| Coverage tier | Typical out-of-pocket |
|---|---|
| PPO dental insurance (major coverage) | $15 - $50 |
| Basic / preventive-only plan | $30 - $80 |
| No insurance (self-pay) | $150 - $400 |
| Dental savings plan (~20% discount) | — |
Price factors
- Number of surfaces: 1-surface ($150-250), 2-surface ($200-350), 3-surface ($250-400), 4+ surface ($300-500)
- Material: Amalgam (cheapest, $100-200), composite (mid, $200-350), ceramic/inlay (premium, $500-1,200)
- Tooth location: Front teeth typically use composite for aesthetics
- Tooth size: Molars cost more than smaller front teeth
- Insurance tier: Most plans cover composite at amalgam rate (you pay the difference)
Quote checker
What should your quote include?
Most confusion about dental pricing comes from different offices bundling costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.
Usually included in the quoted price
- Local anesthesia (numbing)
- Decay removal
- Filling material and placement
- Bite check and adjustment
- Polishing
Often billed separately — ask before you agree
- Diagnostic x-rays (billed separately, typically $25-65)
- Pulp protection if decay is deep (separate fee, $30-80)
- Future replacement of failing fillings (10-15 year lifespan typical)
Health stakes
What happens if you delay treatment?
Dental issues rarely resolve on their own — most progress and get harder to treat over time. Here's what's at stake if you delay.
- Untreated cavities grow, requiring root canal or crown later
- Cracked fillings can hide secondary decay underneath
- Amalgam may not be ideal for patients sensitive to metals
- Composite shrinks slightly when cured, can cause sensitivity
Before you agree
Questions to ask your dentist
A good dentist won't mind these. Print this list or take a photo before your next visit.
- How many surfaces does the filling involve?
- What material do you recommend and why?
- How long should this filling last?
- Is the tooth structurally sound enough for a filling, or does it need a crown?
Common questions
Amalgam fillings are silver-colored, very durable (15+ years), and cheapest. Composite is tooth-colored, mid-priced, and lasts 7-10 years on average. For visible teeth, composite is almost always chosen for aesthetics. For molars, either works, but composite is increasingly standard.
Most basic dental plans cover composite fillings on front teeth at the same rate as amalgam. For molars and premolars, many plans cover only at the amalgam rate - you pay the difference if you choose composite. Confirm with your insurer.
Amalgam: 10-15 years average, often longer. Composite: 7-10 years average. Lifespan depends on filling location, your bite forces, dental hygiene, and material quality. Fillings need replacement when they crack, leak, or develop secondary decay around the edges.
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