If you’re worried about the cost of cavity fillings, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure how much they’ll need to pay, especially when dealing with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and the uncertainty of dental pricing. The good news? There are several ways to cut down your costs significantly—even if you don’t have insurance.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How much a cavity filling costs with insurance (and without)
- Ways to save on dental costs using in-office membership plans
- How to find affordable dental care through The Patient Marketplace
Let’s dive in and help you keep more money in your pocket while still getting the dental care you need.
How Much Does a Cavity Filling Cost?
With Insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover cavity fillings, but the amount covered varies. On average:
- Composite (tooth-colored) fillings: $90 – $250 per tooth
- Silver amalgam fillings: $50 – $200 per tooth
However, with insurance, most policies cover 50% to 80% of the cost, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses between $20 – $125 per filling.
✅ Key Tip: Always check if your dental plan has a deductible or waiting period before assuming your insurance will cover the cost.
Without Insurance
If you don’t have dental insurance, you’ll pay the full cost of the procedure. This can be anywhere from:
- $75 – $400 per filling, depending on the material used and the dentist’s location.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have insurance, consider an in-office dental membership plan—it can save you 40-60% on dental treatments.
The Hidden Cost Traps to Watch Out For
- Upcharges for Composite Fillings – Some insurance policies only cover silver fillings, so if you want tooth-colored fillings, you might have to pay extra.
- Additional Fees for X-Rays – Some dental offices charge separately for X-rays ($25 – $250).
- Deep Cavity or Root Canal? – If the cavity is too deep, a simple filling may not be enough, leading to higher costs for a crown or root canal.
How to Save Money on Cavity Fillings (Even Without Insurance!)
1. Use a Dental Membership Plan Instead of Traditional Insurance
One of the biggest money-saving secrets is joining a dental membership plan instead of paying for expensive dental insurance.
What is a Dental Membership Plan?
Instead of paying for dental insurance, you pay a flat monthly or annual fee to a dentist and get discounted rates on treatments. Unlike insurance, there are no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no annual limits.
Potential Savings:
- Cavity filling with insurance: You might still owe $50 – $150 per tooth.
- Cavity filling with a membership plan: You could pay $40 – $100 per filling with NO surprise bills.
Where to Find a Dental Membership Plan:
You can explore options at The Patient Marketplace—a trusted platform where you can find affordable dentists who offer in-office membership plans.
✅ Best for:
- People without dental insurance
- Those tired of dealing with high insurance premiums
- Anyone looking for transparent pricing & predictable costs
2. Find a Low-Cost Dentist Through The Patient Marketplace
If you don’t have a dentist yet, The Patient Marketplace connects you with affordable, high-quality dentists in your area who offer membership plans.
Benefits of Finding a Dentist This Way: ✔ Pre-negotiated rates for fillings, cleanings, and more
✔ No hidden costs – get upfront pricing before your appointment
✔ Local, licensed dentists with verified reviews
3. Ask for a Cash Discount
Even if you don’t want a membership plan, some dentists offer discounts if you pay in cash instead of using insurance. Always ask, “Do you offer a cash discount?” before agreeing to treatment.
Possible Savings: 5% – 30% off your total bill!
4. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer, you can use those tax-free dollars to pay for your filling.
✅ Benefit: Saves you an additional 20-30% on dental expenses by using pre-tax money.
5. Get Treated at a Dental School
Many dental schools offer discounted fillings—sometimes as low as $30 – $75 per tooth. Dental students (supervised by licensed professionals) perform these treatments at a fraction of the cost.
Real Story: How One Patient Saved 60% on a Cavity Filling
Meet Sarah: A 32-year-old freelancer without dental insurance. She needed two cavity fillings but was quoted $400 per filling at a local dental office.
What She Did:
✔ She found a dentist through The Patient Marketplace who offered a $99/year membership plan
✔ The plan gave her 50% off fillings—bringing her cost down to $80 per filling
✔ Total savings: $320!
Sarah’s Takeaway: “I saved more than half of what I would have paid without insurance—without dealing with claims, waiting periods, or hidden costs.”
Don’t Overpay—Start Saving on Dental Costs Today!
If you’re tired of expensive dental bills, now is the time to take control of your dental expenses. You don’t have to overpay for a cavity filling, whether you have insurance or not.
Get started today:
Find an affordable dentist on The Patient Marketplace
Explore dental membership plans and save 40-60%
Ask about cash discounts or payment plans
The Bottom Line: Smart planning can help you get quality dental care without breaking the bank. Whether you have insurance, a membership plan, or neither, there are real ways to save—and now you know exactly how to do it.
