Dental fillings in Perth — composite, amalgam & more
Fillings restore decayed or damaged teeth and stop cavities getting worse. We use the right material for each case — natural-looking composite for visible teeth, durable amalgam or ceramic for back teeth.
Filling pricing
Quoted after assessment
Cost varies with size of repair, tooth location, material, and clinic. Composite (white) and amalgam are the most common.
Pricing is indicative only. We x-ray the tooth, discuss material choice and quote in writing before any work begins.
The most effective way to manage your dental health
Cavities are common and almost always caused by sugary food, drink and acid weakening tooth enamel. Left untreated, a cavity spreads inward, eventually reaching the nerve. Prevention through good brushing and flossing is the best remedy — but when decay sets in, a filling stops it in its tracks.
Choosing the right filling material
Composite resin
Tooth-coloured acrylic that matches your enamel. Best for visible teeth. Sets immediately under blue light. Lasts up to 5 years with good care.
Amalgam (silver)
Strong, durable, made from mercury alloyed with other metals. Lasts 10-15 years. Best for back molars where strength matters more than appearance. The mercury in amalgam is non-toxic once alloyed.
Gold cast
Highly durable, lasts 10-15+ years. More expensive than amalgam. Used selectively where strength and longevity are the priority.
Ceramic
Porcelain — resistant to staining and cracking. Lasts up to 15 years. Similar cost to gold cast. Aesthetic premium choice.
Glass ionomer
Made from acrylic + glass. Releases fluoride to prevent further decay. Often used on children's baby teeth or as a temporary material. Lasts up to 5 years.
Which is right for me?
Depends on the tooth's location, the size of the cavity, your budget and aesthetic preferences. We explain the trade-offs before any work begins.
What happens during a dental filling
- Exam. Dental probe to check tooth decay, x-ray if needed.
- Numbing. Local anaesthetic for a comfortable procedure with minimal discomfort. (Small fillings sometimes don't need anaesthetic — your choice.)
- Decay removal. High-speed drill removes the decay, slower drill cleans the second layer. The area is sterilised and prepared.
- Filling. For composite — acid etch, bonding material, then the tooth-coloured resin layered and cured with blue light. For amalgam — the cavity is shaped and the amalgam packed in and shaped to fit your bite.
- Polish & bite check. Smooth the edges, check your bite, adjust as needed. The whole procedure usually takes 20-60 minutes.
Two Perth locations, one phone number
Perth CBD clinic
Level 1, 300 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000
Mon–Thu 8:30am–5pm · Fri 8:30am–4:30pm · Closed weekends
DirectionsBelmont clinic
171 Belmont Avenue, Belmont WA 6104
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm · Fri 8am–4pm · Sat 8am–2pm · Free parking
DirectionsFilling questions, answered
How long does the dental filling process take?
20 minutes to an hour. It's a short procedure done in one sitting.
Will it hurt?
We use local anaesthetic so the procedure is comfortable. If you'd prefer no anaesthetic for a very small filling, the discomfort depends on your sensitivity and the depth of the decay.
How long do fillings last?
Composite fillings last around 5 years. Amalgam fillings 10-15 years. Gold and ceramic up to 15 years. Glass ionomer up to 5 years. All can wear or break sooner with hard chewing, grinding or accidents.
Are silver amalgam fillings safe?
Yes. The mercury in amalgam is alloyed with other metals which makes it non-toxic. Research shows no risk to health. If you have a metal allergy let us know and we'll use an alternative material.
Can children get fillings?
Yes — children of all ages. Glass ionomer is often used on baby teeth because it releases fluoride and is temporary. We assess whether a filling is necessary based on how long the baby tooth has left.
Will my dental filling be covered by insurance?
Depends on your private health insurance. Medicare doesn't cover most dental services. We're preferred providers for HBF, Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB, CBHS and Smile.com.au and can claim on the spot.
Need a dental filling in Perth?
Call us — we'll examine the tooth, recommend the right material and quote in writing before any work begins.
$349 first emergency visit · same-day, subject to availability · Both Perth clinics