Cavities are a pain — literally. But the burden that comes with them is more than physical. You have to consider the financial side, too. In most cases, dentists treat cavities by drilling away the infected dental tissues and replacing them with a filling. It’s typically pretty affordable but might be more than you can pay for out of pocket.
So, how much should you expect to pay to get a cavity filled? Below is our guide to the cost of cavity treatment and some ways to make it more accessible.
Table of Contents
What Are Dental Fillings?
Once a cavity develops in a tooth, the infected and decayed parts of the tooth need to be removed. In some cases, this procedure will barely alter the tooth, but it usually requires some level of drilling, which exposes the delicate dentin and/or pulp. The missing material needs to be replaced to protect the vulnerable tissues, restore function, and prevent crumbling.
There are two primary options for replacing the decayed parts of the tooth: crowns and fillings. Crowns work best when the “walls” of the tooth have been compromised, while fillings are better for replacing smaller portions or the middle of a tooth. Dental fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and glass.
The Dental Filling Process
Going in for a filling can seem intimidating, but it’s a relatively quick and simple procedure. Here’s what to expect.
- Diagnosis: The dental filling process starts with a diagnosis, usually consisting of a visual inspection and X-rays. This determines how many teeth have cavities and the extent of the decay.
- Anesthesia: Your dentist will administer anesthesia so you don’t feel pain. It’s typically a topical anesthetic followed by an injection. If you have a lot of cavities, they might also use a sedative.
- Drilling: Using a drill (or a laser or air abrasion tool), your dentist will eliminate the decayed portions of the tooth. They may also administer more anesthetic depending on your comfort level.
- Filling Prep: Once they’ve eliminated the decay, your dentist needs to make sure no bacteria or debris gets left behind. Otherwise, the cavity will grow. Your dentist might also add a glass ionomer or resin liner if the decay was close to the root.
- Filling Placement: After prep, your tooth is ready for the filling. If it is a direct filling, you’ll go home with the permanent one the same day as the drilling. If it’s indirect, you’ll get a temporary filling, then come back later for the permanent one.
How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?
Dental fillings aren’t cheap, but they are among the most affordable non-preventative treatments. They can cost as little as $50 or as much as $1,500.
The primary factor behind the cost of dental fillings is the material your dentist uses. Silver amalgam fillings are usually the most affordable, while porcelain inlays are the most expensive. So, what should you expect to pay for your dental fillings? Below is a quick look at typical prices based on filling type.
Material | Notable Features | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Silver Amalgam | The most affordable type of filling. Widely available, durable, and placed directly. | $50–$250 per tooth |
Composite Resin | Mid-range price. Matches the color of the teeth, and can be direct or indirect. | $130–$350 per tooth |
Gold | Rarely used, but more expensive. Lasts decades and looks different from other filling types. | $300–$1,000 per tooth |
Porcelain Inlays | The most expensive type. Matches the color of the teeth, highly durable, made in a lab, and stain resistant. | $700–$1,500+ per tooth |
Other Variables That Affect Cost
While filling material is the biggest influence on dental filling prices, it isn’t the only one. Below are some variables that will also determine what you pay.
- Cavity Severity: The larger the cavity, the bigger the filling — and especially large ones sometimes require an extra layer to protect the tooth nerve. Large fillings will typically cost more than smaller ones.
- Number of Cavities: As you would expect, you pay per filling. So if you have multiple cavities, you’ll be paying for each filling, driving up the cost.
- Tooth Type: Believe it or not, the cost of your fillings can vary based on the type of tooth being filled. Front teeth are usually the cheapest, while the molars are often the most expensive because they require more material.
- Dentist Fees: Dentists don’t just charge for materials; their prices also include labor, employees, and various overhead costs. This means identical fillings from two different dentists could come at two very different prices.
Additional Costs
The costs listed above are for the fillings themselves, but you might also have to pay for:
- The dental exam (around $50–$100)
- X-rays (around $100–$200)
- Topical and local anesthetic (around $20–$100)
- Laughing gas or sedation, when needed (around $50–$500)
Insurance and Cavity Treatment
Depending on your situation — the number of cavities you have, the filling material you need, and the fees your dentist charges — the cost of your dental fillings might be a little beyond your budget. Luckily, private dental insurance might step in to help.
How much? That depends. Each policy covers a set percentage of dental treatments based on how they classify them. Cavity treatment — including drilling and fillings — is considered basic care. Many providers will cover a large percentage of these treatments, often anywhere from 50–100%. Coverage should apply to the diagnostics and anesthetic as well.
There are a few caveats to keep in mind, though. First, your policy won’t pay anything unless you’ve met your deductible. Second, you’ll probably still have a copay or coinsurance, even if you’ve met your deductible. Finally, some policies will only cover certain filling materials, so if you really want a cosmetic option, like porcelain, expect to pay out of pocket.
Medicaid and Medicare
But what if you are on public insurance? It depends on where you live. Medicaid will cover dental fillings for people under 21 everywhere, but for adults, it’s up to the state. Fortunately, 39 states (plus the District of Columbia) cover limited or comprehensive dental care for adults under Medicaid. Eight only cover dental emergency dental treatment. They are:
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- New Hampshire
- Nevada
- Texas
- Utah
Aside from that, three states — Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee — don’t cover any adult dental care under Medicaid.
While typically for older adults, some younger adults are Medicare eligible due to disabilities. However, it does not cover most dental care, and this includes fillings. If you are on public insurance, check to see what your state will cover, which will help you determine if you need a private dental policy.
