How Much Does A Dental Filling Cost in Sydney?
What is the cost of fillings in Sydney?
The average cost of fillings in Sydney ranges averages from $200 to $350. However, these costs vary considerably depending on several factors including your filling type, the duration, complexity and the type of treatment you require. During your consultation, a specialist Orthodontist will clinically examine you before determining the full cost of your filling and offering a variety of payment plans and financing options available to you.
What is the cost of fillings in Australia?
According to the Australia Dental Association (ADA), the average cost of fillings in Australia in 2023 ranges from $220 for a simple filling and $475 for a more complex filling. The average price for a small tooth filling ranges from $130, whereas a large tooth filling costs around $283.
What are tooth fillings?
Tooth fillings are used to fill cavities and prevent decay from spreading and damaging the root of your tooth. Dental fillings have become a regular part of dental care treatment that restores a tooth back to its original condition if a tiny hole has formed on the outer surface of your teeth.
Do I Need A Dental Filling?
The are a variety of signs and reasons why you may need a dental filling including:
- Tooth Sensitivity: Have you noticed pain or sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drink or foods?
- Dislodged Filling: Dislodged fillings can also trigger heightened sensitivity. If a previously placed filling has come loose, it may need replacement.
- Chipped or Cracked Tooth: Is there a noticeable chip or crack in your tooth? You can often tell if a deep or thin line or a chip on the biting tip appears along the tooth’s surface.
- Throbbing Pain: Are you experiencing persistent throbbing pain in your mouth, especially during eating and speaking? This discomfort may signify the need for a dental filling.
If you are unsure if you need a dental filling, contact a specialist orthodontist. They can help guide you on any treatment you may need and the material or filling that suits your needs.
So, what are the different types of fillings and how much do they cost? Let’s explore below…
Composite fillings
A composite filling is a white or tooth-coloured material made of acrylic resin that is designed to blend naturally with your tooth colour. They are reserved for small to medium-sized fillings and only where teeth are expected to withstand only a moderate amount of pressure.
Composite fillings are generally the least expensive tooth filling but they are not as durable as most. However, with proper care, they can last 5 – 7 years.
How much does a composite filling cost in Sydney?
The cost of a composite filling in Sydney ranges from $130 to $400 for a single tooth.
Porcelain fillings
Porcelain fillings are made of premium material and are usually used for larger fillings or when part of a tooth has broken off completely. They are a very popular choice that is durable and can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
However, porcelain is more expensive than composite fillings and is usually sent off to a laboratory before being bonded to your tooth. Therefore it is often required to have two visits before receiving your porcelain fillings.
How much does a porcelain filling cost in Sydney?
The cost of a porcelain filling in Sydney ranges from $145 to $395 for a single tooth.
Ceramic fillings
Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain. Just like porcelain fillings, ceramic fillings are durable, look very natural and are aesthetically pleasing. However, ceramic filling can become rough over time and due to this can wear down on the opposing teeth.
How much do ceramic fillings cost in Sydney?
The cost of ceramic fillings in Sydney typically ranges considerably from $100 and $4,500 for each procedure.
Gold Inlay & Onlay fillings
Gold fillings fit precisely on the tooth structure and are cemented into place. They are very durable and are as strong as dental crowns. They have a lifespan of at least 20 years.
However, they are not the most popular choice as they do not blend in with the colour of the tooth.
How much does a porcelain filling cost in Sydney?
The cost of Gold, inlays and Onlays in Sydney typically ranges from $300 to $1000 for a single tooth.
Amalgam fillings
Amalgam fillings are a popular choice, known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Also known as ’silver fillings’, they are made out of a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, copper, tin and zinc. They are a cheaper option and are also a simpler material for dentists to fit into the cavity. Although, similar to gold fillings, they’re slowly being phased out by those looking for a more natural-looking filling such as porcelain or ceramic.
How much does an Amalgam filling cost in Sydney?
The cost of Amalgam fillings in Sydney typically ranges from $50 to $150 per filling.
To find out what fillings are best for you and to get an accurate cost of dental fillings, consult a specialist orthodontist who can help provide you with a treatment plan for your needs, considering the location and size of the cavity, the level of durability required and the extent of the repair.
The type of dental fillings you need and its cost will largely depend on the materials used but other factors can also affect their costs.
Factors that can affect how much a tooth filling costs
There are a number of factors that can affect how much a tooth filling costs, including:
- The size of the filling and how big or deep the cavity is.
- The type of filling and materials used
- The position of the affected tooth; For example, if the tooth filling is required in the molars towards the back of the mouth (the distal tooth) this is likely to be a little more difficult and challenging to reach and may affect the overall time and cost to fill and treat.
- The length of treatment time can also affect the cost. For example, it may take longer to access, assess, fill and treat a filling that has impacted the lingual surface.
- The type of procedure and complexity of the treatment/case. Your treatment plan including how long it will take to do the restoration, the type of procedure and whether additional treatments (like root canal therapy) or check-ups are required will add more to the overall costs.
