Dental Fillings (Cavities) in Sarasota–Bradenton
← All Guides
The complete 2026 guide to

Dental Fillings (Cavities) in Sarasota

Overview

What are dental fillings (cavities)?

When a cavity is caught, a filling restores the tooth before the decay reaches the nerve.

Most general dentists in the Sarasota-Bradenton area now use tooth-colored composite (resin) fillings rather than silver amalgam, especially on visible teeth. Cost depends on the size of the cavity and how many tooth surfaces are involved. Catching decay early usually means a smaller, cheaper filling; waiting often leads to a crown or root canal. Ranges below are typical local self-pay prices.

Compare options

Your options.

Composite filling (1 surface)

Tooth-colored resin filling for a small cavity on a single tooth surface.

Most common and least expensive filling type. $150-$300
Composite filling (2-3 surfaces)

Larger tooth-colored filling spanning multiple surfaces of a tooth.

Price rises with the size and complexity of the cavity. $200-$450
Amalgam (silver) filling

Durable metal filling, less common today and usually for back teeth.

Some patients prefer it for cost or durability on molars. $120-$250
Real Sarasota pricing

What dental fillings (cavities) costs.

Technique
Typical range
Notes
Composite (tooth-colored) filling
$150-$450
Varies by number of surfaces; most local offices default to composite.
Amalgam (silver) filling
$120-$250
Less commonly offered; typically used on back teeth.
Replacement of an old filling
$150-$400
Similar to a new filling; sometimes leads to a crown if the tooth is heavily worn.

Featured

Top dental fillings (cavities) dentists.

Browse all general dentistry dentists →
1 ★ 5.0
Dr. Michael Dorociak
Sarasota Family Dental · Sarasota
2,333 reviews View profile →
2 ★ 5.0
Dr. Michael R. Dorociak
Sarasota Family Dental · Sarasota
2333 reviews View profile →
3 ★ 4.7
Dr. Janielle Silliman
University Parkway Dental · Sarasota
648 reviews View profile →
4 ★ 5.0
Klement, Jungman, Varga & Troxler, DDS, PA
Klement, Jungman, Varga & Troxler, DDS, PA · Bradenton
1608 reviews View profile →
5 ★ 4.9
North Lakewood Dental
North Lakewood Dental · Bradenton
64 reviews View profile →
6 ★ 4.9
Supreme Smiles of Sarasota
Supreme Smiles of Sarasota · Sarasota
450 reviews View profile →
7 ★ 4.5
Dr. Key Patel
Aspire Dental & Orthodontics · Sarasota
207 reviews View profile →
8 ★ 4.9
Lakewood Ranch Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Lakewood Ranch Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (Drs. Scala & Rubinski) · Lakewood Ranch
394 reviews View profile →
Before & after

Real dental fillings (cavities) results.

Before-and-after galleries are published by each practice. We link directly to their verified case photos — review the work, then compare dentists.

Dr. Michael Dorociak
Sarasota Family Dental
Gallery ↗
Dr. Janielle Silliman
University Parkway Dental
Gallery ↗
North Lakewood Dental
North Lakewood Dental
Gallery ↗
Dr. Key Patel
Aspire Dental & Orthodontics
Gallery ↗
How to choose

Dental credentials, explained.

General dentistry is not a board-certified specialty — every practicing dentist holds a DDS or DMD and an active state license. Beyond the license, the most useful signals are continuing education and the range of care a practice handles. AGD Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) recognize hundreds of hours of advanced training.

DDS / DMD + Florida license
The two dental degrees are equivalent — both require four years of dental school. An active, unblemished Florida license is the baseline credential to verify.
AGD — FAGD / MAGD
Fellowship (FAGD, 500+ CE hours) and Mastership (MAGD, 1,100+ hours) in the Academy of General Dentistry mark a dentist who keeps training beyond the minimum.
Scope & referrals
A strong general dentist knows when to treat and when to refer to a specialist (endodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon). Ask which procedures they do in-house.
Questions to ask your dentist
  1. Are you a Fellow or Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD/MAGD)?
  2. Which procedures do you handle in-house, and which do you refer out?
  3. How do you handle dental emergencies?
  4. Is your Florida dental license current and in good standing?
Your questions

Dental Fillings (Cavities) FAQs.

How long do fillings last?+

Composite fillings often last 7-10 years and amalgam can last longer, but lifespan depends on the size of the filling, your bite, and oral hygiene. This is general information, not a guarantee.

Are tooth-colored fillings as strong as silver?+

Modern composites are strong and bond to the tooth, and they are the standard for visible teeth. Very large restorations on molars may be better served by a crown or onlay.

Does a filling hurt?+

Fillings are typically done with local anesthetic and most patients feel little to no pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is common.

Will insurance cover my filling?+

Most dental plans cover a portion of fillings, often 50-80% after any deductible. Coverage can differ for composite versus amalgam, so ask the office to verify.

What happens if I delay a filling?+

Untreated decay tends to grow and can reach the nerve, potentially requiring a root canal and crown instead of a simple filling. Early treatment is almost always cheaper and less invasive.

Can a cavity be reversed without a filling?+

Only very early enamel demineralization may be re-hardened with fluoride before it becomes a true cavity. Once decay forms a hole, a filling is usually needed. Talk to your dentist for a personal assessment.

References & sources

Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.

American Dental Association — MouthHealthy ↗American Dental Association (ADA) ↗
Boards & certification

Verify a dentist’s credentials and Florida license yourself:

ADA — MouthHealthy (American Dental Association) ↗ AGD — Academy of General Dentistry ↗ Florida Board of Dentistry — License verification ↗
★★★★★

Ready to find your dentist?

Compare Sarasota–Bradenton's top-rated general dentistry dentists — vetted, reviewed, and ranked.

See the Top Dentists