Dental Filling Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]

Quick Answer: A dental filling in the Philippines costs ₱800-₱5,000 per tooth depending on the filling material and cavity size. Amalgam (silver) fillings cost ₱800-₱1,500, composite (tooth-colored) fillings cost ₱1,000-₱3,000, glass ionomer fillings cost ₱800-₱2,000, and ceramic/porcelain inlays cost ₱3,000-₱5,000. Prices are per tooth and increase with cavity size — small single-surface fillings are at the lower end, while large multi-surface fillings cost more. Government dental clinics offer fillings starting at ₱300-₱800.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is a Dental Filling?
• Price Breakdown by Material
• What Is Included in the Price
• Additional Costs to Expect
• Price by City
• Top Dental Clinics for Fillings
• PhilHealth Coverage for Dental Fillings
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Introduction

Dental fillings are the most common restorative dental procedure worldwide, and the Philippines is no exception. Nearly every Filipino adult will need at least one dental filling in their lifetime — tooth decay (dental caries) remains one of the most prevalent health conditions in the country. The good news is that dental fillings are among the most affordable dental procedures, with prices starting as low as ₱800 per tooth at private clinics and even less at government facilities.

The cost of a dental filling depends primarily on two factors: the material used and the size of the cavity being filled. Amalgam (silver) fillings are the cheapest but are increasingly being replaced by tooth-colored composite resin fillings, which look natural and bond directly to the tooth. For larger cavities, ceramic or porcelain inlays provide the most durable and aesthetic results but at a premium price.

This guide covers the full cost breakdown for every type of dental filling available in the Philippines in 2026, what is included in the price, and where to find the best value. For more extensive tooth damage that may require a crown instead of a filling, see our dental crown cost guide.

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restorative material used to repair a tooth damaged by decay (cavity). The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the cavity, and filling the space with a restorative material to restore the tooth's shape, function, and integrity. Without treatment, tooth decay progresses deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve (pulp) and causing pain, infection, or tooth loss.

The filling procedure is straightforward and typically completed in a single visit lasting 20-45 minutes. Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia, use a dental drill or laser to remove the decayed tooth structure, clean and prepare the cavity, apply the filling material, shape it to match the tooth's natural contour, and polish the surface. For composite fillings, a curing light is used to harden the material in layers.

There are several types of filling materials, each with different properties, aesthetics, durability, and costs. The right choice depends on the cavity's location and size, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material based on your specific situation.

Price Breakdown by Material

Amalgam (Silver) Filling (₱800-₱1,500)

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals — silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Despite concerns about mercury content, amalgam has been used safely for over 150 years and remains the most affordable and durable filling option, lasting 10-15 years or more. Amalgam is strong enough for large cavities in back teeth (molars) that bear heavy chewing forces. The main disadvantage is the silver/dark color, which is visible when you open your mouth.

Best for: Back teeth (molars), large cavities, budget-conscious patients, areas with heavy chewing forces.

Cost factors: Single-surface fillings cost ₱800-₱1,000. Two-surface fillings cost ₱1,000-₱1,200. Three or more surface fillings cost ₱1,200-₱1,500.

Composite Resin (Tooth-Colored) Filling (₱1,000-₱3,000)

Composite resin is the most popular filling material in the Philippines today. It is a tooth-colored mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles that can be shade-matched to your natural tooth color, making it virtually invisible. Composite bonds directly to the tooth, which allows for more conservative cavity preparation (less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed). Modern composites are durable enough for both front and back teeth, lasting 5-10 years with good care.

Best for: Front teeth (where aesthetics matter), small to medium cavities, patients who want invisible fillings.

Cost factors: Small single-surface fillings cost ₱1,000-₱1,500. Medium two-surface fillings cost ₱1,500-₱2,000. Large three-surface or more fillings cost ₱2,000-₱3,000. Nanohybrid and microhybrid composites may cost slightly more than standard composites.

Glass Ionomer Cement — GIC (₱800-₱2,000)

Glass ionomer cement is a tooth-colored material that releases fluoride, which helps protect the tooth against further decay. It bonds chemically to the tooth and is biocompatible. However, GIC is less durable than composite or amalgam and wears faster under chewing forces. It is commonly used for fillings near the gum line (cervical cavities), in baby teeth, and as temporary fillings. Resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) is a stronger variant that costs slightly more.

