Primary Tooth Filling Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference fee for compomer filling treatment for your child’s baby teeth.
Set the number of baby teeth where decay has been detected. Our paediatric dentist selects the right filling material after examination.
Approximate Clinician Fee
TDB 2026 reference · VAT excluded
Surprised?
This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (3-4 Compomer Filling). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. The definitive plan is set after your child’s examination.
Primary tooth filling prices are one of the first things parents look up when they notice decay on their child’s teeth. A primary tooth filling is the procedure in which the decay on a child’s baby tooth is mechanically cleaned out and the resulting cavity is filled with a suitable material. Contrary to the “they’ll fall out anyway” line of thinking, baby teeth play a critical role in chewing, speech, appearance, the correct eruption of permanent teeth, and overall oral development. That is why primary tooth fillings are one of the core treatments of paediatric dentistry.
When decay on a baby tooth is left untreated, it progresses; it reaches the pulp (nerve tissue), causing pain, abscess, and ultimately the loss of the tooth. If a space maintainer isn’t placed in time after an early baby-tooth loss, neighbouring teeth drift into the gap; the permanent tooth coming up underneath can’t find space to erupt, and crowding becomes inevitable. Advanced decay can require a baby-tooth root canal or a pulpotomy. Once tooth structure loss is very extensive, a stainless steel crown comes into play. Stopping at the start of this chain is what makes primary tooth fillings so important.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, primary tooth fillings are performed by our paediatric dentist Dr. Dt. Ceyda Pınar Tanrıverdi using behavioural management protocols suited to children. Small-tipped instruments, coloured filling materials, and gamified explanation techniques improve a child’s engagement with treatment. Our DoreKids concept — a familiarisation session, a play-area waiting room, and a reward system — turns primary tooth treatment into an easy, positive experience for children.
The cost of a primary tooth filling varies with the material used (composite, glass ionomer, compomer), the depth of the decay, the number of surfaces involved, the child’s cooperation, and whether sedation is needed. This page sets out primary tooth filling types, the treatment process, the factors affecting cost, and the Turkish Dental Association (TDB) 2026 reference tariff in detail.
What Is a Primary Tooth Filling?
A primary tooth filling is the procedure in which decay on a child’s baby tooth is removed with specialised burs and the resulting cavity is filled with materials resistant to oral fluids. Unlike a permanent tooth filling, a primary tooth filling is planned taking into account the remaining service life of the tooth (the time until the permanent tooth erupts), the structure of the enamel, and the child’s engagement during the session.
Baby teeth have thinner enamel than permanent teeth. As a result, decay progresses much faster in a baby tooth than in a permanent one. A small visible spot on the surface can reach the pulp within months. Early detection and prompt filling are therefore very important in baby-tooth decay. Routine six-monthly check-ups make sure decay is caught early.
Types of Primary Tooth Filling
Composite Filling
Most CommonA tooth-coloured, aesthetic, white resin filling that bonds chemically to enamel and dentin. Used in both anterior and posterior baby teeth. The most frequently preferred type in children.
Glass Ionomer Filling
Fluoride-ReleasingReleases fluoride and protects the tooth from decay. Preferred for younger children where moisture control is difficult and for superficial cavities. Quickly placed in children with low engagement.
Compomer Filling
Hybrid MaterialA hybrid material combining the properties of composite and glass ionomer. Provides both aesthetics and fluoride release. Particularly suitable for medium-sized cavities in primary molars.
Coloured Children’s Filling
Child-FriendlySpecialised children’s fillings prepared in colours such as pink, blue, yellow, and green. Makes treatment fun for the child and provides visual support for engagement. Usually compomer-based.
The Primary Tooth Filling Process
A primary tooth filling is delivered alongside child-friendly behavioural management protocols. The steps are as follows:
Familiarisation and Clinical Examination
The child first becomes familiar with the chair and the clinician. The location, number, and depth of cavities are identified at clinical examination. The “tell-show-do” technique helps the child adjust to the clinic.
Radiographs (If Needed)
A bitewing or periapical radiograph may be taken to see hidden decay between the teeth and to assess whether the decay is approaching the pulp. Low-dose digital radiography provides safe imaging for the child.
Anaesthesia (If Needed)
For deeper decay, the tooth is numbed with topical and then local anaesthesia. Superficial cavities may not need anaesthesia. Child-friendly techniques minimise awareness of the needle.
Decay Removal
Softened, carious dentin is cleaned out with small-tipped burs. Because we’re working close to the pulp of the baby tooth, a delicate touch is essential. Short breaks are used to keep the session comfortable for the child.
