Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are the cornerstone of preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental treatment for damage to natural teeth. Typically placed in a single visit, dental fillings can correct both minor (chips to edge of teeth) and more extensive problems (such as large cavities) with teeth.
They also commonly serve as foundational treatments that make additional cosmetic care—such as crowns, bridges, and cosmetic procedures —possible and more effective.
Tooth-coloured Dental Fillings
Tooth-coloured Fillings restore Natural Teeth
Dental fillings are restorative materials used to repair and replace damaged or decayed parts of a tooth, helping to restore structure and prevent further deterioration.
When are Dental Fillings necesary?
Dental fillings are necessary when teeth have decay (due to acid erosion caused by bacteria) or minor damage (chipping of teeth). Cavities result from tooth decay and can lead to pain and further complications such as the need for crowns, root canal treatments or tooth removals. Dental filllings also help reduce senstivity by covering the sensitive part of teeth (called dentin). Additionally, fillings may be required to repair teeth damaged by fractures, wear, or grinding. Routine dental check-ups help catch these issues early, potentially preventing more extensive treatments later on.
What are Dental Fillings made of?
Dental fillings can be made from various materials, including amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain.
Composite Resin Fillings are a type of tooth coloured filling material (composed of a blend of plastic and glass) that is most commonly used to repair teeth. In the past, Silver Amalgam fillings which consist of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury (these are rarely used and usually replaced with composite resin fillings when they fail or are undesired for cosmetic reasons). The choice of filling material often depends on factors like the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and the extent of the damage.
Alberta Dental Fee Guide Followed!
Composite Resin Filling Materials
Brand Name Materials from Canadian Suppliers
At Harvest Dental Care, we take pride in using high quality dental materials for your dental treatment. These materials come at a premium cost to ensure quality and avoid complications due to material deficiency. We buy our dental materials through authorized suppliers.
Brand Name Products
Most of our composite resin materials are from Solventum (formerly 3M Health) headquarted in Maplewood, Minneapolis. The history of Solventum as an independent entity is recent, but its legacy dates back over 70 years as part of 3M's healthcare operations.
Dental Filling Costs in 2026
Understand the costs of the basic dental filling treatments. We follow the most current publication of the The Alberta Dental Fee Guide →. We can always do a Pre-Determination of Insurance Benefits to see what is covered under your Dental Insurance Plan. Learn more: Dental Insurance →.
| Treatment Description | 2026 Alberta Dental Fees | 2026 Harvest Dental Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Front Tooth-Coloured Filling (1 - 5 Surfaces) Codes: 23111-23115 | $173.95 - $391.80 | $173.95 - $391.80 |
| Premolar Tooth-Coloured Filling (1-5 Surfaces) Codes 23311-23315 | $182.40 - $449.60 | $167.82 - $449.60 |
| Molar Tooth-Coloured Filling (1-5 Surfaces) Codes 23321-23325 | $210.80 - $451.65 | $210.80 - $451.65 |
Tooth Damage fixed with Dental Fillings
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Cavities
Cavities are caused by the action of harmful bacteria and acids on the tooth's enamel and underlying layers.
If left untreated, dental decay can result in pain, sensitivity, and the formation of holes in the teeth, compromising their health and function.
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Chipping
Breaks in a tooth's structure, which can range from minor cosmetic issues to more severe damage that affects both function, comfort and esthetics.
They can occur due to various factors, including trauma (dental injury), teeth grinding, or untreated cavities.
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Notches
Grinding abrasions, abfractions or attrition refers to the gradual wearing down of tooth enamel due to the processes of abnormal teeth grinding or a heavy bite on your front teeth.
Excessive wear can lead to changes in the shape, size, and surface of teeth. Some people may develop sensitivity to cold foods and drinks as a result.
Canada Dental Care Plan Accepted
Dental Filling Procedure
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Evaluation
We examine the area needing attention and make decisions whether numbing is necessary (smaller enamel damage may not need numbing) and the best approach to treatment.
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Placement
After the removal of decay and biofilms, a bonding agent is used to retain the tooth coloured filling material.
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Curing
The composite resin dental filling material once shaped is cured with a blue coloured LED light unit. After this process, the tooth can function without a wait.
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Polishing
After the resim is cured, it is polished smooth and checked for colour blend and your bite is checked (to make sure the filling is not causing an interference).
Preventative Dental Care
Avoid tooth loss, root canals, fillings and other restorative dentistry with routine maintenance including dental cleanings and check-ups.
Solve Small Dental Problems
In many cases, we can preseve tooth structure and prevent tooth loss by addressing problems when they are smaller. Even some fillings can be done without dental freezing if they are in the enamel surface of the tooth. Our conservative dentists will sometimes do a “watch” or “observe” to see if changes are occuring before recommending treatment.
Goals for Our Patients
Our goal for every patients once they receive dental treatment is to become a “Recare Patient” where the only annual needs you have during a year is a cleaning and check-up. Our dentists and hygienists will recommend preventative approaches so that you need as little dentistry as possible.
Smile Design
If your teeth are healthy, we can help improve the cosmetic apperance of teeth for a more youthful and vibrant look!