Best for: Cervical (gum line) cavities, children's teeth, temporary fillings, patients at high risk of further decay.

Ceramic / Porcelain Inlay (₱3,000-₱5,000)

Ceramic or porcelain inlays are laboratory-fabricated fillings custom-made to fit your cavity precisely. They are the most aesthetic and durable option, resistant to staining, and can last 15-20 years or more. The procedure typically requires two visits — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to bond the finished inlay. Ceramic inlays are best for medium to large cavities in back teeth where both strength and aesthetics are important.

Best for: Medium to large cavities in premolars and molars, patients who want the highest quality restoration, long-term durability.

Gold Inlay/Onlay (₱5,000-₱10,000)

Gold inlays and onlays are the most durable dental restorations, lasting 20-30 years or more. They are custom-fabricated from gold alloy and provide an excellent fit. However, their metallic appearance and high cost make them less popular than ceramic alternatives. Gold restorations are rarely requested in the Philippines but remain available at select dental clinics for patients who prioritize longevity above all else.

Best for: Maximum durability, large restorations in back teeth.

Price Comparison Table

What Is Included in the Price

A standard dental filling fee at a private dental clinic in the Philippines typically includes:

• Clinical examination of the affected tooth
• Local anesthesia (numbing injection)
• Removal of decayed tooth structure using dental drill or laser
• Cavity preparation and cleaning
• Application and shaping of the filling material
• Bite adjustment and polishing
• Post-procedure instructions and care guidance

For composite fillings, the price includes the curing light application and layering technique. For ceramic inlays, the price typically includes the two visits, impression taking, temporary filling, and bonding of the final inlay — but confirm this with the clinic, as some charge separately for the temporary filling.

Additional Costs to Expect

• Dental x-ray (periapical): ₱150-₱350 to assess the depth of the cavity and check for involvement of the nerve
• Additional fillings: Same per-tooth pricing for each additional tooth requiring treatment
• Deep cavity liner/base: ₱200-₱500 if the cavity is very deep and requires a protective liner before filling placement
• Pulp capping: ₱500-₱1,500 if the decay is close to but has not reached the nerve, requiring a medicated lining
• Root canal treatment: ₱3,000-₱10,000 if the cavity has reached the nerve and the tooth needs root canal treatment instead of (or before) a filling
• Dental crown: ₱5,000-₱20,000 if the cavity is too large for a filling and the tooth needs a crown for structural support
• Follow-up visit: Most clinics include one follow-up check at no extra charge; some charge ₱200-₱500

Price by City

Dental filling prices are relatively consistent across the Philippines, with slightly higher rates in Metro Manila's premium dental districts.

Top Dental Clinics for Fillings

1. Dental World Manila — Makati / BGC

• Address: Multiple locations — Salcedo Village, Makati / BGC, Taguig
• Price Range: Composite ₱1,500-₱2,500; amalgam ₱1,000-₱1,500; ceramic inlay ₱3,500-₱5,000
• Key Features: Modern equipment, aesthetic dentistry focus, digital x-rays, same-day composite fillings
• PhilHealth Accredited: No (private dental clinic)
• Standout Feature: Specializes in aesthetic restorative dentistry with high-quality composite materials and precise shade matching. Uses dental loupes and microscopes for detailed cavity preparation, resulting in longer-lasting and more beautiful fillings.

2. Convident Dental — Quezon City / Makati

• Address: Timog Ave., QC / Legazpi Village, Makati
• Price Range: Composite ₱1,200-₱2,200; amalgam ₱800-₱1,200; GIC ₱800-₱1,500
• Key Features: Family-friendly, multiple locations, affordable private dental care
• PhilHealth Accredited: No (private dental clinic)
• Standout Feature: Offers quality dental fillings at accessible prices, making them a popular choice for families and individuals seeking private dental care without the premium pricing of dental tourism clinics. Walk-in patients are welcome, and appointments are usually available within a day or two.

