Cavity Filling Cost

• A silver amalgam (metal) filling on one or two surfaces can cost $50 -$150; three or more surfaces can cost $120 -$300 or more. Dental insurance typically covers at least some of the cost for amalgam fillings. For example, CostHelper readers with insurance coverage report out-of-pocket expenses of $34 -$183 for amalgam fillings, for an average cost of $89.
• Tooth-colored composite resin fillings can cost $90 -$250 for one or more surfaces, or $150 -$450 or more for three or more surfaces. Typically dental insurance covers 50%-80% of the cost of a composite filling because the higher charge for the tooth-colored material is considered a cosmetic option (although insurance might pay the cost a composite filling if it's replacing a cracked or broken amalgam filling). For example, CostHelper readers without dental insurance report paying $90 -$350 for a composite filling, at an average cost of $204; CostHelper readers with dental insurance report paying $63 -$300 out of pocket for a composite filling, at an average cost of $207.
• Porcelain or cast-gold fillings (known as inlays or onlays and also called indirect fillings) must be custom-ordered, require two visits and a temporary filling, and can cost up to 10 times the price of composite fillings or $250 -$4,500 or more, depending on size, complexity and materials. Dental insurance may cover 50%-80% of the cost of cast-gold fillings, depending on whether the work is classified as a basic or major service, and some plans have a pre-set maximum coverage amount for inlays or onlays.

• The dentist will choose the type of filling based on the size of the cavity and the location of the tooth. Amalgam or composite resin are the most common materials. Composites are more likely to be used on front teeth. Colgate.com lists pros and cons of different types of fillings; and WebMD.com gives an overview of typical filling procedures plus a before-and-after photo of amalgam fillings replaced by composite resin fillings (slide number 9).
• On average, amalgam fillings last about 12 years, while composites last five to seven years.
• There has been some debate about the safety of the mercury that is present in silver amalgam fillings, but the US Food and Drug Administration says there is no danger. A survey by a dental marketing company indicates that about half of the dentists responding no longer install amalgam fillings, primarily because they consider it an outdated material.

• Usually an initial exam ($20-$100) and dental X-rays ($10-$250) are required to determine the extent of the decay before a dentist will perform a filling procedure

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has tips for finding low-cost dental care.
• Dental school clinics offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.

• WedMD lists things to consider when choosing a dentist.
• If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or get referrals to local dentists from the American Dental Association or the Amcerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

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