A tooth filling (dental filling ) is used to repair tooth damage, such as cavities, fractures, or chips. If you’re planning to go to the dentist and think you might need some fillings, you may be wondering how much a filling costs. Your dental insurance may cover the cost of packing, or you may need to cover all or part of the cost. There are several factors to consider in determining the cost of filling. Here’s what you need to know.
Examination and x-rays
Standard inspection and cleaning costs vary. Dentists charge different fees depending on your situation and where you live—an average checkup costs around $288, which covers an exam, x-rays, and cleaning.
fillers
Dental filling price. Fillings, although more expensive than essential dental checkups, repair cavities and protect the future health of your mouth. Most of the filling treatments maintain stable prices in the following ranges:
- $50 to $150 for a single silver amalgam filling.
- $90 to $250 for a single tooth-colored composite filling.
- $250 to $4,500 for a single cast gold or porcelain filling.
In most cases, prices can increase if a filler is “hard to reach.” A back molar, impacted tooth, or other complications can cost more than a simple filling for a front tooth.
Additional costs to expect when you get a fill
Before a dentist makes fillings, they will usually take an x-ray to see the extent of the damage. Once it is determined that you need a filling, the dentist will need to prepare the tooth for the filling. This dental preparation may include anesthesia, then drilling to remove decay from the tooth before the repair and packing can be completed. The extent of drilling and tooth preparation is determined by the filling you choose. The cost of your filling depends on all these factors.
Will insurance cover the cost of a fill?
If you have supplemental health insurance, such as a dental insurance plan, the dentist can connect with your insurance company and get a report of what will be covered and for how much.
Your health insurance plan may limit how much you are covered for fillings per year. If you recently purchased your dental plan, you may also have a dental insurance waiting period before you are covered.
It’s always best to check with your insurance before working, as health insurance plans may differ.
For example, if your dental insurance will pay 80% of the cost of the procedure, then you should expect to pay 20%. If your dental plan pays 50%, your price will be higher. You’ll also want to check if you have a deductible to pay.
Choose the filling
There are several different types of fillers that you can choose from. Popular options include:
- Composite resin (white fillings) will match your natural tooth color
- Porcelain, inlay and only, and cast gold fillings are the most expensive.
- Metal or amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals, such as silver, tin, mercury, copper, and zinc.
Over the years, people have questioned mercury exposure safety in fillings. However, the American Dental Association ( ADA ), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), and the US Food and Drug Administration ( USDA ) have published studies and statements that these have not been harmful to adults or children under the age of six. And above.
Factors that determine the cost of a filling
There is no single answer to what your filling or fillings will cost because it depends on the individual damage you have to your tooth. These are the different things to consider for the price of a filler:
- Prices from the dentist performing the procedure may vary from other dentists.
- What methods will be conducted before filling? An excellent example of something that will cost money before you get your filling is an x-ray. Your dentist may also want to clean or remove buildup on your teeth. Be sure to ask about your visit’s total cost, not just the cost of the filling itself.
- The stuffing material
- The teeth affected by the filling; For example, some teeth will be more expensive to fill than others. If multiple tooth surfaces need to be filled, the cost will increase. For example, if only the top of the tooth needs to be filled, it will be much cheaper than if the sides also need to be filled.
How much does it cost to fill a cavity without insurance?
One of the main factors in determining the cost of your fill has to do with the type of material you use. The table below compares cavity fill cost by fill type.
Tips to save money on dentist costs
It would help if you always asked how much the procedures would cost before deciding. If you have health insurance, you should ask them if they have a list of approved dentists. You can also search for a dentist through the American Dental Association or search for local dental schools that may offer you discounted services if you don’t have insurance.
Dental Extractions
“Non-surgical” extractions and “surgical” extractions are necessary when a tooth cannot be repaired. Treatment costs depend on the length and difficulty of the visit. In general, both surgical and non-surgical extractions require anesthesia. Average Tooth Extraction Cost:
- $75 to $300 for non-surgical tooth extraction with gum eruption
- $150 to $650 for a surgical removal under anesthesia
- $185 to $600 for complicated and soft tissue surgical removals
- $75 to $200 for wisdom teeth removal
Impacted teeth can also increase costs up to $600, depending on the tooth’s location.
crowns
While fillings are needed to block internal damage to a tooth, crowns protect the “outer area” of the tooth. Crown placement typically follows root canal treatment, and the cost of a crown is tied to the base material. Peaks can vary widely in materials used and subsequently cost:
- An average of $328 per individual resin crown.
- An average of $821 per porcelain-fused crown.
- An average of $776 per high-quality noble metal crown.
How much does a root canal cost in the United States?
Root canal treatment and impacted dental “root cutting” are used in patients with exposed, infected, or damaged tooth roots. The costs of root canal treatment are often linked to the difficulty of the procedure.
- An average of $120 for a single exposed root removal procedure.
- An average of $185 for a single residual tooth root extraction procedure.
Does dental insurance save money?
Dental services can be expensive. Many patients try to avoid dental expenses by avoiding dental insurance altogether. While dental insurance coverage typically requires a monthly or annual premium, and some upfront costs or copays, in most cases, dental insurance lowers a person’s overall dental costs.
