Dental fillings are one of the most popular procedures in dentistry because they can be used to restore the common types of tooth damage, such as chips, fractures, and decay. If you have a broken tooth, and are expecting that your dentist will recommend dental fillings to repair the damage, then you’re probably wondering what the procedure will cost you. 

The cost of a dental filling is not the same for every person. It depends on many factors, such as the severity of your tooth damage, the location of the damaged tooth, and additional procedures that may be required, among other factors. 

Here is a breakdown of individual procedures that may add up to the total cost of dental fillings:

• Tooth examination – before any dentist recommends dental fillings, they need to thoroughly examine the extent of damage on the tooth, which usually requires an X-ray. 
• Tooth preparation – after determining that a dental filling can successfully repair the damage, your dentist proceeds by preparing the tooth for the filling. This process involves administering an anesthetic to numb the tooth, removal of any decay from the tooth, and placement of the filling material. 
• Type of filling material – there are different types of dental filling materials, and your choice of material will also impact the cost of treatment. 

Silver or amalgam fillings are the cheapest treatment. For tooth-colored composite resin fillings, you will need to pay a little more. Ceramics or porcelain fillings are also tooth-colored, but are usually much more expensive than the other options.

Are fillings covered in my dental insurance plan?

Dental fillings are mostly used in dental emergencies, so your dental insurance may cover it. That said, you may also need to pay some or all of the cost out-of-pocket. The dental team will examine your insurance plan to determine whether you’re covered for dental fillings, whether there’s a waiting period for the cover to kick in, and for how much you’re covered each year.