How Much Does Dental Work Cost in Australia?
A simple tooth extraction usually costs $150 to $300 in Australia, and a check-up with a scale and clean costs around $160 to $310. Bigger jobs climb fast. A root canal can run $1,000 to $3,800 per tooth all up, and a single implant $4,500 to $8,200. Prices depend on the tooth, your city and whether you see a general dentist or a specialist.
Here's what common treatments cost, why prices vary so much, and how to bring your bill down.
Dental costs at a glance
- Check-up, scale and clean: $160 to $310. X-rays add about $35 to $60 each.
- Filling (one surface): $120 to $250. Back teeth and more surfaces cost more.
- Simple tooth extraction: $150 to $300. A tooth that breaks or needs surgery costs more.
- Surgical or complex extraction: $200 to $600. Specialist, sedation or day surgery adds fees.
- Wisdom tooth (simple): $150 to $300 per tooth. Impacted teeth often need a specialist.
- Wisdom tooth (complex, specialist): $315 to $600+ per tooth. Hospital and anaesthetist fees are extra.
- Root canal (all visits): $1,000 to $3,800 per tooth. Molars have more canals, so they cost more.
- Crown: $1,250 to $3,150 per tooth, depending on material and lab fees.
- Single implant (all-inclusive): $4,500 to $8,200. Bone grafts add to the cost.
- Full upper denture: $1,000 to $2,400, depending on materials and fittings.
- In-chair teeth whitening: $400 to $1,500, depending on the number of sessions.
Typical private fees with no insurance. Ranges combine the Australian Dental Association fee survey averages reported by CHOICE and current Sydney price ranges from What's the Damage, verified October 2026. Always ask your dentist for a written quote.
How much is a dental check-up?
A standard check-up includes an exam, a scale and clean, and often fluoride. Together these average about $219, with most practices charging between $162 and $309. X-rays are charged per image, at around $45 each.
Most dentists recommend a check-up every 6 to 12 months. Skipping them is a false economy: a $170 filling caught early can become a $2,000 root canal and crown if it's left.
How much does a tooth extraction cost?
A simple extraction, where the tooth comes out in one piece under local anaesthetic, averages around $205. Most dentists charge $150 to $300.
A surgical extraction costs more. This is when the tooth is broken, below the gum or has curved roots. Expect $200 to $600, and more again if a specialist removes it under sedation.
Wisdom teeth removal cost
A straightforward wisdom tooth removed by a general dentist costs about $150 to $300 per tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth are often removed by an oral surgeon, at around $315 to $600 per tooth, plus hospital or day surgery and anaesthetist fees. Having all four out under general anaesthetic can run into the thousands, so get a full quote with every fee itemised.
How much does a root canal cost?
Root canal treatment saves a damaged or infected tooth. It usually takes two or three visits, and many teeth need a crown afterwards.
All up, a root canal costs about $1,000 to $3,800 per tooth. Front teeth sit at the lower end because they usually have one canal. Molars have three or four canals, so they sit at the top end, especially with an endodontist (a root canal specialist). Add a crown and the total for one back tooth can reach $3,000 to $6,000.
Crowns, implants and dentures
- Crowns: $1,250 to $3,150 per tooth. Porcelain and zirconia cost more than metal-based crowns.
- Implants: $4,500 to $8,200 for a single tooth, including the post, abutment and crown. Bone grafting adds more.
- Dentures: around $1,000 to $2,400 for a full upper or lower set. Partial dentures usually cost less.
Why do dental prices vary so much?
- Where you live: a simple extraction averages about $185 in SA and $231 in the ACT, based on ADA survey data.
- General dentist or specialist: a specialist consultation averages about $120, compared with $67 for a general dentist.
- How complex the job is: a molar with curved roots takes longer than a front tooth.
- Materials and lab fees: these drive the price of crowns, veneers and implants.
Does Medicare or private health cover dental?
Medicare doesn't cover most adult dental care. There are two main exceptions:
- Children: the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers up to $1,000 of basic dental care over two calendar years for eligible children, such as those whose families receive certain government payments.
- Public dental: state and territory public dental services treat eligible adults, usually concession card holders, often with waiting lists for non-urgent care.
Private health extras cover pays part of the cost, but annual limits and gaps vary widely. Check your policy's limit for "general" and "major" dental before you book.
6 ways to pay less at the dentist
- Ask for item numbers and a written quote. Every Australian dental treatment has an item number, which makes quotes easy to compare.
- Get a second opinion on any treatment plan over $1,000.
- Use your health fund's preferred providers. Many funds offer lower or no gaps at partner dentists.
- Check public dental and CDBS eligibility for yourself and your kids.
- Try a dental school clinic. University clinics treat patients at reduced fees, supervised by qualified dentists.
- Ask about payment plans. Many practices let you spread the cost, and staging treatment over two calendar years can help you use two years of extras limits.
Paying for dental work you can't put off
Some dental work can't wait, like an abscess, a cracked tooth or wisdom teeth causing pain. If savings and a payment plan won't cover it, a personal loan is one option. Only borrow if you can comfortably make the repayments.
Jingle's dental loans range from $500 to $10,000 with fixed repayments, and there are no early repayment fees. You'll see every fee and your total repayment before you sign. Approval is not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a tooth extraction in Australia?
A simple extraction usually costs $150 to $300, averaging around $205. A surgical extraction costs $200 to $600, and more if a specialist uses sedation.
How much does it cost to have a wisdom tooth removed?
About $150 to $300 per tooth for a simple case with a general dentist. Impacted wisdom teeth removed by a specialist cost around $315 to $600 per tooth, plus hospital and anaesthetist fees.
How much is a root canal in Australia?
About $1,000 to $3,800 per tooth across all visits. Molars cost the most. Most teeth also need a crown afterwards, which adds $1,250 to $3,150.
How much is a dental check-up without insurance?
Around $160 to $310 for an exam, scale and clean, with X-rays extra at about $45 each.
Does Medicare cover tooth extractions?
Not for most adults. Eligible children may be covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and concession card holders can apply for public dental care.
Can I get a payment plan for dental work?
Many dentists offer payment plans, so ask before treatment starts. You can also use savings, private health extras cover, or a personal loan if the repayments fit your budget.
Sources
- CHOICE: How much does the dentist cost? (ADA fee survey data)
- What's the Damage: Dentist cost Sydney (verified October 2026)
- Services Australia: Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Disclaimer: Prices are a guide only and vary between practices. Always get a written quote from your dentist. Credit provided by Jingle Finance Pty Ltd ACN 132 485 066 trading as Jingle Loans, Australian Credit Licence 388143, to approved applicants only. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and eligibility criteria apply. This information is general in nature and doesn't take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account.
