Prioritizing Your Smile and Your Budget
At Times Square Dental, we believe that taking care of your oral health should never be a source of financial stress. Since opening our doors in 1997, our goal has been to provide the Boise, ID community and surrounding Ada County with exceptional, transparent, and patient-centered care. Led by Dr. Jon Hastings, a native of Idaho Falls who continually advances his skills at the prestigious Kois Center, and Dr. Katie Travelle, who brings over a decade of successful private practice experience from Seattle, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate every aspect of your dental journey.
When you feel that sudden twinge of pain or sensitivity, finding a “dentist’s office near you” that offers clear guidance on the cost of tooth fillings is incredibly important. We understand that our patients want to know what to expect before they sit in the dental chair. By focusing on open communication and high-quality materials, our Boise dentist office ensures that every dollar you invest in your smile provides lasting value, function, and confidence.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and want to address it before it worsens, call our top dentists in Boise today at 208-343-1981.
The Value of Treating Cavities Early 
When considering the financial aspect of dental care, the most crucial thing to remember is that preventative and early intervention treatments are always the most cost-effective. A cavity is permanent structural damage to your tooth enamel. Once a small hole forms, it will only continue to grow as bacteria erode the deeper layers of the tooth.
By treating a cavity promptly with a simple filling, you are actively protecting your wallet from much larger expenses down the road. If decay is ignored, it can penetrate the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to a painful infection. At that point, the required treatment escalates from a basic filling to more complex and costly procedures, such as a root canal and a custom dental crown, or even an extraction and dental implant. Investing in a filling today saves you significant time, discomfort, and money tomorrow.
Factors That Influence the Price of a Filling
Because every smile is unique, there is no single flat rate for repairing a cavity. When you visit our office for restorative dentistry, the total cost of your procedure will depend on a few specific variables related to your individual oral health needs.
First, the size and location of the cavity play a major role. Dentists categorize fillings by the number of tooth surfaces they cover. A small cavity on a single surface, such as the top biting edge of a molar, requires less time and material to repair than a large cavity that wraps around two or three surfaces of the tooth. Hard-to-reach teeth in the very back of your mouth may also require more precision and time to treat properly.
Additionally, the diagnostic phase is factored into your overall visit. We utilize state-of-the-art technology like digital radiography and Iris Intraoral Cameras to accurately determine the depth of the decay. These tools allow us to catch problems while they are small and less expensive to fix, providing immense long-term value.
To get a clear assessment of your specific restorative needs, please reach out to us at 208-343-1981.
Investing in Tooth-Colored Composite Resin 
The type of material used to restore your tooth is another significant factor in the overall cost. Historically, silver amalgam was the standard material for filling cavities. While highly durable, these metal fillings are very noticeable and can darken the appearance of your entire tooth over time.
Today, our Boise dentist office predominantly utilizes composite resin, also known as tooth-colored fillings. This advanced mixture of plastic and fine glass particles is carefully shade-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural enamel. While composite resin can sometimes have a slightly higher upfront cost than traditional silver amalgam, the benefits make it a superior investment for most patients.
Composite resin chemically bonds directly to your tooth structure. This means we do not have to remove as much healthy enamel to secure the filling in place, resulting in a more conservative and structurally sound repair. Furthermore, composite materials do not expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures the way metal does, which significantly reduces your risk of future tooth fractures.
Dental Insurance and Maximizing Your Benefits
For many of our patients in Ada County, dental insurance plays a significant role in making restorative care highly affordable. Because fillings are considered a basic restorative procedure, most dental insurance plans cover a large portion of the cost—often between 50% and 80%—once your annual deductible has been met.
We know that navigating insurance policies can be confusing, which is why our friendly front desk team is here to help. When you are looking for “dentists near you” who prioritize your financial peace of mind, you can trust our staff to verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and provide a clear, accurate estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses before any treatment begins. We believe in complete transparency so there are never any surprises on your bill.
If you have questions about your specific insurance coverage or want to learn about our payment options, give us a call at 208-343-1981.
A Comfortable Experience That Is Worth the Investment 
The cost of dental care is not only measured in dollars; it is also measured in the quality of your experience. We know that dental anxiety can cause people to delay necessary treatments, which ironically leads to more expensive interventions later. At Times Square Dental, we believe that your comfort is invaluable.
We have designed our Boise office to be a soothing, stress-free environment. Our care rooms feature ceiling-mounted flat-screen TVs, allowing you to relax and watch your favorite show while we work. For those who need extra help relieving dental anxiety, we offer several sedation options, including inhaled sedation (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation. By making your visit comfortable and easy, we help you maintain the routine care necessary to keep your long-term dental costs low.
Don’t let fear or financial uncertainty keep you from a healthy smile. Call our caring team at 208-343-1981 to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, composite resin fillings generally cost slightly more than traditional silver amalgam fillings. The specialized materials used to create a natural, tooth-colored appearance and the meticulous layering technique required to place them contribute to the difference in price. However, the aesthetic and structural benefits make them the preferred choice for modern dental restorations.
Typically, dental insurance does not cover 100% of a restorative procedure like a filling. Most plans cover a significant percentage (often around 80%) for basic restorative work after you have met your deductible, leaving you responsible for a small co-pay. Our team will happily review your specific plan to give you an exact breakdown of what your insurance will cover.
Delaying treatment allows the decay to spread deeper into your tooth. If the bacteria reach the inner pulp, you will likely experience severe pain and require a root canal therapy and a dental crown to save the tooth. This turns a relatively inexpensive, simple filling into a much more costly and time-consuming process.
We believe that everyone deserves a healthy, pain-free smile. If you do not have dental insurance or if your out-of-pocket costs are a concern, please let our team know. We can discuss available financing options to help break the cost of your restorative care into manageable monthly payments.
Schedule Your Restorative Appointment in Boise Today
At Times Square Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional value through high-quality, long-lasting dentistry. Treating decay early is the smartest financial decision you can make for your oral health. Our experienced doctors are here to deliver precise, comfortable care that protects your smile and your budget. Dr. Hastings brings his extensive training from the Kois Center and the Hands-On Training Dental Implant Residency, while Dr. Travelle, who loves coaching soccer and skiing with her family, brings her passion for serving her new Idaho community.
Do not wait until a minor cavity becomes a major expense. Trust our Boise dentist office to restore your confident bite.
Contact Times Square Dental today at 208-343-1981 or use our convenient online form to request an appointment. Let us provide the transparent, compassionate care your smile deserves!