How much does a dental filling cost?

Composite (tooth-colored) fillings cost $200–$500 per tooth depending on surfaces, and amalgam (silver) fillings $100–$300. Large multi-surface composites can reach $600. Most dental plans cover fillings at 70–80% after deductible.

What happens when I get a filling?

Under local anesthesia, the dentist removes decay with a drill or laser, etches and bonds the cavity, places composite resin in layers, and cures each layer with a UV light. The process takes 20–45 minutes per tooth. The bite is checked and adjusted before discharge.

The procedure is painless with local anesthesia. Mild sensitivity to cold and pressure for 1–2 weeks afterward is common. Lingering pain beyond 2 weeks can mean a high bite or a need for further treatment such as a root canal.

How long do dental fillings last?

Composite fillings typically last 7–10 years, amalgam 10–15 years. Large fillings covering more than half the tooth surface are at higher risk of fracture and may need to be replaced with an onlay or crown. Recurrent decay at the margin is the leading failure cause.

Can a cavity heal without a filling?

True cavities (cavitated lesions) cannot heal — once enamel is broken, restoration is required. Very early enamel demineralization (white spot lesions) can sometimes be remineralized with fluoride varnish, prescription toothpaste, and diet changes over 3–6 months. Regular checkups catch lesions early.

Service Guide

Dental Fillings

This dental service is offered by qualified dental professionals to help maintain and improve your oral health. Consult with a dental specialist to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Clinics offer this

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Typical duration

Service overview

About Dental Fillings

This dental service is offered by qualified dental professionals to help maintain and improve your oral health. Consult with a dental specialist to determine if this treatment is right for you.

What is Dental Fillings?

This dental service is offered by qualified dental professionals to help maintain and improve your oral health. Consult with a dental specialist to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Who Needs It?

This service may be recommended based on your individual dental health needs. Your dentist will evaluate your condition and advise whether this treatment would benefit you.

What to Expect

Your dentist will perform a thorough examination and discuss the treatment plan with you. The procedure will be carried out using modern techniques and equipment to ensure the best possible outcome.

Quick Facts

Average Duration

Varies

Pain Level

Varies

Recovery Time

Varies

Recommended Frequency

As recommended

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7 clinics offer dental fillings. Compare ratings, prices, and reviews to find the perfect match.

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Closed · Opens Monday at 7 AM

Knox Dental Centre | Lumino The Dentists

483 George Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand · Dunedin North

41.1Smyleee Rating

Here at Knox Dental in Dunedin, we combine quality care with a personal approach, we do our best to make you feel welcome and at ease. We offer quality dental care in a calming,...

Pediatric DentistryOrthodonticsInvisalignDental Implants+1 more

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Closed · Opens Monday at 9 AM

Nearby Dental Dunedin

24 Heriot Row, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand · Central Dunedin

38.4Smyleee Rating

Looking after your oral health is one of the most important things you can do. It is important for your health and maintaining a shiny smile is important for your confidence. At...

Cosmetic DentistryEmergency Dental CareTooth-Colored FillingsGeneral Dentistry+1 more

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Closed · Opens Monday at 8 AM

Project Dental

152 Hillside Road, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand · South Dunedin

37.0Smyleee Rating

At Project Dental we aim at delivering the highest quality of general dentistry to the entire family. We take pride in our work giving patients the confidence that goes with hea...

Pediatric DentistryDental ImplantsPorcelain VeneersRoot Canal Treatment+1 more

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Closed · Opens Monday at 8:30 AM

Dentistry On Musselburgh

84 Musselburgh Rise Left, Musselburgh, Dunedin 9013, New Zealand · Musselburgh

37.0Smyleee Rating

Dentistry on Musselburgh prides itself as a place for gentle, caring dentistry for the whole family. We welcome new patients and are also contracted to treat adolescents (and so...

Pediatric DentistryPorcelain VeneersCosmetic DentistryEndodontics+1 more

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Closed · Opens Monday at 7 AM

Knox Dental Centre | Lumino The Dentists

483 George Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand · North Dunedin

32.9Smyleee Rating

We’re New Zealand’s dental industry leaders by far. As the largest network of dentistry providers, we're the country's most recognised dentists. And with over 100 practices thro...

Pediatric DentistryOrthodonticsInvisalignDental Implants+1 more

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Closed · Opens Tuesday at 9 AM

Gentle Dental

10 George Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand · Central Dunedin

34.2Smyleee Rating

We Are Very Gentle… Here at Gentle Dental we pride ourselves on our record of gentle treatment of our patients. We really do cater for dental phobics. We are very gentle, caring...

Dental CrownsDenturesEmergency Dental CareGum Disease Treatment+1 more

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Closed · Opens Monday at 9 AM

Perry Adank Dental Surgery

106 George Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand · Central Dunedin

34.2Smyleee Rating

Our clinic specializes in bringing you world class dentistry using cutting edge technology and the latest methods at an affordable price. Dental Cosmetic is not your ordinary de...

Dental ImplantsPorcelain VeneersSmile MakeoversCosmetic Dentistry+1 more

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