How Much Does Dental Filling Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Dental Filling Include?
Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by cavities (decay). The dentist removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the area, and fills the cavity with a restorative material. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are now the most common type.
The national average cost for dental filling is $250 per filling. Most homeowners pay between $100 and $500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Material
Amalgam (silver): $75-$200. Composite (tooth-colored): $150-$350. Ceramic/porcelain: $250-$500. Gold: $300-$700
Surfaces
Single surface: $100-$200. Two surfaces: $150-$300. Three+ surfaces: $200-$500
Size
Small cavity: $100-$200. Medium: $200-$350. Large (near pulp): $300-$500
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Filling material (composite, amalgam, ceramic, gold)
- ✓Number of tooth surfaces involved
- ✓Tooth location
- ✓Cavity size
- ✓Dentist experience
- ✓Insurance coverage
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Most dental insurance covers fillings at 50-80% after deductible
- 2.Amalgam (silver) fillings cost 30-50% less than composite — fine for back teeth
- 3.Address cavities early — small fillings cost half as much as large ones and prevent root canals
- 4.Dental schools offer fillings at 50-70% discount
📈 Dental Filling Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.9% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $212 | — |
| 2021 | $221 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $235 | +6.3% |
| 2023 | $242 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $250 | +3.3% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Dental Filling Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $82 | $205 | $410 |
| Alaska | $128 | $320 | $640 |
| Arizona | $95 | $238 | $475 |
| Arkansas | $80 | $200 | $400 |
| California | $135 | $338 | $675 |
| Colorado | $108 | $270 | $540 |
| Connecticut | $122 | $305 | $610 |
| Delaware | $105 | $263 | $525 |
| Florida | $98 | $245 | $490 |
| Georgia | $90 | $225 | $450 |
| Hawaii | $142 | $355 | $710 |
| Idaho | $92 | $230 | $460 |
| Illinois | $105 | $263 | $525 |
| Indiana | $88 | $220 | $440 |
| Iowa | $86 | $215 | $430 |
| Kansas | $85 | $213 | $425 |
| Kentucky | $84 | $210 | $420 |
| Louisiana | $87 | $218 | $435 |
| Maine | $102 | $255 | $510 |
| Maryland | $115 | $288 | $575 |
| Massachusetts | $130 | $325 | $650 |
| Michigan | $92 | $230 | $460 |
| Minnesota | $102 | $255 | $510 |
| Mississippi | $78 | $195 | $390 |
| Missouri | $87 | $218 | $435 |
| Montana | $95 | $238 | $475 |
| Nebraska | $88 | $220 | $440 |
| Nevada | $102 | $255 | $510 |
| New Hampshire | $112 | $280 | $560 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $313 | $625 |
| New Mexico | $90 | $225 | $450 |
| New York | $132 | $330 | $660 |
| North Carolina | $90 | $225 | $450 |
| North Dakota | $90 | $225 | $450 |
| Ohio | $90 | $225 | $450 |
| Oklahoma | $83 | $208 | $415 |
| Oregon | $110 | $275 | $550 |
| Pennsylvania | $102 | $255 | $510 |
| Rhode Island | $115 | $288 | $575 |
| South Carolina | $87 | $218 | $435 |
| South Dakota | $85 | $213 | $425 |
| Tennessee | $86 | $215 | $430 |
| Texas | $93 | $233 | $465 |
| Utah | $95 | $238 | $475 |
| Vermont | $108 | $270 | $540 |
| Virginia | $105 | $263 | $525 |
| Washington | $115 | $288 | $575 |
| West Virginia | $80 | $200 | $400 |
| Wisconsin | $94 | $235 | $470 |
| Wyoming | $92 | $230 | $460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental fillings last?
Amalgam: 10-15 years. Composite: 5-10 years. Ceramic: 15+ years. Gold: 20+ years. Longevity depends on location, size, oral hygiene, and grinding habits.
Do fillings hurt?
With local anesthesia, you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure. After the anesthesia wears off (1-3 hours), mild sensitivity is normal for a few days to 2 weeks.
🏙️ Dental Filling Cost by City
Compare dental filling costs in the most popular US cities:
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Real costs reported by homeowners for Dental Filling
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