Dental care is expensive. Whether it’s a routine checkup, dental fillings cost, or an emergency procedure, the costs can be overwhelming. If you’ve ever delayed treatment because of price, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank to afford quality dental care.
In this guide, we’ll show you proven ways to save money on dental fillings—whether you have insurance, no insurance, or a dental membership plan. Plus, we’ll introduce you to an innovative platform, The Patient Marketplace, that connects you with affordable, high-quality dental care providers.
Understanding Dental Filling Costs: What You’re Really Paying For
Dental filling prices vary depending on the type of filling, your location, and whether you have insurance. Here’s a breakdown:
Typical Dental Filling Costs
| Filling Type | With Insurance | Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (Silver) | $50 – $150 per tooth | $100 – $300 per tooth |
| Composite (Tooth-Colored) | $90 – $250 per tooth | $150 – $450 per tooth |
| Gold | $250 – $1,000 per tooth | $500 – $1,500 per tooth |
| Ceramic | $250 – $1,500 per tooth | $300 – $3,000 per tooth |
Without insurance, dental costs can be up to 3X higher.
Membership plans and marketplace platforms can help cut costs significantly.
So how do you make dental fillings affordable? Let’s break it down.
How to Save Money on Dental Fillings (With & Without Insurance)
✅ 1. Use Dental Insurance – But Be Strategic
If you have insurance, check if your plan fully or partially covers fillings. Some tips:
- Stay In-Network – Using an in-network dentist ensures lower out-of-pocket costs.
- Check Your Annual Maximum – Most plans cover up to $1,000–$2,000 per year. Plan your treatments accordingly.
- Watch Out for Waiting Periods – Some policies require a 6- to 12-month wait before covering fillings.
If You Don’t Have Insurance: Read on for alternative ways to save.
2. Get a Dental Membership Plan (Up to 60% Savings)
What if you could cut your dental costs without insurance? That’s where in-office membership plans come in.
How It Works:
- You pay a low monthly fee (usually $10–$30/month).
- Get free checkups, cleanings, and big discounts on procedures (like fillings).
- No waiting periods, no deductibles, and no maximums.
Where to Find a Plan:
Use The Patient Marketplace to find dentists offering membership plans near you and compare savings before booking.
3. Pay with an HSA or FSA
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to pay for dental fillings tax-free.
- If your employer offers an FSA, use those pre-tax dollars before they expire.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask your dentist if they accept HSA/FSA cards.
4. Visit a Dental School for Lower-Cost Care
Dental schools offer high-quality care at reduced prices because students perform treatments under expert supervision.
Savings:
- Get fillings at 50% lower costs than private clinics.
- Treatments take longer, but quality is on par with private dentists.
Find a Dental School Near You: Search “accredited dental schools near me” or check the American Dental Association website.
5. Use a Dental Discount Plan
Unlike insurance, dental discount plans offer instant savings (10%–60%) at participating dentists.
How It Works:
- Pay a small annual fee (typically $80–$200).
- Get immediate discounts on fillings, exams, and cleanings.
- No paperwork, no approvals needed.
✅ Best for: People without insurance who need big savings fast.
Real Story: How a Membership Plan Saved Sarah $400 on a Filling
Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, didn’t have dental insurance. After a painful cavity, she faced a $450 bill for a composite filling.
Instead, she found a dentist offering a membership plan on The Patient Marketplace for $20/month. The result?
✔ Her filling cost dropped to just $150
✔ She also got free cleanings and exams
✔ Total yearly savings: Over $400!
Lesson: A simple membership plan can save you hundreds on fillings and routine care.
Act Now: Get Affordable Dental Care with The Patient Marketplace
The longer you wait to fix a cavity, the more expensive the treatment gets.
Here’s what to do next:
1️⃣ Visit The Patient Marketplace
2️⃣ Compare affordable dentists and membership plans
3️⃣ Book your appointment and start saving!
Don’t pay full price—get quality dental care for less!
