The whole process takes about 20–60 minutes per tooth. You can usually eat on the filled tooth within a couple hours (though your dentist may recommend waiting for the anesthesia to wear off first so you don't bite your lip).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a filling last?
Composite fillings last 5–10 years on average, amalgam 10–15 years, and ceramic/gold fillings can last 15–30 years. Longevity depends on the size of the filling, where it is in your mouth, and your oral hygiene habits.
Do fillings hurt?
With local anesthesia, you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not pain. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days to weeks afterward.
Should I get composite or amalgam?
For front teeth, composite is the clear choice (it matches your tooth color). For back teeth, both are good options. Amalgam is cheaper and lasts longer, but composite looks better and bonds directly to the tooth. Most patients today prefer composite for all teeth.
Is it safe to have amalgam (mercury) fillings?
According to the American Dental Association and the FDA, amalgam fillings are considered safe for adults and children over age 6. The mercury in amalgam is bound to other metals and is not the same form as the mercury found in fish.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Once a cavity has formed (broken through the enamel), it cannot heal or reverse itself — it needs to be treated by a dentist. However, very early-stage demineralization (pre-cavity spots) can sometimes be remineralized with fluoride treatment, good oral hygiene, and dietary changes. This is one reason regular check-ups matter — your dentist can catch these early signs before they become full cavities that need filling.
How many fillings can be done at once?
Multiple fillings can be done in the same appointment, especially if they're in the same area of the mouth. Your dentist may do up to 4–6 fillings in one visit, depending on size and location. For a lot of work, they may split it into multiple appointments.
What if my cavity is too big for a filling?
If decay is too extensive, your dentist may recommend an inlay/onlay (partial crown) or a full dental crown. If decay reaches the nerve, a root canal may be needed first.
Preventing Future Cavities
The cheapest filling is the one you never need. Here are evidence-based ways to reduce your cavity risk:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste — fluoride is the single most effective cavity-prevention tool we have
- Floss daily — cavities between teeth are extremely common and brushing alone won't prevent them
- Limit sugary and acidic foods — it's not just candy; frequent snacking on carbs and sipping sugary drinks throughout the day is a major cavity driver
- Get dental sealants — especially for kids' molars. At about $42 per tooth, sealants reduce cavity risk by up to 80%
- Regular dental check-ups — professional cleaning removes tartar that brushing can't, and early detection catches small cavities before they become big ones
- Consider prescription-strength fluoride rinse — if you're cavity-prone, your dentist can prescribe a high-concentration fluoride rinse
When a Filling Isn't Enough
Sometimes a cavity has progressed beyond what a simple filling can fix. Here's when your dentist might recommend something more extensive:
- Large cavities (50%+ of tooth): An inlay or onlay ($800–$1,200) covers more of the tooth than a standard filling and is more durable for large restorations.
- Deep decay near the nerve: A dental crown ($1,000–$1,500) may be needed after removing extensive decay. If the nerve is compromised, a root canal ($700–$1,500) comes first.
- Cracked or split tooth: If the crack extends below the gumline, extraction may be the only option. See our tooth extraction cost guide.
The lesson here: catching cavities early saves money. A $200 filling today prevents a $2,500 crown-and-root-canal combo six months from now.
Find a Dentist for Your Filling
Most general dentists perform fillings. Use our dentist finder to browse providers near you, read reviews, and find a dentist who fits your needs and budget.
Sources: CareCredit Dental Procedure Costs 2026, Cigna Cavity Filling Cost Guide, Humana Filling Cost Guide, ADA on Dental Amalgam Safety