You cannot escape dental problems. Even regular brushing and flossing can cause cavities. In the end, only fillings can rescue you from misery. People between the age groups 25 - 45 probably have an amalgam filling as it is the oldest type of filling and lasts for quite a long time.
Well, it's true that amalgam filling, commonly known as a silver filling, does make your smile less bright. Therefore, most people think about removing it. Unfortunately, people who don't often go for dental checkups wouldn't know the cost of replacing amalgam fillings with composite. So if you are confused about the prices and overall cost to replace amalgam fillings, we will help you out.
Also, if you are trying to figure out if it is a better and affordable thing to do, then look nowhere because we will cover every aspect of the procedure of removing the amalgam filling and changing it with a composite filling.
Cost to Replace Amalgam Fillings with Composite
Even though the cost of dental services varies from state to state and also on the tooth, you can expect to pay $115 to $300. For this amount, you can change your amalgam filling with a composite filling. Also, for other dental services, there is a cost calculator that you can use.
Factors that affect the Cost of Dental Filling
Dental fillings, also called dental restoration, are a common treatment for a decayed tooth. Generally, they last for a minimum of 5 and a maximum of fifteen years. That comprehends that, eventually, almost every filling will require replacing. So, the following are some factors that can affect the cost of your dental filling.
Tooth Location:
The cost of filling for an easy-to-reach tooth will be less than the one fixed at the back of your mouth. The underlying reason is, the far-away teeth require more time and equipment to reach and treat.
Tooth Function:
The tooth located back of the mouth, used for chewing and grinding purposes, will be costlier. Since the back teeth are the most used ones, they require extra-durable filling that could last for long. Materials for such types of fillings are pricey as well.
Infected tooth:
If the tooth you are planning to get filled is already infected. Or if you have any untreated injury or infection in the mouth that requires treatment, then it will cost you more. You will have to visit the dentist one or two times before you get the filling done.
Insurance:
The cost of dental treatments depends on every state’s insurance policy. Not every state covers all the dental treatments. Thereby, you need to ask your dentist first if the treatment you are going for is covered or not. Otherwise, you will end up paying a big sum.
Filling Type:
A major part of the cost of filling depends on the material you select. If you want a more natural-looking kind of filling, it will cost you more. However, you also need to listen to your dentist’s recommendation in this regard.
Filling Materials and their Costs
Since filling type makes the major part of the filling cost, here we have listed a few different types of filling with their expected costs.
- Amalgam:
Price range: $110 to $200
Just like its name suggests, amalgam is a mixture of molten metals used for a dental filling. Typically, the combination consists of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and zinc. Amalgam is one of the oldest types of fillings, which lasts for straight ten years.
- Composite Resin:
Price range: $135 to $240
People who are smile-conscious usually go for this filling. The material consists of glass and plastic, which is then matched with your tooth-colored to make it least prominent as possible. It is slightly costlier than the amalgam filling and lasts for just 5 years.
- Cast Gold:
Price range: $300 to $1000
Gold filling is the most expensive and exceptionally durable filling. Since it's a naturally expensive metal, you have to pay its worth, or there is no way around it. It will last for 15 years if properly maintained.
If you compare it with an amalgam filling, it is ten times costlier than that.
Reasons to Change Amalgam Filling
Even though it is not scientifically proven that one should avoid using amalgam filling, there are quite a few reasons that will make you consider composite filling over amalgam ones.
- An amalgam filling is made of a mixture of different metals. They are likely to get loose or tighten over time. This might want you to change it immediately. On the other hand, composite filling perfectly bonds to your teeth and would go for 5 years without getting loose.
- If you are allergic to metals, amalgam filling may not be the best option for you. It can further your allergy and cause serious health implications.
- Amalgam fillings are more unnatural-looking.
- As far as longevity is concerned, amalgam is more durable. However, that does not mean it’s a good choice for everyone.
Conclusion
Since you already know the cost of replacing amalgam fillings with composite, you can decide the one that fits best to your budget. Also, consult with your dentist while deciding on dental filling as only he could tell you through X-rays and dental checkups which one will suit your situation.