You have a cavity. You need a filling. And you do not have dental insurance.
The first thing you want to know is: how much is this going to cost me?
The answer depends on a few variables, but here is the realistic range for Ontario in 2026, along with the context you need to understand why prices differ and how to avoid surprises.
For a composite (tooth-colored) filling, which is the standard material used in nearly all Ontario dental offices today, the typical out-of-pocket cost ranges from $150 to $450 per tooth.
The range is wide because the cost depends on three main factors.
Size of the cavity. Dental fillings are classified by surface count. A one-surface filling (small cavity on one side of the tooth) is the cheapest. A two-surface filling costs more. A three-surface or four-surface filling (large cavity spanning multiple sides of the tooth) costs the most. Each additional surface adds material, time, and complexity.
Typical ranges by surface count:
One surface: $150 to $250
Two surfaces: $200 to $350
Three or more surfaces: $300 to $450+
Location of the tooth. Front teeth are generally easier to access and faster to fill. Back teeth (molars) require more time due to their position, size, and the complexity of their biting surfaces.
The dentist’s fee schedule. Ontario dentists are not required to follow the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) suggested fee guide. Most use it as a baseline, but some charge above or below guide depending on their overhead, location, and practice philosophy.
The ODA publishes a suggested fee guide each year. It lists recommended fees for every dental procedure, coded by a standardized numbering system. Insurance companies use these codes (and often their own fee schedules) to determine reimbursement.
A few things patients should know about the fee guide:
It is a suggestion, not a regulation. Dentists can charge above or below the guide. Most practices in mid-sized cities like London charge at or near guide rates. Practices in downtown Toronto often charge above.
Insurance companies set their own reimbursement rates, which may be lower than the ODA guide. This is why some patients with insurance still have out-of-pocket costs. The insurer pays based on their schedule, and you cover the difference.
The fee guide increases slightly each year to account for inflation, material costs, and operational expenses. So a filling that cost $180 last year may cost $190 this year.
If you call three dental offices and ask for a filling price, you will likely get three different answers. This is not because one is gouging you and another is cutting corners. Several legitimate factors drive the difference.
Material quality. Composite resin comes in different grades. Higher-grade composites offer better shade matching, polishability, and durability. They cost the dentist more per unit, which affects the patient fee.
Technique and time. A dentist who takes extra time to layer composite for optimal strength and aesthetics will produce a better filling but may charge more for the additional chair time. A faster approach may cost less but compromise longevity.
Overhead. Rent, staff salaries, equipment maintenance, and sterilization compliance all factor into what a practice charges. A newer office with advanced equipment in a prime location has higher overhead than a smaller practice in a less central area.
Diagnostic imaging. If your cavity was identified during a visit that included X-rays, the imaging cost is separate from the filling cost. A periapical X-ray runs $25 to $40. Bitewing X-rays (the standard cavity-detection set) run $50 to $80 for a set of two to four.
None of these factors alone should cause wild price swings. But combined, they explain why one office quotes $180 and another quotes $280 for what sounds like the same procedure.
Amalgam fillings are less common in Ontario than they were a decade ago, but some practices still offer them, typically at a lower cost than composite.
Amalgam is durable and has a long track record, but it is silver-colored and more visible, which makes it unpopular for teeth in the smile zone. It also requires more tooth removal during preparation compared to composite, because amalgam needs a specific cavity shape to stay in place.
If cost is your primary concern and the cavity is on a back molar where appearance is less important, amalgam may save you $50 to $100 per filling. But most patients in 2026 choose composite for aesthetic reasons, and most Ontario dentists default to composite as their standard material.
The filling itself is one line item. A complete visit may include other charges.
Examination fee: $60 to $120 depending on whether it is a new patient exam, recall exam, or specific exam focused on one problem.
X-rays: $25 to $80 depending on the type and number of films.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (freezing) is usually included in the filling fee, but some offices list it as a separate line item at $30 to $50.
Old filling removal: If a previous filling needs to be removed before the new one is placed, there may be a small additional charge.
For a straightforward visit where you come in with a known cavity and leave with a filling, the total cost including exam and X-rays is typically $250 to $500 without insurance.
If the cost of a filling is a barrier, there are a few avenues worth exploring.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). If you do not have private insurance and your household income is below the eligibility threshold, you may qualify for coverage under the CDCP. Fillings are covered as a basic restorative service. Check the CDCP eligibility guide for details.
Payment plans. Some dental offices offer in-house payment plans or work with third-party financing companies. Spreading the cost over a few months can make treatment manageable without delaying care.
Dental schools. Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry operates a teaching clinic in London where dental students provide supervised care at reduced fees. Wait times may be longer, but the cost savings are meaningful.
Community health centers. Some community health centers in Ontario offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on income.
What you should not do is wait. A cavity does not heal on its own. It grows. A $200 filling today can become a $1,500 root canal and crown in 6 to 12 months. The math always favors treating it early.
The best way to avoid a surprise bill is to ask for a written treatment plan before any work starts. A treatment plan lists every procedure by code, the associated fee, and the total cost.
If you have insurance, the office can submit a pre-determination to your insurer, which shows exactly what your plan covers and what you owe.
If you do not have insurance, a clear treatment plan still gives you the total picture. You can budget, ask questions, and decide how to proceed without guessing.
Contact our office if you need a filling and want to know the exact cost before committing. We will assess the tooth, provide a written quote, and walk you through any coverage options that might apply to your situation.
