How much does a Filling cost in Oregon?
Underlined terms link to definitions in the Pearl Dental Glossary.
What is this procedure?
About this procedure
A composite filling is a tooth-colored resin used to repair a cavity or small chip in a tooth. The dentist removes the decayed portion, bonds the composite material to the tooth, shapes it, and hardens it with a curing light. Composite fillings are used on both front and back teeth and have largely replaced older silver amalgam fillings in most practices. A typical filling lasts 5–10 years, though placement, location, and chewing forces affect lifespan.
Filling fees are billed by surface — a one-surface filling is less expensive than a three-surface filling on the same tooth. Knowing how many surfaces are involved before you sit down helps avoid surprise charges on the bill.
Price factors
What affects the cost?
- Number of tooth surfaces being filled
- Size of the cavity
- Tooth location (back teeth require more material)
- Whether an old amalgam filling is being replaced
- Geographic market and dentist overhead
By city
Cities we cover
Pearl has city-level pricing in these covered cities. Click a city to see local fee ranges, what affects the quote, and your estimated out-of-pocket.
Quote checker
What should your quote include?
Different offices bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.
Usually included in the quoted price
- Resin composite material and bonding agent
- Preparation and shaping
- Bite adjustment and polish
- Local anesthesia if needed
Often billed separately — ask before you agree
- Confirm whether X-rays are billed separately
Health stakes
What happens if you delay treatment?
Restorative procedures are usually recommended once a tooth has lost too much structure to remain stable on its own. Waiting rarely makes the situation simpler.
- Small cavity becomes a larger one, reaching the pulp
- Root canal becomes necessary if decay reaches the nerve
- Tooth can fracture without the support a filling provides
- Total treatment cost escalates significantly with delay
Before you agree
Questions to ask your dentist
A good dentist won't mind these. Print this list or take a photo before your next visit.
- How many surfaces is this filling?
- Is local anesthesia included in the price?
- Will you be matching the shade to my tooth?
- How long should a composite filling last?
- Is the X-ray needed today, and is it included?
- What signs indicate I need to come back sooner?
Coverage
Insurance & coverage notes
Insurance coverage varies by procedure type. For Composite Filling, typical coverage tiers are: No Insurance $150 – $350, Basic Insurance $30 – $120, Major Insurance $0 – $60.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between composite and amalgam fillings?
Composite is a tooth-colored resin that bonds to the tooth; amalgam is a silver-colored alloy that mechanically fits into the cavity. Most practices use composite as the default today. Amalgam is durable and cheaper but very visible, and many patients and dentists prefer composite for cosmetic reasons.
Does insurance cover composite fillings?
Most PPO plans cover composite fillings on front teeth at the same rate as amalgam, and some cover composite on back teeth as well. A few older plans only cover composite at the amalgam rate, leaving the patient responsible for the difference. Check with your plan.
How long do composite fillings last?
A well-placed composite filling typically lasts 5–10 years on a back tooth and longer on a front tooth where chewing forces are lower. Replacement is common over the lifetime of the tooth.
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What does this cost in your city?
Pearl's cost data is calculated for every U.S. ZIP. Search your area to see local fee ranges, what insurance typically pays, and your estimated out-of-pocket.
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