Cost of tooth filling

Poulsbo Dental fillings are commonly used to repair teeth that are decayed, fractured, or chipped. They are considered a routine procedure, and their cost may be partially or completely covered by dental insurance. There are many factors that contribute to the overall cost of a dental filling, however. Before you get a dental filling, your dentist will usually take an x-ray of your mouth to determine the extent of the damage to your tooth. Then, the dentist will prepare the tooth to be filled, which is likely to involve anesthetic to numb the tooth and drilling to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Because every person’s dental needs are different, there are many factors to consider when determining the expected cost of a filling.

In some cases, your dentist may want to clean your teeth before placing a filling. This is just one of several possible procedures that can affect the overall cost of your dental filling. Anesthesia and x-rays will also add to the overall cost of the procedure. Some teeth may also cost more to fill than others, depending on placement in the mouth and extent of damage to the tooth. Cost will also be affected by the choice of material that is used to make your filling.

In more visible areas of the mouth, patients may prefer to have their fillings made of composite resin, which matches the natural color of the teeth. In less prominent teeth, dentists may use a metal or metal amalgam to make your fillings; this may include a mix of copper, zinc, silver, tin, and medically safe quantities of elemental mercury. Porcelain and cast-gold fillings may be preferred in certain circumstances and are more expensive than the other options.

Metal or metal amalgam fillings usually cost between $110 and $200 per filling. These durable fillings can be expected to last 10 to 12 years and are often covered by insurance. However, these fillings are not without their drawbacks. To place a metal or metal amalgam filling, more of the tooth may need to be removed than with other types of fillings. These fillings may also cause issues for people with sensitivities to certain metals, and they may discolor portions of the tooth and corrode over time. These fillings also do not bond with the tooth and may therefore be more prone to dislodging. While some people may be hesitant to have even small amounts of mercury placed in the mouth, continuous medical studies confirm that the small amounts of mercury in metal amalgam fillings are not harmful and can be safely used in patients over the age of six.

Composite resin fillings, which cost between $135 and $240, can be expected to last 5 to 7 years. Composite resin fillings require less tooth preparation and bond a durable material directly to the teeth. They also provide a natural appearance. Because they are bonded directly to the teeth, however, the procedure will take longer than other materials, and it may be only partly covered by insurance. Gold fillings, as well as inlays and onlays, are extremely durable and can be expected to last as long as 15 years. However, they can cost as much as $4,500 per tooth. Porcelain fillings can also cost as much as $4,500, and, while they have the most natural appearance, they are also brittle and have an average expected lifespan of only 7 years.

If you have dental insurance, ask your dentist to elaborate all the peripheral procedures, like x-rays and anesthesia, that will be included in the overall cost of your dental filling, and ask your dentist for an insurance assessment to determine what will be covered and what may not. You will also want to check with your insurance provider to learn about any restrictions or deductibles that may be part of your policy, and to ensure that your dentist is approved by your insurance provider. If you do not have insurance, you can look for a local dentistry school who provides services at discounted cost. These student dentists work under the close supervision of a qualified superior and can be an excellent and cost-effective alternative for routine procedures like dental fillings. You may also want to ask your dental provider if they offer financing or payment plans, which can help balance the cost of dental fillings.

More on Dental Fillings : Types of Dental Fillings

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