Worried About the Cost of a Dental Filling? Here’s What You Need to Know
If your dentist told you that you need a filling, you might be wondering:
How much does a dental filling cost?
Will insurance cover my filling?
What’s the best way to get an affordable filling without sacrificing quality?
Dental fillings are essential for repairing cavities, preventing decay, and avoiding expensive root canals. But without the right information, you could end up overpaying for your treatment.
The good news? There are ways to cut costs on dental fillings—whether or not you have insurance.
This guide breaks down the cost of a filling, what affects pricing, and how to save money on your treatment.
How Much Does a Dental Filling Cost?
The cost of a dental filling depends on several factors, including the type of material used, the size of the cavity, and your dentist’s location.
Average Cost of a Dental Filling by Material:
✔ Silver Amalgam Fillings – $75 to $200 per tooth
✔ Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings – $150 to $300 per tooth
✔ Gold Fillings – $250 to $4,500 per tooth
✔ Porcelain Fillings – $300 to $4,500 per tooth
Composite fillings (tooth-colored) are the most popular choice because they blend with natural teeth, but they can be slightly more expensive than silver amalgam.
What Affects the Cost of a Dental Filling?
✔ Size of the Cavity – Larger cavities require more material, increasing the cost.
✔ Type of Filling Material – Gold and porcelain fillings are the most expensive, while silver amalgam and composite are more affordable.
✔ Location of the Tooth – Fillings for molars (back teeth) may cost more than those for front teeth.
✔ Dentist’s Experience & Location – Prices vary based on geographic area and provider expertise.
Even with these factors, there are ways to significantly lower the cost of your filling.
How to Get an Affordable Dental Filling
1. Use Dental Insurance to Lower Costs
Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of the cost of fillings, depending on your plan.
Example Cost Breakdown with Insurance:
✅ Composite Filling Cost: $200 → Insurance covers 80% ($160), you pay $40
✅ Silver Amalgam Filling Cost: $150 → Insurance covers 80% ($120), you pay $30
✔ Choose an in-network dentist to maximize your benefits.
✔ Check if your plan has a deductible that must be met first.
✔ Confirm if there are any waiting periods for fillings.
➡ Find insurance-friendly dentists at The Patient Marketplace.
2. Join a Dental Membership Plan
If you don’t have insurance, a dental membership plan can help you save 30-60% on fillings and other dental treatments.
Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
✅ Composite Filling: $200 → Membership plan covers 40% ($80), you pay $120
✅ Silver Filling: $150 → Membership plan covers 40% ($60), you pay $90
✔ Low annual/monthly fee ($150-$400/year)
✔ Discounts on fillings, exams, and cleanings
✔ No waiting periods or claim rejections
➡ Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.
3. Compare Prices at Different Dental Clinics
Not all dentists charge the same for fillings. Some affordable dental offices offer lower-cost treatment options and payment plans.
How to save:
✔ Get multiple price quotes before choosing a provider.
✔ Ask about cash-pay discounts (some dentists offer 10-20% off for cash payments).
✔ Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
➡ Find affordable dentists near you at The Patient Marketplace.
4. Use a Dental Discount Plan
Unlike insurance, dental discount plans allow you to pay a small fee for access to pre-negotiated discounts on fillings, exams, and cleanings.
Savings: 15-60% off dental fillings and other procedures
No waiting periods, approvals, or claim forms
Accepted at thousands of participating dentists
These plans can help you save hundreds of dollars per year on routine dental care.
5. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing
If you can’t afford to pay for your filling upfront, many dentists offer monthly payment plans to make treatment more manageable.
CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly payments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest loans for dental procedures
➡ Find financing-friendly dentists on The Patient Marketplace.
Real Patient Story: How Lisa Saved Over $300 on Her Dental Filling
Lisa, a 32-year-old small business owner, needed a tooth-colored composite filling but didn’t have insurance. Her dentist quoted her $250 for the procedure.
Solution? She found an affordable dental provider through The Patient Marketplace, which offered:
✔ A membership plan with a 40% discount
✔ A financing plan with $50/month payments
✔ Original cost: $250
✔ Discounted cost with membership: $150
✔ Total savings: $100+
➡ Now, Lisa keeps up with regular dental visits without financial stress!
Like Lisa, you can find an affordable dental filling by choosing the right provider and payment plan!
Where to Find an Affordable Dental Filling Near You
Need a tooth filling but don’t want to overpay? The Patient Marketplace connects you with affordable dentists, membership plans, and financing options.
✅ Compare pricing & find trusted dentists
✅ Save 30-60% on your dental filling
✅ Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget
➡ Click here to explore affordable dental filling options now!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of a Filling
Q: How much does a dental filling cost without insurance?
The cost ranges from $75 to $200 for silver fillings and $150 to $300 for composite fillings.
Q: Can I get a free dental filling?
Some nonprofit clinics, dental schools, and community programs offer low-cost or free fillings for those in need.
Q: What’s the best way to save money on dental fillings?
✔ Use dental insurance (covers 50-80%)
✔ Join a dental membership plan (save 30-60%)
✔ Choose an in-network dentist
✔ Use a dental discount plan
Q: Where can I find an affordable dentist for a filling?
Visit The Patient Marketplace to compare affordable dental providers near you.
