Tooth fillings are one of the most common dental procedures, yet they come with many questions about costs, types, and materials. If you’re considering a tooth filling or need one due to tooth decay, understanding the options, costs, and benefits can help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about dental fillings, including the factors influencing the cost, the various materials used, and what to expect during the tooth-filling procedure. Let’s get started!
What Exactly Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental restoration used to repair damage caused by dental caries (commonly known as cavities) or minor cracked teeth. This dental procedure involves removing decayed material, cleaning the area, and filling the prepared cavity with a chosen material to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
Why Are Tooth Fillings Necessary?
Tooth fillings help prevent further tooth decay, protect the affected tooth from damage, and maintain the integrity of your natural teeth. Without treatment, cavities can worsen, leading to the need for more extensive dental procedures such as dental crowns or root canal treatment.
Signs You Might Need a Filling
Recognising the symptoms of a cavity early can save you from more extensive dental procedures. Common signs include:
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Foods: Experiencing sharp or lingering discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks may indicate enamel damage or tooth decay.
- Visible Holes or Discolouration: Cavities typically present as dark spots or small holes on the tooth’s surface.
- Pain When Chewing: If chewing causes pain or discomfort, it could signal decay, affecting the tooth’s structure or nerve.
- Persistent Toothache: A continuous or recurring ache often indicates deeper decay or potential infection requiring prompt attention.
How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost in Australia?
The cost of a tooth filling in Australia can vary based on multiple factors, including the type of filling material, the complexity of the procedure, and whether you visit a public or private dental clinic.
Cost Breakdown by Filling Material
Amalgam Fillings: These are made from a mix of metals and are typically used for posterior teeth.
- Cost: Starts at $130 per filling.
- Pros: Durable and cost-effective.
- Cons: Silver appearance may not match the natural tooth colour.
Composite Resin Fillings: A popular choice for tooth-coloured fillings, ideal for visible teeth.
- Cost: Starts at $170 per filling
- Pros: Matches the natural tooth colour and blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
- Cons: Less durable than amalgam for larger cavities.
Glass Ionomer Fillings: Often used for baby teeth or fillings near the gum line.
- Cost: Starts at $150 per filling
- Pros: Releases fluoride, which may help prevent further decay.
- Cons: Less durable compared to other materials.
Gold Fillings: Custom-made in a dental laboratory.
- Cost: Starts at $800 per filling
- Pros: Extremely durable, lasting 20+ years.
- Cons: Expensive and visually noticeable.
Ceramic or Porcelain Fillings: Often created in a dental laboratory and ideal for patients wanting a natural tooth colour.
- Cost: Starts at $1,000 per filling
- Pros: Highly aesthetic and stain-resistant.
- Cons: Expensive and may require multiple visits.
What Affects the Cost of Dental Fillings?
Several factors impact the dental filling cost, including:
- Type of Filling Material: Materials like gold or ceramic are more expensive than composite resin or amalgam.
- Size of the Filling: Medium-sized fillings or larger ones will cost more due to increased complexity.
- Location of the Tooth: Treating a posterior tooth may be pricier due to its challenging access.
- Dental Practice: Costs vary between public and private dental services.
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance can help offset the cost of dental fillings, often covering a portion of basic dental services.
- Single Dental Appointment vs. Multiple Visits: Procedures requiring multiple visits, such as gold or ceramic fillings, may cost more.
What to Expect During the Tooth Filling Procedure: A Step-by-Step Overview
If you’re preparing for a tooth filling, knowing what happens during the process can help ease your nerves and set expectations. Here’s a detailed look at the typical steps involved in the tooth-filling procedure:
Diagnosis and Examination
Before any treatment begins, your dentist will:
- Examine the affected tooth to assess the extent of the damage caused by tooth decay, cracks, or wear.
- Use diagnostic tools such as X-rays to decide the location and severity of the cavity or issue.
This step ensures that the dentist can recommend the best type of filling and treatment plan.
Administering Local Anaesthetic
To ensure your comfort:
- A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area around the tooth.
- This makes the procedure tolerable, especially for deeper cavities or sensitive areas near the gum line.
Removing the Decay
Once the tooth is numb:
- The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a dental drill or other specific tools.
- For cracked teeth or old temporary fillings, the damaged material is cleared out to create a clean base for the filling material.
This process is precise to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Preparing the Cavity
After the decay is removed:
- The dentist shapes the prepared cavity to accommodate the chosen filling material.
- In some cases, additional steps, like applying a liner, may be needed to protect the tooth’s inner layers.
Filling the Cavity
The dentist carefully fills the cavity using a material like composite resin, glass ionomer, or amalgam, chosen based on the cavity’s location and your preferences.
