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| Teeth are prone to decay known as cavities. A filling is usually a two-part process (usually done in one office visit) in which the dentist removes the decay then fills the remaining tooth with a protective material. |
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| Typical costs: |
- Decay may be found in one small spot or throughout a tooth. Dentists' fees are based on the number of surfaces needing filling in a single tooth.
- A silver amalgan filling on one or two surfaces averages $75 -$160; for three or more surfaces it's $120 -$300 or more.
- Tooth-colored composite resin fillings run $90 -$250 for one or two surfaces or $150 -$300 and up for more than two surfaces.
- Typically dental insurance covers most or all of the costs of silver amalgan fillings, but only 50 to 80 percent of the cost of a composite filling because the higher charge for the tooth-colored material is considered a cosmetic option. One exception is when an old amalgan filling is cracked or broken and is replaced with a composite filling.
- Cast-gold fillings (known as inlays or onlays) must be custom-ordered, require two visits and a temporary filling, and can cost up to 10 times the price of composite fillings or $900 -$3,000 and more.
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| What should be included: |
- The dentist will choose the type of filling based on the size of the cavity and the location of the tooth. Amalgan or composite resin are the most common materials. Composites are more likely to be used on more-visible front teeth. WebMD.com gives an overview of typical filling procedures and Colgate.com lists pros and cons of different types of fillings.
- On average, amalgan fillings last approximately 12 years while composites last about five to seven years, according to YourDentistryGuide.com.
- There has been some debate about the safety of the mercury that is present in silver amalgan fillings, but the US Food and Drug Administration says there is no danger.
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| Additional costs: |
- Usually an initial exam ($20 -$100) and X-rays ($13 -$135) are required to determine the extent of the decay before a dentist will perform a filling procedure.
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| Discounts: |
- Check DentalSite.com for locations of college clinics offering reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.
- The American Dental Association lists state associations; these groups may a portion of basic dental fees for low-income patients.
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| Shopping for a cavity filling: |
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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