How much does a filling at the dentist cost?

In the event that one of your teeth shows signs of decay as the result of a cavity or other trauma, tooth fillings become a must. The cost of a filling can be a major concern. Once your dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth, a filling is put in place to restore look and function to the affected tooth.

One of the larger cost considerations when it comes to fillings is the material that the fillings are made out of. There are several major materials available today for tooth fillings, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The prices listed here are based on averages in the United States and will vary based on your coverage. If you’d like to save money on your dental fillings, consider checking out the Verber Dental Plan.

Composite Fillings – Between $150 and $550, depending on the number of fillings.

• The first among them is tooth-colored composite fillings. These come with several advantages, the first of which is the actual look of the filling. It’s possible to match the color of the filling to the color of the tooth, which makes it a good choice for front teeth or otherwise highly visible teeth. Often, another advantage of this type of filling is the ability for your dentist to not need to remove as much of your tooth. Generally, though, composite fillings tend to wear out faster than other types and may last at least 5 years, significantly shorter than the other types outlined below. Composite fillings also tend to be about twice the cost of amalgam fillings.

Cast Gold -Between $300 and $1,800, depending on the number of fillings.

• Another major type of dental filling is the cast gold filling. It will tend to be the most expensive of the three major types covered here, sometimes costing up to ten times more than amalgam fillings. These types of fillings do also tend to require more than one office visit for it to be placed. Gold fillings do get high marks for being durable, lasting ten to fifteen years, and not being prone to corrosion. The color of these types of fillings can be either an advantage or disadvantage to some. Patients will sometimes prefer gold as it tends to be pleasing to the eye. Others may find any color other than the natural color of teeth less than ideal. 

Dental fillings can vary greatly in cost, but one filling may be better suited to your needs than another. Contact your dentist and talk to them about your various options and coverage to find out pricing that is specific to you. If you’re in need of dental coverage, consider exploring the Verber Dental Plan to reduce the cost of your fillings.