Dental Filling Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee based on the type of filling and the number of surfaces involved.
Composite fillings are tooth-coloured and the most common choice today. Amalgam has a metallic appearance; glass ionomer is mostly used in baby teeth.
A cavity may be confined to a single surface or extend across several. The more surfaces involved, the longer the procedure and the higher the fee.
Approximate Clinician Fee (Per Tooth)
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
Surprised?
This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (codes 2-1 to 2-9). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. If fillings are needed across multiple teeth, the total fee will change.
Dental filling prices are one of the most frequently researched topics for patients who need treatment for decay. Dental filling treatment involves cleaning out tooth tissue damaged by decay, wear, or trauma and replacing it with biocompatible filling materials to restore both the aesthetics and function of the tooth. Fillings placed early prevent the need for more advanced treatments down the line — root canal treatment, crowns, or even tooth loss requiring dental implant treatment. For that reason, catching decay early and treating it with the right material is critical to long-term oral health.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, fillings are placed by our clinical team using modern composite materials, LED curing lights, magnification loupes, and rubber dam isolation techniques. The most suitable filling type is chosen for each patient based on the extent of the decay, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s aesthetic expectations.
The cost of a filling varies depending on the number of surfaces involved (one, two, or three), the material used (composite, glass ionomer, amalgam, inlay), the depth of the decay, whether the tooth is anterior or posterior, and any adjunct procedures needed. Filling fees are not calculated “per tooth” as a flat rate — each tooth is assessed and priced based on its clinical condition.
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a restorative treatment in which damaged tooth structure — caused by decay or trauma — is cleaned out and the resulting cavity is filled with a biocompatible material. The aim is to restore the tooth’s chewing function, aesthetic appearance, and overall health. Fillings are used not only for decay but also for replacing failing old fillings, repairing fractured teeth, restoring cervical wear at the necks of teeth, and minor aesthetic corrections.
The vast majority of filling materials used in modern dentistry are tooth-coloured composite resins. Thanks to both their aesthetics and their ability to bond (adhesion) to the tooth, these materials deliver maximum protection with minimal tooth preparation. Amalgam fillings, once widely used, have declined and have largely been replaced by composite fillings. In children and on baby teeth in particular, glass ionomer fillings are preferred for paediatric dentistry work.
Types of Fillings
The different filling materials used in dentistry are designed to provide the best solution for each clinical situation. Material selection depends on the location and scope of the cavity, the patient’s age, and aesthetic expectations:
Composite Filling (White Filling)
Most Common ChoiceA resin-based filling that fully matches the tooth shade and is both aesthetic and durable. Cured with an LED light, it is completed in the same session. Used successfully on both anterior and posterior teeth. Its nano-hybrid structure stands up to chewing forces and preserves the natural shine of the tooth. The standard filling material of modern dentistry.
Glass Ionomer Filling
For Baby TeethA bioactive material that releases fluoride to help protect the surrounding teeth from decay. Bonds chemically to tooth structure. Particularly preferred in paediatric dentistry for baby teeth, in areas close to the tooth roots, and as a temporary filling. Aesthetically more limited than composite.
Amalgam Filling (Silver Filling)
Classic and DurableA traditional filling material made of an alloy of mercury, silver, tin, and copper, used for decades. Extremely durable and economical, but its grey colour is not aesthetic. Its use has declined noticeably with advances in composite fillings. Not preferred in modern dentistry.
Inlay and Onlay Fillings
For Significant Loss of Tooth StructureA laboratory-fabricated filling option for large cavities or fractures. Can be made from composite, porcelain, or ceramic materials. Offers an intermediate solution between direct fillings and crowns. Completed in two sessions — an impression in the first, bonding in the second. Top-tier in both durability and aesthetics.
The Filling Treatment Process
Modern composite filling treatment is completed in a single session but requires careful execution. Each step done correctly contributes to the longevity of the filling:
Examination and Diagnosis
The clinician carries out a clinical examination to assess the extent and depth of the cavity. Where indicated, a radiograph is taken to examine the internal structure of the tooth. At this stage we determine whether the decay is confined to enamel, has reached the dentine, or has involved the pulp. Depending on the depth, we decide whether a filling alone is enough or whether root canal treatment is needed first.
Local Anaesthesia
To ensure the procedure is pain-free, local anaesthesia is administered around the tooth to be treated. Modern anaesthesia techniques use dental needles and fast-acting anaesthetic agents. The gum and surrounding tissues are fully numbed. For very superficial, small fillings, the procedure can sometimes be done without anaesthesia.
Caries Removal
Fine-tipped instruments are used to carefully remove the decayed tissue. Modern dentistry follows a minimally invasive approach — only the decayed tissue is removed, and healthy tooth structure is preserved as much as possible. In deep cavities, a protective liner (pulp capping) may be placed close to the nerve. Isolating the tooth with a rubber dam is recommended at this stage.
Acid Etching and Bonding
For the composite to bond to the tooth, acid is first applied to the cleaned tooth surface (etching). This creates microscopic roughness on the enamel and improves adhesion. A specialised bonding agent is then applied and cured with LED light. This chemical bond is the critical factor that keeps a composite filling in place for 7–10 years.
Placing the Filling Material
Composite material matched to the tooth shade is placed in thin layers. Each layer is cured separately with LED light. The layering technique mimics the natural translucency of the tooth and allows the filling to be built up to depth. In large fillings, this process advances over several layers.
Shaping and Polishing
The filling is brought to its final shape, contacts with adjacent teeth are restored, and the bite is adjusted. Any excess is removed with high-speed burs, and the gumline transition is smoothed out. In the final step, polishing brings the filling surface up to the natural shine of the tooth. This stage matters for both aesthetics and longevity — a smooth surface helps prevent plaque buildup.
