How much is a dental filling? Do dental insurance providers cover expenses for this procedure? What causes the variation of this procedure’s price? We will give you more information about it. After this article, you can also go to this page and learn more about bone grafting, and when do you need to have one. If you’re looking for a clinic in Sydney that offers affordable dental services, you can visit Beyond Infinity Dental’s clinic located in Castle Hill.
What is a dental filling?
It is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that the dentist uses to replace part of the tooth. This tooth can either be damaged due to decay or worn away by trauma. The dentist will remove the part with decay, then fill in the area using the chosen filling material. The restoration of a tooth helps in its preservation and prevent future damages.
A filling is one of the most common methods that take place inside the dental clinic. It is one of the best options to restore the function of a tooth, including its shape. Additionally, it can also help prevent further decay.
Nowadays, dental professionals can make tooth fillings using different materials. With this, patients can choose from several options depending on their preference. Aside from that, an individual should no longer be afraid of any dental procedure. Anesthesia is now available, so procedures are now painless.
Try watching this video to see how simple this procedure takes place.
Typical filling materials
The best dental filling material will always depend on the repair of your tooth, allergy concerns, location of your tooth decay, and the material’s price. Below are the usual filling materials available for you.
- Gold fillings: These are made to order. It can last for more than 20 years and does not corrode. It is strong enough to withstand chewing forces. However, this material is quite expensive, and you will have multiple visits. Moreover, aesthetically, it is very noticeable since these are coloured fillings.
- Composite resins: This material looks like your natural teeth. It is the close match of your teeth’s colour. This material is also useful when repairing chipped, broken or worn out teeth. It is also available in ceramic and glass ionomer. However, this type lacks durability although in recent years improvements have been made.
- Amalgam (silver) fillings: This material is wear-resistant and less expensive than gold fillers and composite resins. It can also withstand chewing forces and can last up to 15 years. In like manner, it does not match the colour of your teeth. A certain percentage of patients is not fit for this material due to allergic reactions.
We have mentioned above how one is expensive or cheaper than the other. However, how much do these cost individually? Are they affordable? Do their prices match the characteristics they have? Please continue reading the article to know about their fees. Additionally, you would be able to find out if dental insurance providers will cover your potential expenses.
Cost Differences
Now that we know the various types of tooth fillings, we will now find out how they differ in their costs. We will also discuss if the dental insurance providers cover the expenses for each filling.
- Gold fillings: As already mentioned above, this tooth filling material is quite expensive. Probably, the most expensive among the types of dental fillings. A single cast-gold costs between $250 to $4,500. It is also the usual price for a porcelain filling.
- Composite resins: Following gold filling, its price ranges from $90 to $250 per fill.
- Amalgam (silver) fillings: Lastly, silver fillings cost between $50 to $150. This cost is for a single fill only just like the two above.
As we can see, a tooth filling somehow costs a fortune. Planning to acquire fillings means we have to prepare for it in terms of their expenses. However, having dental insurance offers us peace of mind. Thinking about the high costs of dental works is nerve-wracking. In this case, are all of these types covered by dental insurance?
With the prices mentioned above, dental insurance usually covers amalgam (silver) fillings only. If the patients decide to choose the other two types of tooth filling, the policyholders will be shouldering the excess amount.
Costs may also vary depending on the count of teeth you will need a filling. With this, you have to ask your dentist about your teeth condition to know the exact cost you will incur.
Benefits of tooth fillings
A tooth filling is a beneficial restoration procedure for our teeth. Here the expected benefits that you can gain in having a tooth filling.
Tooth fillings are not only for tooth decays. They are also useful in working out a broken or cracked tooth.- Fillings can last up to 15 years or more, depending on the patient’s oral health care routine. They can protect the tooth for an extended period due to its high corrosion resistance characteristics, nowadays.
- You have an option to choose a material that exactly matches the natural appearance of your teeth. It can blend easily with your other teeth, and no one might even notice it.
- There are modern fillings that can release fluoride. Fluoride is necessary to safeguard your teeth from decay and damage. An excellent example of this material is glass ionomer.
- A temporary tooth filling is helpful after you have undergone a root canal procedure. The dentist uses this to help the nerves of the tooth to relax. Furthermore, it protects the exposed teeth from infection.
- A tooth filling is best in restoring the tooth’s functionality. Due to dental decay, it can affect an individual’s chewing function. With a tooth filling, you can get rid of the pain while chewing.
Your dentist will help you decide which type you will need. It will depend on the extent of your decay, chip or crack. So, if you have one, make your dental appointment now.
Take away
Dental procedures may be costly. However, it would be best to undergo these procedures than to develop more oral health problems. Tooth fillings allow you to restore your teeth while it is still a minor condition.
So while you are still in this situation, take action now before your teeth require you for a more expensive dental procedure. Moreover, take preventive dental care and practise proper oral hygiene regularly.
