Cost of Tooth Filling
It is estimated that more than 85 percent of U.S. adults who still have natural teeth have had at least one dental filling. Dental fillings are commonly used to treat tooth decay, restoring the appearance and function of the decayed, damaged tooth and protecting the tooth from further decay. The two most commonly used materials for dental fillings are composite resin and silver amalgam. Composite resin is a tooth-colored, natural-looking material made of a mixture of plastic and glass. Silver amalgam is a mixture of metals held together by elemental mercury; while large amounts of mercury can cause adverse health effects, the amount of mercury in dental amalgam has been approved as safe and effective by both the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In certain cases, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay made of porcelain or gold; while these are technically different from traditional dental fillings, they are durable, effective methods of repairing large areas of tooth decay.
The overall cost of a tooth filling will vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the tooth decay, the materials used, and the size and complexity of the filling. You and your dentist will review all your options before your filling procedure and make sure your choice fits within your clinical needs, preferences, and budget. While most dental insurance plans cover dental fillings after deductibles have been met, your dentist can recommend financing services if you need a tooth filling and can’t reasonably afford it. The average cost for a single silver amalgam filling is between $50 to $150, while a single tooth-colored composite filling ranges from $90 to $250. Cast gold and porcelain inlay and onlay fillings, which are custom made in dental labs and cemented to the teeth in one piece, cost anywhere from $250 to as much as $5,000. These inlays and onlays require multiple dental visits and are often used to restore larger areas of decay. Typically, however, dental fillings are placed in one dental visit and take anywhere from 30-60 minutes to complete.
Ideally, patients should have their dental cavities treated as soon as they’re diagnosed, which provides the best likelihood of saving the teeth and preventing painful, costly dental emergencies. As a cavity forms and the dental tissue decays, you might notice mild sensitivity while eating or drinking certain things, especially things that are particularly sweet. You may also notice dark spots on your teeth, pain while chewing, or chipped areas of enamel that attract food debris. Initially, dental cavities might cause sensitivity or even pain in the affected tooth and surrounding area, though they can also be asymptomatic. When left untreated, however, tooth decay usually progresses and causes more consistent, steady pain. Sometimes, early tooth decay can only be accurately diagnosed with dental x-rays. This means that regular, routine dental examinations are an imperative part of prompt diagnosis and repair of tooth decay. Treating tooth decay with dental fillings is a routine procedure that restores the integrity, appearance, and strength of the tooth, and treating tooth decay early can make a key difference in protecting the teeth and preventing further decay.