How much does a filling cost in Australia?

There can’t be too many of us that enjoy lying back in the chair while the dentist probes away at our mouth with a drill. And then there’s the cost that can leave us with a bad taste in our mouth. The average tooth filling cost in Australia is $168 for an anterior tooth (a tooth towards the front of the mouth) and $177 for a posterior tooth (a tooth towards the back) – which can add up when coupled with a regular check up and clean. Fixing a cavity with a filling may relieve your tooth pain but the associated costs can potentially drill a hole in your savings.

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What are fillings?

A filling is a dental procedure that involves filling a hole in a tooth to prevent damage from decay, stop pain and return the tooth to its normal function. They can also fix decay, cracks, or damage caused by tooth grinding or from using your teeth to open things such as bottles.

There are four main kinds of fillings used in Australia: composite, amalgam, glass-ionomer cement and gold/porcelain. When deciding what type of filling to use, dentists will consider the strength requirements and the way your teeth bite together.

Composite is made using a white or tooth-coloured material called resin, this kind of filling is designed to mimic the colour of your tooth and can look more natural. However, this option can be more expensive and, if being used to fill adult back teeth, may not last as long due to the amount of pressure in that part of the mouth. As a guide, composite fillings can last an average of seven years, potentially longer if you practise good dental care.

Amalgam is a metal filling made up of a mixture of tin, silver, copper, zinc and mercury. This is a popular option for fillings due to its durability – they can last around 10-15 years. However, due to health and environmental concerns, amalgam fillings have been restricted in some parts of the world, and at one stage, the European Commission looked into the possibility of phasing out the use of dental amalgam by 2030. Here in Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council has suggested minimising the use of amalgam fillings in certain people including children, pregnant women and those with kidney disease.

Glass-ionomer cement can also be matched to tooth colour, though it may not be as long-lasting as composite resin. That being the case, it’s usually applied in areas where there’s not much biting force and on baby teeth.

Gold and porcelain are both durable options, with porcelain having the ability to be matched to tooth colour. Porcelain is also more likely to be used where a part of the tooth is missing. Gold on the other hand, is hard to disguise. Understandably, gold and porcelain are at the more expensive end of the price spectrum for fillings.

How much do fillings cost?

According to the most recent survey by the Australian Dental Association, the cost of a posterior adhesive dental filling nationally ranged from $135.20 to $248.46, with an average cost of $177.62. The average cost of a more complex dental filling, such as the applying of veneers, was $393.45. Both these averages have only risen by about $10 and $20 respectively over the last two years. However, there are no standard fees for dentists; and factors such as your choice of dentist, the location of the tooth and damage, and the amount of time it takes to repair the tooth can all shape the total cost. For some people, finding a dentist they feel comfortable with may be more important than saving a few dollars on the cost of a filling. The cost may also depend on whether or not you have private health insurance, or if you’re part of a Medicare-funded dental scheme.

Does private health insurance cover the dental filling cost?

Medicare does not cover the costs of most dental services for most people, so keeping your teeth healthy can often mean paying the cost yourself or relying on your private health insurance.

According to privatehealth.gov.au, the cost of dental care may be included as part of private health insurance ‘extras’ cover (also known as ‘general treatment’). How much you’ll get back and whether any limits or waiting periods apply will likely depend on your level of cover and your provider. This can make comparing dental insurance worthwhile.

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Does Medicare cover dental filling costs?

Medicare does not cover dental procedures such as fillings. However, there can be exceptions:

Child Dental Benefits Schedule. This pays $1,000 over two calendar years for children aged two to 17 for basic dental services, including dental check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, sealing cracked teeth, fillings, root canals and extractions. These services should be bulk-billed at participating dental surgeries, so you don’t pay anything. It does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic dental work such as tooth whitening, or any dental care provided in hospital. However, this schedule is only available to families receiving other government benefits, such as Family Tax Benefit (Part A).

Public dental services. Each state and territory provides public dental services for both children and adults. Adults generally need to have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card to be eligible, though the rules vary depending on where you live. The big drawback is that you may have to wait a significant amount of time before you see a dentist. By that time a simple filling may have morphed into something more serious, like a tooth extraction.

Controversy over amalgam fillings

The use of amalgam fillings has proven controversial over the years, due to the inclusion of mercury, which can be toxic in high quantities. However, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has continued its support of amalgam fillings, explaining that the substance “has proved to be a durable, safe and effective material which has been the subject of extensive research over this time.” That said, the consumer trend appears to be moving away from the use of amalgam and towards materials that provide a more aesthetic solution.

Aftercare for your fillings

A dental filling cost can be several hundred dollars, but it can also be a great investment in your overall oral health. So, once you’ve paid the dentist, you want to keep your filling in great shape. Bupa Dental advises patients not to eat or drink until the anaesthetic has worn off, and explains that sensitivity to hot and cold drinks may last up to a few days after the procedure. If something doesn’t feel right, see your dentist immediately. On average, Bupa Dental says fillings should last around 12 years.

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