If you’ve ever experienced that stinging sensation in your tooth when drinking something cold, you know how serious cavities can be. Fortunately, the problem can be resolved with simple dental fillings. Unfortunately, without dental insurance, the cost of dental cavities can be of concern. Well, no worries, this article is composed in simple terms to guide you about dental cavities and how to save money in the process.
Understanding Dental Fillings
What Is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a treatment that refurbishes a tooth that has been decayed to allow it to function properly. It can be imagined as patching a wall with a hole in it, except, in this case, the wall is a tooth.
Why You Might Need One
A dental filling will be required if there is decay that eats through the tooth enamel. There are miniature centers that are capable of detecting and treating invisibly small cavities that if left untreated, results in an expensive dental problem for you.
Common Types of Fillings
Dentists always recommend the best results for their patients. Here are the best fillings for your dental cavity:
- Amalgam (Silver): Traditional amalgam fillings are durable, but not exactly Instagram-friendly.
- Composite (Tooth Colored): Ease of applications and a natural look are the two biggest advantages when it comes to tooth colored fillings.
- Gold: Durable and long-lasting, gold is long-lasting but expensive.
- Ceramic: Gorgeous and fairly stain resistant, but also can be costly.
Average Cost of a Filling Without Insurance
Average Cost
Without insurance, a filling costs anywhere between $100 and $600. This range is dependent upon the material used, the location of the tooth, and even the dental clinic.
Factors That Influence the Cost
Type of Filling Material
Some filling materials are inexpensive but quite noticeable (like amalgam), and others are more costly, but almost undetectable (like composite or ceramic).
Tooth Location
A filling for a front tooth may be cheaper than for a back molar. Back molars are more expensive because they are more challenging to access, require more material, and require more time to treat.
Severity of the Cavity
Smaller cavities are usually quick to resolve, while larger cavities that require drilling, material, and time become more expensive.
The Dentist’s Experience and Their Location
A small-town dentist’s rates tend to be cheaper than a dentist located in a large, metropolitan area, because the metropolitan dentist tends to work in a more expensive clinic.
Cost Breakdown by Filling Material
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
- Cost: $100–$250 per tooth
- Advantages: Affordable, long-lasting, and strong
Disadvantages: Silver fillings are unattractive and very visible.
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
- Cost: $150–$400 per tooth
- Advantages: These fillings are more appealing, and good for visible teeth.
Disadvantages: Their longevity diminishes in larger fillings.
Gold Fillings
- Cost: $500–$1,500 per tooth
- Advantages: These fillings are extremely durable and will not corrode.
Disadvantages: They are very expensive and very noticeable.
Ceramic Fillings
- Cost: $800–$2,000 per tooth
- Advantages: These fillings are beautiful, long-lasting, and stain resistant.
Disadvantage: Much more expensive than alternatives.
Additional Costs You Might Not Expect
X-Rays and Exams
Dentists often take x rays to see how far cavities have spread and this will usually add $25-$100 to your bill.
Numbing/Anesthesia Charges
Using local anesthesia can add an additional $50-$100.
Follow-Up Appointments
Some dentists charge for follow that others have included in the total price.
How to Save Money on Fillings Without Insurance
Dental Discount Plans
These membership-based programs can save patients 10–60% on almost all procedures.
Community Dental Clinics
A number of these centers are known to charge on a sliding scale.
Dental Schools
These institutions charge very little because students, under supervision, perform all procedures.
Negotiating with Your Dentist
Payment plans and cash discounts are options that some dentists are happy to consider.
Preventive Dental Care
Avoiding issues starts with brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly.
Is It Cheaper to Get a Filling or Pull the Tooth?
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Costs
At first, a pulled tooth may seem to cost less, however, in the long run, implants or bridges will run higher.
Impact on Oral Health
Not only does the mouth look incomplete, but it leads to jawbone decay which can shift other teeth resulting in far more complicated and pricey solutions.
The Hidden Cost of Delaying a Filling
When a Small Cavity Becomes a Big Problem
Now, a filling seems inexpensive at $150, but, requiring a root canal due to delay will exceed $150, but, requiring a root canal due to delay will exceed $1,000.
Potential Need for Root Canal or Crown
Severe nerve damage can necessitate complicated needed treatments for the tooth.
Final Thoughts
Fillers aren’t exactly a fun purchase but failing to address small issues can compound problems later. Under insurance, costs add up, but knowing options can lead to a healthier mouth down the line. Remember, small problems now, small bill. Big problems lead to big costs.
If you’re exploring the costs of dental care, you might also be wondering do chiropractors take insurance or how other procedures compare. For example, how much is a colonoscopy without insurance can vary just as widely depending on location and provider.
FAQs About Filling Without Insurance
What’s the cheapest type of filling?
The cheap option is typically amalgam fillings.
How long do dental fillings last?
Fillings made from amalgam have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while composite fillings last 5 to 10 years.
Can I get a filling done in one visit?
Yes, appointments are usually booked for a one visit, one procedure model and that is the case for fillings too.
Does every cavity need a filling?
With regards to very small cavities, treatment might be limited to observation.
Can I do a filling at home?
This is not possible. The risk of infection, a higher dental problem, and various other complications makes this impossible.
