Dental fillings are a standard procedure needed to repair teeth damaged by decay. Fillings are used to patch up cavities, cracks, or breaks in a tooth. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
If you need a filling, you’re probably wondering about how much tooth filling cost. The price can vary depending on a few things: the type of material used, the size and location of the cavity, and whether or not you have dental insurance. Understanding these factors is key to making informed decisions about your dental care.
This article will give you a complete overview of what you can expect to pay for a dental filling, what factors influence the price, and ways to potentially manage those costs.
What are dental fillings and why do you need them?
Dental fillings are restorative materials dentists use to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, cracks, or breaks. Fillings can restore a tooth’s shape and function, as well as prevent further decay.
Tooth decay is a widespread health problem that affects a high percentage of adults. It’s caused by bacteria in dental plaque. As bacteria feed on sugars in the mouth, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
It’s important to treat cavities as soon as you can. If you let them go, you could end up with pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Getting a filling early on can keep you from needing more complicated and expensive treatments later, such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
Types of Dental Filling Materials and Their Costs
The price of a dental filling depends on the material used and the size and location of the cavity. Here are some common filling materials and their average costs:
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. They’re often the least expensive option, ranging from about $100 to $350, and are known for their durability, often lasting 10 to 15 years. However, they’re not tooth-colored, so they’re more noticeable than other types of fillings.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, made of plastic and glass, and are a popular choice for their natural look. They typically cost between $150 and $450, but may not last as long as amalgam fillings, with an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years. Some studies have shown a failure rate of 3% to 11%.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are highly durable and biocompatible, meaning they’re well-tolerated by the body. They can last for 10 to 30 years, but they’re one of the more expensive options, ranging from $250 to $650. Like amalgam fillings, they’re not tooth-colored, which may be a concern for some people.
Porcelain Fillings (Ceramic)
Porcelain fillings are tooth-colored and highly stain-resistant, making them an aesthetically pleasing option. They’re also quite durable, lasting around 10 years. However, they’re among the most expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $2,800.
Glass Ionomer
Glass Ionomer is a tooth-colored filling that costs between $116 and $285 and has a lifespan of approximately 5 years.
What factors affect the cost of dental fillings?
The amount you’ll pay for a filling depends on several things, including:
- The size and location of the cavity. A larger cavity needs more filling material, which means it will cost more. Also, it typically costs more to fill a molar in the back of your mouth, because it’s harder to reach.
- The type of filling material you choose. As noted above, tooth-colored fillings like composite and porcelain usually cost more than amalgam (“silver”) fillings. The material you choose can affect not just the initial cost, but also the cost of maintenance and any future replacements.
- Your dentist’s fees and location. Dentists set their own fees, based on factors like their experience, the cost of running their office, and the going rate in the area. Prices can vary quite a bit from state to state.
- Whether you need any additional procedures. You may need an exam and X-rays before your dentist can fill a cavity, and those will add to the overall cost. Those procedures typically cost between $20 and $200. If the tooth decay is extensive, you may need a root canal, which averages about $1,165.
- Whether you want sedation. If you’re anxious about the procedure, you may opt for sedation, which will raise the price of the filling.
Will my dental insurance cover fillings?
Dental insurance often covers some of the cost of fillings, but how much depends on your plan. Many insurance plans cover up to 80% of the cost of fillings after you’ve met your deductible.
The amount of coverage can also depend on the type of plan you have. PPO and HMO plans will have different coverage policies. You should also consider your deductible, copay, and annual maximum when estimating your out-of-pocket costs.
Before scheduling an appointment, check your dental insurance benefits. Even with insurance, you might still pay $10 to $50 for a metal filling or $40 to $100 for a composite filling.
How to save money on dental fillings
Dental work can be expensive, and it’s understandable to be concerned about the cost. Here are a few ways to potentially save some money:
- Shop around. Prices for fillings can vary between providers, so get quotes from a few different dental offices.
- Ask about payment plans or discount dental plans. Many dentists offer ways to spread out the cost.
- Consider financing. Some dentists have financing options, or you could look into CareCredit.
- Focus on prevention. The best way to save on fillings is to not need them in the first place! Brush, floss, eat healthy, and see your dentist regularly.
- Don’t delay treatment. Small cavities are cheaper to fix than big ones. Putting off a filling to save money now could cost you more in the long run.
Wrapping Up
It’s important to get cavities treated promptly. Letting a cavity go can lead to much bigger problems and much more expensive treatments down the road.
The cost of a tooth filling depends on a few key things: the type of material used, the size and location of the cavity, and whether you have dental insurance to help with the cost.
Talk to your dentist about your concerns and options so you can make good decisions about your dental health. While the cost of treatment is a factor, remember that taking care of your teeth and gums is an investment in your long-term health and well-being.