Dental fillings are recommended for people who have cavities in their teeth, protecting them from future damage.
Several private health insurers cover dental fillings as part of their Extras policies and may be listed under General Dental.
The typical waiting period for claiming tooth fillings through private health insurance is 2 months.
Dental fillings: what they are and when you might need them
No one enjoys trips to the dentist, especially when you find out you're going to need fillings. Dental fillings are used to repair holes or decay to the tooth because of cavities. Dentists will spot damage or decay in your teeth through X-rays before recommending tooth fillings as a treatment. And depending on how many teeth are damaged, you could be looking at a pretty hefty bill.
How do I know when I need a tooth filling?
Some of the signs may experience when you need a dental filling include:
Tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages
Pain when eating or drinking
If you've noticed a chip or crack in your tooth.
An existing filing dislodging, causing intense sensitivity
How much do tooth fillings cost?
According to Illumident Mount Gambier, the average tooth filling cost in 2025 ranges from $115 to $300 for simple fillings to over $475 for more complex procedures. This cost is influenced by the size of the cavity, the location of the tooth, type of filling required and if there are any additional treatments required.
Dental treatment of any kind is often never cheap, which is why many Australians take out private health insurance to help cover the cost.
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Tooth fillings are not all made the same. Aside from the materials used to create the filling, the surface of where it's placed also contributes to what you pay. Dental surfaces are parts of the tooth that will be repaired and are itemised with a number, like 531, 533, 535 and so on. Depending on the location of where your filling is placed, costs range from $145 to $325.
What are the types of dental filings?
During your appointment, your dentist will inform you of which filling type will be the most suitable for your teeth. In Australia, there are four types of fillings:
Amalgam. Dental amalgam is made up of various types of metals, including silver, copper, tin, mercury and zinc. Amalgam is a very strong type of filling, so your dentist may need to cut part of your tooth to help the filling stay in place. Because of its high metal content, amalgam is not recommended for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have kidney disease.
Composite resin. Composite resin is a white or tooth-coloured material which can easily match the colour of your teeth. Your dentist will glue the composite filling to your tooth and remove a small amount of your old tooth to ensure a perfect fit.
Glass-ionomer cement. Glass-ionomer cement is similar to composite resin, though not as strong. Dentists will recommend glass-ionomer cement for temporary fillings.
Gold and porcelain. Gold and porcelain fillings are among some of the most durable and long-lasting fillings around. Your dentist can match porcelain filings to the colour of your tooth, while gold fillings are more complex and will need to be created in a lab to fit your tooth. It also takes two sessions to fit a gold filling.
What are the benefits and risks of a dental filling?
Benefits
Stops tooth decay from spreading. Removes decayed tissue and seals the area, preventing bacteria from causing more damage or infection.
Restores tooth function. Allows you to bite and chew normally again without pain or sensitivity.
Prevents tooth loss. Early treatment with a filling can prevent the need for more serious procedures like root canals or extractions later.
Relieves pain and sensitivity. Covers exposed dentin (inner tooth layer), reducing temperature and pressure sensitivity.
Improves the aesthetics of your tooth. Tooth-coloured fillings blend with natural teeth, improving appearance, especially for front teeth.
Quick and minimally invasive procedure. Usually completed in one visit under local anaesthetic with minimal recovery time.
Protects tooth structure. Modern materials bond directly to the tooth, strengthening it and reducing the risk of cracks.
Risks
Tooth sensitivity. It's common to experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days or weeks after the filling.
Allergic reactions. Some people may have allergies to metals used in amalgam fillings, though this is incredibly rare.
Filling may loosen or fall out. Over time, fillings can wear down, chip, or separate from the tooth, requiring replacement.
Tooth discoloration or staining. Amalgam fillings can darken teeth; even composites can stain over time.
Potential for cracks or fractures. Large fillings can weaken the remaining tooth structure, increasing the risk of fractures.
Decay beneath the filling. If a filling leaks or fails to seal properly, bacteria can re-enter and cause new decay underneath.
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 $1,132 in basic dental services like examinations, fillings and cleaning for children aged between 2 and 17 years for over two years. This 2-year cap period begins when a child or teenager first gets an eligible 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.
Did you know?
A recent Finder survey revealed a worrying 15% of Australians are using BNPL to pay for dental work. Be aware that while the BNPL promise of delayed payments provides instant access to the care you need, it can easily spiral into unmanageable debt.
What to expect at your dental filling
If your dentist has recommended a dental filling, it usually involves the following steps:
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.
Administer local anesthetic. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
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.
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
Tooth fillings 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, Medicare does not cover dental fillings for adults. But children between the ages of 2 and 17 can access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for basic dental care, including fillings for up to $1,132 over the course of 2 years.
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.
Ceyda Erem is Finder’s senior writer for insurance and has almost 10 years of experience writing about personal finance. Formerly a copywriter for several business and finance clients, Ceyda has written hundreds of articles, guides, blogs and more to ensure Australians stay in the loop about how to best manage their money. She has a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Writing from Macquarie University.
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If you want that perfect smile, you need to be aware of what your private health fund offers you.
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