So, you’ve been told you need a filling…
It happens!
Tooth fillings (also called restorations) are an extremely common dental treatment. And the good news is that the procedure is relatively quick and easy with minimal discomfort. In fact, most people are more concerned about the tooth filling cost than the actual procedure.
If you’re wondering: how much does a tooth filling cost in Australia?
You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn all about the cost of tooth filling and how different types of fillings can affect the price of your treatment. We’ll also share some useful payment info, such as whether Medicare or private health insurance cover tooth cavity filling cost.
What is a tooth filling?
Dental fillings are used to repair cavities, chips or cracks in the teeth and protect them from further damage. Cavities are a result of tooth decay and they can happen to anyone — even if you have good oral hygiene. Fillings help to stop the spread of this decay from reaching the root of the tooth. If decay does reach the tooth root, this can result in an extremely painful toothache and infection, and may even cause your tooth to ‘die’. If this happens, root canal therapy is often needed to restore the tooth.
The key lesson here is: don’t ignore dental cavities. If left untreated, a cavity that *was* simple to fix with a filling could turn into a bigger (and more painful) problem that requires more expensive treatment.
How much does it cost for a tooth filling?
On average, the tooth cavity filling cost in Australia can vary from $115 to $300 for a simple filling and up to $475 or more for complex fillings.
When determining the cost of tooth filling, there are a few factors that will affect the price. These include:
- The size of the cavity
- The location of the affected tooth
- The type of filling used
- The complexity of the case and whether additional treatments are required
At our Mount Gambier dental clinic, the cost of tooth filling starts from $195 (note: digital x-rays may also be required at an additional cost). But bear in mind that your tooth filling cost will ultimately depend on the factors listed above.
Your dentist will typically spot cavities and advise if you need fillings during a routine check-up and clean appointment (book yours here). If your dentist recommends a dental filling procedure, they will be able to provide you with a personalised treatment plan, clearly outlining the costs involved.
Need a filling… but not sure about the fees?
Book your appointment for more personalised advice or get our guide for general info on tooth filling costs.
How do different types of fillings affect the treatment price?
Dental fillings can be made from a few different types of materials. And the material used to fill the cavity will affect the overall cost of tooth filling treatment.
Your dentist will advise which types of filling material are best for you based on the extent of the repair or restoration required, the size and location of the cavity, and the level of durability required (e.g. if it will be used in areas of high chewing or bite pressure).
Here’s a quick snapshot of the different types of fillings and the average costs of each.
* This table is a general guide only, your filling treatment cost will depend on your unique case.
Now that you’ve got an idea of the cost of each, let’s dive into more detail about the types of filling material…
Composite fillings
Composite resin fillings are the most common type of filling used as they’re both cost-effective and have a good aesthetic outcome. Composite resin is a durable, tooth-coloured material that blends in well with the natural tooth. Composite restorations are typically used for fillings ranging from small to medium size. While it’s hard-wearing, composite resin is not as durable as porcelain so it is often used on teeth that withstand moderate bite and chewing pressure only.
Porcelain (ceramic) fillings
Porcelain or ceramic is a highly durable material, comparable to the strength of natural teeth. As such, it’s the preferred choice for larger-sized fillings or restorations where part of the tooth has broken off. When it comes to the most natural-looking types of filling material, porcelain takes the cake as it has the same translucency and appearance as real teeth. But since porcelain is a more premium material, this type of filling does come at a higher cost.
Glass ionomer fillings
Glass ionomer fillings are made from a flexible cement paste of silicate glass powder. As one of the less durable types of filling material, glass ionomer is typically used as a sealant or for temporary fillings when more dental work is needed (e.g. when protecting a tooth between root canal treatment appointments). Sometimes, they may be used to fill teeth with less chewing pressure, such as baby teeth or areas near the gum line. One of the benefits of glass ionomer fillings is that the silicate glass powder contains fluoride. This fluoride is slowly released into the area where the filling is placed, helping to prevent future cavities.
Gold fillings
Have you ever seen a twinkle of gold in your parent’s or grandparent’s smile? Gold fillings were once a very popular option for tooth restorations. This is because gold is an extremely durable and biocompatible (meaning it works well with the human body) material. However, due to their high cost and patients preferring a more natural-coloured finish, gold fillings fell out of vogue.
Amalgam fillings
If you received dental fillings before the 1990s, you likely got amalgam (metal) fillings. Amalgam was once the go-to for fillings because it was strong and cheap, but it’s since become a lot less common in recent years. Dentists and patients now prefer to use tooth-coloured composite fillings as they offer a more modern and premium material with a more natural finish.
Are fillings painful?
No, getting a dental filling shouldn’t be painful. Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic before starting the procedure which will numb the area. You might feel a bit of a sting from the injection but don’t worry, this usually only lasts for a second or two. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, you won’t feel any pain during treatment, just pressure.
How long is the tooth filling recovery time?
The dental filling procedure has a very minimal recovery time. Most patients can return to their usual activities straight after treatment. However, it’s important that you wait at least 30 minutes before eating to allow the dental filling material to set and any numbness from the local anaesthetic to wear off.
You may experience some mild tooth sensitivity afterwards which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.
If you have a toothache or feel any pain (i.e. more than mild discomfort) for more than 24 to 48 hours after your treatment, contact us ASAP so we can assess.
Paying for your tooth filling cost
Let’s be honest — no one *wants* to spend their hard-earned dough on filling a tooth cavity…
But look at it this way: getting a dental filling is a small price to pay now to avoid *much* more expensive problems in future.
Nonetheless, unexpected dental costs like a dental filling procedure can be stressful. In this section, we’ll help you understand your options for paying for this treatment, as well as what you may (or may not) be covered for under Medicare or private health insurance.
Are there tooth filling payment plans?
Yes. At Illumident, we have affordable finance plans and Afterpay. Both of these options allow you to spread out the cost of tooth filling treatment across a number of instalments. This means you can avoid big upfront costs and pay at a pace that suits your budget.
Does Medicare cover the cost of tooth filling?
No, Medicare typically does not cover costs for routine dental care, including dental fillings.
However, if your child (aged 0-17 years) is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), the dental filling procedure is covered under this scheme.
Does private health insurance cover tooth filling cost?
Yes, some private health insurance policies cover fillings under their dental ‘extras’ coverage. Be sure to contact your health fund before committing to treatment to confirm whether dental fillings are covered, how much you can claim and whether any waiting periods apply to you.
Got a question about tooth cavity filling cost?
Want to know more about the cost of tooth filling or the dental filling procedure? We’re here to help! Call our Mount Gambier dental practice on (08) 8725 2441 or our Port Fairy dental practice on (03) 5568 2577 — or get in touch using our online contact form.
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