- Composite Fillings: Layered into the cavity and hardened with a curing light.
- Amalgam Fillings: Packed into the cavity and moulded to fit the tooth’s shape.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: Applied in a single step and chemically bonded to the tooth.
Shaping and Polishing
Once the filling is in place:
- The dentist shapes it to match the tooth’s shape and function, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your bite.
- The filling is polished to ensure a smooth surface, lowering irritation to the tongue and surrounding teeth.
Final Adjustments
To ensure your bite feels natural:
- The dentist will have you bite down on carbon paper to identify and adjust any high spots.
- Any necessary adjustments are made so the filling aligns perfectly with your other teeth.
Post-Procedure Tips
After the procedure:
- Wait until the local anaesthetic wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to protect your filling and prevent further decay.
- Schedule regular check-ups to monitor the health of the affected tooth and surrounding teeth.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
A tooth filling dental procedure typically takes 20–60 minutes, depending on:
- The size and location of the cavity.
- The type of filling material used.
- Whether it’s a single or posterior tooth.
Filling Procedures for Baby Teeth
Dental fillings for baby teeth are common and differ slightly from adult procedures:
- Purpose: Fillings in baby teeth prevent further decay and maintain the tooth’s function until it naturally falls out.
- Materials Used: Glass ionomer fillings are often chosen for their fluoride-releasing properties and ease of application.
- Simplified Process: The procedure is quicker and less invasive to ensure the child’s comfort during the visit.
- Focus on Education: Dentists frequently emphasise the importance of good oral hygiene to children, helping them prevent future cavities.
Tips for Reducing Filling Costs
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can prevent cavities and reduce the need for fillings.
- Choose the Right Health Insurance: Check if your private health insurance covers dental treatments like fillings.
- Opt for Preventive Care: Treating small cavities early can avoid costlier treatments like dental crowns or root canals.
Preventing Tooth Decay: Oral Hygiene Is Key
The best way to minimise filling costs is by maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting your tooth enamel. This includes:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing to remove plaque between teeth.
- Regular visits to a dental clinic for routine check-ups and professional cleanings.
- Limiting sugary foods and beverages.
Financial Options for Managing Tooth Filling Costs
Understanding the financial aspects of dental care is crucial for making the right decisions about your oral health. In Australia, private health insurance providers like CBHS Health Fund and Bupa Dental offer various options to help manage the costs associated with dental treatments, including tooth fillings. Here’s an overview of the financial options available through these providers:
CBHS Health Fund: Tailored Extras Cover for Dental Services
Grasping the financial aspects of dental care is essential for making informed choices about your oral health. In Australia, private health insurers like CBHS Health Fund and Bupa Dental provide a range of options to help offset the costs of dental treatments, including tooth fillings. Below is an overview of the financial solutions offered by these providers:
Key Features:
- Top Extras Cover: This is CBHS’s highest level of Extras cover, offering unlimited preventative and general dental services. It includes high overall limits on major dental procedures, optical services, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, and various therapies. Additionally, members have access to wellness benefits aimed at supporting overall health.
- Choice Network Providers: CBHS has an extensive network of dental and optical providers across Australia. These Choice Network partners are committed to delivering exceptional treatment to CBHS members while reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for extra services, including preventative dental treatments.
- Eligibility: CBHS operates as a restricted membership fund, primarily serving current and former employees, contractors, and their immediate families of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Group. Prospective members should verify their eligibility before applying.
Bupa Dental: Comprehensive Coverage and Flexible Payment Plans
Bupa Dental offers a variety of health insurance plans that include dental services, with the goal of making dental care both accessible and affordable for individuals and families.
Key Features:
- Members First Ultimate Network: Bupa’s premier dental offering provides eligible members with 100% back on up to two dental check-ups per year without impacting yearly limits. Additionally, members can receive 100% back on select general dental fillings, subject to yearly limits. These benefits are available at Members First Ultimate providers, ensuring quality care with minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
- Flexible Payment Plans: To accommodate larger or unexpected dental expenses, many Bupa Dental clinics offer flexible payment plans through third-party providers like Zip. This arrangement allows patients to receive necessary treatments immediately and pay over time, with options such as up to 30 months interest-free and no deposit required.
Accessibility: Bupa Dental has a nationwide network of Bupa-owned dental practices, making quality dental care conveniently accessible across Australia. Members can easily locate and book appointments with nearby clinics through Bupa’s online platform.
Considerations When Choosing a Plan:
- Assess Your Dental Needs: Evaluate the types of dental services you and your family require regularly to determine the most suitable level of coverage.
- Review Waiting Periods: Understand the waiting periods that apply to specific treatments within each plan.
