Dental filling cost at Aspen Dental
Knowing filling cost supports confident planning.
Understanding dental filling cost can help you plan for the care you need, fillings repair teeth affected by decay. Your Aspen Dental provider will explain what affects cost, including the filling material, where the tooth is located, and the size of the cavity, then help you choose the option that works best for your smile and your budget.
How much does tooth filling cost?
On average, our patients pay $249¹ per dental filling.
Before treatment begins, your Aspen Dental provider will share a clear estimate and help you understand how your insurance or third-party financing options may support your care.
A dental filling includes removing decay, preparing the tooth and placing the final restoration. Treating a cavity early can help prevent it from becoming a larger concern that may require more advanced treatment later. Your Aspen Dental team will help you feel confident about your plan by reviewing your options and creating a treatment approach that fits your needs and your budget.
¹This average price of a tooth filling is an approximation based on 2025 internal data and may not reflect the actual cost you will encounter due to individual factors. Price range varies from $158 to $360. For location specific pricing, please click here.
Tooth filling cost with insurance
Dental insurance can help lower your tooth filling cost and reduce what you pay out of pocket. Coverage varies by plan, so your Aspen Dental provider will review your benefits with you before treatment begins. This helps you understand how your plan applies and what portion of the cost may remain.
Your Aspen Dental team will verify your benefits, submit claims on your behalf and explain your coverage in simple terms. They also help you plan treatment around annual maximums so you can make the most of your insurance. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices.
Tooth filling cost without insurance
If you’re looking for tooth filling cost without insurance, Aspen Dental offers several ways to help make your care more affordable. Your provider will walk you through each option and help you choose what works best for your needs and your budget. Your Aspen Dental provider discusses all payment options during your consultation. No patient should delay needed care due to cost concerns.
Aspen Dental Savings Plan²
The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is a good option for patients without insurance. For a $49 yearly membership, you receive free exams and X-rays and discounts on eligible dental services. It can be a simple way to save on your filling and other treatments.
²The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
Payment plans & financing
Aspen Dental partners with third-party financing lenders to offer flexible monthly payment plans. Many patients who apply are approved, making it easier to manage the cost of your filling over time. Your care team can help you apply in office and explain how financing fits with your treatment plan.
Early treatment saves money
Cavities tend to grow over time, so filling them early often costs less than waiting until they need more involved treatment. Regular checkups can help catch cavities when they are small, which keeps care simpler and more affordable.
Your Aspen Dental provider discusses all payment options during your consultation. No patient should delay needed care due to cost concerns.
What affects the cost of a dental filling?
Several factors can affect the cost of filling dental treatment. Understanding these details can help you plan your care with confidence. Every smile is unique, so your Aspen Dental care team will explain what applies to you and how it may influence your total cost.
Number of tooth surfaces
The cost of a filling depends in part on how many surfaces of the tooth are affected. Small cavities on one surface often require less material and time, while larger cavities that reach two or three surfaces need more involved restoration. Your provider will look closely at the area during your dental exam and explain what they recommend.
Tooth location
Front teeth often use tooth-colored materials to blend with your smile, which may affect cost. Back teeth may use amalgam fillings or other materials that can withstand chewing forces. Molars can take more time to treat because they are harder to access. Your provider will consider both comfort and appearance when recommending materials.
Cavity size and depth
A small cavity that is treated early typically costs less than a large cavity that has had time to grow. When decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth, your provider may add protective materials to reduce sensitivity. Regular checkups help catch cavities early when treatment is less invasive.
Material choice
The type of material used for your filling can also affect your cost. Tooth-colored composite or porcelain materials may cost more than amalgam due to how they blend with your natural teeth. Your provider will walk you through each option and help you choose the material that fits your goals and your budget.
Save on tooth filling price today
You may be able to save on your tooth filling cost with our 20% offer on dental services.³ Your Aspen Dental provider will review which treatments qualify and how the offer may support your care.
