How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost

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If you've been told you have a cavity - an area of tooth decay - getting your tooth drilled to repair it probably sounds unpleasant enough. But there's also the issue of how much a cavity filling costs.

While cavity, or dental, fillings can cost hundreds of dollars or more, ignoring cavities can lead to serious dental issues in the future. So the best approach is to grin and bear it - and look for ways to save money on your filling.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are materials used to repair damaged areas of your teeth. If you develop a cavity, your dentist will likely remove the decayed part of your tooth using a drill. This often leaves a gap that must be filled with a dental filling to protect the tooth.

Common types of dental fillings include:

• Amalgam

• Composite resin

• Gold

• Porcelain

Dental fillings can last for years. But their longevity depends on your eating habits and oral hygiene, as well as the type of filling. Some types of fillings are more durable than others.

How much do cavity fillings cost?

Cavity fillings cost anywhere from $100 to $1,150 per tooth and sometimes more. The cost varies based on the type of dental filling and other factors.

The table below shows the average cost and cost range of the different types of dental fillings.

Dental amalgam fillings, often called "silver fillings," are typically the least expensive, averaging around $160 per tooth. They're made from elemental mercury, silver, copper, and tin. Amalgam fillings are less prone to breaking than other types of dental fillings. However, they may release low levels of mercury vapor. According to the FDA, exposure to mercury may pose health risks for certain groups of people.

Composite resin is the most popular type of dental filling and costs more than amalgam, averaging about $191. It's often used for smaller areas and comes in natural tooth shades, so the fillings blend with your teeth. Composite resin materials may not last as long as amalgam fillings.

Gold dental fillings are also called inlays or onlays and cost an average of $400 for one tooth. Gold fillings are made from a blend of gold, copper, and other metals. They're the most durable and work well for large fillings. The main downsides of gold fillings are the high cost and the unnatural tooth color.

Porcelain dental fillings, also called inlays or onlays, match your tooth color and don't easily get stained. These fillings usually cover most of the tooth and are the most expensive. If you need one or two areas fixed, a porcelain-ceramic filling costs around $1,150 on average.

Does my insurance cover fillings?

Most dental insurance covers fillings because they're not considered cosmetic. However, dental plans may not cover all types of fillings. For example, dental insurers often consider composite resin and amalgam dental fillings medically necessary but don't cover gold or porcelain fillings.

There may also be copays, deductibles and cost-sharing to consider. Let's look at the Cigna Dental 1000 Plan as an example. If you get a filling from a dentist in the carrier's network, the plan pays 80% of the cost they set with that dentist. According to Cigna's summary of benefits, you would pay the remaining 20%, about $28, out of pocket.

Dental plans may also have limitations on coverage for fillings. For example, the same Cigna dental plan has a rule that says they will not pay for a replacement filling on the same tooth and surface in the same year. Additionally, the plan doesn't cover white or tooth-colored fillings for bicuspids and molars, two types of back teeth.

In some cases, there may be a waiting period. A waiting period is how long a dental plan makes you wait after enrollment before covering work like fillings. Waiting periods can be anywhere from 6 months to 12 months.

Before you get a filling, it's a good idea to check with your insurer to see what's covered, how much they'll pay, and if there's any waiting period.

Why is my dental filling so expensive?

The high price tag of dental fillings is due to several factors. Here's how the cost of dental fillings can be affected:

• Size of the cavity: The more extensive the cavity or damage to your tooth, the more expensive it is to restore. In some cases, a dental filling may not even be enough to fix your tooth.

• Filling material: Fillings range in cost depending on whether amalgam, gold, porcelain, or tooth-colored composite is used. Gold and porcelain generally cost the most.

• Number of fillings: If you have more than one tooth with a cavity that needs filling, each additional filling adds to the overall cost.

• Tooth being treated: Front teeth with easier access are less expensive to fill than the ones in the back.

• Severity of decay: Extensive decay requiring complex dental work is typically more expensive than minor damage.

• Location: In some high-cost-of-living areas, dental work, including fillings, tends to be pricier. Dentists working in small clinics or private practices may offer more affordable rates.

• In-network versus out-of-network dentists: If you have insurance, going to an in-network dentist usually costs you less because they have a negotiated agreement with your insurance company.

• Additional treatments: Extra services like X-rays, exams, or cleanings related to your fillings also add more to your bill.

Are fillings worth it?

Dental fillings stop tooth decay from worsening while preserving your tooth. They might seem expensive or unnecessary, but untreated tooth decay can spread and cause more damage. This may result in the need for a crown, or a cap covering the entire tooth. A crown is generally more expensive than a filling.

To determine if a dental filling is worth the cost, talk to your dentist about the pros and cons and what's best for your situation. You can also ask about other options like temporary fillings.

Paying for dental fillings

Here are 12 ways to cut costs of dental fillings:

1. Use dental insurance. Dental insurance can help reduce what you pay for fillings. If you have dental insurance, check what your plan covers to better understand your costs.

2. Choose in-network dentists. To save on out-of-pocket expenses using your dental insurance, choose dentists who participate in your plan's network.

3. Look into a dental savings plan.Dental savings plans differ from dental insurance, but they offer discounts and can reduce dental filling expenses.

4. Compare dentist prices. Call around to find the most affordable rates for your filling procedure.

5. Ask about payment plans. If your dentist offers a payment plan, paying in installments over time may ease the financial burden of fillings. But be sure to ask about any applicable interest rates.

6. Discuss filling materials. Talk to your dentist about less expensive filling materials that can still work well for your teeth.

7. Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). These accounts let you set aside pretax money to pay for medical expenses. Take advantage of the pretax dollars in your HSA or FSA to save money on dental filling costs.

8. Check for discounts. Ask if your dentist offers discounts for cash payments or referrals. Don't hesitate to negotiate the quoted price and discuss any financial hardships you're experiencing.

9. Get care at a dental school. Some dental schools offer discounted rates on fillings and other treatments done by students with instructor supervision. Find a dental school in your area to ask about pricing and clinic hours for quality budget care.

10. Consider community health centers. These clinics may offer low-cost services, including dental fillings. Contact your local health department to find a community health center near you that may provide affordable dental care.

11. See if you qualify for Medicaid.Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income people. It also covers dental care for all qualifying children. In some states, Medicaid may include dental benefits for adults.

12. Check nonprofit organizations. Some nonprofits connect people who cannot afford care with dentists who donate their services. For example, Dental Lifeline has a network of dentists who treat people with low incomes, people with disabilities, and older adults for free. America's Dentists Care Foundation also helps people access discounted dental care.

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