Guides & answers
What treatment actually costs, what common symptoms mean, and when something needs seeing. Written by Dr Adrian Paul, BDS (Otago).
What things cost
Almost no New Zealand dentist publishes anything useful about price. These explain what drives the cost, what a proper quote should cover, and where ACC or the School Dental Scheme changes the picture.
How much do dental implants cost in New Zealand?
A dental implant is usually quoted in stages - the assessment, the implant post, and the crown that goes on top - and sometimes a bone graft if there isn't enough bone. Because those stages vary so much between patients, a meaningful figure only comes from an examination. What you should always get is a written quote covering every stage before you agree to anything.
How much does a dental crown cost in New Zealand?
Crown costs in New Zealand vary with the material, which tooth it's on, and whether the tooth needs other work first - a root canal or a build-up under the crown are common additions. Always ask whether the quote covers the preparation, the temporary crown, the laboratory work and the fitting, or only some of those.
How much does a filling cost in New Zealand?
Filling costs depend mainly on size and position - a small filling on a front tooth is a different job from a large one across the chewing surface of a molar. Most practices quote per filling after examining the tooth. Children and teenagers up to 18 are covered under the free School Dental Scheme.
How much does a dental check-up cost in New Zealand?
A check-up usually covers the examination itself, with X-rays and a scale and clean often quoted separately. Ask what's included when you book so the total is clear. Children and teenagers up to 18 are covered under the free School Dental Scheme.
How much does a scale and clean cost in New Zealand?
A routine scale and clean is usually a set fee, but the cost rises where there's heavy build-up or where gum disease means cleaning below the gum line across several appointments. Ask whether the quote is for a routine clean or for periodontal treatment - they're different jobs.
How much does teeth whitening cost in New Zealand?
Professional whitening is usually priced as a package covering the examination, custom trays and gel. Take-home trays are generally less than in-chair whitening. Because you keep the trays, topping up later costs only the gel, which makes the ongoing cost lower than it first appears.
How much do veneers cost in New Zealand?
Veneers are priced per tooth, so the total depends mostly on how many you have. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite bonding but last considerably longer. Most people need fewer than they expect - often only the teeth that show when they smile.
How much does a tooth extraction cost in New Zealand?
A straightforward extraction costs less than a surgical one, where the tooth has to be removed in sections or the gum lifted to reach it. Wisdom teeth are usually the most expensive because they're often impacted. Budget separately for replacing the tooth - that's frequently more than the extraction itself.
Our fees and how pricing works
You'll know what treatment costs before it starts. After an examination we give you a plan with the cost of each item, so nothing arrives as a surprise on the invoice. Children and teenagers up to 18 are free under the School Dental Scheme, and we lodge ACC claims for accidental damage.
Symptoms & problems
What’s causing it, what helps in the meantime, and the point at which it needs a dentist rather than patience.
Toothache
Toothache is usually caused by decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, an infection, or gum problems. Over-the-counter pain relief taken as directed and a cold compress can help in the short term, but toothache does not resolve on its own - the cause needs treating. Pain that keeps you awake, or comes with swelling or fever, needs to be seen urgently.
Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by bacterial infection, either inside the tooth or in the gum beside it. It typically causes constant throbbing pain, swelling, and a tooth that is tender to touch. An abscess will not clear up on its own and needs dental treatment. Swelling that spreads to the eye or neck, or affects swallowing or breathing, is a medical emergency.
Swollen gums
Swollen gums are most often caused by plaque along the gum line irritating the tissue - gingivitis. Other causes include something trapped between the teeth, an abscess, a partly erupted wisdom tooth, or hormonal changes. Gentle cleaning and warm salt-water rinses help mild cases. Swelling with pain, fever or a spreading area needs to be seen.
Receding gums
Gum recession is when gum tissue pulls back and exposes more of the tooth or its root. Common causes are gum disease, brushing too hard, grinding, and genetics. Receded gum tissue does not grow back on its own, but recession can usually be stopped from progressing, and the sensitivity it causes can be treated.
Sensitive teeth
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by exposed dentine - the layer beneath the enamel - which lets temperature and sweetness reach the nerve. Common causes are worn enamel, receding gums, grinding and acid erosion. A short sharp twinge that settles quickly is typical of sensitivity. Pain that lingers, throbs or wakes you suggests something more and should be checked.
Chipped or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces, and cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum if it is cutting your tongue. Use a cold compress for swelling and see a dentist promptly - even a small chip can expose dentine and let bacteria in. If the damage was accidental, ACC usually covers part of the treatment.
Wisdom tooth infection
Infection around a partly erupted wisdom tooth is called pericoronitis. Bacteria and food get trapped under the flap of gum covering the tooth, causing pain, swelling and often a bad taste. Warm salt-water rinses and pain relief help temporarily, but it usually recurs until the cause is treated. Swelling that affects swallowing or opening your mouth needs urgent care.
Bad breath
Most persistent bad breath originates in the mouth, from bacteria on the back of the tongue, gum disease, decay, or a dry mouth. Mouthwash masks it rather than treating it. Cleaning between the teeth, brushing the tongue, staying hydrated and treating any gum disease address the actual cause.
Advice & articles
Longer pieces, including the Queenstown-specific ones - chipping a tooth on the mountain, mouthguards for the bike park, and dental emergencies while you’re here on holiday.
- Dental Veneers in NZ: A Straightforward Guide
- How to Choose a Dentist in Queenstown: What to Look For
- Night Guards for Teeth Grinding: Do You Need One?
- Dental Implants vs Bridges: Which Is Right for a Missing Tooth?
Book an appointment
New patients, families, visitors and emergencies are all welcome.
Call the practice03 441 8248In pain? Ringing gets you seen faster than a form.
- No referral needed
- New patients and visitors welcome
- Emergency slots kept open each day