"So, how much is a filling?" It is one of the questions we hear most, and it is a fair one. Nobody likes surprises at the front desk.
The honest answer is: it depends on the size, position and depth of the cavity. That might sound like a dodge, so let us actually unpack it. In this guide, we cover typical fee ranges in Australia, what pushes the price up or down, and how to keep your filling costs as low as possible.
Typical Tooth Filling Costs in Australia
The Australian Dental Association's national fee survey is a widely used reference for dental pricing. Figures from the 2022 survey, published by CHOICE, show:
| Filling type (ADA item number) | Average | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth, 1 surface (521) | $167 | $121–$233 |
| Front tooth, 2 surfaces (522) | $202 | $153–$285 |
| Back tooth, 1 surface (531) | $178 | $135–$248 |
| Back tooth, 2 surfaces (532) | $220 | $171–$305 |
Larger fillings covering three or more surfaces generally cost more, and fees have risen since 2022.
Important: these are national survey figures, not MS Dental fees, and not a quote. Your fee depends on your examination and X-rays. At MS Dental, you get a written treatment plan with item numbers before treatment, so you know the expected cost upfront. If the cavity proves larger than expected once the decay is removed, we will explain any change in cost.
What Affects the Price?
1. How many surfaces are involved
Each tooth has several surfaces. A small cavity on one surface is quicker to repair than decay spreading across two or three.
2. Front teeth or back teeth
Back teeth take the heavy chewing load and can be harder to reach, which affects time and complexity.
3. The material
Most fillings today are tooth-coloured composite resin, bonded to the tooth and matched to its shade. Other materials, such as glass ionomer, suit particular situations. You can read more on our tooth-coloured fillings page and on healthdirect's guide to dental fillings.
4. Other items on the day
The examination, X-rays or local anaesthetic may appear as separate item numbers on your invoice.
5. How far the decay has gone
This is the big one. A cavity caught early may need a small filling. If decay reaches the nerve, the tooth may need root canal treatment and a crown, which cost considerably more.
Illustrative example
Catching it at the right time
Let us say two friends, Priya and Tom, both have a small cavity between two back teeth. Priya books her six-monthly check-up, the X-ray picks it up, and she has a single-surface filling in one short appointment. Using her extras cover, much of the cost is covered by her fund.
Tom does not feel anything, so he skips his check-up. Eighteen months later, the decay has spread to two surfaces and is close to the nerve. He now needs a larger filling, and his dentist warns that a crown may be needed if the tooth weakens further.
Same problem, different timing, very different bill.
When a Filling Is Not Enough
Fillings work well for small to moderate cavities, but they need enough healthy tooth around them. Your dentist may recommend a different option when:
- The cavity is very large, and a big filling would be weak. A crown can protect what remains.
- The tooth is cracked, and a filling alone may not hold it together.
- The nerve is affected, and root canal treatment is needed first.
- An old filling keeps failing, weakening the tooth over time.
We will always explain why we recommend an option, and what each alternative costs.
What Happens at a Filling Appointment?
If you are a little nervous, knowing the steps can help:
- Assessment. We confirm the size and depth of the cavity, often with an X-ray.
- Numbing. Local anaesthetic is usually used so you are comfortable.
- Removing decay. We remove the decayed part and keep as much healthy tooth as possible.
- Placing the filling. Tooth-coloured material is layered, shaped and hardened with a curing light.
- Checking your bite. We adjust and polish so it feels natural.
Most people head straight back to work or study. Just avoid chewing on the numb side until the feeling returns.
Signs You Might Need a Filling
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Pain when biting
- A hole, dark spot or rough edge on a tooth
- Food catching in the same spot
- A broken or lost old filling
Lost a filling? Read Is Your Lost Filling or Crown a Dental Emergency? For other causes, see some of the reasons you may need a dental filling.
How to Keep Filling Costs Down
- Use your extras. General dental cover usually includes fillings. Ask for item numbers and check your rebate. See our preferred provider information.
- Use the CDBS for eligible children. Services Australia confirms fillings are covered. MS Dental offers child dental bulk billing.
- Spread the cost if you need several fillings. See our payment plans or read Dental Payment Plans in Newcastle.
- Check public dental eligibility if you hold a concession card. Our guide to affordable dental care in Newcastle explains how.
- Keep up check-ups, so cavities are caught at the smallest, most affordable stage.
Fillings at MS Dental
At our Cardiff, Fletcher and Mayfield clinics, we place tooth-coloured fillings designed to blend in with your natural teeth. You will know the cost before we start, we will explain each step, and we will check in on your comfort throughout.
Looking After Your New Filling
A filling is a repair, not a force field. To help it last:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the edges of the filling
- Clean between your teeth daily, because decay can start where the filling meets the tooth
- Avoid chewing ice, pens or very hard foods
- Wear a night splint if you grind your teeth
- Keep up regular check-ups, so we can spot wear early
If a filling feels high, rough or sensitive for more than a few days, let us know so we can adjust it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover fillings?
Not for most adults, but fillings are covered for eligible children under the CDBS. Read Does Medicare Cover Dental Treatment in Australia?
Does getting a filling hurt?
Local anaesthetic is usually used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild sensitivity afterwards is common and usually settles.
How long do fillings last?
It depends on size, material, your bite and your oral hygiene. Regular check-ups let us monitor fillings and repair them before they fail.
Want to Know Exactly What Your Filling Will Cost?
Book an examination and we will show you what we find and give you a written quote with item numbers, so there are no surprises.
Refer a friend to MS Dental and you could both receive a 10% discount on your next appointment (minimum spend $300, discount capped at $50, one discount per patient, the new patient redeems their referral card first, and it cannot be combined with other offers). Full terms and conditions.
Fees are national averages from the ADA 2022 fee survey, published by CHOICE. They are indicative only and are not MS Dental fees. Your fee depends on your individual assessment.