Placing the Filling
The chosen material (composite, glass ionomer, or compomer) is placed into the cavity and cured with a specialised light. If a coloured filling is chosen, the colour the child has picked is used.
Shaping and Polishing
The anatomical shape of the filling is adjusted to the child’s bite; the surface is polished to a shine. This extends the life of the filling and prevents food accumulation. A reward is given at the end of the session.
Factors Affecting Primary Tooth Filling Prices
The cost of a primary tooth filling varies with the child’s engagement, the state of the decay, and the material chosen:
Type of Filling Material
Composite, glass ionomer, compomer, and coloured children’s fillings all carry different costs. Aesthetic composite fillings are usually the highest-priced; glass ionomer is a more economical option.
Number of Surfaces
A single-surface (occlusal) filling is faster and cheaper than a two-surface (MO/DO) or three-surface (MOD) filling. The spread of decay directly affects cost.
Depth of Decay
A superficial cavity is treated with a simple filling, while deep decay close to the pulp may first require pulp capping (pulp protection), which adds to the cost. Early intervention reduces the need for additional procedures.
Child’s Age and Cooperation
Young children and uncooperative patients may need sedation or general anaesthesia. This significantly increases cost. With successful behavioural management, treatment is completed under standard conditions.
Number of Teeth to Be Treated
More than one filling can be placed in the same session. The total number of treatments directly affects overall cost; appointment planning for multiple cavities optimises the number of sessions.
Adjunct Procedures
Fluoride treatment or fissure sealants can be added in the same session. These additional preventive procedures are priced separately; they’re an investment because they prevent new decay from forming.
Primary Tooth Filling vs. Permanent Tooth Filling
| Feature | Primary Tooth Filling | Permanent Tooth Filling |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel Structure | Thin, decay progresses quickly | Thick, decay progresses more slowly |
| Service Life | Until the tooth falls out (a few years on average) | Targeted for a lifetime |
| Preferred Material | Glass ionomer / compomer / composite | Predominantly composite |
| Session Length | Kept short (adapted to the child) | Standard duration |
| Approach | Paediatric dentistry (behavioural management matters) | Restorative dentistry |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fillings on baby teeth are necessary. Baby teeth matter for chewing, speech, and the proper eruption of permanent teeth. Untreated decay leads to deeper infection, early tooth loss, and orthodontic problems such as crowding. Investing in protecting baby teeth can prevent later orthodontic treatments.
A filling for one tooth takes 15–30 minutes on average. The time varies with the child’s engagement, the depth of decay, and the material used. Multiple fillings can be split across more than one session to keep the child from getting tired.
Anaesthesia may not be needed for superficial cavities. For deeper decay, we first numb the surface with topical gel and then administer local anaesthesia with a fine needle. Child-friendly techniques minimise awareness of the needle; the child is told about it in terms like “sleepy water.”
Coloured fillings are children’s fillings produced in colours such as pink, blue, and green. They make the treatment more fun for the child. Their longevity is the same as a standard filling; they stay in the mouth until the tooth falls out. The child can pick the colour, which boosts motivation for treatment.
Both are used in baby teeth. Glass ionomer releases fluoride and is quickly placed; it is preferred in young children and in superficial cavities. Composite is more aesthetic and durable, and suits larger cavities. The choice is made according to the child’s age, cooperation, and the size of the decay.
A properly placed primary tooth filling can last without issue until the tooth is shed. Average durability is 2–4 years. The filling is renewed in case of filling loss, fracture, or secondary decay. Regular check-ups matter; the filling is reviewed every 6 months.
Mild sensitivity in the first 24–48 hours after a filling is normal. However, if throbbing pain or hot/cold sensitivity persists, the decay may have reached the pulp. In that case, a baby-tooth root canal or pulpotomy may be needed. If symptoms continue, see your clinician.
Composite and compomer fillings cure with light, so eating can resume immediately on leaving. However, if anaesthesia was used, you should wait until the numbness wears off (about 1–2 hours) to avoid biting the tongue or cheek. Soft foods are preferred on the first day.
For uncooperative children, we use the “tell-show-do” technique, a reward system, and familiarisation sessions. If those don’t succeed, sedation (a conscious sleep state) or general anaesthesia in a hospital setting may come into play. To choose the right approach, book an appointment; the most suitable plan for your child is then determined.
SGK provides cover for paediatric dental treatments delivered in contracted state hospitals and oral and dental health centres. Treatment in private clinics is outside SGK coverage; some private health insurance policies may partially cover paediatric dental treatment. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about the scope of your cover.
