Written by Dr James Tran — principal dentist, Lumi Dental.
The quick answers
- A filling repairs a tooth where decay or a small fracture has damaged the structure — it is one of the most common procedures in general dentistry.
- In Sydney, a single-surface composite (tooth-coloured) filling typically ranges from about $180 to $350, with multi-surface fillings sitting roughly between $250 and $500+, in line with the ADA NSW fee survey and comparable Sydney clinics.
- Amalgam (silver) fillings are usually cheaper but are placed less often in Australia today; most patients choose composite for aesthetic and conservative reasons.
- The fee depends on the size and number of surfaces, the tooth involved, and how much time the appointment takes — not on a flat "per filling" rate.
- A filling appointment usually takes 30–60 minutes, is performed under local anaesthetic, and most fillings last 5–15 years depending on material, location, and how the tooth is looked after.
If you have been told you need a filling, the cost can feel surprisingly opaque — this guide explains what changes the price in Sydney, what the appointment actually involves, and how to choose between composite and amalgam.
What a dental filling actually does
A filling is a restoration that replaces tooth structure that has been lost — usually to decay (a cavity), but sometimes to a small chip, fracture, or worn area.
The aim is to seal the tooth so bacteria cannot continue to damage it, and to restore the bite surface so the tooth functions normally. Modern fillings also try to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Fillings are not a permanent replacement for the original tooth structure. They are a long-lasting repair that, with good care, holds up well for years before potentially needing to be redone or upgraded to a larger restoration like an inlay or crown.
Signs you may need a filling
Many cavities are silent in their early stages and are picked up at routine check-ups or on bitewing X-rays before they cause symptoms.
When a filling is needed, common signs include sensitivity to cold or sweet foods, a tooth that catches food in a particular spot, a visible dark line or hole on the tooth, or a rough edge you can feel with your tongue.
Pain when biting down, lingering hot sensitivity, or throbbing pain can mean the decay has progressed deeper and the tooth may need more than a simple filling. If you have those symptoms, it is worth an early assessment — the earlier a cavity is treated, the simpler the repair tends to be.
Composite vs amalgam: the practical differences
The two materials most patients are weighing up are composite resin and dental amalgam. Both are well-studied and both have a place — the choice usually comes down to aesthetics, the size and location of the cavity, and clinical judgement.
Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin that bonds chemically to the tooth. It can be shaped and shade-matched, which makes it the standard choice for visible teeth and for most general restorations.
Because composite bonds to the tooth, the dentist can be more conservative with how much healthy tooth they remove, which is one of its main advantages.
Amalgam (silver) fillings
Amalgam is the traditional silver-coloured material that has been used for over 150 years. It is hard-wearing and inexpensive, and it has a long track record in back teeth.
Australian dentistry has moved away from amalgam over the past two decades, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly due to the global Minamata Convention phase-down of dental mercury. Many Sydney clinics, including Lumi Dental, no longer place new amalgam fillings.
Which one is right for you?
For a small to medium cavity in a visible tooth, composite is almost always the appropriate choice. For a very large cavity in a back tooth, the question is sometimes "is a filling enough, or does this tooth need an onlay or a crown to protect it long-term?"
A good dentist will explain the trade-offs — durability, aesthetics, and how much tooth is left to support the restoration — before recommending the most conservative option that will hold up.
What happens at a filling appointment
A filling appointment is usually straightforward. Most fillings are completed in a single visit of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of teeth involved.
The visit generally follows this pattern. A short discussion of the X-ray and treatment plan, then local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum. The decay is removed with a small handpiece, and the tooth is cleaned and shaped to receive the filling.
For composite, the tooth is then etched, a bonding agent is applied, and the resin is layered into the cavity and set with a curing light. The bite is checked and the filling is polished. You will usually be able to eat once the numbness wears off, typically within 1–3 hours.
Does it hurt?
An honest answer: most patients feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain during a filling, because the tooth is properly anaesthetised. The injection itself is the part most people are wary of, and topical numbing gel applied first usually makes that step very manageable.
Some teeth, particularly lower molars or teeth with active inflammation, can be harder to numb fully and may need extra anaesthetic. It is fine — and encouraged — to tell your dentist if anything still feels sharp.
For patients with significant dental anxiety, options like nitrous oxide (happy gas) or IV sedation are available at Lumi Dental and can make a series of fillings considerably easier to get through.
How much does a filling cost in Sydney?
According to the ADA NSW fee survey and comparable Sydney providers, you can expect typical Sydney ranges along the following lines:
- Single-surface composite filling (front or back tooth): approximately $180–$350.
- Two-surface composite filling: approximately $250–$430.
