Tooth-Coloured Fillings in NW Calgary
Strong, natural-looking fillings that repair cavities without the silver.
About Tooth-Coloured Fillings at Bow River Dental
Composite fillings repair cavities without the silver. They are strong, natural-looking and bonded to your tooth structure. If you need a dental filling in Calgary, Bow River Dental uses a mercury-free composite material that matches your natural tooth shade.
Fillings are a routine part of care at our family dentist clinic, and we welcome new patients of all ages.
What Are Tooth-Coloured Fillings?
A filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay. We remove the decayed part of the tooth, clean the area and fill it with a composite resin, a tooth-coloured material made of plastic and fine glass particles. The composite is placed in layers and hardened with a special light, so it bonds directly to the tooth.
Because it bonds to the tooth, composite often lets us keep more of your natural tooth structure than older silver fillings. It also blends in so well that most people cannot tell you have one. Tooth-coloured fillings bring good durability and fracture resistance for everyday chewing.
Signs You May Need a Filling
- A visible hole, pit or dark spot on a tooth
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold
- Pain when you bite down
- Food that keeps getting caught in one spot
- A chipped tooth or a broken or worn old filling
Early cavities often cause no symptoms, which is why regular Check-Ups & Cleanings and X-rays matter. The sooner a cavity is treated, the smaller and simpler the filling.
What Is Included
- Mercury-free composite material
- A shade matched to your natural teeth
- Bonding directly to the tooth for a strong seal
- Long-lasting, durable results
- Local anesthetic for comfort, with sedation options for anxious patients
- A bite check so the filling feels natural
- Direct insurance billing
What to Expect at Your Filling Visit
- 1Exam. We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays as needed to see how deep the cavity goes.
- 2Comfort. We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
- 3Preparation. We gently remove the decay and clean the tooth.
- 4Filling. We place the composite in layers, shape it and harden it with a light.
- 5Bite check. We polish the filling and check that your bite feels comfortable.
Filling Aftercare
Composite fillings are hard as soon as we finish, so you can eat once the numbness wears off. Wait until then to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Some sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days is normal. Brush and floss as usual, and call us if your bite feels high or the sensitivity does not settle.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Tooth-Coloured Fillings
- Mercury-free composite that matches your natural tooth shade
- Gentle, comfortable care with sedation options
- Same-day appointments for pain or a broken filling
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Composite Bonding: to repair chips and close gaps
- Crowns & Bridges: for teeth too damaged for a filling
- Root Canal Therapy: when decay reaches the nerve
- Sealants & Fluoride Treatment: to help prevent cavities
Cost of Tooth-Coloured Fillings
The cost of a filling depends on the size of the cavity, the number of surfaces involved and the tooth being treated, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your costs before we begin. We bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tooth-coloured fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Modern composite fillings are strong and durable for everyday chewing, and they bond directly to the tooth, which helps support it. Very large cavities may need a crown instead. We recommend the option that will protect your tooth best.
How long do tooth-coloured fillings last?
With good care, composite fillings can last many years. How long yours lasts depends on its size, where it is in your mouth, your bite and how well you brush, floss and keep your check-ups. We check your fillings at your regular visits.
Does getting a filling hurt?
We numb the area with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Sedation options are available if you feel anxious. Mild sensitivity afterward is common and usually fades in a few days.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?
Not always. If a silver filling is intact and the tooth is healthy, it may not need to be replaced. We recommend replacement when a filling is cracked, leaking, worn or has decay around it, or if you prefer a natural-looking option. Your dentist can advise you after an exam.
Are tooth-coloured fillings covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover part of the cost of fillings, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan lists fillings among the restorative services it may cover when your dentist recommends them. Coverage varies by plan. We bill most insurance plans directly and can help you understand what to expect.
Book Your Filling Appointment
Have a cavity or a broken filling? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
Looking for a new dentist? We'd love to meet you.
We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.