3. Asian Dental Center — Manila / Cebu

• Address: Pedro Gil cor. Taft Ave., Manila / multiple Cebu locations
• Price Range: Composite ₱1,000-₱2,000; amalgam ₱800-₱1,200; ceramic inlay ₱3,000-₱4,500
• Key Features: One of the oldest dental clinic chains in the Philippines, affordable pricing, walk-in friendly
• PhilHealth Accredited: No (private dental clinic)
• Standout Feature: A well-established dental chain with decades of operating history, offering reliable dental filling services at some of the most competitive rates in Metro Manila. Their Manila and Cebu branches serve a high volume of patients daily, keeping costs low.

4. Dental Center at PGH — Manila

• Address: Taft Ave., Ermita, Manila (within Philippine General Hospital)
• Price Range: Composite ₱500-₱1,000; amalgam ₱300-₱600; GIC ₱400-₱800
• Key Features: Government rates, UP College of Dentistry affiliation, teaching facility
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes (as part of PGH)
• Standout Feature: The most affordable dental filling option in Metro Manila, with prices 50-70% lower than private clinics. The dental center is affiliated with the UP College of Dentistry, meaning work is performed by dental students under the supervision of experienced faculty dentists. Procedures may take longer due to the teaching environment, but quality is closely monitored.

5. MetroDental — Cebu City / Multiple Cebu Branches

• Address: Multiple branches — SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Banilad, Mandaue
• Price Range: Composite ₱1,200-₱2,500; amalgam ₱800-₱1,200; ceramic inlay ₱3,500-₱5,000
• Key Features: Modern clinics in major Cebu malls, same-day service, digital x-rays
• PhilHealth Accredited: No (private dental clinic)
• Standout Feature: The leading dental clinic chain in Cebu with multiple conveniently located branches in major shopping centers. Their clinics are equipped with modern dental technology and offer a full range of filling materials. Walk-in patients are accepted, and the mall locations make dental visits easy to combine with other errands.

6. Brokenshire Dental Department — Davao City

• Address: Madapo Hills, Davao City (within Brokenshire Medical Center)
• Price Range: Composite ₱1,000-₱2,000; amalgam ₱700-₱1,200; GIC ₱700-₱1,500
• Key Features: Hospital-based dental department, affordable Davao pricing, full dental services
• PhilHealth Accredited: Yes (as part of Brokenshire Medical Center)
• Standout Feature: A well-respected hospital-based dental department in Davao City offering quality dental fillings at affordable rates. The hospital setting provides added safety for patients who need dental work alongside medical treatment, and their dental team handles everything from basic fillings to complex restorations.

Comparison Table

PhilHealth Coverage for Dental Fillings

PhilHealth dental coverage is limited but does provide some benefits for basic dental procedures:

• Primary Care Benefit (PCB): PhilHealth members registered with an accredited primary care provider can access oral health services including dental consultation and simple tooth restoration (filling) once per year. This benefit covers basic composite or GIC fillings at accredited facilities.
• PhilHealth Konsulta Package: Includes basic dental services at participating primary care facilities.
• Inpatient dental surgery: Complex dental procedures performed during a hospital admission may be covered under the PhilHealth case rate for the admitted condition.

For most outpatient dental fillings at private dental clinics, expect to pay out of pocket. The cost is relatively affordable — ₱800-₱3,000 for a single tooth filling — making it manageable without insurance for most patients.

HMO Coverage

Some HMO plans include dental benefits that cover fillings, typically 1-2 fillings per year as part of a preventive dental package. Check your HMO plan for dental coverage details, accredited dental clinics, and any limitations on filling materials or number of fillings covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a dental filling cost in the Philippines?

A dental filling in the Philippines costs ₱800-₱5,000 per tooth depending on the material. Amalgam (silver) fillings are the cheapest at ₱800-₱1,500. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings — the most popular choice — cost ₱1,000-₱3,000. Glass ionomer fillings cost ₱800-₱2,000. Ceramic/porcelain inlays cost ₱3,000-₱5,000. The cost also depends on the cavity size, with small single-surface fillings at the lower end and large multi-surface fillings at the higher end. Government dental clinics offer fillings for as low as ₱300-₱800.