- Three-surface or larger composite filling: approximately $330–$500+.
- Amalgam filling (where still placed): approximately $130–$280, depending on size.
These are general ranges only and vary by individual case. A precise quote can only be given after an examination, because the size and location of the cavity, the time the procedure takes, and any additional materials needed all affect the fee.
What changes the price
Three things drive most of the variation between quotes. The number of surfaces of the tooth involved (a small one-surface repair is much simpler than a four-surface restoration). The position of the tooth (a back molar with a hard-to-isolate cavity takes longer than an accessible front tooth). And whether additional steps are needed, such as a base liner under a deep filling, a pin to anchor a large restoration, or replacement of an old failing filling underneath.
Health funds, Medicare and the CDBS
Standard Medicare does not cover routine dental fillings for adults. Many private health funds with extras cover provide a partial rebate per filling, with the amount depending on your level of cover and any annual limits.
Eligible children may be able to access fillings through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides a capped contribution toward basic dental services over a two-year period. The Department of Health and Aged Care updates the eligibility rules and cap regularly, and our team can check your child’s eligibility before treatment.
How long do fillings last?
Composite fillings typically last 5–10 years, and often longer for smaller restorations on patients with good oral hygiene and no heavy grinding.
Amalgam fillings, where present, can last 10–15 years or more, but eventually develop micro-leakage at the margins and need to be replaced.
The lifespan of any filling depends on the size of the original cavity, the bite forces on the tooth, hygiene, diet, and whether the patient grinds at night. A failing filling rarely "announces itself" with pain — it is usually picked up earliest at a routine check-up, which is one of the practical reasons for keeping regular six-monthly visits.
Aftercare and what to watch for
Most patients can eat and drink as soon as the local anaesthetic has worn off. It is sensible to avoid very hot foods until sensation returns to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or burning yourself.
Some mild cold or pressure sensitivity for a few days is common, particularly on a deep filling. This usually settles within 1–2 weeks.
Get back in touch with the clinic if your bite feels "high" or uneven, if sensitivity is sharp and persistent past 2 weeks, or if there is throbbing pain. These are easy to adjust early and rarely a problem when caught quickly.
Fillings at Lumi Dental, Melrose Park
Lumi Dental is a modern general and cosmetic practice located at Melrose Park Central in Melrose Park NSW 2114, serving Meadowbank, Ryde, Ermington, West Ryde, Denistone and the wider Sydney area.
Our approach to fillings is conservative: we aim to preserve as much natural tooth as possible, place tooth-coloured composite restorations under rubber dam where appropriate, and explain the options before treatment so you can make an informed decision.
For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation. For larger or more complex restorations, we will tell you honestly when a filling is no longer the right answer and a crown, onlay, or root canal is more likely to give a long-term result.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tooth-coloured filling worth the extra cost over amalgam?
For most patients, yes. Composite bonds to the tooth, looks natural, and lets the dentist preserve more of the original structure. Amalgam is still occasionally used for very specific cases, but it is increasingly uncommon in Australian general practice.
Can I get a filling on the same day as my check-up?
Often, yes — if the cavity is small and the appointment time allows. For larger fillings or multiple teeth, we will usually book a dedicated treatment visit so the work is not rushed.
Do fillings get covered by my health fund?
Most extras policies provide a partial rebate per filling, with the exact amount depending on your fund, your level of cover, and your annual limits. We can run an on-the-spot HICAPS estimate before treatment.
What if the cavity is too big for a filling?
If too much of the tooth has been lost, an onlay or a crown may give a more reliable long-term result than a very large filling. We will explain the options, the cost difference, and what we would recommend if it were our own tooth.
How do I know if I need a filling at all?
The honest answer is you usually cannot tell from the outside. A clinical exam plus bitewing X-rays is the standard way to confirm a cavity, and a second opinion is always reasonable if you are unsure.
About the author
Dr James Tran is the principal dentist at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park, Sydney. He focuses on conservative restorative and cosmetic dentistry, with an interest in long-term tooth preservation. You can read more about his clinical background and approach at drjamestran.com.au.
About Lumi Dental
Lumi Dental is a general, cosmetic, and family dental practice at Melrose Park Central, Melrose Park NSW 2114. The clinic provides general dentistry, cosmetic treatments, clear aligners and orthodontics, dental implants, IV sedation, emergency care, family dentistry, and smile makeovers for patients across Melrose Park, Meadowbank, Ryde, Ermington, West Ryde, Denistone, and the wider Sydney area.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Costs are presented as typical Sydney ranges referenced to the ADA NSW fee survey and vary by individual case. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your teeth.