Using FSAs and HSAs For Dental Fillings
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are other ways you can fit fillings into your budget. These accounts save pre-tax income so you can apply it towards qualifying medical and dental expenses.
Since fillings are restorative, they are qualifying expenses. However, just like with insurance, the material might change the eligibility. If you choose a more cosmetic material, such as porcelain or gold, your account administrator might not let you use your funds — though the diagnostics, exam, and anesthetic should still qualify.
Other Ways to Make Treatment More Affordable
Maybe you don’t have dental insurance, an FSA, or an HSA. In this case, there are still ways you can make dental fillings more affordable, no matter the material you choose. Below are a few options that might help treatment fit into your budget.
Discount Dental Plans
Discount dental plans can either supplement or take the place of insurance, depending on your needs. These plans usually come from insurance companies and have enrollment fees. You’ll receive a card you can present to select dentists, getting you discounted rates on their services.
Financing
Many dental offices offer financing, either directly or through third parties. If yours doesn’t, you can contract with a third party directly. Look into options like CareCredit, but keep in mind that they often charge interest, raising the total cost.
Payment Plans
Another option is to ask your dentist about payment plans. This arrangement is less formal than financing and often interest-free. The total cost is just broken up into installments, making it more budget-friendly.
Dental Schools
Dentists in training need to practice their craft to perfect it. This training takes place in a controlled and supervised environment, with supervision from experienced and licensed dentists. Dental schools usually offer services at heavily discounted rates.
Community Dental Clinics
These clinics typically offer services using sliding-scale fees — meaning that your price reflects your income and ability to pay. Depending on your situation, the price of your fillings could be very low, and even free.
How To Reduce Your Risk of Cavities Moving Forward
Ideally, you won’t need any fillings because you won’t have any cavities. This is an unlikely outcome given the prevalence of cavities and tooth decay, but if you take steps to reduce cavity risk, you can make it harder for them to form — and with luck, avoid them entirely. Below are some basic things you can do to inhibit cavity development.
- Customize Your Oral Care Routine: Talk to your dentist about the right products for you as well as the best techniques for brushing and flossing. They might tailor your routine and techniques to the shape and position of your teeth.
- Don’t Skip Dental Visits: Cavities usually form slowly, often taking over a year from the earliest stages to genuine tooth decay. Your twice-yearly visits can catch problems before you need drilling and fillings.
- Alter Your Diet: Sticky foods make it easier for plaque to form and calcify into tartar. Eating too frequently also makes it harder for saliva to wash particles away. And if you’re dehydrated, your saliva won’t be sufficient.
- Straighten Your Smile: Crowded and rotated teeth are harder to keep clean. In fact, in some cases, it can be impossible. Aligning your teeth makes it easier to clean them effectively.
- Take Good Care of Your Gums: When the gums recede, they expose tooth roots — which have no protective enamel. Keep your gums healthy to prevent recession and root exposure.
- Mitigate Side Effects: Whether you have dry mouth from medications, chronic acid reflux, or severe morning sickness, it’s essential to mitigate side effects that can negatively impact your teeth.
- Care for Dental Work and Appliances: Old or damaged dental work allows bacteria to reach delicate tooth structures and can hold that bacteria in place, as can dirty dental appliances.
- Immediately Treat All Tooth Injuries: Whether cracked, broken, crumbled, or just hit with a forceful blow, injured teeth are vulnerable. Even if you can’t spot structural issues, see a dentist immediately.
Final Thoughts
Getting a cavity filled can be affordable or rather expensive, depending on the material and dentist you choose. But even if the cost of a filling is slightly too expensive, know that there are ways to still access the care you need. Never put off getting a cavity treated, since it will only get bigger — and more expensive to correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top signs of a cavity?
For most people, pain is the number-one sign of a cavity, but general sensitivity, tingling, and changes in the feel of your tooth can also signal that a cavity is forming.
Are fillings the only option for restoring a tooth after a cavity?
No, sometimes veneers will work when the cavity occupies the front surfaces of the upper front teeth. Crowns are also an option for teeth that have experienced severe deterioration.
What is getting a filling like?
It can be uncomfortable, but it’s almost never painful. However, everyone reacts to anesthetic and drilling differently. Deep cavities have the greatest risk of causing pain during and right after a filling, especially if the filling ends up sitting close to the nerve.
Is it normal to feel pain after getting a filling?
Yes, though it shouldn’t be severe. In most cases, the pain and soreness resolve within a few hours, though it might last for about a week as you heal.
How long do fillings last?
It depends on the materials your dentist uses. Some last 3–5 years, while others can last decades. Just remember that any filling will last longer with proper care.
Which dental filling types are best?
None are inherently better than the others; it mostly comes down to your budget and personal preferences.
Can dental fillings fall out?
Yes, though this usually only happens when the filling has aged and the dental cement weakens. However, even new fillings can come out if you eat the wrong foods or brush or floss too aggressively.
Is it an emergency if my filling falls out?
You should get it fixed as soon as possible, but if you need to wait for the weekend to pass, it isn’t a big deal. Just don’t go more than a couple of days without it.
How are direct and indirect fillings different?
Dentists make direct fillings right there on your teeth, while indirect fillings are made in a lab and then applied to the teeth.
Once you have one cavity, will you always get more?
It can vary based on what made you susceptible to getting a cavity in the first place, but in most cases, no. You can prevent most cavities from forming.
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