If you’ve ever had a cavity, you’ve probably had a tooth filling. Paying for dental fillings, especially if you need multiple, can be tough, particularly if you have no dental insurance. However, it is possible. Use this guide for information about how much tooth fillings cost without insurance, what types of fillings you might get to fill a cavity, and a cost breakdown for how much these same fillings cost with a dental savings plan. Read start to finish for a full overview of how much tooth fillings cost, or use the provided links to navigate to a section of your choosing.
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Toothaches or other dental pains are often a sign of a cavity. In instances like this, they will often need a filling. If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering, “how much does a filling cost?” Below, we’ll go over the costs for fillings with and without insurance.
Having dental insurance can be a great way to save on dental procedures, such as getting a cavity filled. On average, the cost of a filling with insurance can be around $132 for an amalgam filling, which is often the cheapest filling option, with most insurance plans covering between 50 and 80 percent of the cost of your teeth fillings. With a dental savings plan, such as 1Dental’s Care 500 plan, it can bring the average cost of a filling down to under $100.
However, if you have dental insurance, the amount you pay depends on whether you paid your deductible. For example, if you have a $400 deductible that you haven’t met yet, and your filling costs $200, you will have to pay the entire $200. However, if you’ve met your deductible and your dental insurance covers 20 percent, you can expect to pay $160 for a filling.
On average, a tooth filling can cost anywhere from $150 to $530 without insurance. It depends on the type of filling you need. Below is a list of different types of fillings and the average prices for each, along with average prices in your area with the Care 500 plan.
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Learn more about the best savings at general dentists and see exact pricing in your area with the Care 500 plan. Or see the best savings at specialists with the Dental Access Plan (powered by the Aetna Dental Access network).
Your dentist may recommend a filling for several reasons, including:
Not every cavity or cracked tooth is the same, which is why cavity filling costs may vary. Understanding the factors that affect tooth filling costs can help you potentially find the best pricing. Some tooth filling cost factors include:
Many dentists will have fillings they prefer to use on their patients’ teeth, but there are many options to choose from. Below are five dental filling options, with a detailed explanation of their costs and some of their pros and cons.
Silver amalgam fillings are similar to gold fillings in that they offer great strength and durability, but they can be purchased at a much lower price. Typically, this type of cavity filling cost can range anywhere between $50 and $400, depending on the number of amalgam fillings you need. Unfortunately, amalgam fillings are more prone to expanding and contracting on the tooth, making it more likely to crack the tooth than other types of fillings.
These fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin composite, so they blend in with your teeth. Composite fillings tend to be the most popular because of that feature and can cost anywhere between $150 and $550, depending on the number of teeth that need to be resurfaced. However, they are not as durable as other types of fillings, which is something to take into consideration.
Gold fillings can last up to 15 years because they are sturdy and non-corrosive. Many people find gold fillings more appealing than silver fillings because of how they look but can come at a high expense of anywhere between $300 and $1,800, depending on the number of fillings you need. However, these fillings can cost up to ten times more than silver fillings and more than one dental office visit to fit them properly.
Often made of porcelain, ceramic fillings are durable and look natural, but they do wear down on the opposing teeth because of their rough material. The average tooth filling cost for ceramic fillings can run anywhere between $250 and $4,500 for each procedure.
These fillings are the best for children since their teeth are still changing. They tend to last less than five years, but they do their job of helping prevent tooth decay, and their cost can range between $90 and $450, depending on how many fillings are needed.
Paying for fillings can seem like an overwhelming feat after looking at the prices listed above. However, there are a few ways you can save money on a tooth filling to avoid paying those high prices. Some ways to save money on a tooth filling include:
In addition to these tips above for saving money on tooth fillings, you can purchase a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are membership programs that offer exclusive savings. With a dental savings plan, dentists agree to provide lower rates for members. All you have to do is pay a small annual fee, and you’ll be able to access a nationwide network of dentists with no limits, waiting periods, or exclusions. Consider a dental insurance alternative, such as the Careington Care 500 Plan or Dental Access Plan (powered by the Aetna Dental Access network). These are nationwide plans that can help those without insurance save a significant amount of money at the dentist.
Talk to your dentist about which filling is best for you and how much that filling will cost. Some dentists are willing to work out payment plans for you. Also, consider purchasing one of our dental savings plans, like the Care 500 plan. It’ll help cut the cost for you so you can improve your oral health.
or learn more about the plan in your area
Dr. Renu Saxena is not your typical dentist. Yes, she's been in the field since 1996, has owned her own private practice and taught at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. But for Dr. Saxena, it's all about educating patients so they can take better care of their own teeth and understand their dental needs. You can catch up with her fun and helpful videos on Instagram, @talkingteethdds.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist with any questions you may have regarding your oral health.
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"I saved roughly $150 when I went in to get a filling replaced."
- Kollin J.
"...the very next day! I saved on my cleaning, X-rays, oral surgery extraction, a filling and my bridge."
- Nova C, KY
"...the $540 cost for replacing 2 fillings became $208 when I checked out."
- Jim R, GA
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The Care 500 discounted prices you see are the exact prices at the general dentist for your state. Just plug in another zip code if you want to see Careington pricing for that area. Please note that these prices are for general dentists only. Participating specialists give 20% off their normal rates.
