Perth price ranges at a glance
Actual fees depend on diagnosis, complexity, and the clinic. As a Perth overview:
- Urgent dental exam (Item 014/017): $60-$120
- X‑rays (per film, Item 022): $40-$70; OPG or CBCT if needed: $120-$280+
- Temporary relief (dressings/medications): $60-$180
- Tooth‑coloured filling: $180-$350 (small), $300-$650 (large/onlay)
- Simple extraction: $180-$350; surgical/wisdom extraction: $350-$650+ per tooth
- Root canal therapy: front $700-$1,100; premolar $900-$1,400; molar $1,200-$1,900
- Crown after RCT or fracture: $1,600-$2,400 (material and lab influence price)
These ranges are indicative for Perth and not a quote. A short appointment can confirm the diagnosis and a written plan. Many clinics can stage treatment if needed.
What drives the price up or down
- Diagnosis and complexity (e.g. deep decay, cracked tooth, gum infection)
- Tooth location (front vs molar), access, and presence of infection or swelling
- Need for imaging (periapical X‑rays, OPG, or CBCT 3D scans)
- Relief only vs complete treatment at the first visit
- Materials and lab work (temporary vs definitive, filling vs onlay vs crown)
- Number of visits and whether a specialist referral is required
- After‑hours or weekend loading and sedation/anaesthesia needs
A clear quote normally separates immediate relief, definitive treatment, and “if‑found” items in case the tooth is more complex than expected.
Funding and cover in WA
- Private health extras: Rebate depends on item numbers, annual limits, waiting periods, and whether the clinic is a preferred provider. In WA, HBF, Bupa, Medibank, HCF and nib have networks that can offer higher rebates for eligible members.
- Public dental: Dental Health Services WA provides care for eligible adults; wait times vary.
- CDBS (children 0-17): Medicare contributes to basic services up to an annual cap for eligible families.
- DVA and other programs: Check your card level and item eligibility before booking.
Ask your clinic to run HICAPS on‑the‑spot so you only pay the gap.
Ways to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs in Perth
- Request staging: relief first, then definitive care when you’re ready
- Ask for all suitable options (e.g. interim filling vs crown now)
- Use a preferred provider for your fund where possible
- Confirm item numbers and check your rebate and limits before treatment
- Consider payment plans if offered by the clinic
- Book during standard hours to avoid after‑hours surcharges where practical
When is tooth pain urgent?
Seek same‑day care if you have any of the following:
- Facial swelling, spreading infection, fever, or feeling unwell
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Trauma, knocked or broken tooth, or severe escalating pain
- Persistent night pain, pain on bite, or bad taste indicating possible abscess
Urgent care often prevents more extensive treatment later.
Item numbers you may see on a Perth quote
Common Australian item numbers for tooth pain workups and treatment include:
- 014/017: Limited or urgent exam
- 022: Periapical X‑ray; 026: OPG; 088/089: CBCT (if referred)
- 071/072: Pulp tests; 963: Local anaesthetic
- 311/322/323: Extractions (vary by complexity)
- 521-526: Direct fillings (size/material dependent)
- 415-417: Root canal therapy (front/premolar/molar)
- 613/615/618: Crown (material varies)
Item numbers help your fund calculate rebates and help you compare like‑for‑like quotes.
Compare common pathways for tooth pain
- Relief only today: exam, X‑rays and dressing/meds to settle pain; plan definitive care next
- Filling or onlay: for decay, worn or chipped teeth when the nerve is healthy
- Root canal therapy then crown: for deep decay/infection when the tooth is restorable
- Extraction: for non‑restorable teeth, severe cracks, or when you prefer removal
- Replace a missing tooth later: options include implant, bridge or partial denture
Questions worth asking at an appointment
- What is the most likely diagnosis and how certain are you?
- Is this urgent or safe to stage over time?
- What are my options and which do you recommend first-and why?
- What is the immediate cost vs likely total cost? What could change that?
- What should I expect after today and when would you like to review me?
Confidential help
If you want guidance on the next step, comparing quotes, or finding a Perth clinic that fits your timing, cover and budget, you can send a confidential enquiry below.
This site is an information and referral platform. It helps connect people with relevant dental help in Australia.