Dental Fillings
Expect to pay $55-$2,400 for dental fillings at a typical dental office, or $55-$580 through discount programs and dental schools.
Dental fillings repair cavities by removing decay and filling the space with composite or amalgam material.
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$55-$2,400
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$55-$580
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 23 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2915 | Re-Cement or Re-Bond Cast or Prefabricated Post | $55-$225 | $98-$155 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2940 | Protective Restoration | $55-$225 | $98-$155 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2920 | Re-Cement or Re-Bond Crown | $55-$225 | $98-$155 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2140 | Amalgam Filling - One Surface | $75-$275 | $120-$185 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2330 | Composite Filling - One Surface, Anterior | $80-$300 | $135-$210 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2150 | Amalgam Filling - Two Surfaces | $90-$340 | $145-$225 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2391 | Composite Filling - One Surface, Posterior | $90-$340 | $150-$235 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2331 | Composite Filling - Two Surfaces, Anterior | $100-$375 | $168-$260 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2160 | Amalgam Filling - Three Surfaces | $110-$400 | $175-$275 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2392 | Composite Filling - Two Surfaces, Posterior | $115-$425 | $190-$295 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2332 | Composite Filling - Three Surfaces, Anterior | $120-$450 | $200-$315 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2930 | Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crown - Primary | $130-$450 | $215-$335 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2393 | Composite Filling - Three Surfaces, Posterior | $140-$520 | $232-$365 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2335 | Composite Filling - Four+ Surfaces, Anterior | $140-$525 | $240-$375 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2950 | Core Build-up Including Pins | $150-$550 | $250-$400 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2394 | Composite Filling - Four+ Surfaces, Posterior | $165-$615 | $275-$430 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2954 | Prefabricated Post and Core | $175-$625 | $290-$455 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2710 | Crown - Resin-Based Composite | $425-$1,425 | $662-$1,038 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2751 | Crown - Porcelain Fused to Predominantly Base Metal | $500-$1,800 | $820-$1,300 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2750 | Crown - Porcelain Fused to Metal | $550-$1,900 | $850-$1,350 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2740 | Crown - Porcelain/Ceramic | $600-$2,000 | $900-$1,400 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2752 | Crown - Porcelain Fused to Noble Metal | $650-$2,200 | $975-$1,520 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D2790 | Crown - Full Cast High Noble Metal | $700-$2,400 | $1,050-$1,650 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for dental fillings helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
What's Included
- Anesthesia
- Decay Removal
- Filling Placement
Recovery Time
Same day recovery
Dental Fillings FAQs
How much does a dental filling cost without insurance?
Dental fillings cost $150-$450 depending on the material and size. Amalgam (silver) fillings cost $100-$250, while composite (tooth-colored) fillings cost $150-$450. The number of surfaces affected increases the cost. Most patients prefer composite for aesthetics despite the higher price.
How long do dental fillings last?
Amalgam fillings last 10-15 years, while composite fillings last 5-10 years. Gold fillings can last 15-30 years but are the most expensive. Regular dental checkups help detect when fillings need replacement before they fail.
Does getting a filling hurt?
Modern fillings use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. The injection itself may cause brief discomfort. The entire procedure takes 30-60 minutes, and you can eat normally once numbness wears off.
Where to Get Dental Fillings for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.