How much is a filling? Here’s what you can expect to pay for a tooth filling in Australia
6/5/2022
Need to get a filling in your tooth?
It happens!
In fact, tooth fillings (sometimes called 'restorations')are one of the most common treatments we carry out at our Gregory Hills and Moss Vale dental practices. And thanks to this nifty little procedure, you can quickly treat any problems now to avoid much more serious (and costly) issues in future.
So, how much is a filling? And what factors can affect the price of fillings?
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about the cost of fillings in Australia and what’s involved in this treatment.
First things first — what is a tooth filling?
Tooth fillings are used to ‘fill’ (go figure!) any cavities in the outer surface of your tooth. If you have dental cavities, it’s vital that you get fillings ASAP to prevent the decay from spreading and damaging the root of your tooth. If decay does spread to the tooth root, your tooth can ‘die’ and root canal treatment may be required to restore it.
A few different types of materials are used for dental fillings and this can affect the overall cost of your treatment (we’ll dive into more on this later). But, at the end of the day, the price of tooth fillings is always going to be much more affordable than the complex treatment you may need if you ignore dental cavities!
The cost of tooth fillings in Australia will depend on a few key factors, including the size of the filling and the type of filling used.
How much does a tooth filling cost?
According to a 2020 survey by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the average cost of fillings in Australia can range up to $275 for a simple filling and up to $475 for a more complex filling.
There are a number of factors that can affect how much a tooth filling costs, including:
- The size of the filling (i.e. how big or how deep the cavity is)
- The position of the affected tooth
- The complexity of the case (i.e. how long it will take to do the restoration and whether additional treatments like root canal therapy are required)
- The type of filling used
At Green Door Dental, the cost of a filling starts from $147 for a minor filling. But keep in mind, the price can vary greatly depending on the factors listed above. If you’d like to learn more about our dental treatment fees, you can download our full price list below.
Want more personalised advice on how much a filling costs? Just book an appointment with us. After your consultation, you’ll walk out with a complete treatment plan, outlining all of the costs involved. No surprises here!
Need a filling — without hidden fees?
Book your appointment online now or download our New Patient Guide for our full treatment price list.
As we mentioned above, the price of dental fillings will largely depend on the type of material used. To determine which type of filling is best for you, your dentist will consider the location and size of the cavity, the level of durability required and the extent of the repair.
So, what are the different types of fillings and how much do they cost? Let’s explore below…
Composite fillings
Composite fillings at Green Door Dental start at $125. They are generally the least expensive option when getting your tooth filled. This type of filling is made from a durable, tooth-coloured acrylic resin that is designed to blend in with the colour of your natural teeth. Composite restorations are usually reserved for small to medium-sized fillings where the teeth withstand only moderate amounts of pressure. With proper care, composite fillings can last for around five to seven years.
Porcelain fillings
Porcelain or ceramic is an extremely durable tooth filling material. That’s why it’s usually used for larger fillings or in cases where part of the tooth has broken off completely. Like composite fillings, ceramic fillings can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. But since porcelain is a premium material, this type of filling will be more expensive than composite fillings. Our porcelain fillings start at $550.
With our CEREC technology, you can now have your porcelain fillings done in the clinic on the same day!
Normally, porcelain fillings are required to be sent off to a laboratory before being bonded to your tooth. This used to mean it would take two visits to receive your porcelain filling. But with our CEREC technology, now your porcelain fillings, just like your porcelain crowns, can be produced in our surgery on the same day.
Gold fillings
Yep, gold fillings are still around. And you guessed it — they’re the most expensive fillings you can get. While gold is extremely durable and a great material for fillings, it’s not the most popular choice. Most people prefer their dental fillings to blend in with the colour of their teeth.
Amalgam fillings
Like gold fillings, amalgam fillings have largely become a thing of the past. These metal fillings are a cheaper option, but they’re slowly being phased out. We do not offer amalgam fillings at Green Door Dental.
Your dentist will determine which type of tooth filling is best for you depending on the location and size of the cavity and the complexity of the restoration.
Do tooth fillings hurt?
Before starting your treatment, your dentist will administer local anaesthetic to numb the area. You may feel some pressure during the procedure but you won’t feel any pain.
Feeling anxious about getting a filling?
There’s really no need! At Green Door Dental, we offer sleep dentistry and sedation options for all treatments — including tooth fillings. This means that even the most anxious patients can feel totally at ease while they get the dental care they need.
It’s important to note that any use of sedation during your procedure will increase the cost of your tooth filling treatment.
There are a few different types of sedation available at our clinic, including:
Twilight sedation — administered via IV drip, sending you into a peaceful, sleep-like state
Liquid oral sedation — taken orally one hour before your treatment to help you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy
Inhaler sedation — the classic ‘green whistle’ that you inhale for rapid-onset pain relief and sedation (you’ve probably seen it used on Bondi Rescue or ambulance shows!)
Want to opt for sleep dentistry for your tooth filling procedure? You’ll need to book a consultation appointment first so we can discuss your needs and determine the right sedation option for you.
Sleep dentistry makes your tooth filling appointment a total dream — simply sit back and drift off while we patch up your pearly whites.
How long does it take to recover after a tooth filling?
The good news is that you’ll be perfectly fine to go about your day as normal after a tooth filling. Just don’t eat anything for 30 minutes after your treatment so the tooth filling material can set and the numbness can wear off.
It’s normal to experience some tooth sensitivity after getting a filling. But this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
If you experience any pain or a toothache for more than a day or two after your tooth filling treatment, contact us as soon as possible so we can check it out.
Our affordable finance options make the cost of fillings painless
With our flexible payment plans, there’s no need to worry about whether you can afford the cost of fillings. You can get your teeth restored to perfection now and pay for your treatment in comfortable instalments that fit your budget. Plus, we’re always 100% upfront with our fees so you’ll always know *exactly* how much your fillings will cost.
Not sure if you can afford the cost of tooth fillings upfront? No worries! Our flexible finance options mean you can get the care you need now and pay in easy instalments over time.
Have a question about the cost of tooth fillings?
If you’d like to know more about the cost of tooth fillings or what to expect from this procedure, get in touch — we’re always happy to help!
