Why do fillings cost so much?

Cost of fillings?

• So I got the mercury fillings by mistake, and I really want to replace them with the white fillings. What is the approx. cost to get them removed and then replaced with the white. I have four.

• Answer:

  It depends on your dentist's fees and how many sides ("surfaces") of your tooth the fillings extend onto, so you'll need to consult with your dentist for the exact figure. As for average cost, a "tooth-colored" filling can range in price from $100 to $250 each depending on the two factors above. However, unless these fillings are really affecting your cosmetic appearance (i.e., you can see them when you are talking or smiling) or are defective for some reason, there is no reason to replace these fillings. Having the fillings removed will actually cause more mercury release than you would get from simply chewing. Instead, I would recommend leaving them in place for now (unless you have decay around the filling) and replace them down the road when they start to fail for some reason. Good luck!