Dental Filling Cost in Toronto: What to Expect

A dentist tells you that you have a cavity, and the very next question is usually about cost. In Toronto and across the GTA, dental filling prices vary more than most patients expect, and the material your dentist recommends changes both the price and how long the repair holds up.

Here is what actually affects that number, what your material options are, and what a filling appointment involves from start to finish.

What Determines the Cost of a Dental Filling in Toronto?

Dental offices in Ontario set their own fees, but most follow the general ranges in the Ontario Dental Association's suggested fee guide. A few things move the price up or down:

• The filling material you choose

• The size and location of the cavity, since a small filling on a front tooth costs less than a large one on a back molar

• How many surfaces of the tooth are involved

• Whether the tooth needs extra numbing time or a more complex prep

• Your dental insurance coverage, if you have a plan

Composite vs Amalgam vs Other Filling Materials

Most patients choose between tooth-coloured composite resin and traditional silver amalgam. Here is how the common options compare.

Filling Type	Average Cost (per tooth)	Best For	Expected Lifespan
Composite Resin	$150 to $400	Front teeth, visible fillings, smaller cavities	5 to 7 years
Amalgam (Silver)	$100 to $250	Back molars, larger cavities, heavy chewing surfaces	10 to 15 years
Glass Ionomer	$150 to $300	Baby teeth, fillings near the gumline, fluoride release	About 5 years
Ceramic Inlay	$500 to $1,500	Larger repairs needing strength and a natural look	15+ years

Composite is the most requested material today because it matches your natural tooth colour and bonds directly to the remaining tooth structure. Amalgam still holds a place for large fillings on back molars, where chewing forces are highest and appearance matters less. Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the cavity is and how much of the tooth needs rebuilding, not just what costs less.

What Happens During a Filling Appointment

A routine filling takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on size and location. Here is the typical sequence:

1. Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding gum

2. Your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth

3. The cavity is cleaned and shaped to hold the filling material

4. Composite is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light, or amalgam is packed in and shaped

5. Your bite is checked and the filling is polished smooth

Does Insurance Cover Dental Fillings in Ontario?

OHIP does not cover routine adult dental care, including fillings, outside of specific provincial programs. If you have a private dental plan through work, most policies cover fillings as a basic restorative service, often between 70 and 100 percent of the fee guide rate. If you are enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, ask our team to check your eligibility and coverage details before your appointment so there are no surprises.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

A small cavity that needs a simple filling today can turn into a much bigger problem in a few months. Once decay reaches the nerve, a filling is no longer enough, and you may need a root canal or a dental crown to save the tooth. We cover this in more detail in our post on what happens if you leave a cavity untreated. The short version: the earlier you treat a cavity, the simpler and less expensive it stays.

Keeping a New Filling in Good Shape

Fillings do not need special care beyond good everyday habits: brushing twice a day, flossing, and keeping up with regular cleanings and checkups. These visits let us catch new decay or a worn filling before it turns into a bigger repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental filling last?

Composite fillings typically last 5 to 7 years, and amalgam fillings often last 10 to 15 years with good oral hygiene. Fillings on chewing surfaces tend to wear faster than those on other parts of the tooth.

Does getting a filling hurt?

Your dentist numbs the area with local anaesthetic before starting, so the procedure itself should not hurt. It is normal to feel some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days afterward.

Can I eat right after a filling?

Wait until the numbness wears off, usually one to two hours, before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. If you received an amalgam filling, avoid chewing on that side for 24 hours while it fully hardens.

Is a filling covered by insurance in Ontario?

OHIP does not cover adult fillings outside specific provincial programs. Most private dental plans cover a portion of the cost as a basic restorative service, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan may help eligible patients. Bring your insurance details to your appointment and our team will confirm your coverage.

Noticed a rough spot on a tooth or been told you have a cavity? The sooner you book, the simpler and less expensive the fix usually is. Schedule an appointment with Lornview Dental and we will walk you through your options and the exact cost before we start.