How Much Does a Filling Usually Cost in Ashland?

What changes the price of a filling?

A filling is priced by the tooth and by the surface. A small spot on the chewing surface of one tooth is the simplest case. A cavity that wraps around the side, between two teeth, takes more time and more material, so it costs more.

Here is what we look at when we put your estimate together.

• Surfaces involved: one, two, three or more sides of the tooth.
• Which tooth: back molars are harder to reach and take more chewing force than front teeth.
• Material: tooth-colored composite is what most patients ask for, and it is priced differently from older metal fillings.
• Depth: a cavity close to the nerve needs more care and sometimes a protective liner.
• Exam and x-rays: if you are a new patient or have not had x-rays recently, those are part of the first visit.
• Insurance: your plan sets what it pays and what you pay.

Does dental insurance cover fillings?

Usually, yes. Most PPO plans list fillings as a basic service. That means you pay toward your deductible first, then a share of the rest. The exact split depends on your plan, not on us.

One thing that surprises people: some plans pay for tooth-colored fillings on back teeth only up to the price of a metal filling. You cover the difference. We check this before treatment and tell you plainly.

We accept most dental insurance plans. Bring your card to the appointment, or have the details ready when you call, and we will look up your benefits so the numbers on your estimate are real.

What if I don't have dental insurance?

You still have options. We offer an Office Dental Plan for patients without insurance. It is a way to lower the cost of care at our office without going through an insurance company.

If you would rather spread the cost out, we also offer the CareCredit Patient Payment Plan. Ask about both when you call. We will explain how each one works and which makes more sense for the work you need.

Why does waiting usually cost more?

Decay does not stop on its own. A small cavity caught at a cleaning can often be fixed with a one-surface filling. Left alone, it spreads sideways and down toward the nerve.

Once too much of the tooth is gone, a filling will not hold. The tooth may need a crown to protect what is left. If the damage goes far enough, removing the tooth can become the only option. Each step up costs more and takes more chair time than the step before.

That is the main reason we push regular exams and cleanings. Finding a cavity early is the cheapest way to treat it.

A tooth that does not hurt can still have decay. Pain often shows up late, after the cavity is already large.

What happens at a filling appointment?

Most single fillings are done in one visit. Here is how it usually goes, so you know what you are paying for.

• We check the tooth and take an x-ray if we need a clear look at the decay.
• We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
• We remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the space.
• We place the filling material in layers and harden each layer with a curing light.
• We shape it and check your bite so the tooth feels normal when you chew.