Dental Fillings in NE Calgary

About Dental Fillings

A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay, a crack or a chip. Your dentist removes the damaged part of the tooth, cleans the area and fills the space with a durable material that restores the tooth's shape, strength and function. Left untreated, a cavity keeps growing and can lead to pain, infection and the need for a root canal or extraction, which is why early treatment matters.

At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, we use tooth-coloured fillings, also known as composite or white fillings. They are made from a durable resin that matches your natural tooth colour and bonds directly to your tooth, so the repair is discreet, strong and comfortable. We prioritize both comfort and appearance, and we preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are several kinds of fillings, and each has its place.

Tooth-coloured composite fillings are made of resin that matches your tooth shade. They bond directly to the tooth, are placed in a single visit and suit both front and back teeth, which is why they are the option we use at our clinic.

Silver amalgam fillings are a traditional metal option. They are strong but they are visible, and they need more of the tooth to be removed to hold them in place.

Porcelain fillings are made in a dental lab. They are durable and natural in colour, but they can be brittle and usually take at least two visits.

Compared with silver fillings, tooth-coloured fillings look more natural, preserve more healthy tooth and are a metal-free option, which is why most patients prefer them, especially for teeth that show when you smile.

Benefits of Tooth-Coloured Fillings

• Natural look: The filling matches your tooth shade, so it is virtually invisible when you smile or speak.
• Preserves healthy tooth structure: Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which allows for a more conservative repair with less drilling.
• Metal-free option: Tooth-coloured fillings are a modern, mercury-free choice for patients who prefer a natural-looking material.
• Durable and long-lasting: With proper care, composite fillings can last for many years and withstand normal chewing forces.
• Versatile: They repair cavities, chips and small fractures.

Signs You May Need a Filling

• Tooth pain, especially when you bite down
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
• A visible hole, pit or dark spot on a tooth
• Food that keeps getting stuck in the same spot
• A rough or sharp edge that catches your tongue
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• An old filling that has worn down, cracked or come loose

Cavities often cause no pain at first, so a regular exam is the best way to find one early. If you have severe or throbbing pain or swelling, contact our urgent dental care team right away.

What Is Included in Your Filling Visit

• An exam and, if needed, an X-ray to see how far the decay has spread
• Local numbing so the treatment stays comfortable
• Gentle removal of the decayed or damaged part of the tooth
• A tooth-coloured composite filling placed in layers and shaped to your tooth
• A special light to harden the filling right away
• A bite check and polish so the tooth feels natural
• Clear aftercare instructions
• A written estimate before treatment begins

What to Expect at Your Visit

1. Exam. We find the cavity or damage and explain what we see.
2. Options and estimate. We walk you through your options and give you an itemised estimate before we start.
3. Numbing. We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
4. Cleaning the tooth. We remove the decay and prepare the tooth.
5. Placing the filling. We apply the composite in thin layers, harden each layer with a light and shape it to match your tooth.
6. Bite check. We check that your bite feels natural and polish the filling. Most fillings can be finished in a single visit.

Caring for Your Fillings

You can eat once the numbness wears off, which usually takes a couple of hours. Until then, avoid chewing so you do not bite your cheek, lip or tongue. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days.

To help your fillings last, brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up with your checkups and cleanings. With good care, composite fillings often last 5 to 10 years or longer. Composite resists staining, but limiting dark drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine helps keep it looking its best. If a filling feels high, sharp or loose, call us at 403-300-2233.

Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Dental Fillings

• Natural-looking, tooth-coloured fillings that preserve healthy tooth
• Dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
• Most fillings completed in a single visit
• Gentle techniques, local numbing and sedation options for anxious patients
• Same-day time held every day for urgent problems, including Sunday
• Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
• Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers

Related Treatments

• Oral Exams and X-Rays: Find cavities early, often before they hurt.
• Dental Crowns and Bridges: Protect a tooth that is too damaged for a filling.
• Root Canal Therapy: Save a tooth when decay has reached the nerve.
• Dental Cavities Treatment: Gentle cavity care designed for children.

Cost of Dental Fillings in NE Calgary

The cost of a filling depends on the size of the cavity, which tooth is involved and the material used. After your exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.

We direct bill most major insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Desjardins and iA Financial Group. Many plans cover fillings, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers tooth-coloured and amalgam fillings for eligible patients. Flexible payment options are available for larger treatments. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.

Frequently Asked Questions