Cost of tooth filling

Dental fillings kingwood tx repair various types of damage to the teeth, including fractures and breakage, as well as cavities. Dental insurance may cover the cost of fillings, at least in part, and the cost of a filling varies widely depending on multiple factors. In addition to the expense of the filling itself, your dentist may perform an examination and cleaning before filling the tooth, which will be charged separately. Your dentist will likely take an x-ray photograph of your mouth during this examination to determine the extent and precise location of the damage. This x-ray is billed separately, as is any anesthesia that your dentist may need to administer before removing decay to prepare the tooth for filling. Fillings can also be made from a few different types of material based on the damage or decay location and extent. These factors will all affect your filling cost, and your location and your dentist’s fee rates also affect cost. Be sure to ask both your dentist and your dental insurance provider for information on what is included in your coverage and on any insurance deductibles you may have. If you are uninsured or insurance will not cover dental fillings, consult with local dental schools in the area, which may offer dental services at a discount.

You and your dentist will work together to determine which filling you will have. Materials include metal and metal amalgams, composite resin, porcelain, and gold.

The least expensive material for fillings is usually metal and metal amalgams. These fillings generally cost between $100 and $200. They are durable and can be expected to last for up to 12 years, and they are often covered by dental insurance. However, their distinctive metal coloring is visible in the mouth. It may discolor the tooth, and more of the healthy tooth must be drilled away to accommodate these fillings. Additionally, though the Academy of General Dentistry has determined that the amount of elemental mercury found in fillings is not harmful, some people prefer not to have mercury in their mouths. These fillings may cause reactions for people with sensitivities to certain metals.

Composite resin fillings range in price from $135-$240 and have many advantages over metal fillings. They appear similar to the natural tooth in color and luminescence. They require less preparation to place, thereby allowing the patient to retain more of their natural tooth. The composite resin material is strong and can be expected to last from 5-7 years. The procedure to place them may take longer and may not be covered by insurance. Porcelain or ceramic fillings also match the natural color and luminescence of the teeth, often more so than composite resin. However, porcelain or ceramic fillings are also more brittle and fragile than composite resin fillings. They also require more preparation to place, and they generally cost anywhere from $250 to $4,500 per tooth.

Gold is the most durable filling material and can be expected to last more than 15 years. However, gold fillings are visible in the mouth and are also the most expensive, ranging in price from $300 to $5,000 per tooth. Dental inlays and onlays may be necessary if the damage to your tooth is significant. Inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated and adhered to the teeth, rather than sculpted onto a cavity like a filling is. Think of them as one step below a crown. Inlays and onlays are generally around the same price as gold fillings.

More on Dental Fillings : Temporary Tooth Fillings