--- title: "Tooth Decay and Fillings: Treatment and Prices With and Without Health Insurance" url: "https://sfdent.eu/en/blog/3300285-tooth-decay-and-fillings-treatment-and-prices-with-and-without-health-insurance" language: "en" description: "What tooth decay is, how filling treatment works, and how the price is determined with and without health insurance. Practical answers from SF Dent, Sofia." --- ![Tooth Decay and Fillings: Treatment and Prices With and Without Health Insurance](https://sfdent.eu/blog-cover/96491b0794e7cdbff653d3ffe36b635d88e85c75.jpg) 23 October - Posted on: 23 October 2026 # Tooth Decay and Fillings: Treatment and Prices With and Without Health Insurance A tooth that has darkened on the chewing surface or has become sensitive to cold and sweets is most often a sign of decay. Treatment in most cases is a filling – a procedure that, with timely intervention, is quick and requires nothing more than numbing and removal of the damaged tissue. A question we hear often is how much a filling costs without health insurance – and the honest answer is that it depends on the tooth, the size of the decay and the material, so we can only give a specific amount on site, after an examination. ## What exactly is tooth decay Decay is a process of destruction of tooth tissue caused by bacteria that feed on sugars from food and release acids. Over time these acids erode the enamel, then the dentin, and if not stopped in time, the process reaches the tooth's nerve. That's why a small white spot or slight darkening, which looks insignificant, can turn into a deep cavity over months. Decay doesn't hurt at the start – that's also why many people discover it by chance, during a routine check-up. Pain usually appears when the process has affected deeper layers or has come close to the nerve. ## How filling treatment works When faced with decay, the dentist first assesses how deep the tooth is affected – this also determines the type of intervention. For surface and moderate decay, treatment is usually: - local anesthesia of the tooth and surrounding tissue; - removal of the damaged, softened tooth tissue; - cleaning and disinfecting the cavity; - placing filling material in layers, shaping the tooth's anatomy; - checking the bite, so the filling doesn't interfere with chewing. For deeper decay, close to the nerve, the dentist may decide an additional step is needed – a protective lining under the filling, or referral for root canal treatment if the nerve is already affected. This is most often seen on an X-ray or during the examination itself. ## What determines the price of a filling The price of a filling isn't the same for every tooth and every case, so we don't give a general amount here. It's shaped by several things: - the size and depth of the decay – a small filling is a different intervention than restoring an almost destroyed tooth; - the number of tooth surfaces that need to be restored; - the type of material used; - whether additional steps are needed before the filling itself. SF Dent's current price list is published on the website, and you'll get the exact amount for your case after an examination – then the dentist sees the tooth in person or on an image and can assess the amount of work. ## Fillings with and without health insurance Health insurance (NHIF) covers part of the costs for certain dental services, but the scope and conditions depend on the specific package and case. We can't promise in advance exactly what's covered, because this is determined by the current NHIF rules and the specific diagnosis. The most reliable way to find out whether your treatment is among the covered services is to ask when booking an appointment or at the examination itself – the clinic team will explain what applies to you. Patients who come without an insurance referral or prefer to pay on their own can also be examined and treated – the price then follows the current price list. ## When a filling isn't enough Not every case of decay ends with a simple filling. If the decay has reached the nerve, the tooth throbs, hurts spontaneously at night, or is very sensitive to heat, root canal treatment is usually needed before a permanent restoration can be placed. If the tooth is severely damaged, a filling may not last long, and the dentist may suggest a crown instead – this is assessed individually, not in advance. ## When to see a dentist You don't need to wait for pain to check your teeth. Reasons to book an examination include: - darkening or a spot on the tooth that doesn't go away; - sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet; - a feeling of a hole or roughness when touched with the tongue; - food that constantly gets stuck in the same spot; - pain when chewing or when pressure is applied to a certain tooth. If you feel sharp, throbbing pain, swelling of the gum or face, or fever – these are signs that the condition is more serious and the visit shouldn't be postponed. In such cases, don't try to treat yourself with home remedies or antibiotics without an examination – antibiotics should only be prescribed by a doctor, after assessing exactly what's needed. Decay rarely goes away on its own and almost never improves with waiting. If you suspect you have a cavity or want to find out what your health insurance covers in your case, call or message SF Dent by phone or WhatsApp at +359 87 666 2785 to book an appointment. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does a filling cost without health insurance? The price depends on the size of the cavity, the material and the tooth, so we can't give a fixed amount here. You can see the current filling prices in the clinic's price list, and at your examination the dentist will tell you the price for your specific case. ### Does health insurance cover fillings? The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) covers part of the cost for certain dental services, but the scope depends on the specific case and the package the clinic works under. It's best to ask SF Dent what applies to your situation before booking an appointment. ### Is treating a cavity painful? When a filling is placed, the tooth is usually numbed locally, so the procedure itself shouldn't be painful. Some mild pressure or discomfort with deeper cavities is possible, but the dentist will warn you in advance what to expect. ### When should I see a dentist for a cavity? As soon as you notice darkening of the tooth, sensitivity to cold, sweet or hot, or a hole you can feel with your tongue, it's time for a check-up. Don't wait until it hurts badly, because by then the decay has often gone deeper. ### What happens if a cavity isn't treated in time? Untreated decay progresses toward the tooth's nerve and can lead to the need for root canal treatment or even loss of the tooth. The earlier a filling is placed, the smaller the intervention needed. #### Related treatments You have read about it — see how we treat it at the clinic. - [General dentistry](https://sfdent.eu/en/services/general-dentistry) [See all treatments](https://sfdent.eu/en/services)