- Number of fillings required. If you require double or several dental fillings, then this will significantly alter the cost. The cost of fillings is typically worked out on a ‘per-tooth basis’. Therefore, for a double filling you would pay double, for a triple filling you would pay triple and so on. The number of fillings will also change the treatment time needed, which again can add to the cost.
- The location of treatment (state and city/town). In some major Australian cities such as Melbourne or Sydney, tooth fillings (as well as the cost of living) are generally more expensive.
- An example of location affecting the overall cost of a filling
- According to a 2023 survey from the Australia Dental Association (ADA), the average cost of fillings is:
- NSW ranges from $173 – $290 for a simple filling (front tooth) and $330 – $800 for a more complex filling (back tooth).
- QLD, the same treatments range from $163 – $235 for a simple filling and $310 – $695 for a more complex filling.
- In Victoria, they’ll cost around $171 – $289 for a simple filling and $329 – $600 for a complex one.
- The dentist’s experience and qualifications.
- The technology and the equipment used.
- Your level of insurance covered or Medicare coverage (if applicable).
- Any promotions and discounts you receive.
At Beautiful Dental Care, we always ensure we clinically examine you before determining a precise treatment plan. Only then can we determine the cost. We will do this when you meet us for the first time at the consultation visit. After your consultation, you’ll walk out with a complete treatment plan, outlining all of the costs involved. No surprises here!
Managing The Cost Of A Tooth Filling And Root Canal In Sydney
Some dental filling and root canal treatments procedures can be very complicated and vary from one case to another. However, the cost can mount up.
It may feel that some root canal and tooth filling treatments in Sydney are out of your budget and you may be tempted to choose a cheaper option than is recommended just to be able to afford them or forfeit getting them fixed in general. But that would be a mistake.
Most people do not know that many orthodontists or dental experts do not expect payment upfront and payments can be spread over a couple of months. Some dentists also offer flexible payment plans and financial options to suit you and your situation.
For more information about payment plans contact Beautiful Dental Care today. We offer a variety of payment plans and financing options and for your convenience, we also accept payments in cash, cheque, credit card, EFTPOS and direct debit.
How do you pay for fillings?
There are many ways to pay for fillings in Australia including upfront, using health insurance to cover a portion of the cost or using a payment plan to spread the cost of the treatment and make repayments over time.
Health insurance can also help cover the cost of fillings.
Does health insurance cover fillings?
You may be able to claim a portion or all of your filling cost under private health insurance, depending on the details of your policy and your level of extra coverage. Orthodontic rebates from private health insurance in Sydney can range from a few hundred dollars to over $2,500 – so check with your insurance policy for any coverage that can help with at least a portion of the cost before getting fillings.
If you don’t currently have any dental coverage, keep in mind that most private health funds require a 12-month waiting period before getting treatment. Therefore, it helps to weigh up your options on whether it is worth starting treatment with or without health insurance.
Does Medicare cover fillings?
No, fillings and most orthodontic treatments are not covered by Medicare for Australians. For most dental care treatments patients pay out of pocket or use some type of private health insurance to help cover part of the cost.
However, there are some exceptions and some essential dental services are covered by Medicare in Australia including Government dental programs.
Government programs for fillings in Australia
One notable example of these Government programs that can help subsidise filling and dental treatments is the Australian government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This scheme offers help for children and young adults ages 2-17 years to cover part or the full cost for a range of basic dental services and procedures or for free if they get certain payments. They can receive up to $1000 to help toward basic dental treatments.
To be eligible for the Australian government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) the following criteria must be met:
- 0 – 17 years old
- Eligible for Medicare
- The child or parents of the child must be getting a payment from the CDBS at least once a year.
For more information visit the Australian Government website.
Each Australian state and territory also provides public dental services for emergency dental and certain specialist procedures. To find out if you live in an area that offers this and if you’re eligible, visit your state or territory health department website below:
| State and territory | Website |
| New South Wales | NSW Health |
| Victoria | Department of Health |
| Queensland | Queensland Health |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Health |
| South Australia | SA Health |
| Northern Territory | Department of Health |
| Tasmania | Oral Health Services Tasmania |
| Western Australia | Dental Health Services |
What To Expect In Tooth Filling Dental Procedure
When performing a filling, the orthodontic will remove and clean out the decayed part of the tooth and then clean all around the affected area. They will then fill the cavity or hole created by tooth decay or damage with a filling material that suits the structure of the tooth – Silver, porcelain, composite resin (tooth-coloured), ceramic or Amalgam (silver-coloured) or gold.
This procedure effectively ‘fills’ the space to prevent further decay and restore the tooth back to its original condition and normal function including its shape and integrity.
What are the steps and process for a dental filling procedure?
The procedure for a dental filling involves the following 9 steps:
- Before the procedure, you will have a consultation.
During the consultation, a specialist orthodontic with clinically examine you before determining your treatment plan. They will also discuss if an x-ray or any other examinations are required before the procedure.
- An x-ray is generally carried out after the consultation that indicates how severe and deep the decay is, the extent of the damage and the best cause of action.
