How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost?
These days, there are more options than ever for effective, affordable dental fillings. When a cavity appears, you’ll want to know the right solution to meet your needs and your budget. So, how much does a dental filling cost? This guide will walk you through the factors that can affect the price with an estimate of what to expect.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings are the gold standard for cavity repair. If you address the hole quickly enough, this treatment can allow you to avoid a root canal or extraction. Here’s what you need to know about dental fillings:
How can you tell if you need a dental filling?
It often takes a knowledgeable dentist to determine if a tooth requires a filling, but a few tell-tale signs may indicate a cavity vs stain repair is necessary:
Constant or occasional pain when biting down
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
Dark-colored spots, discoloration, or visible holes in the tooth
Chipped tooth or a surface that feels rough, sharp, or broken
Food repeatedly accumulates in the same areas
How is a dental filling placed?
A typical filling begins with local anesthesia to numb the surrounding area. Your dentist will drill into the affected tooth, remove any decay, and clean the cavity to eliminate bacteria. Then, they will place the appropriate filling material, shape the surface, and polish it to ensure it matches your other teeth.
Read more: Filling vs Crown: Which Does Your Tooth Need?
How much do dental fillings cost?
Many factors impact the cost of dental fillings, but we can offer an average estimate of anticipated price ranges. Remember, delaying treatment of a cavity will ultimately lead to more invasive and expensive remedies like root canals, and may impact your long-term health.
Once bacteria reach your gums, more extensive treatment becomes necessary, and you may need to extract and replace your existing tooth.
How much are dental fillings with insurance?
Depending on your insurance plan and coverage limitations, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 out of pocket for each filling. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of the costs of a dental filling, leaving you to pay for the rest.
How much are dental fillings without insurance?
In most cases, you’ll pay substantially more for a dental filling without insurance. Costs can range from $100 to $3,000 or more, depending on the material, location of the tooth, and extent of decay.
Can you get financial aid for dental fillings?
Most dental offices will happily work with you to create payment plans for necessary dental care. If you require more assistance, you may be able to access government support to cover some of the costs. Additionally, many dental schools, nonprofit organizations, and public healthcare clinics offer free or low-cost services to address oral health needs like fillings at an affordable price.
Related: How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
What factors affect dental filling prices?
In addition to your geographic location and insurance coverage, the following factors will also affect the cost of your dental filling:
Cavity size
Small cavities take less time to treat and require fewer materials than larger holes, making them more affordable. As the size of your cavity increases, so will the cost of your filling. A bigger pit not only demands more time and materials to fix, but it may also require more durable materials to fill the gap. Cavity depth is another factor to figure in, as those that threaten the tooth nerve may need a linear or pulp cap to safely resolve.
Materials used for fillings
Materials are a significant determinant of filling costs. Here are the most common options, starting with the most affordable solutions:
Amalgam (silver): An amalgamation is cheap and long-lasting but not aesthetically appealing.
Composite resin: More natural-looking than silver, but also slightly more expensive.
Ceramic (porcelain): Strong and thin enough to mimic the natural tooth, naturally white.
Gold: Incredibly durable, but less common due to the high price tag.
Number of dental fillings
While your overall costs will increase with each dental filling, your provider may offer a discounted rate for clients who need multiple fillings at one time.
Type of teeth that require fillings
Fillings for back molars and cavities between teeth tend to cost more than those for front teeth as they’re harder to reach and have the potential to become much larger. Small cavities on the front incisors and canines require less filling material, but they also demand a substance like ceramic or composite that matches your natural tooth color and appearance.
Related: What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
Explore your dental filling options at Coral Reef Dental!
Coral Reef Dental is your home for comprehensive, compassionate dental care. We offer numerous filling options to restore your luminous smile.
We understand that addressing cavities and other oral health issues can be challenging, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Reach out today to book an appointment or learn more about our solutions to ensure a comfortable treatment experience.