Worried About the Cost of Filling a Cavity? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve been told you need a cavity filling, you might be asking:
How much does it cost to fill a cavity?
Will insurance cover the cost of a filling?
What’s the cheapest way to get a cavity filled?
Cavities can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated, but many people delay getting fillings because of cost concerns. The average cost of filling a cavity ranges from $75 to $450 per tooth, depending on the material used and your dentist’s pricing.
The good news? There are several ways to lower the cost of your cavity filling—whether or not you have insurance.
This guide breaks down the true cost of filling a cavity, what factors impact pricing, and how to save on your dental treatment.
How Much Does It Cost to Fill a Cavity?
The cost of a cavity filling depends on the material used, the size of the cavity, and where the tooth is located.
Average Cost of a Cavity 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 (Inlays/Onlays) – $300 to $4,500 per tooth
Composite fillings (tooth-colored) are the most popular choice because they blend with natural teeth, but they cost slightly more than silver fillings.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Cavity Filling
✔ Size of the Cavity – Larger cavities require more material, increasing the price.
✔ Filling Material – Gold and porcelain fillings are the most expensive, while silver amalgam and composite are more affordable.
✔ Tooth Location – Molars cost more to fill than front teeth due to their larger size.
✔ Dentist’s Location & Experience – Prices vary based on geographic area and the provider’s expertise.
Even with these cost factors, there are ways to save money on your dental filling.
How to Get an Affordable Cavity Filling
1. Use Dental Insurance to Lower Costs
Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of cavity filling costs.
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 before coverage applies.
➡ 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 cavity 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 or monthly fee ($150-$400/year)
✔ Discounts on cavity 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 cavity 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 cavity 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 cavity 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 Sarah Saved Over $300 on Her Cavity Filling
Sarah, a 27-year-old freelancer, 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, Sarah can get regular dental care without financial stress!
Like Sarah, you can find an affordable dental filling by choosing the right provider and payment plan!
Where to Find an Affordable Cavity 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 cavity filling
✅ Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget
➡ Click here to explore affordable cavity filling options now!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Filling a Cavity
Q: How much does a cavity 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 cavity 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 cavity 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
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