A sudden toothache can be stressful, but what’s worse is finding out how much a cavity filling costs—especially if you don’t have dental insurance. If you’ve been hit with a high dental bill or are worried about affording essential dental care, you’re not alone.
Good news: There are ways to reduce your cavity filling cost, whether you have insurance, don’t have coverage, or are considering alternative savings options like dental membership plans.
In this guide, we’ll break down how much cavity fillings cost, factors that influence pricing, and the best ways to save money on dental care, including in-office membership plans and The Patient Marketplace.
How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost?
The cost of a cavity filling depends on several factors, including the type of filling material used, the dentist’s location, and whether you have insurance.
Average Cavity Filling Costs Without Insurance
If you don’t have dental insurance, here’s what you can expect to pay per filling type:
- Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: $75 – $200 per tooth
- Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: $150 – $450 per tooth
- Ceramic Fillings: $250 – $1,500 per tooth
- Gold Fillings: $300 – $1,000+ per tooth
The price increases based on the size of the cavity, the location of the tooth, and the dentist’s pricing structure.
Cavity Filling Cost with Insurance
If you have dental insurance, you’ll likely pay 20% to 50% of the total cost after your deductible is met. However, not all insurance plans fully cover fillings—especially if you opt for composite (tooth-colored) or ceramic fillings instead of amalgam.
Tip: Always check your insurance policy to understand coverage limits and co-pays.
How to Save on Cavity Filling Costs (Even Without Insurance)
Dental care is expensive, but there are ways to cut costs and get quality treatment at an affordable price.
1. Get a Dental Membership Plan (The Best Alternative to Insurance)
If you don’t have insurance—or if your plan doesn’t offer great coverage—an in-office dental membership plan is one of the best ways to save.
What Is a Dental Membership Plan?
A dental membership plan is a direct savings program offered by dentists. Instead of paying insurance premiums, you pay a small monthly or annual fee directly to the dental office. In return, you get discounted services, including cavity fillings.
How Much Can You Save?
Dental membership plans typically offer 10% to 50% off standard dental fees, depending on the practice. Some plans even cover preventive care 100%, so you avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
Example: Instead of paying $200 for a filling, a membership plan might reduce the cost to $100–$150.
Find a dentist that offers an affordable membership plan through The Patient Marketplace.
2. Compare Local Dentists & Get Multiple Quotes
Did you know that dental prices vary significantly between offices—even in the same city?
How to Find Affordable Dental Care Near You:
- Call multiple offices and ask about their cavity filling cost.
- Use The Patient Marketplace to find a dentist that offers affordable pricing and membership plans.
- Ask about cash discounts—some dentists lower prices for patients paying out-of-pocket.
3. Visit a Dental School for Low-Cost Fillings
Dental schools offer discounted treatments performed by students under expert supervision. This can cut your costs by 50% or more while still ensuring quality care.
To find a dental school near you, check the American Dental Association (ADA) website or local university dental programs.
4. Use a Payment Plan or Dental Financing
If you can’t afford to pay for a cavity filling upfront, financing options can make it more manageable.
Look for:
✔ Dentists offering payment plans
✔ Third-party financing like CareCredit
✔ Interest-free installment options
Tip: Many dental membership plans also include financing perks for additional savings.
Real-Life Story: How a Patient Saved $300 on a Cavity Filling
Sarah, a 32-year-old working mom, needed a cavity filling but didn’t have insurance. After being quoted $250 for a composite filling, she searched for affordable alternatives.
She discovered The Patient Marketplace, found a local dentist offering a membership plan for $99/year, and got her filling for just $120—saving $130 instantly.
Don’t overpay! Use The Patient Marketplace to find a budget-friendly dental plan today.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Save on Cavity Fillings
Cavity fillings are essential for oral health, but they shouldn’t break the bank. Whether you have insurance or not, you can lower your cavity filling cost by:
✅ Joining a dental membership plan
✅ Comparing prices from multiple dentists
✅ Visiting a dental school
✅ Using financing or payment plans
Biggest Money-Saving Tip: Check out The Patient Marketplace to find a local dentist with affordable prices and membership plans—so you never overpay for dental care again.
Act Now! Find your affordable dentist today and save up to 50% on dental costs!
