Tooth filling cost in Dubai — what affects the price of composite, inlay and replacement fillings

Key facts

• Cost depends on size, depth and number of surfaces
• Composite is placed in one visit; inlays involve lab work
• Replacing old fillings can involve extra steps
• X-rays and examination are part of accurate planning
• You receive a written, itemised plan before treatment

Size, depth and number of surfaces

Fillings are usually described by how many surfaces of the tooth they cover: a small cavity on the biting surface is a one-surface filling, while decay between two back teeth may involve two or three surfaces. Larger and multi-surface fillings take more time to shape correctly, need careful contact points so food does not trap between teeth, and use more material. Deep cavities close to the nerve may also need a protective lining. A small front-tooth filling and a large back-tooth restoration are therefore very different procedures, which is why a fair estimate is only possible after the dentist has seen the tooth and, where needed, an X-ray.

Material: composite, ceramic inlay or onlay

Tooth-coloured composite resin is the most common filling material today. It is bonded to the tooth in layers and hardened with a light during one visit. When a cavity is too large for a composite filling to be strong, a ceramic inlay or onlay may be recommended. These are made to fit the prepared tooth, often after a digital scan, and then bonded in place; they involve laboratory work and usually two visits or more chair time, which affects cost. Your dentist explains which material suits the size of the cavity, your bite and your expectations, rather than recommending one option for everyone.

Replacing old fillings, including amalgam

Replacing an existing filling can involve more work than filling a new cavity. The old material must be removed carefully, any decay underneath cleaned out, and sometimes cracks are found that change the plan. Old silver amalgam fillings are replaced only when there is a clinical reason, such as decay, cracks or leakage, or when you request a tooth-coloured option for appearance. If a tooth has very little structure left after the old filling is removed, the dentist may recommend an onlay or crown instead, which is a different treatment with different costs.

Other factors: X-rays, anaesthesia and insurance

A treatment plan may include an examination, X-rays to check between teeth and under existing fillings, local anaesthetic, and any preliminary cleaning. Some patients need several fillings, which can be grouped into fewer visits. Dental insurance in Dubai varies widely: some plans cover basic fillings, some cover only a percentage, and others exclude cosmetic replacements. Checking your policy and asking the clinic for an itemised plan helps you understand what you may pay. Delaying treatment of small cavities often makes them larger and more complex, which can mean a bigger restoration later.

Your written filling plan at Manhal in Dubai

At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, Dr. Fariba Alnoory, a general dentist with more than 14 years of experience, examines your teeth, takes X-rays where needed and explains which teeth need fillings, how large they are and which material is suitable. You receive a written, itemised plan so you can see exactly what is proposed before deciding, and you can ask about insurance, which fillings are most urgent and how treatment can be staged over several visits if you prefer. Consultations are in English and Arabic, and the clinic is open daily.

Composite fillings repair cavities with resin matched to your tooth colour. They bond to the tooth, allowing a more conservative preparation than old metal fillings.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.