A tooth-coloured composite filling at Gorgeous Smiles in Melbourne CBD costs between $220 and $495. The dental filling cost depends on the size of the cavity, how many tooth surfaces are involved, and where the affected tooth sits in your mouth. A small single-surface filling on a front tooth lands at the lower end of that range. A large, multi-surface restoration on a back molar sits at the higher end.
At Gorgeous Smiles, every standard dental filling uses tooth-coloured composite resin, and the price covers the full dental filling procedure including a follow-up appointment and a 3-month warranty on the work. If you suspect you have a tooth cavity, book a check-up. Catching tooth decay early keeps the cost down, and we explain exactly why in the sections below.
Here's what you'll pay at our Melbourne CBD dental clinic.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Composite filling, small (1 surface) | $220 to $284 |
| Composite filling, medium (2 surfaces) | $346 |
| Composite filling, large (3+ surfaces) | $495 |
| Ceramic/porcelain inlay or onlay | $1,000 to $2,000 |
The filling cost reflects the size of the cavity and the complexity of the restoration. A small, single-surface cavity is a straightforward dental procedure. A deep cavity that wraps around multiple surfaces of a molar requires more composite resin material, more shaping, and more chair time. The examination fee is separate from the filling itself. If you're a new patient, your first visit will include a check-up to assess what's needed, and the filling may be completed the same day or at a follow-up dental appointment depending on the scope of work.
Different types of fillings exist, and the filling material your dentist recommends depends on the location, size, and function of the restoration.
| Filling Material | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Composite resin (tooth-coloured) | 5 to 20+ years | Most fillings. Blends with natural teeth, works on front or back teeth |
| Ceramic fillings (inlays/onlays) | 10 to 15 years | Larger restorations needing strength and aesthetics |
| Gold fillings | 15 to 30 years | Maximum durability (rarely used today) |
For most patients, composite resin fillings are the right choice. Composite is the most cost effective dental filling material that still delivers a natural-looking finish. It bonds directly to the tooth structure (which means less drilling into healthy tooth enamel), works on both front and back teeth, and can last anywhere from 5 to 20 or more years depending on the filling material, tooth location, and oral hygiene habits. At Gorgeous Smiles, all standard fillings use tooth-coloured composite resin. Amalgam fillings are no longer placed at our dental practice.
For large restorations where a significant portion of the affected tooth has been lost to decay, a ceramic filling in the form of a porcelain inlay or onlay may be a better option. These cost more upfront but handle chewing pressure better than composite resin in high-stress areas and are more durable over time.
This is the biggest factor in your dental filling cost. A simple filling on a single tooth surface is a straightforward restoration completed in under 30 minutes. A more complex filling that wraps around two or three surfaces of a molar requires more composite resin material, more layering, and longer chair time. A small cavity on a front tooth sits at $220 to $284. A large cavity on a back molar sits at $495. Complex fillings involving decay near the gum line, cracked tooth structure, or failed existing restorations take longer and reflect that in the final cost.
Back molars are harder to access and bear the most chewing pressure in your mouth. Fillings on these distal teeth take more time and require more durable composite layering to withstand the force. Front teeth are easier to reach and less structurally demanding, which is why tooth filling costs on front teeth tend to sit lower.
If the affected tooth has damage beyond simple decay, the dental filling procedure becomes more involved. Cracking, old composite fillings that have failed and need replacing, or decay that extends close to the gum line all add time and difficulty. A more complex filling requires more careful preparation and may need additional steps to protect the nerve underneath and preserve the surrounding teeth.
Getting multiple fillings completed in one dental appointment is more efficient than spreading them across several visits. You pay for one round of local anaesthetic and one session of chair time. The total cost still reflects the number and complexity of each individual filling, but you avoid paying separate dental fees for each appointment.
Most patients searching for dental filling costs suspect they need more than one. Here's what a few common scenarios look like at Gorgeous Smiles so you can estimate your total.
Patient A has a single small tooth cavity on a front tooth. One simple cavity filling starts from around $220. The work is completed in one visit, and the whole dental appointment takes about 30 minutes.
Patient B has two dental cavities. One small filling on a front tooth and one medium filling on a premolar. The combined cost sits around $566 to $630 depending on the size and surfaces involved. Both fillings are completed in the same appointment where possible.
Patient C has been avoiding the dentist for a while and needs three to four fillings across multiple teeth. The cost of dental fillings in this scenario runs approximately $660 to $1,480 or more, depending on complexity. At this level, your dentist may discuss whether all fillings can be completed in one session or should be staged across two visits to keep each appointment manageable.
Dental fillings are classified as restorative dental care, not cosmetic. Most private health insurance extras policies with dental cover will reimburse a portion of the cost.
