Tooth fillings are among the most common dental procedures. Whether it’s to repair a cavity, restore a cracked tooth, or replace part of a tooth that has decayed, fillings play an essential role in maintaining good oral health. But how much does a tooth filling cost in Australia? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of filling material used and the complexity of the procedure.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of dental fillings, their costs, and what you can expect during the tooth-filling procedure. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what goes into the pricing and how to choose the right option for your oral health needs.
Why Are Tooth Fillings More Than Just a Quick Fix?
Common reasons for needing a tooth-filling dental procedure include:
- Tooth decay: Cavities caused by dental caries weaken the tooth enamel.
- Cracked teeth: Fillings restore cracks caused by trauma or biting on hard foods.
- Prepared cavity: After cleaning out decay, the cavity must be filled to restore functionality.
- Surrounding teeth protection: Fillings help maintain alignment and prevent shifting of surrounding teeth.
What’s the Real Cost of Tooth Fillings in Australia?
The cost of a tooth filling in Australia varies according to multiple factors, including the chosen filling material, the location of the dental clinic, and whether you’re accessing private or public dental services. Below is a general guide to filling costs:
Amalgam Fillings
- Starting price: $120 per tooth
- Made of a silver alloy, amalgam fillings are durable and commonly used for posterior teeth.
Composite Fillings
- Starting price: $170 per tooth
- These tooth-coloured fillings blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour, making them ideal for tooth surfaces visible when you smile.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
- Starting price: $150 per tooth
- Known for releasing fluoride, these are often used for baby teeth or fillings in less stressed areas.
Gold Fillings
- Starting price: $700 per tooth
- Custom-made in a dental laboratory, gold fillings are long-lasting but come with a high price tag.
Porcelain Fillings (Ceramic Fillings)
- Starting price: $800 per tooth
- Fabricated in a dental lab, these fillings are aesthetically pleasing and resistant to staining.
What Affects Dental Filling Costs?
The total dental filling cost depends on a variety of factors:
Type of Filling Material
The material chosen, such as composite resin or gold fillings, significantly impacts the price. While amalgam fillings are more affordable, porcelain fillings and ceramic fillings cost more due to their aesthetic appeal.
Location of the Dental Clinic
Clinics in metropolitan areas or private dental practices may charge more than public dental services.
Size and Complexity
Larger or more intricate cavities may require additional steps, such as shaping the tooth’s shape or ensuring the restoration blends with surrounding teeth.
Need for Additional Treatments
The cost may rise if additional treatments, such as root canal therapy or dental crowns, are required along with a filling.
Private Health Insurance Coverage
If you have private health insurance, it may cover basic dental services, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
What to Expect During the Tooth Filling Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the tooth-filling procedure:
- Dental Check-Up: Your dental professional will perform a comprehensive examination to assess the affected tooth and detect cavities or cracks.
- Local Anaesthetic: A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth to guarantee a comfortable procedure.
- Preparation: The decayed area of the tooth is removed using a dental drill, creating a prepared cavity.
- Filling Placement: The chosen filling material is carefully placed and shaped to match the tooth’s shape and restore its functionality.
- Polishing: The filling is smoothed to ensure a comfortable bite and prevent irritation to surrounding teeth.
Maintaining Fillings: Tips for Longevity
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly to prevent decay and maintain healthy tooth enamel.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits to a dental professional help identify potential issues early.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing ice or hard candies can damage your fillings or cause cracked teeth.
- Address Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity to cold foods may indicate an issue with your filling. Consult your dental professional if discomfort persists.
What Happens if You Delay Getting a Filling?
Ignoring cavities or cracks in your teeth can lead to severe dental complications. Here’s what could happen:
- Further Decay: Left untreated, cavities worsen, damaging the inner layers of the tooth and possibly leading to infections.
- Loss of Tooth Structure: As decay progresses, the tooth structure weakens, increasing the risk of fractures.
- Tooth Extraction or Root Canal Therapy: Extensive decay may result in the need for a more invasive procedure, like root canal therapy, or even complete removal of the tooth.
- Impact on Surrounding Teeth: Decay can spread to surrounding teeth, compounding the problem and leading to higher treatment costs.
Prompt intervention with a filling can prevent these complications and save your natural tooth.
How Has Technology Transformed the Filling Process?
Modern dentistry has revolutionised how fillings are performed, improving patient comfort and results. Key advancements include:
- Digital Scans: Instead of traditional impressions, digital imaging creates precise moulds for custom fillings like ceramic fillings.
- Laser Dentistry: Some dentists use lasers to remove decay, reducing the need for traditional drills and offering a less invasive experience.
- Advanced Materials: Modern filling materials, such as composite resin, mimic the appearance and feel of natural teeth, enhancing aesthetics without compromising durability.
These innovations allow dental professionals to deliver accurate, comfortable, and long-lasting restorations.
Are Tooth Fillings for Kids Different? Here’s What You Need to Know
Dental care for children often involves unique considerations, especially for baby teeth. While baby teeth eventually fall out, treating cavities in them is critical to maintaining overall oral health.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: These are a common choice for children as they release fluoride, strengthening the teeth and helping prevent decay.
