When will you need to consider the tooth filling cost in Melbourne? The answer is when you have cavities in your teeth. Teeth cavities are hard surface areas of the teeth that have suffered permanent damage and can therefore not be trusted to heal on their own, leaving permanent openings or holes.

Cavities are caused by bacteria building up and breaking down tooth enamel. This can be exacerbated by a number of factors, such as a diet that’s rich in sugar and a poor oral hygiene routine.

What are tooth fillings?

A tooth filling is a procedure where the material is inserted into the decayed tooth in order to restore its original shape and function. The purpose of fillings is to prevent any further damage to teeth with cavities, as they close off the affected area and remove existing bacteria, ensuring no further tooth decay can occur.

What types of tooth fillings are there?

There are different types of filling :

  • Inlay, in which the centre of the decayed tooth is filled.
  • Onlay, which is more extensive, as the entire biting surface of a tooth can be covered.

There are also other types of fillings as well, such as:

  •  Fillings, which are popular because of how virtually indistinguishable they are from other healthy teeth.
  • Porcelain fillings, which are a mixture of glass or quartz filler that provide good durability and resistance to fracture.
  • Gold fillings, which are composed of an alloy of gold, copper and other metals. These types of fillings have been used in dentistry for more than 1000 years due to their durability.
  • Amalgam fillings, which are the least common type of filling. This is not only because of their unaesthetic appearance but also can expand and contract in heat which can cause teeth to crack.

What is the procedure for tooth fillings?

Typically, what happens is you consult your dentist to ensure that a tooth filling is the best dental solution for you. Once that has been determined, the filling will be administered straight away or at your next appointment.

The treatment itself can last anywhere roughly 30 minutes to an hour. Before any fillings are inserted, the area will be treated with anaesthetic to ensure patient comfort. The procedure itself involves the use of a drill to remove the existing decay before the filling is inserted to seal the area.

The dentist will also check with the patient to make sure that their biting feels normal. If necessary to maintain proper bite function, part of the filling will be filed down to restore the natural bite. 

How long do fillings last?

Fillings last long depending on two key factors. The first is the type of filling that is used. Porcelain fillings tend to last up to 20 years, composite fillings can last 5-10 years, while gold fillings can last for more than 20 years.

The second factor is your dental hygiene. If you receive fillings, but then you proceed to not maintain a healthy diet, regular brushing and flossing and regular 6-month dentist checkups and cleans, then you’re increasing the likelihood of further tooth decay.

How much does a filling cost?

The tooth filling cost Melbourne varies, depending on multiple factors such as:

  • The type of fillings used
  • The amount of fillings required
  • The amount of tooth decay that needs to be removed

This is why the initial consultation is so important, as it allows your dentist to survey the work needed to restore your teeth, and therefore the cost that you’re going to incur as a result. 

Does medicare cover tooth fillings?

Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services that you get when you’re in a hospital. Part A can pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have an emergency or complicated dental procedures, even though it doesn’t cover dental care.

Do you provide alternate payment plans?

All accounts must be paid on the day of treatment at Greenvale Dental Group. Our practice accepts all major credit and debit cards. We also accept all insurance cards and are preferred providers for BUPA, Medibank, and HCF, which usually give you more rebates and lower prices. We can also help you apply for a MacCredit or TLC loan, which are special, low-interest lines of credit specifically for medical and dental treatments if you would like to consider payment plans. Application is online and approval is usually within 24 hours.

An itemized quote plus treatment plans will be provided at your consultation, so you will know what to expect regarding the tooth filling cost Melbourne. Our team will also assist in easing the financial burden of your treatment plan if possible, by spreading your appointments. Talk to our friendly staff about your preferred options.

Where can I find affordable tooth fillings in the Northern Suburbs?

If you’re looking for a dentist who can provide high-quality and affordable tooth fillings in Greenvale, contact us and we will provide you with a modern, caring approach to your dental health.

Our Dental Practice specialises in various dental disciplines such as:

  • general dentistry
  • cosmetic dentistry
  • emergency dentistry
  • dental implants
  • crown and bridges
  • dentures
  • child dental care
  • teeth whitening

We are so renowned for our high-quality dental filling Melbourne, that we have patients visit our clinic from Greenvale and surrounding suburbs like Craigieburn, Tullamarine, Pascoe Vale, Airport West, Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Attwood, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows, Campbellfield and Donnybrook.