- Check Annual Limits: Understand the annual limits for dental services to ensure they align with your anticipated usage.
- Verify Provider Networks: Confirm that your preferred dental practitioners are within the insurer’s network to maximise benefits and minimise out-of-pocket costs.
By carefully considering these factors and exploring the options offered by providers like CBHS Health Fund and Bupa Dental, you can select a financial plan that effectively supports your dental health needs while managing expenses.
Financial Options for Children’s Fillings: Does Medicare Cover Dental Costs?
Medicare typically does not cover dental treatments, including preventative care like cleanings and exams. However, children may be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Key Details of CDBS:
- Eligibility: Children under 17 who qualify for Medicare and receive payments from Services Australia.
- Coverage Amount: Up to $1,026 over two calendar years for routine dental treatments.
- Covered Services: Includes cleanings, X-rays, fissure sealing, and fillings.
This program helps make essential dental care, including fillings for baby teeth, more accessible for families. Check with your dentist to confirm eligibility and how to utilise the CDBS voucher.
How to Choose the Right Filling Material
Selecting the appropriate filling material involves evaluating several factors to ensure the best outcome for your dental needs:
Location of the Cavity
- For posterior teeth (molars), materials like amalgam fillings or gold fillings are preferred due to their strength and durability, which can withstand chewing forces.
- For front teeth, tooth-coloured fillings like composite resin or porcelain fillings are ideal for aesthetic reasons.
Durability Needs
- If you prioritise longevity, materials like gold or ceramic offer exceptional durability.
- For smaller cavities, glass ionomer fillings may suffice, but they are less durable than other options.
Cost Considerations
- Amalgam fillings and glass ionomer fillings are budget-friendly options.
- High-end materials like gold fillings or porcelain fillings are costlier but provide better aesthetics and durability.
Aesthetic Preferences
- Composite resin fillings and ceramic fillings closely match the natural tooth colour, making them an excellent choice for visible areas of the mouth.
- Patients concerned about appearance often prefer these over silver or gold fillings.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
The lifespan of a filling relies on the material used and maintenance:
- Composite Resin Fillings: Last 5–10 years with proper care. They are aesthetic but less durable than other options.
- Gold Fillings: Highly durable and can last 15–20 years or longer.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: Suitable for temporary use or small cavities, lasting 5–7 years.
Factors That Affect Longevity
- Oral hygiene: Poor hygiene can lead to decay around the filling.
- Bite pressure: Fillings in teeth exposed to heavy chewing forces may wear out faster.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Taking proactive steps can minimise the risk of cavities and the need for fillings:
- Brushing and Flossing Techniques: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss to remove plaque between teeth.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits to a dental professional help catch cavities early and ensure proper care.
- Dietary Tips: Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks, which can erode tooth enamel. Incorporate foods rich in calcium and phosphates to strengthen your teeth.
- Fluoride Importance: Use fluoride treatments or products to enhance enamel strength and combat decay.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Filling?
Ignoring cavities can cause severe dental issues:
- Further Tooth Decay: Untreated cavities grow larger, weakening the tooth and making it more vulnerable to damage.
- Invasive Procedures: Advanced decay may necessitate root canal treatment, tooth extraction, or a dental crown, which are more costly and time-consuming.
- Impact on Oral Health: Untreated decay can lead to infection, abscess formation, or even systemic health issues if the bacteria spread.
Common Myths About Dental Fillings
Many misconceptions about fillings persist. Here’s the truth behind some common myths:
“Amalgam Fillings Are Unsafe”
- Modern amalgam fillings are safe and have been used for decades without proven health risks.
“Fillings Always Hurt”
- With advancements in anaesthetics and techniques, the tooth-filling dental procedure is generally comfortable.
“Once You Have a Filling, the Tooth Will Always Be Weak”
- Fillings restore the tooth’s structure and functionality, preventing further damage and strengthening the tooth.
Need a Tooth Filling? Contact Your Local Dentist Today
Tooth fillings are an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health. Whether you need a simple filling procedure or have questions about the chosen filling material, visiting a trusted dental practice ensures you receive the best care possible.
Ready to restore your smile? Contact Dental 266 at 02 9051 0600 to discuss the right options for your teeth.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- Bupa Dental. (n.d.). Dental services and payment options. Retrieved from https://www.bupadental.com.au/
- Healthline. (n.d.). Composite fillings: Types, procedure, and costs. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/composite-fillings
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Dental amalgam fillings. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings
- WebMD. (n.d.). Dental fillings: Overview and types. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-fillings
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral hygiene: Keeping your mouth healthy. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Cavities (tooth decay): Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