How long do dental fillings last?

Filling longevity depends on the material, cavity size, location, and oral hygiene. Amalgam fillings last 10-15 years, composite fillings last 5-10 years, glass ionomer fillings last 3-5 years, and ceramic inlays last 15-20 years. Gold inlays are the most durable at 20-30 years. Fillings in front teeth tend to last longer because they experience less chewing force. Good oral hygiene — regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups — extends the lifespan of all filling types. Signs that a filling needs replacement include sensitivity, visible cracks, roughness, or darkening around the filling edges.

Does getting a dental filling hurt?

No, dental fillings should not be painful. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia (a numbing injection) before beginning the procedure, which eliminates pain during the treatment. You may feel pressure and vibration from the dental drill, but no sharp pain. The numbing injection itself causes a brief sting. After the procedure, you may experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days to weeks, which is normal and usually resolves on its own. If you experience significant pain after a filling, contact your dentist — it may indicate the filling needs adjustment or the decay was deeper than expected.

Should I choose amalgam or composite filling?

For most patients, composite (tooth-colored) fillings are the better choice because they look natural, bond directly to the tooth, and require less removal of healthy tooth structure. However, amalgam remains a valid choice for large cavities in back teeth where appearance is less important and maximum strength is needed. Amalgam is also cheaper — ₱800-₱1,500 versus ₱1,000-₱3,000 for composite. Your dentist will recommend the best material based on the cavity's location, size, and your personal preferences. Many dentists in the Philippines are moving away from amalgam entirely in favor of modern composites.

Can a tooth with a filling still get a cavity?

Yes, a tooth with an existing filling can develop new decay — this is called recurrent or secondary caries. Decay can form at the margins where the filling meets the tooth, especially if the seal between the filling and tooth breaks down over time. Poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, and dry mouth increase the risk. Regular dental checkups (every 6 months) allow your dentist to detect early signs of recurrent decay before it becomes a bigger problem. If recurrent decay is found, the old filling is removed, the new decay is cleaned out, and a new filling is placed.

How many fillings can be done in one visit?

Multiple fillings can be done in a single visit depending on the number and location of the cavities, the complexity of each filling, and patient comfort. Most dentists are comfortable doing 2-4 fillings per visit. If the cavities are on the same side of the mouth, they can be treated in one session because only one anesthesia injection is needed. If cavities are on both sides, your dentist may prefer to treat one side per visit for your comfort. Discuss a treatment plan with your dentist to determine the most efficient approach for your situation.

What should I do if my filling falls out?

If a filling falls out, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible — ideally within a few days. In the meantime, keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water after eating. Avoid chewing on that side and avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. You can place a temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) in the cavity for short-term protection. Do not use superglue or other household adhesives. A lost filling exposes the inner tooth structure, which is vulnerable to further decay and sensitivity, so prompt replacement is important. The replacement filling costs the same as a new filling.

Is it better to fill a cavity or extract the tooth?

Filling is almost always the better option when the tooth can be saved. A dental filling preserves your natural tooth, maintains your bite alignment, and is more affordable and less invasive than the alternatives after extraction (dental implant, bridge, or denture). Extraction is only recommended when the tooth is too severely damaged to restore, the decay has destroyed most of the tooth structure, or there is a severe infection that cannot be treated with root canal therapy. For extensive decay that has reached the nerve, a root canal followed by a crown may save the tooth — see our root canal cost guide.

Conclusion

Dental fillings are the most common and one of the most affordable dental procedures in the Philippines. With prices starting at ₱800 for an amalgam filling and ₱1,000 for a composite filling, treating a cavity promptly is far cheaper than the consequences of ignoring it — which can lead to root canal treatment (₱3,000-₱10,000), a dental crown (₱5,000-₱20,000), or tooth extraction and replacement.

Composite resin fillings have become the standard choice for most Filipino patients, offering excellent aesthetics and durability at a reasonable cost. For larger restorations where maximum durability is needed, ceramic inlays provide a premium option that can last two decades.

For more information on dental costs, check out these related guides:

• Root canal cost in the Philippines
• Dental crown cost guide
• Best dental clinics in Cebu City

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