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The average cost of dental fillings is $200 to $400 per tooth without dental insurance.7 However, the filling cost can vary depending on the number of teeth requiring fillings, the location of the tooth, dental fees, etc.
Dental fillings are single or combinations of materials used to repair or restore teeth. It’s typically used to treat cavities and tooth decay while protecting against further damage.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, there are various types of filling materials. These include:
The type of material used is the most significant factor in determining the cost of dental fillings without insurance coverage.
Composite, or composite resin fillings, usually cost between $180 to $380 for one or two surfaces or $300 to $400 for three or more surfaces.
Resin-based composite fillings are slightly more expensive than silver fillings. However, they are still cheaper than gold or porcelain fillings.
The dental filling procedure for composite fillings involves using resin-based composite that matches the color of your tooth enamel. This makes them popular for visible tooth surfaces, like front teeth.
The resin composite material is not as durable as metal, so it usually has to be replaced every five years. However, with proper maintenance, they can last longer, up to 10 or 15 years.
Silver amalgams, also known as metal fillings, are the cheapest type of filling. These types of fillings cost $50 to $200 if one or two surfaces need to be filled or $150 to $400 for three or more tooth fillings.
Silver amalgam fillings are durable and can last up to 10 years. They’re also made from a combination of various materials, including:
However, they are less popular than other options because their silver coloring makes them much more noticeable than other types of fillings. There is also the potential for the metal to expand and cause fractures in the teeth.
Cast gold, gold foil, and gold inlays can cost between $300 and $1,000 for one or two surfaces and $450 to $1,800 for three or more fillings. Gold fillings last a long time, up to several decades.
Some people like the way they look more than silver fillings. However, finding a dentist that still uses gold for dental restorations is rare.
A porcelain filling, also known as inlays, will cost you anywhere from $150 to $1,100 per procedure. According to the ADA, inlays are not technically “fillings,” though they can serve the same purpose.
Porcelain-ceramic inlays are the longest and most expensive filling procedure. First, a dentist will drill your tooth. Then, they will take an impression of your tooth, and the inlay will be made in a lab based on the impression.
These fillings are the most aesthetically pleasing as they are more resistant to staining. They last up to 15 years.
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Other factors that affect dental filling costs include:
Fillings aren’t cosmetic or elective procedures, meaning it’s covered by insurance. Composite and amalgam fillings are usually considered medically necessary.
Check if your insurance plan covers the entire procedure. In some cases, your insurance may not cover the cost of additional services like X-rays, dental exams, etc. You may also have to pay for plaque cleaning and removal before the procedure.
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Additional dental procedures may be required to diagnose your oral health or improve dental work quality. Additional dental services that may be necessary include:
| Dental Procedure | Cost |
| Dental exam | $90-$160 |
| Panoramic X-ray | $100-$250 |
| Bitewing X-ray | $25–$50 |
| Periapical X-ray | $25–$50 |
| Laughing gas | $25-$100 |
| Local anesthetic | $100 to $1,000 |
| IV sedation and anesthesia | $500-$1,000 |
If you don’t have a dental insurance plan, you can save money by joining a discount dental plan, which is a membership club. You will pay an annual membership fee, starting at $99.
People with relatively healthy mouths who don’t have significant gum or teeth issues may save more money with a dental discount plan over traditional insurance. If you only need routine teeth cleanings and occasional dental work, check out Dental Plans. There are also dental assistance programs for low-cost options.
Depending on your discount dental plan, you can save money on the following procedures from practitioners in your network:
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Tooth extractions are needed for many different reasons. They can:
The average cost of a simple tooth extraction varies depending on your insurance and the procedure requirements.
Your dentist might tell you a dental extraction is optional. However, neglecting treatment can lead to other issues, such as:
Dental fillings treat cavities and tooth decay while protecting them from further damage. They’re typically made with a single or a combination of materials used to repair or restore teeth.
The average cost of dental fillings is $200 to $400 per tooth without dental insurance. The total cost of dental fillings depends on a few factors, like the number of teeth that require treatment, the location of the tooth, etc.
If you don’t have a dental insurance plan, you can save money by joining a discount dental plan. They can provide discounts on various dental services, including fillings.
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