How Much Does A Filling Cost?

One of the most common treatments for tooth decay are dental fillings. Dental fillings can be made from different materials, including amalgam, composite, gold, and porcelain.

The cost of fillings can depend on various factors, such as the type of dental filling material, size of cavity or tooth damage, the type and location of the tooth, geographical location, and your dentist’s expertise.
How much does a filling cost? Tooth filling cost ranges on average between $200 to $600 without dental insurance.
Speak with your dental professional to determine if you are a candidate for dental fillings. They can also discuss financing options for dental fillings, including insurance plans, discounts, payment plans, and third-party financing organizations.

What is the Average Cost of a Tooth Filling?

Type of Filling	Average Cost
Amalgam	$50-$200
Composite	$150-$300
Gold	$300-$1,000
Ceramic	$300-$4,500

*Note: These are estimated ranges. Costs can vary based on geographic location, the dentist's experience, and the complexity of the procedure.

Additional Procedure Cost

Type of Filling	Description	Estimated Cost Range
Dental Exam	Comprehensive evaluation of oral health: tooth decay, tooth damage, gum disease, existing restorations, abnormal lesions, misalignment, jaw issues, etc Record medical and dental history Head, neck, and oral cancer screening Diagnosis and treatment plan	$50-$300
X-rays	Periapical, bitewings, panoramic, 3D scans, or other X-rays taken to identify dental condition and abnormalities (i.e. impacted teeth, cavities, tumors, bone loss, extra teeth) Evaluate jawbone	$25-$750
Dental Cleaning	Remove dental bacterial plaque and calculus Remove staining	$75-$200
Follow-up Visit	Evaluate oral condition after dental procedure Ensure adequate healing and monitor treatment progress	$50-$200

Cavity Filling Cost With Insurance

Many factors can influence the average cost of tooth filling, including your dental insurance plan. Most plans offer full or partial coverage for dental fillings, as they are generally considered a medical necessity. Partial coverage of approximately 80% of the cost for fillings is offered by many dental plans.

Cost of Fillings Without Insurance

How much does a filling cost? If you do not have dental insurance coverage, there may be several payment options available to help you save money. On average, tooth filling cost without insurance ranges between $200 to $600. The cost can be influenced by the size of the cavity or tooth damage, the type and number of teeth requiring fillings, the type of filling material used, geographical location, your dentist’s expertise, among other factors. For an accurate quote, speak with your dental provider.

Top Factors Influencing Dental Filling Costs

Consider the following main factors influencing tooth filling cost:

Size of the filling: Teeth with extensive tooth decay or damage may require large fillings, which can be more costly than teeth requiring smaller fillings.
Location of the filling: Teeth that are located in the front of the mouth requiring fillings tend to cost less on average than teeth located towards the back of the mouth.
Type of tooth: Larger teeth that sustain chewing forces, such as the molars, are typically more costly as they usually require a more durable filling material and can take a longer time to fill.
Type of filling material: In general, fillings made from dental amalgam cost less than composite, gold, or ceramic fillings. Ceramic fillings are commonly the most expensive type of dental filling material.
Dental office geographical location: The average cost-of-living in the state, region, and city you have your dental fillings done in can impact dental costs.
Dental expertise: Dentists may have different rates for dental fillings based on their expertise and training.

How to Access Affordable Dental Fillings

There are several ways to make dental fillings more affordable for everyone:

Dental insurance: Tooth cavity filling price can be significantly reduced with the help of dental insurance.
Dental savings plan: Some third-party organizations offer dental savings plans that provide partial coverage for dental procedures.
Community health clinics and dental schools: Most teaching facilities and community health clinics offer reduced-cost dental care in comparison to traditional dental offices.
Office-specific discount programs: Speak with your dental professional to determine if there are any discounts or low-monthly payment options available for treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cavity filling cost?

The cavity filling cost often varies based on the type of filling material, number of teeth requiring fillings, and the size of the cavity. Without dental insurance, dental fillings can cost on average between $200 to $600.

What is the cost of getting a tooth filled?

For one to two teeth, the average cost of dental fillings range between $50 to $200 for silver amalgam, $150 to $300 for composite resin, $300 to $1,000 for gold, and $300 to $4,500 for porcelain material.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are a standard dental procedure used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. Common types of dental fillings include silver amalgam, composite resin, gold, and porcelain.

Does my insurance cover fillings?

Dental filling cost can be made even more affordable with the help of dental insurance. Most dental insurances offer partial or full coverage for preventative dental services like dental fillings. On average, dental insurances offer 80-100% coverage for dental fillings.

Why are dental fillings so expensive?

The cost of dental fillings can depend on factors such as the type of filling material and cavity size. Dental fillings can be made more affordable through dental insurance plans, discount programs, or other financing options.

Are fillings worth the expense?

Dental fillings are definitely worth the expense in order to maintain oral health and overall well-being. Dental cavities cannot be treated without the help of dental professionals. Untreated dental disease can result in the spread of infection and can even be fatal.

Are there alternatives to traditional fillings?

Common alternatives to traditional fillings include dental inlays and onlays. These restorations are created by a dental lab using an impression of your prepared teeth. They are often made of gold, porcelain, or composite resin materials.