How to Fix Your Tooth Without Breaking the Bank
Does the cost of a dental filling make you hesitate to visit the dentist? You’re not alone. Many people avoid getting cavities filled due to high prices, but delaying treatment can lead to painful infections, costly root canals, or even tooth loss.
The good news? You don’t have to overpay for a dental filling. Whether you have insurance, no coverage, or are looking for a budget-friendly solution, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality care.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of dental fillings, compare insurance vs. out-of-pocket costs, and reveal how dental membership plans—offered through The Patient Marketplace—can help you save hundreds on dental work.
Quick Tip: Need an affordable filling now? Find a low-cost dentist near you on The Patient Marketplace.
How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost?
The cost of a dental filling varies depending on several factors, including the type of material used, the size of the cavity, and your location. Here’s a breakdown of average costs:
- Silver Amalgam Filling: $75–$250 per tooth
- Composite (Tooth-Colored) Filling: $150–$450 per tooth
- Gold or Porcelain Filling (Inlays/Onlays): $500–$2,500 per tooth
Cost With vs. Without Insurance
- With Dental Insurance: Most plans cover 50%–80% of the cost, leaving you with a copay of $20–$200 per filling.
- Without Insurance: Expect to pay $100–$500+ out-of-pocket, depending on the material and dentist.
While fillings might seem expensive, ignoring a cavity can lead to root canals costing $1,000+ or even extractions—so early treatment is the smarter, cheaper option.
How to Save on the Cost of a Dental Filling
1. Get a Dental Membership Plan
One of the best ways to save on dental filling costs—especially if you don’t have insurance—is to sign up for a dental membership plan.
Unlike traditional insurance, membership plans are offered directly by dental offices and provide discounted treatment fees in exchange for a small annual or monthly payment.
✅ No waiting periods – Get discounts on fillings immediately.
✅ Lower prices – Membership plans often reduce filling costs by 20%–50%.
✅ Includes cleanings & checkups – Prevent cavities before they start.
Find a dentist offering affordable membership plans on The Patient Marketplace.
2. Compare Dentist Prices & Look for Discounts
Not all dentists charge the same for fillings! Shopping around or using The Patient Marketplace can help you find a provider with lower prices or new patient specials.
Pro Tip: Some dentists offer cash discounts of 5%–15% if you pay upfront.
3. Use an HSA or FSA to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for fillings—saving you 20%–30% in taxes.
Learn more about how HSAs work for dental care.
4. Check for Payment Plans & Financing Options
Many dental offices offer interest-free payment plans or financing through third-party providers like CareCredit. This allows you to split your payments over time instead of paying all at once.
5. Avoid More Expensive Dental Work by Acting Early
Delaying a $150 filling can turn into a $1,500 root canal—or worse, a $3,000 implant if the tooth needs to be removed.
Treat cavities early to save thousands in future dental costs.
Real Savings: How One Patient Cut Their Filling Costs in Half
Meet James. He didn’t have dental insurance and was shocked when his dentist quoted him $400 per filling. Feeling frustrated, he searched for affordable options and found The Patient Marketplace.
There, he found a local dentist offering a membership plan for $199/year, which gave him:
✔ Free exams & cleanings
✔ 40% off fillings
Instead of $400 per filling, he only paid $240 per tooth—saving over $500 on his dental work.
See how much you can save! Find a dentist offering membership plans today.
Act Now: Waiting Will Cost You More Later
Ignoring a cavity won’t make it go away—it will only get worse and more expensive.
Early filling: $100–$400
Root canal & crown: $1,000–$2,500
Tooth extraction & implant: $3,000–$6,000
By acting now, you can avoid painful procedures and high costs later.
Find an affordable dentist on The Patient Marketplace today.
Take Action: Get Affordable Dental Care Now
If you need a dental filling but don’t want to overpay, take control of your dental costs today.
Find a budget-friendly dentist near you on The Patient Marketplace.
Don’t wait until the problem worsens—get your cavity filled and save money now!
Final Thoughts
The cost of a dental filling shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need. By exploring dental membership plans, shopping for lower prices, and using tax-advantaged accounts, you can fix cavities affordably.
✅ Ready to save? Find a trusted dentist through The Patient Marketplace and start cutting your dental costs today!
Suggestions for Further Reading
Inbound Links (Related Articles on Your Website)
Outbound Links (Credibility & Authority Sources)
