Cost of Tooth Filling

There are many factors involved in determining the final cost of having a filling placed, including the type offilling you need, the extent of the decay, and how large of a filling needs to be placed. Your dentist and team will be happy to provide an overview of the costs associated with the various procedures, as well as the different filling material types and their associated costs and aesthetic and practical benefits and drawbacks.

If you are currently covered by a dental plan, there is a good chance that at least some portion of the procedure will be covered, including x-rays and exams. If you have any questions regarding the extent of your coverage, your dental office will be happy to discuss how you can best maximize your benefits while minimizing your expenses.

What Do Different Types of Fillings Cost?

There are a wide variety of different dental filling types that are designed to match the unique needs of every patient. In addition to the cost, your dentist will determine which filling is the best fit for you based on any specific allergies you may have, the location of the fillings, what the extent of the repair is, and what your aesthetic preferences are.

There are helpful things to know about each type of material when considering which option is best for you.

• Amalgam fillings: One of the benefits of these type of fillings is that they are resistant to wear and are fairly inexpensive; however, they are easier to notice compared to other, more esthetically pleasing filling materials.
• Composite (resin) fillings: Although this filling type is costlier than amalgam, it is also more affordable than gold or ceramic fillings. This filling type is better at matching the color of your natural teeth but is often more prone to becoming stained from coffee or tobacco use.
• Porcelain fillings: The cost of porcelain fillings is comparable to the cost of gold fillings, but have the benefit of closely resembling your natural teeth color and being resistant to staining.
• Gold fillings: This tends to be the most expensive option among fillings but comes with the benefits of being the longest lasting and the type of filling that is best tolerated by gum tissue.

What Are the Costs Associated with Post-Procedure Care?

The good news is that there is very little additional cost associated with taking care of your teeth following a filling procedure. Because your teeth may be a bit sensitive following the procedure, you may want to purchase a tooth brush with extra soft bristles. Beyond that, all you need to do to preserve the strength and overall health of the filling is to keep practicing good oral hygiene practices. Continue brushing and flossing your teeth at a minimum of twice daily and schedule dental checkups as prescribed by your dental professional. These exams are often covered in whole or in part by your dental benefit plan, and more importantly, these checkups allow your dentist to monitor the overall health and wellbeing of your teeth and address potential warning areas early, before they develop into something more serious and more costly.

Contact Renaissance Dental Center about your dental filling consultation today.

Want to learn more about fillings? Read : What are the types of fillings?