Tooth Fillings in Calgary at a Glance
Quick answer: A tooth filling repairs a cavity. The dentist numbs the area, removes the decay and fills the space with a material such as tooth-coloured composite resin, restoring the tooth’s shape and helping stop the decay from spreading. Most fillings are done in one visit. Inglewood Family Dental provides tooth fillings in Calgary.
Book online or call 403-265-5888 if you think you may have a cavity.
Small cavities often cause no pain, so regular check-ups and X-rays are the best way to find them early, when a simple filling is usually enough. If you have been searching for a tooth filling near you, an exam will show what your tooth needs.
Tooth fillings are provided by Inglewood Family Dental, a family dental clinic in Calgary, Alberta, led by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS. Our clinic is in the Inglewood community at 1420 9 Ave SE #24, Calgary, AB T2G 0T5, Canada, just east of downtown, and we welcome patients from every part of Calgary.
Signs You May Need a Filling
Treating a cavity early can help avoid more complex treatment such as a root canal or crown later. See your dentist if you notice:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Pain when chewing or biting
- A visible hole, dark spot or rough edge on a tooth
- A toothache or lingering discomfort
Types of Dental Fillings
Composite (Tooth-Coloured)
Resin that is shade-matched to your tooth and bonded in place. A common choice for visible teeth and many back teeth.
Amalgam (Silver)
A strong metal filling that has long been used for back teeth. It is more noticeable than tooth-coloured options.
Ceramic
Porcelain fillings or inlays made to fit the tooth. They resist staining and may suit larger repairs.
Gold
A very durable option that is more noticeable and usually costs more.
Composite vs Amalgam Fillings
Composite and amalgam are the two most common filling materials. Here is how they usually compare:
| Feature | Composite (tooth-coloured) | Amalgam (silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Matches the colour of your tooth | Silver and easy to see |
| Tooth preparation | Often needs less healthy tooth removed | May need more tooth removed to hold it in place |
| Durability | Many last 5 to 10 years or more | Often lasts 10 years or more |
| Best suited to | Front and back teeth, small to medium cavities | Back teeth that take heavy chewing forces |
| Cost | Often slightly higher | Often slightly lower |
Why Choose Our Clinic for Tooth Fillings?
Gentle, Comfortable Care
We numb the area well and check in with you throughout, so treatment is as comfortable as possible.
Tooth-Coloured Options
Composite fillings are shade-matched to your teeth for a natural look.
Prevention First
Regular check-ups help us find cavities early, when they are smaller and simpler to treat.
How Is a Tooth Filling Done?
Exam and X-Rays
We check the tooth and may take an X-ray to see how deep the cavity is.
Numbing
Local anaesthetic numbs the area so you stay comfortable.
Removing Decay
We remove the decayed part of the tooth and clean the area.
Placing the Filling
The filling material is placed and shaped to restore the tooth.
Polishing and Bite Check
We polish the filling and check that your bite feels even.
After Your Filling
- Numbness – wait until the freezing wears off, usually a few hours, before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
- Sensitivity – some sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days is common and usually settles.
- Bite – call us if your bite feels high or uneven; a quick adjustment can help.
- Care – brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and keep up regular check-ups.
Benefits of Tooth Fillings
- Helps stop decay from spreading
- Restores the shape and function of the tooth
- Usually done in a single visit
- Can ease sensitivity from a cavity
- Tooth-coloured options for a natural look
- May help avoid more complex treatment later
How Much Does a Tooth Filling Cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the size and location of the cavity, how many surfaces of the tooth are involved and the material used. Our fees are based on the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and we explain the cost before treatment.
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of fillings. We offer direct billing, accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and offer financing options. If you are comparing tooth fillings near you, ask us for an estimate at your exam.
Book Your Tooth Filling Appointment
Cavities usually get bigger over time, so early treatment is best. Book online or call 403-265-5888 to have your tooth checked.
Serving Patients Across Calgary
Looking for a tooth filling near you? Patients visit us from across Calgary, not only from Inglewood. We are a few minutes east of downtown and an easy trip from Upper Mount Royal, Mission and Dover. Evening and weekend appointments can make it easier to fit treatment around work or school. Book online or call 403-265-5888.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Fillings
How long does a cavity filling take?
Most fillings take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size, depth and location of the cavity. Smaller cavities are usually quicker to treat.
Is getting a filling painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so most people feel little or no pain during treatment. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterwards is common and usually settles within a few days.
How long do fillings last?
Many composite fillings last 5 to 10 years or more, and amalgam and gold fillings can last longer. How long a filling lasts depends on its size, the material, your bite and how well you care for your teeth.
Will my insurance cover cavity fillings?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of fillings, but coverage can vary by material. We offer direct billing and can check your coverage before treatment.
Can I eat after a filling?
You can usually eat once the numbness wears off. Composite fillings harden right away with a curing light, while amalgam fillings may need a few hours before you chew hard foods on that side.
What happens if I do not fill a cavity?
Cavities usually grow over time. Without treatment, decay can reach the nerve and cause pain or infection, which may then need a root canal, crown or extraction.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS — Last reviewed: October 2026.