- The dental professional will numb the area by administering a local anaesthetic to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
- The dentist will then remove the decayed, damaged or affected part of the tooth using a dental drill, air abrasion or laser.
- The affected area is then cleaned to ensure no bacteria or debris remains.
- The dental specialist will then prepare the tooth by shaping the cavity. This creates a space that will securely hold the filling material.
- The cavity will then be filled using the chosen filling material into the prepared cavity matching the contours of the tooth.
- The dentist will then trim and polish the filling to achieve a smooth surface that resembles the surrounding teeth.
- Lastly, the filing is then allowed to cure (hardened). For tooth-coloured composite resin fillings, a special light is also used to harden the material.
Do tooth fillings hurt?
No, tooth fillings should not hurt as your dentist will not reach the dental pulp inside the tooth where the nerve endings are. You may experience some pressure during the procedure and find after the procedure your gums might be slightly inflamed or hurt but this should subside. Before the treatment, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to prevent discomfort and numb the area.
After the tooth filling procedure and aftercare
How long does it take to recover after a tooth filling?
The good news is that the entire tooth filling procedure usually is completed within a single dental appointment depending on its complexity and you can return to normal activities immediately.
Getting home
However, after a local anaesthetic, you may be drowsy and you can’t drive home. Therefore, you should arrange for someone to pick you up or help you get home.
Brushing
You can continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day unless otherwise advised by your dentist. If you have sensitivity try using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
Eating
It will depend on your filling material for when you can eat after your treatment.
For example, white fillings harden instantly under blue light whereas metal dental fillings do not harden immediately. Your treatment plan and dentist will advise you on when you can eat and the types of foods recommended.
- Solid food: We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after a dental filling treatment before eating any solid food to let the filling material set.
- Eating after the local anaesthetic: We also suggest waiting 30 minutes to drink or eat soft food so the numbness and local anaesthetic can wear off to avoid biting your cheek, tongue, or lips.
- Chewy or stick food: We also recommend waiting 2 weeks after your treatment before eating chewy or sticky foods.
- Hot and cold drinks and food: We also recommend that you avoid very hot or cold foods or drinks for the first few weeks and try chewing your food on the other side of your mouth, especially if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity is normal for up to three weeks after a dental filling. However, contact your dentist if sensitivity is very painful and/or causing distress.
What are some side effects of having Dental Fillings?
As mentioned above, it is normal to experience some discomfort, sensitivity to air or cold and hot food (or drink items) or experience slight inflammation of the gums after a filling procedure. You may also notice increased sensitivity from the pressure of biting on the new dental filling, particularly if the dental filling is for a deeper cavity.
Use over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage the pain and help with any discomfort.
However, if you experience any pain that does not go away after a few days contact your dental orthodontic team, who can offer you advice and support.
Reasons for pain or discomfort after a dental filling
- Decay is quite deep into the pulp of your tooth
A root canal may be needed if the decay is quite deep into the pulp of the tooth and you are still experiencing throbbing, sharp pain or constant pain that does not go away after a few days. Contact your dentist if you think this may be the problem and they can advise you on the next steps.
- Metal allergies or sensitivities to certain fillings
Each person responds differently to different types of filling material. It is possible that you may end needing a new filling in the future if you find your teeth are particularly sensitive after receiving a dental filling due to metal allergies or sensitivity to a certain filling. You may require an alternative dental filling material or option. Your dentist can also use additional preventative measures such as a base, liner, or desensitising agent.
- The filling is too high
You may notice that when you start to move your jaw, speak or chew you feel discomfort, pain and the filling might not feel quite right. This might be caused by the dental filling being too high. A filling that is higher than the rest of your teeth has a higher risk of cracking. Contact your dentist who can advise you if you need the filling smoothed or reshaped.
- Sharp edges causing discomfort that needs smoothing out
As mentioned above once you start moving your mouth and jaw and the aesthetic wears off you may feel the new dental filling are not as comfortable as it was when you were in the dentist’s chair. This may be because your filling has sharp edges need to be smoothed out more. Contact your dentist who can advise you if your filling needs to be smoothed out.
- Pain in teeth beside the new filling
You may experience pain in the teeth next to the filling after the procedure – this is normal and is not an indicator that anything is wrong with your teeth or the filling. This is usually caused by the new filling passing ‘signals’ to the neighbouring teeth. This should decrease after one to two weeks.
Aftercare, check-ups and the importance of good oral hygiene
It’s crucial to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding aftercare and maintenance of the filling/fillings. They can provide personalised guidance based on your specific treatment plan and monitor your progress. During regular check-ups your orthodontist can also make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene can also help prevent any complications or issues and ensure longevity during and after the treatment process.
Feeling nervous or anxious about getting a filling?
Contact our specialist Orthodontist today.
We can help talk through all treatment options and answer any questions you have on what to expect during and after a dental filling.
If you would like to book an appointment, please contact us on Call Us (02) 9499 2725 or book a consultation with our Burwood Dentist.
