Expect to pay roughly $150 to $350 for a standard tooth-coloured (composite) filling in Canberra. A small, single-surface filling sits at the lower end. A larger filling that covers two or more surfaces of the tooth costs more, sometimes $400 to $500. Silver (amalgam) fillings are cheaper but rarely used now. The final price depends on the size of the cavity, the tooth, and the material.
What a filling actually costs, by type
Price follows the material and how much of the tooth needs repairing. Here is a realistic guide for Canberra clinics.
Filling type | Typical Canberra cost |
|---|---|
Small composite, 1 surface | $150 to $250 |
Larger composite, 2 or more surfaces | $250 to $500 |
Amalgam (silver) | $80 to $150 |
Composite or porcelain onlay (large repair) | $650 to $990 |
These are guide ranges, not quotes. Prices vary between clinics, so confirm the fee with the practice before you book.
For a national reference point, the Australian Dental Association's fee survey puts the average cost of a two-surface filling on a back tooth at around $220, and a single-surface filling at about $178. Canberra fees tend to sit near or slightly above those averages, since ACT running costs are higher than in some regional areas.
Why the price moves around so much
A filling is quoted per tooth, not as a flat fee, and three things push the number up or down.
Size of the cavity. A tiny bit of early decay is quick to fix. A large cavity needs more material and more chair time, so it costs more.
How many surfaces are involved. Dentists price by surface. A filling touching the top and side of a tooth costs more than one small spot.
The material. Tooth-coloured composite is the standard choice today because it bonds to the tooth and looks natural. Amalgam is cheaper but grey, and many clinics have phased it out.
Where the tooth sits matters too. Back molars take more force and are harder to reach, so they often sit at the top of the range.
What is usually included in the price
The filling fee normally covers the local anaesthetic, removing the decay, and placing and shaping the filling. It does not always include the exam or x-rays that found the problem in the first place. If you came in for a check-up and the decay was spotted then, the check-up is billed separately. It is worth asking for the full quote, including any health fund rebate or payment option, so there are no surprises at reception.
The real cost of waiting
Here is the honest part most price pages skip. A filling is the cheap end of tooth repair. Leave a cavity too long and the decay reaches the nerve, and a $200 filling can turn into a much larger bill.
Once more than about half the tooth is damaged, a filling can no longer hold. You then need an onlay ($650 to $990) or a crown, which runs well over a thousand dollars. If the nerve is infected, you are looking at root canal treatment on top of that. Catching decay early, often through a routine check-up and clean, is almost always the least expensive path.
Prevention is cheaper still. Canberra's tap water is fluoridated, which helps, and simple steps like a professional fluoride treatment or fissure sealants for deeper grooves can stop a filling being needed at all.
Can you get a filling cheaper?
A few things genuinely reduce the cost. Most private health funds with extras cover a share of general fillings, so your out-of-pocket amount drops if you are insured. Concession card holders in the ACT may be eligible for public dental care through Canberra Health Services, though wait times apply. And a smaller filling done early simply costs less than a big one done late.
If a broken or aching tooth needs urgent attention, that is handled as emergency dental care and may be priced differently from a planned filling.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I expect to pay for a tooth filling? In Canberra, a standard tooth-coloured filling usually costs about $150 to $350. Small single-surface fillings are cheaper, and larger multi-surface fillings can reach $400 to $500. The size of the cavity and the material used decide the final price.
Does health insurance cover fillings? Usually, in part. Most extras policies pay a set rebate towards a general filling, so you cover the gap. The amount depends on your fund and level of cover, so check your limits before treatment.
Are white fillings more expensive than silver ones? Yes, a little. Tooth-coloured composite costs more than amalgam because it takes longer to place and bonds to the tooth. Most people choose composite now for how natural it looks, and many clinics no longer offer amalgam at all.
How long does a filling last? A well-cared-for composite filling typically lasts 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer. Good brushing, regular check-ups, and going easy on very hard foods all help it last.