With decent health insurance coverage, most funds reimburse 50 to 80 percent of the dental filling cost depending on your policy limits. A $346 filling might cost you $70 to $175 out of pocket after the rebate. The exact cost depends on your specific policy, your fund, and whether you've hit your annual cap.
Watch for waiting periods. Most health funds apply a 2 to 6 month waiting period for general dental services, fillings included. If you've recently taken out a policy, check whether the waiting period has passed before booking.
Annual limits are the other thing to keep in mind. Many extras policies cap general dental at $300 to $800 per year. If you need multiple fillings in the same year, you may reach your annual limit before all the work is done. In that case, your dentist can stage the remaining fillings into the next calendar year so you can use a fresh allocation.
Medicare does not cover routine dental care for adults, fillings included. Gorgeous Smiles does not accept Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) claims. If your child is eligible for CDBS, you will need to seek treatment at a dental practice that accepts the scheme.
Gorgeous Smiles offers interest-free payment plans through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip. For a single filling, most patients pay upfront without needing a plan. For multiple fillings or combined dental treatments where the total reaches $800 or more, spreading the cost over weekly or monthly payments keeps the total manageable. Early superannuation release may also be available for eligible dental treatments, though this requires confirmation from two practitioners and ATO approval.
A tooth cavity doesn't heal on its own. Left untreated, tooth decay only progresses. And as it progresses, the cost of treatment grows with it.
Right now: A small cavity caught early is a $220 to $284 filling. One visit. Minimal discomfort. You're in and out.
In 6 to 12 months without treatment: The decay spreads deeper into the tooth structure, past the tooth enamel and into the inner layers. If it reaches the nerve, a simple filling won't be enough. Now you're looking at root canal treatment ($900 to $2,500 at Gorgeous Smiles) to save the tooth, followed by a dental crown to protect it. The cost has jumped from a few hundred dollars to potentially several thousand.
If the tooth can't be saved: Once decay or damage is too extensive, the tooth may need to come out entirely. A tooth extraction costs $300 to $700, and then you're facing replacement options. A dental implant starts from $2,000 to $2,550 for the implant alone, before the crown on top. A dental bridge is another option, but still represents a significant jump from where a cavity filling would have solved the problem.
A $220 filling today prevents a $3,000-plus treatment plan down the road. Untreated cavities and further decay are among the most expensive outcomes in dentistry, not because treatment is unreasonable, but because the dental health problem compounds the longer you wait. If you suspect a cavity, the most cost effective thing you can do for your oral health is get it checked now.
If you think you need a filling, or it's been more than six months since your last check-up, book a dental appointment. A comprehensive examination identifies any fillings needed, and your dentist provides a personalised treatment plan with clear costs before any work begins. There are no surprises.
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
No. Your dentist uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area before the filling procedure begins. You shouldn't feel pain during the tooth filling treatment. Some mild sensitivity for a day or two afterwards is normal and responds well to over-the-counter pain relief. If discomfort persists beyond 48 hours, contact your dentist.
Composite resin fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 20 or more years. The lifespan depends on the filling material, the location of the tooth, and the patient's oral hygiene habits. While some fillings may last a lifetime, they are not a permanent solution and will eventually require replacement due to wear, decay, or damage. Your dentist will monitor existing fillings at each check-up and let you know if any are showing wear.
Most tooth fillings are completed in one to two appointments. Simple composite fillings are done in a single visit. Ceramic inlays and onlays may require a second appointment while the restoration is fabricated. A follow-up is included in your filling fee, and all work comes with a 3-month warranty.
Yes, and it's a common approach at our dental clinic. Your dentist can identify fillings needed during a check-up and in many cases complete small fillings the same day. For larger or multiple fillings, a separate appointment may be recommended so the dentist has enough time to do the work properly.
No. Gorgeous Smiles does not accept CDBS claims. If your child is eligible for the scheme, you will need to seek treatment at a dental practice that accepts it. Our team can advise you further if needed.
The most reliable way is a dental examination with X-rays, which can detect tooth decay too small to see or feel. Common signs include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, visible dark spots on the tooth surface, or pain when eating. Don't wait for pain to appear. By the time a cavity hurts, the decay may have progressed past what a simple filling can fix, leading to further decay and more expensive dental care.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the single most effective way to extend the life of a dental filling. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and keeping up with routine dental care at your dental clinic reduces the risk of further decay forming around existing restorations. Patients who look after their dental health consistently get more years out of their fillings than those who don't.
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Disclaimer: every treatment has risks. The treatment posted on this page might not be appropriate for your oral environment. You need a full consultation with an Australian qualified dental professional before we can confirm if you are a good candidate for any treatments. Results vary from person to person. This page’s posts does not replace real life dental professional’s examination & opinion. We are a very experienced team of general dentists with special interests in different fields if dentistry. Learn more about the risks here.
