A dental filling is performed under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. You will feel pressure and vibration from the drill, but not sharp pain. At Paynless Dental, we apply topical numbing gel before every injection and use a slow-delivery technique to minimise discomfort. If you feel pain at any point during treatment, let your dentist know immediately — more anaesthetic can be given. Sedation options are available for very anxious patients.

Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings at Paynless Dental start from $150 for a 1-surface filling (ADA item 511). A 2-surface filling starts from $200 (512), 3-surface from $250 (513), and 4-surface from $300 (514). The exact cost depends on the size of the cavity, the tooth’s position, and the material used. A written itemised quote with ADA item codes is always provided before treatment begins. CDBS bulk billing is available for eligible children aged 2–17. Contact your health fund before your appointment to confirm your rebate.

Tooth-coloured composite fillings typically last 7–10 years or longer with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Ceramic inlays and onlays can last 15–20+ years. Amalgam (silver) fillings often last 10–15+ years. The lifespan of any filling depends on the size and location of the cavity, your bite forces, whether you grind your teeth, your oral hygiene habits, and how regularly you attend check-ups. Your dentist monitors existing fillings at every appointment and will advise when a replacement is needed.

White (composite) fillings are tooth-coloured, bond directly to enamel requiring less tooth removal, and are the modern standard for most fillings. Silver (amalgam) fillings are a durable metal alloy that has been used for over 150 years — they are stronger under heavy bite forces and often more cost-effective for large cavities in back teeth. For most patients in most situations, composite is the preferred option for its appearance and conservative preparation. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material for your specific tooth, cavity size, and clinical situation.

Yes — mild sensitivity to cold, heat, or biting for 2–7 days after a filling is normal. It typically reduces each day and resolves within 1–2 weeks. You should contact us if: the sensitivity gets worse after day 3, you experience unprovoked toothache or pain that wakes you at night, the sensitivity continues beyond 2–3 weeks, or your bite feels uneven. These may indicate the filling needs adjustment, or that the decay was deeper than it appeared and root canal therapy may be required.

Paynless Dental is a registered CDBS provider. Eligible children aged 2–17 on Medicare may receive fillings at no out-of-pocket cost, within the CDBS cap over two calendar years. Fillings are a covered CDBS item. For adults, most private health fund extras policies cover fillings under general dental cover. HICAPS is available at both clinics for on-the-spot claiming. Contact your fund with the relevant ADA item number (511, 512, 513, or 514) to confirm your entitlements before your appointment.

Tooth decay does not stop or reverse on its own once it has progressed past the earliest stage. Without treatment, a small cavity progresses deeper through the tooth’s layers — from enamel to dentine to the pulp (nerve). A filling costing from $150 can become root canal therapy (from $900), followed by a crown (from $1,500), and in severe cases, extraction with replacement. Acting on a cavity when it is small is the most cost-effective and least invasive dental decision. If you are unsure whether a cavity needs treatment now or can wait, your dentist will explain all options at your appointment.

Call Paynless Dental on (02) 8677 9094 for a same-day appointment. A lost filling leaves the tooth exposed to bacteria, temperature sensitivity, and further decay. In the meantime: rinse gently with warm salt water, avoid eating on that side, keep the area clean, and if needed, a temporary pharmacy filling material can protect the tooth briefly. Do not delay — replacing a lost filling quickly prevents the situation from becoming more complex and more expensive. Same-day emergency appointments are available at our Toongabbie and North Ryde clinics.