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Cost of Fillings with Insurance: How Much You’ll Pay & Ways to Save More

February 23, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

Wondering How Much Fillings Cost with Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your dentist has recommended a cavity filling, you might be asking:https://boomcloudapps.com/wp-admin/admin.php?page=leadin_user_guide

How much does a filling cost with insurance?
Will my insurance cover the entire cost?
Are there ways to lower my out-of-pocket expenses?

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and getting a filling is crucial to prevent tooth decay, infections, and costly root canals. The good news? If you have dental insurance, you’ll likely pay far less than the full price of a filling.

But even with insurance, you might still have out-of-pocket costs—and knowing how to maximize your benefits can save you hundreds of dollars on dental work.

This guide breaks down the cost of fillings with insurance, how much you’ll actually pay, and the best ways to save money on your dental treatment.


How Much Do Fillings Cost with Insurance?

The cost of fillings with insurance depends on your coverage level, deductible, and annual maximum. Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of the cost of fillings, but you’ll likely still have some out-of-pocket expenses.

Average Cost of Fillings with Insurance (By Material)

Silver Amalgam Fillings – $75 to $200 per tooth (Insurance covers 50-80%)
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings – $150 to $300 per tooth (Insurance covers 50-80%)
Gold Fillings – $250 to $4,500 per tooth (Insurance covers 50%)
Porcelain Fillings (Inlays/Onlays) – $300 to $4,500 per tooth (Insurance covers 50%)

Composite fillings (tooth-colored) are the most common choice for front teeth because they blend with natural enamel, but they are slightly more expensive than silver amalgam fillings.


What Will You Pay Out of Pocket?

Even with insurance, you’ll still be responsible for a portion of the cost. Here’s what you need to consider:

Deductible – Many plans require you to pay $50-$150 before coverage kicks in.
Copayment – You may be responsible for 20-50% of the filling’s cost.
Annual Maximum – Most dental plans cap benefits at $1,000 to $2,000 per year, which may limit coverage if you need multiple fillings.
Waiting Periods – Some insurance plans require a waiting period (6-12 months) before covering fillings.

Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for a filling could be between $20-$150, depending on your plan.


How to Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Costs on Fillings

1. Use a Dental Membership Plan to Cut Costs

If your insurance only covers part of the cost, a dental membership plan can further reduce your expenses by 30-60%.

Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
Composite Filling: $200 → Insurance covers 80% ($160), you pay $40Membership plan saves another 30% ($12), you pay $28
Silver Filling: $150 → Insurance covers 80% ($120), you pay $30Membership plan saves another 30% ($9), you pay $21

Low annual fee ($150-$400/year)
Discounts on fillings, cleanings, and exams
No waiting periods or claim rejections

Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.


2. Choose an In-Network Dentist

Most insurance companies negotiate discounted rates with in-network dentists, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Check with your insurance provider to find an in-network dentist near you.

Compare in-network dentists at The Patient Marketplace.


3. Use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)

If your employer offers an FSA or HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to cover the cost of your filling—reducing your overall expense.

FSAs must be used within the plan year
HSAs roll over and can be saved for future treatments
Can cover deductibles, copays, and non-covered treatments

If you have an FSA or HSA, use it to cut costs!


4. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing

If your insurance only covers part of the filling cost, many dentists offer monthly payment plans to help spread out the expense.

CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly installments 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 Cut Her Filling Cost in Half

Sarah, a 38-year-old teacher, needed a tooth-colored composite filling for a small cavity. Her dentist quoted her $250, but her insurance covered 80% ($200).

Solution? She signed up for a dental membership plan, which saved her another 30% off her remaining balance.

Original cost: $250
Insurance covered: $200
Membership plan discount: $15
Final cost: $35 (instead of $50)

Now, Sarah has a strong, natural-looking filling at half the original price!

Like Sarah, you can maximize your insurance and use a membership plan to save even more.


Where to Find Affordable Fillings with Insurance

Need a filling but don’t want to overpay? The Patient Marketplace connects you with affordable dentists, membership plans, and financing options that work with insurance.

Compare pricing & find in-network dentists
Save 30-60% on your remaining out-of-pocket costs
Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget

Click here to explore affordable cavity filling options now!


Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Fillings with Insurance

Q: What percentage of a filling does insurance cover?

Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of the cost of fillings, depending on the material and provider.

Q: Does insurance cover all types of fillings?

Insurance usually covers silver amalgam and composite fillings, but gold and porcelain fillings may have lower coverage due to their cosmetic nature.

Q: How can I lower my out-of-pocket cost for a filling?

Use a dental membership plan (save 30-60%)
Choose an in-network dentist
Use an FSA or HSA account
Ask about financing or payment plans

Q: Where can I find an affordable dentist for a filling with insurance?

Visit The Patient Marketplace to compare affordable dental providers that accept insurance.

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Save on Dental, Optometry & Wellness

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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.