Call a few dentists. Mine charges about $75. Ask what the cost would be if you paid in full that day. I have never found dental insurance to pay for itself. There is a lot of fine print in the insurance.

Also, take good care of your teeth. I went years without going to a dentist, because I hate the experience, no matter how kind they are and the cost. My dentist actually commented on how healthy my mouth/teeth were.

In December I had a tooth crack in half where there was an old filling. It cost just under $200 to fix it. My dental care in one year never has exceeded the premium for insurance.

Also, consider going to a dental school, if you have more time than money. I saved a lot of cash doing that when I was just out of college and needed a new front tooth. They were meticulous.