3Not valid for previous or ongoing work and cannot be combined with other discounts or dental discount programs. Not valid on Basic or Classic dentures or orthodontia. Discount taken off usual and customary fees for general dentistry services and does not apply to services rendered by a specialist. Patients with insurance will receive either the 20% discount or insurance plan pricing, whichever discount is greater. Offer expires 12/31/25.
Types of dental fillings
Different filling materials offer their own benefits, and each one can affect your dental filling cost. Understanding these options can help you choose what feels right for your smile and your budget. Your Aspen Dental provider will recommend materials based on tooth location, cavity size and how you want your tooth to look once restored.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings are made from a tooth-colored resin designed to blend well with your natural teeth. They are often used for teeth that show when you smile because the material can be matched to the surrounding shade. Composite fillings bond securely to the tooth and work well for small to medium cavities. Your provider will explain when composite is a good choice based on your treatment needs.
Amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings are silver-colored restorations made from a mix of durable metals. They have been used for many years and are known for their strength, especially for back teeth that handle more chewing pressure. Amalgam can be a more affordable option for molars where appearance is less of a concern.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used for children, small cavities or areas that do not handle heavy chewing. These fillings release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from future tooth decay. Your provider will let you know if this material is a good fit for your situation.
Porcelain inlays and onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used for larger cavities that need more support than a traditional filling. These tooth-colored restorations blend well with your natural teeth and are designed to resist staining. Because they are created in a dental lab, porcelain restorations often cost more than direct fillings and may take an additional step to complete.
Porcelain inlays and onlays can be a strong option when a cavity is too large for a simple filling but does not require a full dental crown. Your Aspen Dental provider will explain when this type of restoration may be a good fit based on your needs and treatment goals.
Your filling material choice can affect both cost and longevity. Your provider will walk you through each option and help you choose the one that supports your smile and fits your budget.
Tooth filling cost FAQs
How much does a cavity filling cost?
How much it costs to fill a cavity depends on the size of the cavity, how many teeth need fillings and the material used. Most dental insurance plans help cover fillings, but benefits can vary. Your Aspen Dental team will review your coverage and help you understand what portion of the cost may remain. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices.
How long do dental fillings last?
Dental fillings can last 5-15 years depending on the material and location. Amalgam fillings can often last 10-15 years with proper care. Composite fillings generally last from 5-10 years. Back teeth fillings can wear faster due to chewing forces. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups and avoiding habits like teeth grinding help fillings last longer.
What is the difference between composite and amalgam fillings?
Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend well with nearby teeth, which makes them a popular choice for visible areas of your smile. Amalgam fillings are silver-colored and are known for their strength in back teeth. Both materials treat cavities effectively. Your Aspen Dental provider will recommend the option that fits your needs based on cavity size, tooth location and appearance preferences.
What is the average cost of cavity filling?
The average cost of cavity filling depends on the extent of the decay, the type of material used and whether sedation is part of your visit. Your Aspen Dental care team will review your plan, verify your insurance benefits and explain how to make treatment more affordable. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices.
Are dental fillings worth the cost?
Dental fillings can be a worthwhile choice because they remove decay and help preserve your natural teeth. Treating a cavity early is often simpler and more affordable than waiting until the tooth needs more advanced care. Your provider will help you understand your options and create a plan that supports your long-term oral health.
How painful is getting a filling?
Many people are surprised by how manageable the filling experience is. Local anesthesia keeps the tooth comfortable during the procedure, and most people feel only light pressure. Any tenderness afterward usually settles within a few days. Treating cavities early often means a quicker, more comfortable visit.
What happens if I don't get a filling?
A cavity that is not treated can grow deeper over time, which may require more involved treatment later. It can also affect nearby teeth and make chewing uncomfortable. Getting a filling early helps protect your oral health and prevents the cavity from spreading. Regular checkups make it easier to catch cavities when treatment is simplest.