If you are like most people, that first pang of tooth pain makes you wonder, “How much does a tooth filling cost?” Whether you have dental insurance or not, you likely must pay some of the expense for your dental care. So below we explore some common dental costs, including for tooth fillings. Of course, not getting the care you need only costs far more.
How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost?
A tooth filling costs more than what you pay for the filling procedure, itself. You also need a variety of other dental services before and after this critical care. These services include:
- Dental exam with teeth cleaning and x-rays
- General dentistry
- Family dentistry
- Restorative dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry
Some dental services are necessary or even critical. Others include voluntary treatments and procedures, such as those of teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry. But general dental care, family dental care, and restorative dentistry all meet your preventive and treatment needs for dental health problems.
To answer the question of how much does a tooth filling cost, start with your checkup costs for exam, x-rays, and teeth cleaning. As of 2019, in most places in the US, this averages $288. If you maintain dental health insurance, your insurance probably covers some or all of these costs on a twice-yearly basis.
For the filling itself, fixing your cavity and protecting your overall oral health ranges in cost from $50 to $250 for most people. Your bottom line expense varies according to whether you choose silver amalgam filling or tooth-colored composite material. If you want gold or porcelain fillings, you pay from $250 to $4,000. Of course, insurance helps with some or all of these costs.
How Much Does Not Getting a Filling Cost?
What if you choose to avoid paying for a filling by not getting one, at all? Contrary to what you may think, avoiding tooth repair costs more than filling your tooth.
Non-surgical extractions range in price from $75 to $300 in most cases, just to remove a decayed or damaged tooth. If you need surgery, that cost goes up to a range of $150 to $600. If your tooth is impacted, you will experience about $600 in expenses.
Clearly, avoiding fillings is a bad idea. So this is why you must look past your question of how much does a tooth filling cost, to the best way to pay for your restorative dental needs.
Dental Costs Vary from Place to Place
In Orlando, what you pay for your tooth filling differs from what someone in many other parts of the country pays. For example, your costs likely beat those of someone in Manhattan or Beverly Hills. The dentist you choose also plays a role in the cost of your fillings. But the most critical factor is in your hands, that of maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent the need for fillings in the first place.
Dental services for fillings and preventive care in Orlando include:
- General dentistry
- Family dentistry
- Restorative dentistry
Also, look for a dental practice that offers some cosmetic dentistry.
You find this type of dental care in the Orlando office of S. Keith Mahan, DDS. Dr. Mahan and his caring team help you understand how much does a tooth filling cost when you schedule your first visit by calling 407-841-7241.