Factors Affecting Dental Filling Prices
The cost of a filling can’t be expressed as a single flat fee “per tooth”. Even fillings on two different teeth of the same patient can be priced differently. The main factors that determine the fee are:
Number of Surfaces
Fillings are classified as single-surface, two-surface, or three-surface. A single-surface filling covers just one surface of the tooth, while a three-surface filling restores several (for example the chewing surface, the contact surface, and the buccal surface). As the number of surfaces increases, so does the complexity and duration of the procedure — and therefore the cost. Multi-surface fillings also require the use of a matrix band or wedge.
Material Used
Composite, glass ionomer, amalgam, and inlay fillings differ in both material and labour cost. Composite is mid-range; ceramic inlays are the highest-cost option. The brand of the material (3M, Ivoclar, Tokuyama, etc.) and the quality of the resin used are components that affect the price. Premium nano-hybrid composites cost more than standard composites.
Depth and Extent of Decay
Superficial decay can be filled directly, while deep decay near the nerve may require a protective liner (pulp capping) or base material. Decay that has reached the pulp may require root canal treatment first. These additional procedures have a direct impact on the total treatment cost.
Location of the Tooth (Anterior/Posterior)
Anterior fillings prioritise aesthetics — they take longer to place, require layered composite application, and need careful shade matching. Posterior fillings prioritise durability under chewing forces. Even for the same number of surfaces, anterior and posterior fillings differ in labour and material choice.
Adjunct Procedures
Procedures such as professional cleaning, removal of an old filling, radiographs, or gum surgery may be needed before placing a filling. Pin or fibre post placement may also support fillings on fractured or heavily compromised teeth. The need for these procedures is determined at clinical examination.
Isolation and Equipment Use
For a composite filling to succeed, the tooth must be fully isolated from saliva. Using a rubber dam significantly extends the lifespan of the filling but requires additional time and materials. In modern clinics, the use of loupes (magnification) is another practice that improves filling precision. Equipment like this affects both service quality and cost.
Comparing Filling Types
Understanding the performance differences between filling materials gives you important context for the treatment planning conversation with your clinician:
| Criterion | Composite | Glass Ionomer | Amalgam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic Appearance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Grey |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Bonds to Tooth | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fluoride Release | None | Yes | None |
| Anterior Suitability | Yes | Limited | No |
| Posterior Suitability | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Use in Children | Yes | Ideal | Not Recommended |
| Mercury Content | None | None | Yes |
| Avg. Service Life | 7–10 years | 5–7 years | 10–15 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
With local anaesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. After the anaesthesia wears off, mild sensitivity may be felt in the treated area for a few hours; this passes quickly. For superficial and small cavities, the procedure can sometimes be done without anaesthesia. Today’s anaesthesia techniques and dental needles are highly refined, and discomfort is minimal.
Well-placed composite fillings typically last 7–10 years with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, and in some cases up to 15 years. Longevity depends on the number of surfaces, oral hygiene, whether the patient grinds their teeth, and avoiding very hard foods. Six-monthly professional cleaning and check-up visits are important for extending the lifespan of fillings.
Yes. If aesthetics are a concern, the filling has worn down, or new decay has formed at the margin, your old amalgam filling can be removed and replaced with a composite filling. During replacement, the old filling is removed carefully and any underlying decay is cleaned out. Given today’s higher aesthetic expectations, amalgam-to-composite replacement is a frequently performed procedure.
Because composite fillings set instantly under LED light, you can eat shortly after the procedure. Just be careful not to bite your lip or cheek until the anaesthesia wears off (around 2–3 hours). The 24-hour wait that used to apply to amalgam fillings is no longer relevant. Avoiding very hard, sticky, or hot foods in the first few days helps extend the lifespan of the filling.
If a filling falls out, see your clinician as soon as possible. Exposed tooth tissue can become sensitive and is more vulnerable to new decay. If left untreated, decay can progress deeper and lead to the need for root canal treatment. The factor that caused the filling to fail (decay, fracture, material fatigue) is identified, and the appropriate treatment is planned.
Teeth with many fillings are more prone to new decay forming at the filling–tooth interfaces. If the proportion of healthy tooth structure drops below a certain level, a zirconia crown or an inlay/onlay can be a healthier option than another filling. This assessment can only be made after a clinical examination.
High-quality nano-hybrid composite materials are quite stable in colour, but heavy consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can cause mild discolouration over time. This is usually surface staining on the filling and can be removed with a professional polishing procedure. Composite fillings, like porcelain or zirconia crowns, are not affected by teeth whitening procedures.
In children and on baby teeth, glass ionomer or compomer fillings are preferred. The fluoride release from glass ionomer provides additional protection. Once permanent teeth come through, composite fillings take over. In paediatric dentistry, material selection is made based on the child’s age, level of cooperation, and the state of the decay. Amalgam fillings are not recommended in children today.
Mild hot/cold sensitivity for 1–2 weeks after a filling is normal. It’s a natural part of the tooth rebonding with the composite. Using desensitising toothpaste during this period can help. If sensitivity persists, increases, or becomes spontaneous pain, this can indicate pulpal inflammation — contact your clinician. In some deep cavities, root canal treatment may be needed later.
SGK covers filling treatments performed in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres. Generally, fillings made with basic materials such as amalgam and glass ionomer are within SGK coverage. Aesthetic composite fillings placed in private clinics are outside SGK coverage, but some private health insurance policies offer partial cover. We recommend checking your policy with your insurance provider.