- Comfortable Procedures: Child-friendly dental clinics often use techniques to make the process less intimidating, such as smaller dental tools or distraction methods.
- Preventative Treatments: Regular check-ups can identify cavities early, and protective treatments like sealants can minimise the need for fillings.
Addressing cavities in baby teeth helps prevent issues like misaligned permanent teeth or infections.
Can You Avoid Fillings Altogether? Prevention Tips That Work
While fillings are an effective solution, prevention is always better than cure. Here are ways to keep your teeth healthy:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss to remove food particles and plaque.
- Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks, as these contribute to tooth decay and weaken tooth enamel.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits to a dental clinic can catch problems early and provide treatments like fluoride applications to strengthen teeth.
- Dental Sealants: These protective coatings are particularly beneficial for children, shielding the grooves of teeth from decay.
How Do Fillings Protect and Enhance Your Oral Health?
Dental fillings do more than restore a damaged tooth; they also play a crucial role in maintaining overall oral health:
- Restored Functionality: Fillings repair cavities and cracks, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: By sealing off cavities, fillings prevent further decay and protect the tooth’s core.
- Alignment of Surrounding Teeth: Restoring the shape of a damaged tooth prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, which could lead to bite issues.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Modern fillings, such as composite fillings, match the natural tooth colour, ensuring a seamless and attractive appearance.
Regular maintenance and dental check-ups ensure that your fillings continue to support your oral health for years to come.
What Are the Alternatives if Fillings Aren’t Enough?
In some cases, alternatives to traditional fillings may be more appropriate:
- Dental Crowns: Used when a significant portion of the tooth is damaged, crowns cover the entire tooth for added strength and durability.
- Inlays and Onlays: These are custom-made restorations that fit into or onto the tooth. They’re more durable than traditional fillings and are often made from materials like ceramic or gold.
- Tooth Extraction and Implants: For severely decayed teeth, extraction followed by an implant may be the best option.
Discuss these alternatives with your dentist to determine the most suitable solution for your dental issue.
Think You Know Tooth Fillings? Let’s Debunk Common Myths
Misconceptions about fillings can lead to unnecessary fear or delays in treatment. Let’s debunk a few:
- Myth: Amalgam Fillings Are Unsafe
Fact: Amalgam fillings have been extensively studied and are safe for use. They remain a reliable choice for posterior teeth.
- Myth: Fillings Last Forever
Fact: All fillings have a lifespan and may need replacement due to wear, damage, or decay beneath the filling.
- Myth: The Procedure is Painful
Fact: With modern anaesthetics and techniques, getting a filling is typically tolerable and quick, often completed in a single dental appointment.
FAQs About Tooth Filling
- How do I know if I need a tooth filling?
Symptoms like experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold foods, visible holes or dark spots on your teeth, pain when biting down, or discomfort in a specific tooth could indicate the need for a filling. Regular dental check-ups are essential to detect cavities early before symptoms arise.
- How long does it take to get a tooth filling?
Fillings are usually completed in a single dental visit, typically taking 30 minutes to an hour. The duration varies based on the cavity’s size, location, and the type of filling material selected.
- Can a filling fall out?
Yes, fillings can fall out due to wear, decay around the filling, or biting on hard foods. If this happens, see your dentist promptly to avoid further damage to the tooth.
- Do fillings hurt after the procedure?
Mild sensitivity or discomfort is normal for a few days after a filling. However, if pain persists for more than a week or worsens, consult your dentist, as it could indicate an issue.
- Can fillings match my natural tooth colour?
Yes, composite fillings and other tooth-coloured materials, such as ceramic fillings, are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth colour, providing an aesthetic finish.
- Are fillings safe during pregnancy?
Most dental fillings are safe during pregnancy, but it’s important to inform your dentist if you are pregnant. Non-emergency treatments are often postponed until after the first trimester as a precaution.
- Can children get fillings?
Yes, children can receive fillings for cavities in their baby teeth. Materials like glass ionomer fillings are often used for their fluoride-releasing properties and suitability for less stressed areas of the mouth.
- How Long Does a Tooth Filling Last?
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used. Amalgam fillings can last 10–15 years, while composite fillings typically last 5–10 years.
- Is It Painful to Get a Tooth Filling?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel comfortable. Some sensitivity may occur after the filling is placed.
- Does Health Insurance Cover Fillings?
Many private health insurance plans cover basic dental services, including fillings. Check your policy for details.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to a Healthy, Confident Smile
If you’re considering a filling or have questions about dental treatment, book an appointment with MyHM Dentist MyHM Dentist at (02) 9158 6379 for advice and personalised treatment options. By choosing the right material and following your dentist’s recommendations, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
References:
- WebMD. (n.d.). Dental health: Fillings. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-fillings
- Healthline. (n.d.). Composite fillings: Everything you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/composite-fillings
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Tooth extraction. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction
- News-Medical. (n.d.). The advantages of using glass ionomers in dentistry. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/whitepaper/20180710/The-Advantages-of-Using-Glass-Ionomers-in-Dentistry.aspx
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Sensitive teeth: What treatments are available?. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854