How Much Does A Filling Cost?
Do you have a cavity? As if the pain and discomfort wasn’t enough, dental fillings to fix cavities aren’t cheap. Knowing how much a filling costs can help you budget better. And even better, knowing how to pay less for fillings can save you a lot of money.
As you’ll see, tooth fillings aren’t cheap. But, they’re still cheaper than root canal surgeries, which you may need if you let the cavity develop.
So, how can you save money on tooth fillings?
What Is Tooth Filling?
A dentist will recommend getting a filling if you have a cavity or hole in your tooth. Cavities usually occur due to tooth decay caused by improper dental care and cleaning, especially after meals.
Tooth fillings are made of different materials, including gold, porcelain, glass ionomer, etc. However, before a tooth is filled, the dentist must first remove the decayed layer to ensure that every trace of decay has been removed and the filling material isn’t put right on it.
The essence of a tooth filling is to restore your teeth's structure and functionality so that you can eat properly once again and prevent further decay in your teeth.
How Much Does A Tooth Filling Cost?
According to a survey by the American Dental Association, filling a tooth without insurance costs between $145 to $191. However, it may cost up to $4500.
The price of a tooth filling largely depends on three major factors:
- Whether you have dental insurance
- The area/number of surfaces to be filled
- The type of filling
Though other factors include dentists' fees and depth of damage, having a dental discount plan makes filling a tooth cheaper.
Wondering how much you might spend without a dental discount plan? Well, let's see!
Cost of Filling Without Insurance
Getting a filling can be pretty expensive without an insurance plan. On average, a filling could cost you $50-$4,500 without a dental discount plan, depending on the type of filling you want.
Here is a price guide to how much different types of fillings can cost per tooth:
- Silver amalgam filling: $50-$300.
- Composite resin: $90-$450
- Gold filling: $250-$2,000
- Porcelain outlay or inlay: $300-$4,500
The surface area of the decay also affects how much a filling will cost. The more the surface area, the more you'll be charged. This is why you must see a dentist as soon as you notice a tooth problem.
Cost of Tooth Filling With a Dental Discount Plan
A dental discount plan can save 15 - 50%* off of your dental care costs. Which can be a lot of money, especially if you have more than one cavity.
Best of all, dental discount plans aren’t just for fillings. You can use them for any dental procedure at participating dentists.
Save on Getting a Filling
One of the easiest ways to save money on dental procedures, including fillings, is to get a dental discount plan like Carefree Dental.
For only $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families, you can get 15-50%* off your dental bill at participating providers per visit in most instances.
Get your fillings cheaper by signing up for Carefree Dental!
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance, and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
