Tooth filling cost in Australia

Video: covering the cost of dental fillings, what are your options?

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Does private health insurance cover the cost of tooth fillings?

Yes, you can take out an extras policy to help you cover the cost of tooth fillings. You'll most likely find tooth fillings listed under general dental. How much you'll be able to claim back and policy limits will depend on your insurer and level of coverage.

The average waiting period for dental treatment is around 2 months, though there are some insurers who offer no waiting periods. For example, ahm allows you to skip the standard waiting period of general dental, allowing you to claim back up to $650 across general, complex and major dental, every financial year.

Many health funds also offer no-gap dental coverage. This means you'll be able to see a dentist approved by your insurer and have the entire expense covered by your health fund. Keep in mind though this perk is often limited to general checkups and cleanings only, so double check the product disclosure statement (PDS) before signing up.

Some of the big health insurers that offer no-gap dental include Bupa, HCF, ahm, Medibank, nib and AIA.

Does Medicare cover the cost of tooth fillings?

No. Medicare won't cover you for dental fillings. However, there are certain exceptions, including:

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

The CDBS is a government program that funds up to $1,158 in basic dental services like examinations, fillings and cleaning for eligible children aged 0 to 17 over 2 consecutive calendar years (for periods starting in 2026; the cap is indexed each 1 January). The 2-year period starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which a child becomes eligible and gets their first dental service.

The CDBS is only available to parents receiving other qualifying Australian government payments, such as the Parenting Payment or Family Tax Benefit Part A. It also doesn't cover procedures including orthodontic, teeth whitening or any dental treatment you'd receive in a hospital.

Public services

The Australian government funds various dental services across the country, including teeth fillings. However, these services are only available to certain members of the public. According to teeth.org.au, approximately 1 in 3 Australians are eligible. To access public dental services, you'll need an Australian government concession card, such as a Health Care Card, a Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

What to expect at your dental filling

If your dentist has recommended a dental filling, it usually involves the following steps:

1. X-rays of your teeth. Following a quick consultation, your dentist will take x-rays to better understand the extent of the damage and how they intend to treat the area.
2. Administer local anesthetic. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
3. Cleaning and shaping the tooth. The tooth that will be filled is first cleaned and the decayed area will be removed to clear out any bacteria. Your tooth is then shaped to create enough space to hold the filling.
4. Filling the cavity. The cavity is filled with the chosen material and is moulded to create a smooth surface that mirrors the rest of your teeth. The material hardens and the filling is complete.

Depending on the complexity of your case, dental fillings can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Aftercare following a dental filling is relatively simple. Your dentist may instruct you to avoid eating or drinking anything until the anesthetic wears off. After that, all you’ll need to do is maintain your dental hygiene routine with daily brushing and flossing.

Frequently asked questions

• How much is a tooth filling in Australia?

  Tooth filling costs vary as it depends on the complexity and the damage to the tooth. Simple fillings can range between $150 - $300 per tooth while complex or multi-service fillings can cost anywhere between $300 - $475 per tooth. The material your dentist uses and the clinic's fees can also influence the overall cost.

• Does health insurance cover fillings?

  Yes. If you purchase an extras policy, it will be listed under general dental treatments. More complicated cases may fall into the major dental category, which can incur a longer waiting period.

• How can I find the right private health policy that covers dental?

  Easy, you can compare your options by using our private health insurance quiz. All you need to do is punch in a few details about what kind of policy you're looking for and our comparison table will do the rest. You'll be able to compare policy features, like price, cover limits and waiting periods.

• How long does a filling take?

  On average, dental fillings can take between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the filling required, the material being used and the complexity of the area.

• Is composite better than amalgam?

  There is no "better" option with dental fillings, as your dentist will recommend the right solution based on your case. Composite fillings are more common though as they can easily match the colour of a tooth, amalgam is durable but not as easy to match.

• Does Medicare cover dental fillings?

  No, Medicare does not cover dental fillings for adults. But eligible children aged 0 to 17 can access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for basic dental care, including fillings, for up to $1,158 over 2 calendar years.

• Why did two clinics quote different prices for the same filling?

  Good question. This is because private clinics set their own fees based on the material they work with, the experience of their team and overhead costs. If you are looking to compare fees across different clinics, ask for a written and itemised quote during your research.