Children's Dental Filling Cost: Baby Teeth, Permanent Teeth, and What Insurance Covers
Children's fillings cost $75 to $200 for baby teeth and $100 to $300 for permanent teeth. Medicaid covers children's dental in all 50 states, and CHIP provides additional coverage for families who earn too much for Medicaid.
Should You Fill Baby Teeth?
Yes, in most cases. Untreated decay in baby teeth can spread to adjacent teeth (including developing permanent teeth underneath), cause pain that affects eating and sleep, lead to infection, and impact speech development. Baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth too early can cause crowding problems.
The exception: If the baby tooth is already loose and expected to fall out naturally within 6 months, your dentist may recommend monitoring rather than filling. This decision depends on the extent of decay, the child's age, and which tooth is affected.
Cost by Tooth Type
Baby (Primary) Teeth
$75 - $200
Baby teeth are smaller, so fillings require less material and less time. A typical composite filling on a primary molar takes 20 to 30 minutes. Amalgam fillings on baby teeth cost $50 to $100 where available. Most pediatric dentists use composite by default.
Permanent Teeth (Children/Teens)
$100 - $300
Same pricing as adult fillings once the permanent tooth has fully erupted. First permanent molars (age 6) and second permanent molars (age 12) are the most commonly filled permanent teeth in children due to their deep grooves and difficulty reaching with a toothbrush.
Sedation Costs for Children
Children often need sedation for dental procedures, especially for younger children (under 5), anxious patients, or when multiple fillings are needed at once. Sedation is an additional cost on top of the filling price.
| Type | Extra Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | $25-$50 | Mild relaxation. Child is awake and responsive. Wears off in minutes. Most common option. |
| Oral sedation | $150-$300 | Taken as a liquid or pill. Child is drowsy but awake. Takes 30-60 min to take effect. Parent drives home. |
| IV sedation | $250-$500 | Deeper sedation via IV line. Used for multiple procedures or high anxiety. Requires monitoring. |
| General anaesthesia | $250-$800 | Child is fully asleep. Hospital or surgical centre setting. Used for extensive work or very young children. |
Sealants: Prevention Is Cheaper Than Fillings
Dental sealants cost $30 to $60 per tooth and prevent approximately 80% of cavities in back teeth for the first 2 years, and continue protecting for up to 4 years. Applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, sealants are a thin plastic coating that fills the deep grooves where cavities start.
The CDC reports that school-age children without sealants have almost 3 times more cavities in their first molars than children with sealants.
Insurance covers sealants for children in most plans. Medicaid covers sealants for children in all states. The best time to apply sealants is when permanent molars first erupt (around age 6 for first molars and age 12 for second molars).
Sealants vs Fillings: The Math
Sealants pay for themselves by preventing just one filling. Most children with sealants avoid multiple fillings over their school-age years.
Insurance for Children's Fillings
Private insurance: Most dental plans cover children's fillings at 80%. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), pediatric dental is classified as an essential health benefit. Marketplace health plans must include dental coverage for children under 19, or the parent must purchase a standalone pediatric dental plan.
Medicaid: All 50 states cover dental services for children enrolled in Medicaid, including fillings, extractions, and preventive care. This is mandated by the EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) benefit. Finding a Medicaid-accepting dentist can be challenging in some areas due to low reimbursement rates.
CHIP: The Children's Health Insurance Program covers dental care including fillings for children in families earning too much to qualify for Medicaid. CHIP dental benefits are comprehensive and similar to private insurance coverage. Eligibility and coverage details vary by state.
What to Expect at the Appointment
Before the Visit
- Explain to your child what will happen in age-appropriate terms
- Avoid words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill"
- Schedule morning appointments when children are less tired
- Bring a comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket)
- Eat a light meal beforehand (unless sedation is planned)
During and After
- The procedure takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on size
- Numbing gel is applied before the injection (your child may not feel it)
- After numbing, the cavity is removed and the filling placed
- Watch for lip/cheek biting while numb (2 to 3 hours)
- Soft foods for the first few hours; avoid very hot or cold
- Mild sensitivity is normal for a few days