Finding a cavity during your routine dental exam at Canyon Country Dental Care can be disheartening, but it’s actually great news that the issue was caught early. Fillings are a quick, easy, and affordable way to treat most cavities before they have a chance to cause more serious problems. Of course, knowing the associated costs is important for planning ahead. Here’s your guide on what to expect when it comes to filling prices and options.
Why Are Dental Fillings Needed?
Fillings become necessary when bacteria and acids in your mouth have created areas of permanent damage or decay in your tooth enamel. Left untreated, these cavities will continue to spread into deeper layers of your teeth, potentially infecting the inner pulp and necessitating more extensive procedures like root canals.
When our Canyon Country, CA, dentist catches a cavity early on, a simple dental filling is usually all that’s required to remove the decayed portion and restore the tooth to full form and function. If the cavity is small or just beginning, we may even be able to remineralize the enamel without a filling. However, once a cavity forms, it won’t simply go away or heal on its own. Getting a filling promptly helps to preserve your tooth and prevent future issues.
How Much Do Fillings Cost?
The cost of getting a dental filling can vary based on a few key factors, including:
- The size of the filling needed
- The type of filling material used
- Whether you have dental insurance or not
- Your geographic location and local dental pricing
For a single, simple filling on one surface of a tooth, the national average cost ranges from $120-300. However, larger fillings that cover multiple surfaces or replace old fillings tend to cost $200-600. According to Healthcare Bluebook, the average “fair” price for a conventional filling is:
- One surface filled: $155
- Two surfaces filled: $215
- Three surfaces filled: $305
Since every case is unique, it’s best to talk to our dentist in Canyon Country, CA, about their specific pricing. Many offices offer different filling types and materials at various price points to fit your needs and budget.
How Much Are Fillings Without Dental Insurance?
We know that one of the biggest stressors about needing dental work is the cost—especially if you lack dental insurance coverage to help offset some of the fees. The good news is that fillings are one of the most affordable services offered by dentists.
If you don’t have insurance benefits for fillings, you may end up paying out of pocket. However, many dental practices (including Canyon Country Dental Care) offer in-house payment plans or financing options to help make fillings more budget-friendly. We’d much rather provide an affordable solution than see patients avoid treatment and risk more advanced decay and damage.
On average, without insurance, most patients can expect to pay something like:
- $90-$250 for a simple one-surface amalgam (silver) filling
- $135-$370 for a simple one-surface composite (tooth-colored) filling
- $175-$450 for a two- or three-surface composite filling
These are average price ranges based on nationwide data, so actual fees in your area may vary. The type of material used also impacts.
Types of Fillings vs. Filling Costs
We offer several options when it comes to dental fillings so we can meet your needs, budget, and preferences:
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: The most affordable type, amalgam fillings are made from a mix of different metals. While sturdy, these fillings tend to stand out because they don’t match your natural tooth color. The average cost is around $150-$300 with no insurance.
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: These fillings use a unique dental resin material that can be matched precisely to your tooth’s shade for a seamless look. They cost a bit more than amalgam, typically $200-$400 without insurance, but their aesthetic appeal makes them a popular choice.
Ceramic Fillings: An all-ceramic material gives these fillings the most natural appearance and translucency. However, they are much costlier at $300-$600 per filling without insurance coverage.
Gold Fillings: Some patients opt for gold fillings, though these are becoming increasingly less common. Extremely durable, gold fillings cost $900-$1200 or more out of pocket.
At Canyon Country Dental Care, we’re happy to review all of your options so you can determine the right balance between aesthetic, durability, and affordability preferences. We’ll let you know the specific pricing for your recommended treatment path.
Early Cavity Treatment Saves Money
Getting a small cavity filled promptly is absolutely the wisest choice from a cost-savings perspective. Fillings are definitely a minor expense compared to more advanced options like:
- Root Canal + Filling/Crown: $1,200 – $2,500
- Implant + Crown: $3,500 – $6,500
That’s because as cavities progress deeper into the inner layers of your tooth, they cause significantly more damage. This requires much more extensive (and expensive) restorative work through root canals and crowns or even full tooth replacements via bridges or implants.
Not to mention the additional costs of managing complications like infections, pain, and treatment of any new decay spots. The bottom line is that a simple filling is always the most cost-effective option if caught soon enough!
Alternatives to Fillings in Canyon Country, CA
To avoid future fillings and their associated costs altogether, we highly recommend:
- Brushing for two full minutes twice daily
- Flossing at least once per day
- Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse as recommended
- Visiting Canyon Country Dental Care every 6 months for cleanings/exams
- Treating any gum disease or dry mouth issues promptly
- Limiting sugary, acidic, and staining foods/beverages
- Drinking plenty of water to support healthy saliva production
In some cases, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive measures can actually halt small cavities in the earliest enamel-damage stage. This allows us to potentially remineralize and reverse the decay before a filling is needed, saving you money while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Don’t Put Your Smile At Risk – Treat Cavities Early!
At Canyon Country Dental Care, we excel at detecting cavities early and offering high-quality restorations affordably. We ensure you understand pricing options upfront. Even without dental insurance, we provide flexible payment plans for managing costs. Contact us now to book your appointment and keep cavities in check. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
