Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, but they don’t have to be expensive to treat—especially if you have dental insurance. However, even with insurance, your out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on factors like the type of filling, your insurance plan, and additional dental work needed.
So, you might be wondering, how much does it cost to fill a cavity with insurance?
The good news? Most insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of fillings, significantly reducing what you have to pay. Even better, there are ways to save even more—whether you have insurance or not!
This guide breaks down the cost of cavity fillings with insurance and provides smart strategies to lower your dental bills.
The Cost of a Cavity Filling with Insurance Explained
The total cost of filling a cavity depends on the type of material used and your insurance coverage. Here’s a general price breakdown:
| Type of Filling | Cost Without Insurance | Cost With Insurance | Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Amalgam | $100 – $300 | $50 – $150 | 50% – 80% |
| Composite (White) | $150 – $450 | $90 – $250 | 50% – 80% |
| Ceramic (Porcelain) | $800 – $2,000 | $400 – $1,500 | 40% – 60% |
| Gold Fillings | $600 – $2,500 | $400 – $2,000 | 40% – 60% |
With Insurance: Most plans cover 50% to 80% of the cost of cavity fillings.
Without Insurance: You may pay $100 – $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material used.
Tip: Many insurance plans cover silver and composite fillings at a higher rate than ceramic or gold fillings. If cost is a concern, choosing a standard material can save you money.
How Does Dental Insurance Cover Cavity Fillings?
Dental insurance coverage for fillings typically falls under basic dental procedures, which means:
- Preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) is often covered at 100%.
- Basic procedures (like fillings) are usually covered at 50% – 80%.
- Major procedures (crowns, root canals, and implants) may be covered at 40% – 60%.
Common Coverage Scenarios:
✅ A $300 silver filling with 80% coverage: You pay $60.
✅ A $450 composite filling with 50% coverage: You pay $225.
✅ A $1,500 ceramic filling with 50% coverage: You pay $750.
Pro Tip: Always check with your insurance provider to confirm what materials are covered before scheduling your appointment!
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Cavity Filling With Insurance
Even with insurance, your final out-of-pocket cost depends on these factors:
1. Type of Filling Material
- Silver amalgam is the cheapest and most covered by insurance.
- Composite fillings (tooth-colored) are popular but may require higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Ceramic and gold fillings are more expensive and often covered at a lower percentage.
2. Insurance Plan Details
- Your deductible: If you haven’t met your annual deductible, you’ll pay more upfront.
- Annual maximum limit: If your dental plan has a low annual max, you might have to cover more costs.
- Preferred providers: In-network dentists cost less than out-of-network providers.
3. Additional Dental Work Needed
- X-rays may be required, adding $25 – $200 to the bill.
- Fluoride treatments or sealants may not be covered for adults.
- Multiple cavities may push costs beyond your insurance’s annual max, leaving you to cover the rest.
How to Save Money on Cavity Fillings With Insurance
Even with insurance, you might still face high out-of-pocket costs. Here are smart ways to reduce what you pay:
1. Use an In-Network Dentist
Insurance companies negotiate lower rates with in-network dentists, saving you 30% or more compared to out-of-network providers.
Example Savings:
✅ In-Network Composite Filling: $200 → You pay $100
❌ Out-of-Network Composite Filling: $400 → You pay $200
2. Ask About a Membership Plan for Additional Savings
Even with insurance, you can reduce your dental costs further by joining a dental membership plan.
✔️ Membership Plan Savings:
- Regular composite filling: $400 → $150
- Large cavity filling: $600 → $250
Find a dentist offering membership discounts at The Patient Marketplace
3. Use Your FSA or HSA Account
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use those funds tax-freeto pay for your fillings.
4. Consider a Payment Plan
Some dental offices offer 0% interest payment plans, allowing you to split the cost into smaller, manageable monthly payments.
A Patient’s Story: How Mark Saved $300 on His Cavity Filling
Mark, a 32-year-old accountant, needed a composite filling but was worried about costs.
Original Quote: $450
Insurance Coverage (50%): Paid $225
Joined a Membership Plan: Reduced cost to $150
Total Savings: $300
By using both insurance and a membership plan, Mark cut his dental costs in half!
Why You Shouldn’t Delay a Cavity Filling
Avoiding a cavity filling can lead to severe dental problems, including:
Tooth infections requiring root canals ($1,000 – $2,500 per tooth)
Tooth loss requiring implants ($3,000 – $5,000 per tooth)
Pain and difficulty eating
A simple $50-$250 filling today can prevent thousands in future dental costs!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overpay for a Cavity Filling
If you need a cavity filling, your insurance can significantly reduce your costs. However, smart planning can help you save even more!
✔️ With Insurance? Expect to pay $50 – $250 per filling.
✔️ Without Insurance? Prices range from $100 – $2,500, but membership plans can cut costs by 50% or more.
✔️ Want the best deal? Find an affordable dentist through The Patient Marketplace.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fill a cavity with insurance?
Typically $50 – $250 per tooth, depending on the material and coverage percentage.
Which cavity filling is most affordable?
Silver fillings are the cheapest, while composite and ceramic are more expensive.
Where can I find affordable cavity fillings?
Check out The Patient Marketplace to find dentists offering low-cost membership plans.
Need a cavity filled? Find an affordable dentist today!
