Tooth filling cost in Brooklyn 2026 — what you actually pay
Composite filling $200-500 depending on size. Insurance typically covers 80-100%. Medicaid covers fully. Here is the honest pricing.
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Honest pricing breakdown
Composite tooth filling cost depends on size and location:
By filling size
- Small (1 surface, e.g., simple decay): $200-300
- Medium (2 surfaces): $300-400
- Large (3+ surfaces or major decay): $400-500
- Onlay (covers cusp of tooth): $700-900 (transition to crown territory)
By tooth location
- Front tooth: usually small-medium, $250-400
- Premolar: $300-450
- Molar: $300-500
Insurance coverage
Fillings are typically the best-covered dental procedure:
- Most PPO plans (Aetna, Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare): 80-100% coverage
- Medicaid (HealthFirst, Affinity, AmeriGroup, EmblemHealth, MetroPlus): typically fully covered
- 1199SEIU: 100% coverage
Annual maximum: most plans pay $1,000-2,000 per year across all dental work. A few fillings won’t usually max out coverage.
Real out-of-pocket scenarios
Scenario 1: Aetna PPO, medium composite filling on molar
- Procedure cost: $400
- Insurance pays 80% = $320
- Your out-of-pocket: $80
Scenario 2: HealthFirst Medicaid, large composite filling
- Procedure cost: $450
- Medicaid pays: full coverage
- Your out-of-pocket: $0
Scenario 3: No insurance, small composite filling
- Procedure cost: $250
- Self-pay or use CareCredit
- Your out-of-pocket: $250
What affects the price
- Filling size: bigger fillings take more time and material
- Tooth location: back teeth take more skill due to limited access
- Multiple surfaces involved: 2-surface or 3-surface fillings cost more than 1-surface
- Existing decay extent: deep decay near nerve may need protective base liner (small addition)
- Sedation: if requested, +$75-300
- Patient-specific: grinding, large mouth, gagging — sometimes adds time
Saving on filling costs
- Don’t delay treatment. Small cavity ($250) becomes large cavity ($450) becomes root canal + crown ($2,000-3,400) over months to years.
- Use your annual insurance maximum. Most plans reset January 1. If you’re nearing year-end, use the benefit while it’s available.
- Multiple fillings same visit. Less anesthesia, less travel, sometimes minor discount.
- Preventive care. $150 cleaning every 6 months prevents most fillings. Cheaper than treating decay.
Frequently asked questions
Why do fillings have different costs at different practices?
Materials cost varies (low-end vs premium composite). Lab fees if processed externally. Dentist skill and reputation. Office overhead. Insurance contract differences. We use mid-premium composite materials for best balance of durability and aesthetics.
Do you offer cash discounts?
Sometimes for full payment at time of service. Ask when scheduling.
What if my insurance maximum is used up?
You pay full out-of-pocket OR wait until insurance resets (January typically). CareCredit 0% APR financing also available for the remainder.
Are silver fillings cheaper than white?
Slightly, yes. About $50-100 less typically. But we don’t offer silver fillings due to mercury content — only modern composite.
Can I postpone a filling I can’t afford?
Risky. Small fillings become bigger problems quickly. If absolutely necessary, ibuprofen + good hygiene + clove oil for pain management — but schedule the filling within 1-2 months max.
Schedule your consultation
Free consultation. Russian, Polish, Ukrainian spoken. Medicaid + 18 insurance plans accepted.
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