Cavity Filling Cost Without Insurance: Prices by Material

Q: How much does a cavity filling cost without insurance?

Composite: $75–$300. Amalgam: $50–$150. Dental discount plans cut costs 20–50% with no waiting period.

Q: Is amalgam or composite filling cheaper?

Amalgam $50–$150, composite $75–$300. Composite is now standard; amalgam cheaper for back molars where appearance matters less.

Composite $75–$300 · Amalgam $50–$150 · With insurance $0–$50 · Dental discount plans as alternative

$75–$300Composite (tooth-colored)

$50–$150Amalgam (silver)

$0–$50With insurance copay

$80–$200Dental discount plan/yr

ℹ️ Informational only. Always consult a licensed dentist for diagnosis and treatment. This content is not dental or medical advice.

⚡ Quick Answer

A cavity filling costs $75–$300 per tooth without insurance for composite (tooth-colored) fillings — the most common type. Silver amalgam fillings run $50–$150 and are cheaper but less cosmetically appealing. With dental insurance, most plans cover fillings at 70–80% after your deductible — you typically pay $0–$50 copay. Without insurance, dental discount plans ($80–$200/year) cut costs 20–50% at member dentists with no waiting periods.

Cavity Filling Cost by Material and Surface

Filling Type	1 Surface	2 Surfaces	3+ Surfaces
Composite resin (tooth-colored)	$75–$150	$120–$200	$175–$300
Amalgam (silver)	$50–$100	$80–$130	$100–$150
Ceramic / porcelain (inlay)	$250–$450	$350–$600	$500–$900
Gold (inlay)	$400–$700	$500–$900	$700–$1,200

A "surface" refers to how many sides of the tooth the cavity covers. Most small cavities require 1–2 surfaces. A tooth with severe decay touching 3+ surfaces may need a crown instead of a filling.

What Affects the Price

Location of tooth: Front teeth (incisors, canines) are generally cheaper to fill than molars, which have more complex surfaces.
Size and depth: A small surface cavity takes 15–20 minutes. Deep decay near the pulp may require additional treatment like a pulp cap, adding $50–$100.
Material: Composite costs 30–50% more than amalgam but matches tooth color and is now the standard for most dentists.
Geographic location: Urban markets (NYC, LA, SF) charge 30–50% more than rural areas for identical procedures.
X-rays required: Most dental exams include bitewing X-rays ($25–$75 extra if not included) to identify cavities.

💡 Dental school clinics: 30–50% below market rate. Accredited dental schools in most major cities offer cavity fillings performed by supervised dental students at significantly reduced prices. Quality is the same — students are closely supervised by licensed professors. Search "[your city] dental school clinic" to find one near you.

Find Affordable Dental Care Near You

Careington Dental Discount Plan — No Insurance Needed

$80–$150/year. 20–50% off at 100,000+ dentists. No waiting periods, no claim forms, no annual maximum. Activate same day — best for uninsured patients needing work soon.

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Also need a crown?

See our Dental Crown Cost → for full pricing by material and how dental discount plans compare to insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cavity filling cost without insurance?

A composite (tooth-colored) filling costs $75–$300 per tooth without insurance depending on the number of surfaces and tooth location. Silver amalgam fillings run $50–$150. Dental discount plans ($80–$200/year) cut these costs by 20–50% with no waiting period — often cheaper than buying dental insurance for a single filling.

Is amalgam or composite filling cheaper?

Amalgam (silver) fillings are cheaper at $50–$150 vs composite at $75–$300. However, most dentists now default to composite because it bonds better to the tooth and matches its color. Some patients prefer amalgam for back molars where appearance doesn't matter — it's more durable in high-bite-force areas.