Dental Filling Price Guide

The dental filling cost varies from patient to patient because each cavity is a little different. The cost may be more or less depending on how large or deep the cavity is, because if it’s larger, it will require more filling material. There are two main types of filling material that are commonly used: Amalgam silver and composite resin.

Amalgam Fillings

English: Mercury filling on first molar, shown upside down (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These are the commonly known silver fillings that have been around for over 50 years. They are made of a mixture of different metals, and are so effective because of their durability and strength. It’s also a lot easier to apply and cheaper to use, making it a popular choice, despite its obvious metallic look. The amalgam dental filling cost ranges from $65 to $150.

Composite Resin Fillings

Composite fillings are popular because they are white, blending in well with the natural tooth. The composite resin material is a combination of glass particles, ceramic, and acrylic, so it works well for those who have metal allergies. The composite resin also strengthens your teeth because of the way it is applied. It’s often used to restore cracked or damaged teeth. However, the price is higher because the procedure is a bit more difficult. The composite dental filling cost ranges between $125 and $250.

Insurance

Most dental insurance policies will cover at least a portion of filling costs because they are the most common dental procedure. It’s common for insurance to cover between 50% and 80% of the total costs. They may even cover replacement filling costs for a filling that breaks, or even replacing a metal filling with a composite resin filling.