Tooth filling cost in Sharjah: what changes the price
A filling is one of the most common treatments we do, and one of the cheapest when decay is caught early. Here is what actually decides the price.
Looking for treatment? See our main page on tooth filling in Sharjah: what is involved, who it suits, and how to book a free consultation and X-ray.
Why there is no single price
When patients call to ask about tooth filling cost, the honest answer is that it depends on the tooth. A tiny cavity on the chewing surface of a premolar is a short, simple job. A large cavity between two back teeth, close to the nerve, takes longer, uses more material and may need extra steps to protect the tooth.
This guide explains the factors that change tooth filling cost in Sharjah, what insurance usually covers, when a filling is no longer enough, and how to keep treatment small and affordable. Everything starts with a free consultation and X-ray at our clinic in Al Majaz, so you know exactly what you need before you pay anything.
7 things that affect tooth filling cost
Size of the cavity
Small cavities need less time and material. Larger ones take longer and sometimes need a lining to protect the nerve.
Number of surfaces
A filling on one surface costs less than one that wraps around two or three surfaces of the tooth.
Position in the mouth
Back molars are harder to reach and isolate from saliva, so they take more time than front teeth.
Material
Tooth-coloured composite is the standard today. It bonds to the tooth and looks natural.
Depth of decay
Decay close to the nerve may need a protective base or, if the nerve is infected, root canal treatment instead.
Number of teeth
Treating several teeth in one visit can be more efficient than separate appointments.
Insurance
Most UAE plans cover fillings as basic treatment, often with a co-payment.
Composite fillings: the standard choice
Almost all fillings we place are tooth-coloured composite. Composite is a resin material filled with fine glass particles. It’s placed in layers, shaped to match the natural contour of the tooth and hardened with a blue curing light. Because it bonds to the enamel, less healthy tooth needs to be removed than with older silver fillings.
Composite also lets us match the shade of your natural teeth, which matters for front teeth and for anyone who doesn’t want a grey patch when they laugh. A well-placed composite filling typically lasts many years, depending on its size and how well the area is cleaned.
What insurance usually covers
Most health insurance plans in the UAE that include dental cover treat fillings as basic or essential treatment. That usually means the filling is covered, with a co-payment or percentage you pay at the clinic. Cover varies a lot between plans, so we always check your card before starting and tell you what you’ll pay.
See our insurance page for the networks we work with, or read our guide to dental insurance in the UAE. If you don’t have insurance, you can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or Toothpick.
Before you book
- Bring your Emirates ID and insurance card
- Ask for a written estimate per tooth
- Ask whether the X-ray is included (ours is free)
- Check if your plan has an annual dental limit
What happens during a filling
Check and X-ray
We look at the tooth and take an X-ray to see how deep the decay goes. The consultation and X-ray are free.
Numbing
A numbing gel goes on first, then a gentle local anaesthetic so you feel pressure but not pain.
Removing decay
The soft, decayed part is removed and the cavity is cleaned and shaped.
Bonding and layering
A bonding agent is applied, then composite is added in thin layers and set with the curing light.
Shaping and polishing
We check your bite, adjust the height and polish the filling so it feels smooth.
Not sure what you need?
Get a free check-up and X-ray. A dentist explains your options and gives you the cost in writing. Open until 10 PM on Al Khan Street, Al Majaz.
How long a filling takes
A small filling usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. A larger filling on a back tooth can take 45 minutes or more. You can eat once the numbness wears off, usually after two to three hours, because composite is fully set before you leave. Avoid very hot drinks while you are still numb so you don’t burn your lip or tongue without noticing.
When a filling is not enough
If decay has reached the nerve, the tooth may hurt on its own, keep you awake at night or ache long after cold drinks. A filling alone won’t solve that. The tooth may need root canal treatment and then a crown. That is why tooth filling cost is lowest when decay is caught early: the same cavity left for a year can turn a short filling into a much bigger job.
Very large fillings can also weaken a tooth. If most of the tooth is filling material, a crown may protect it better in the long run. We’ll always explain the options before starting.
How to keep the cost down
The best way to manage filling cost is to have fewer and smaller fillings. Regular check-ups every six months find cavities while they are tiny, often before you feel anything. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily and keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes. Sticky sweets, juice and sweetened tea sipped through the day are some of the most common causes of decay we see in Sharjah.
If cost is a worry, tell us. We can prioritise the most urgent teeth and plan the rest over several months.
Old silver fillings
Many adults still have older silver (amalgam) fillings. If they are intact and the tooth is healthy, there is usually no need to replace them. We recommend replacing a filling when it’s cracked, leaking, has decay underneath or you want a more natural look. Replacing a large old filling usually costs about the same as a new filling of similar size.
Signs you may need a filling
Early cavities are often painless. Later you may notice sensitivity to sweet or cold food, a rough edge your tongue keeps finding, food catching between two teeth or a dark spot. Do not wait for pain. Book a check-up and we will show you the X-ray on screen so you can see exactly what is happening. Read more on our tooth filling page or in our guide to sensitive teeth. For general information about fillings, the NHS healthy teeth and gums guide is a useful reference.
Fillings for children
Children can need fillings in milk teeth, which matter more than many parents expect because some stay until age 11 or 12. Children’s fillings are usually small and quick, and we take extra time to keep the visit calm and positive. Our guide to baby tooth decay explains how to prevent cavities in the first place.
A note on very low prices
When comparing filling price between clinics, check what is included. Some low prices exclude the X-ray, the anaesthetic or the bite adjustment, or use a quick technique that doesn’t seal the edges well. A filling that leaks needs replacing sooner, which costs more over time. Ask any clinic for a written estimate per tooth and what it includes. At our clinic the consultation and X-ray are free, and you always receive the price in writing before treatment starts.
Tooth filling cost questions
Does a filling hurt?
Is a white filling more expensive than a silver one?
Does insurance cover fillings?
How long does a filling last?
Can I pay in instalments?
Think you might need a filling?
Book a free consultation and X-ray in Al Majaz. We will show you the X-ray, explain the options and give you a written price.
About this page
Written by the dental team at Al Jazeera Dental Clinic, a family clinic on Al Khan Street, Al Majaz 3, Sharjah, caring for patients since 1998, and medically reviewed by Dr Ranjeet Kumar, Medical Director (BDS, Diploma in Endodontics), October 2026. This is general information. Your dentist can tell you what applies to you.
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