Cost of Tooth Filling

The cost of your dental filling procedure is not as easy as buying a gallon of milk. The cost is determined by a number of factors. Typically, tooth filling is a treatment for a cavity; the filling is set in place after the decay is removed and then shaped to fit the gap left in the tooth.

  • The size of the filling drives the cost of the procedure, more decay bigger filling.
  • Additionally, the material used by your dentist can increase or decrease the size of your bill once your visit is complete. Typically the dentist offers a variety of materials each at different price points. The most common and least expensive material is referred to as amalgam. You probably know this as the easy to spot silver filling which should remain in place for 10 years. The pricier options are referred to as composite. They are more difficult to see as the color is closely matched to your tooth color. The composite material adheres to the tooth and remains in place longer than its amalgam counterpart. If budget and inconspicuousness are of no concern, gold fillings may be the choice for you.
  • Also, the number of teeth affected by the decay will determine the cost of the filling. As the number of teeth affected increase so the cost of the procedure.
  • Furthermore, if the tooth or teeth affected by decay and requiring the filling are located in the back of your mouth or in a more difficult to reach area, the price for the filling may increase.
  • Likewise, the amount of anesthesia and type of sedation used for the filling procedure will affect the final cost. You and your dentist can choose the best medications based on your allergies, tolerance and budget. You may even find that you do not need anesthesia at all if the filling is small or not in a sensitive place in your mouth. Your options for sedation include topical, oral or intravenous; the more complicated the administration of medication, the higher the bill.
  • Finally, the sooner you address any potential cavities with your dentist, the lower the cost of the filling versus delaying and allowing the cavity to increase in severity. The longer you wait to receive dental care, the stronger the chance for complications during the filling procedure and complications lead to higher bills.

Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance, be sure to call your insurance company to see if they cover fillings and how much of the procedure they cover. Your dentist will walk you through all the steps of your treatment plan before the filling and you can confirm their insurance coverage before finalizing your treatment. The billing staff is familiar with the fees related with the procedure. Your dentist and the billing staff may even be able to help you sort out a treatment plan that best works with your financial resources. Insurance companies often provide coverage of preventative cleanings so this will also help defer future costs of dental fillings going forward.

More About Dental Fillings : Temporary Tooth Fillings