Quick Sydney price guide
These are typical out‑of‑pocket ranges seen across Greater Sydney. Your fee depends on diagnosis, clinic, materials and whether treatment is completed at the first visit.
- Urgent or limited consult: $70–$150
- Small dental X‑ray (per film): $40–$60
- OPG full‑mouth X‑ray: $90–$150
- Immediate relief or temporary dressing: $80–$180
- Tooth filling (small–large): $180–$500
- Simple extraction: $200–$350
- Surgical extraction: $350–$650
- Wisdom tooth (in‑chair, per tooth): $300–$600
- Root canal (front): $750–$1,200
- Root canal (premolar): $900–$1,600
- Root canal (molar): $1,300–$2,500
- Crown (often after root canal): $1,500–$2,300
- IV sedation add‑on (if used): $400–$900+
After‑hours or weekend appointments may have a surcharge. If you need a same‑day slot that fits your budget, you can ask for help below.
What usually affects cost
- Diagnosis and complexity (decay, crack, infection, gum abscess, sinus overlap)
- Imaging required (small X‑rays, OPG, or 3D CBCT if referred)
- Whether the visit is for pain relief only or includes definitive treatment
- Materials and lab work (e.g., composite vs porcelain, crown type)
- Number of visits and specialist involvement (e.g., endodontist, oral surgeon)
- Sedation needs and after‑hours scheduling
The most useful quote separates immediate relief from full treatment, outlines possible findings that could change the fee, and lists item numbers so you can check rebates.
Payment, cover and public options in NSW
- Private health extras: Can reduce out‑of‑pocket depending on policy, waiting periods and limits. Ask for item numbers (e.g., 011/014 exam, 022 X‑ray, 311/322 extraction, 415–417 root canal, 613 crown) to check your rebate.
- Medicare: Generally no adult dental cover. Exceptions include hospital‑based care and specific programs.
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Up to a capped benefit over two calendar years for eligible 0–17 year olds for basic dental care in private or public clinics.
- Public dental (NSW Health): Concession‑based eligibility and wait times vary. Call the NSW Oral Health Line on 1300 134 226 for assessment and booking into your Local Health District.
- Payment plans: Many Sydney clinics offer interest‑free plans or staged treatment to spread costs. Ask what is available for urgent care.
- Other pathways: DVA, workers’ compensation and some international student policies may apply depending on your situation.
Common Sydney scenarios and ballpark totals
- Deep decay with toothache: consult + X‑rays + large filling $320–$650 if the nerve is healthy.
- Pulpitis (nerve pain): consult + X‑rays + initial pain relief $150–$300; full root canal if needed $900–$2,500 depending on tooth; crown may be recommended $1,500–$2,300.
- Cracked tooth pain when biting: consult + imaging $140–$250; definitive care may be onlay/crown $1,300–$2,300 or extraction + replacement if cracked to the root.
- Gum abscess around a tooth: consult + cleaning/local treatment $200–$450; further periodontal care may be required; antibiotics only are rarely a definitive fix.
- Problem wisdom tooth: consult + X‑ray $130–$220; removal in‑chair $300–$600 per tooth; complex or hospital‑based cases can be higher.
Actual costs depend on assessment. A short call can often narrow the likely range for your tooth and suburb.
Urgency and when to seek help
- Severe pain, facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing are urgent—same‑day assessment is recommended.
- Intermittent sensitivity or pain on biting can escalate; earlier diagnosis is usually more comfortable and cost‑effective.
- Weekend or late‑night help is available in many parts of Sydney, often with higher fees.
Not sure if it’s urgent? See Emergency dentist or send an enquiry for guidance now.
How to compare quotes in Sydney
- Ask for item numbers and whether prices include imaging, temporary dressings or follow‑ups.
- Check the full plan: immediate relief vs definitive care and any alternatives at different price points.
- Confirm materials and longevity expectations (e.g., direct filling vs onlay vs crown).
- Clarify whether a specialist referral is anticipated and the fee range for that step.
About this Sydney cost page
Fees vary across the Sydney CBD, Inner West, North Shore, Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, Hills District, Parramatta and Western/South‑West Sydney. Ranges above reflect common private clinic pricing at the time of writing and are general guidance only.
This site provides information and referral support and is not a dental clinic. We can help you understand likely costs and connect you with suitable care.