Dental Fillings in West Edmonton
The Most Common Fix in Dentistry, Done Right
A filling restores a tooth that has been damaged by decay, returning it to its normal shape and function. At La Perle Dental Centre, we use tooth-coloured composite resin — not old silver amalgam. The material bonds directly to the tooth, looks natural, and requires less removal of healthy structure to place.
Most fillings are completed in a single appointment. We review the cost and your coverage before we start, direct bill your insurance, and price below the Alberta fee guide. You know exactly what to expect before you sit down.
Caught Early, It Stays Small
A cavity that's found at a routine checkup is almost always a minor fix. A filling placed now seals out bacteria, stops the decay from progressing, and protects the tooth for years. The earlier we catch it, the simpler and less expensive the treatment.
Tooth-Coloured and Natural-Looking
Our composite fillings are matched to the shade of your surrounding teeth. Once placed, they blend in completely — no dark spots, no visible metal. The material bonds directly to the tooth structure, which means we remove only what needs to go and preserve the rest.
Done in One Visit
Most fillings are completed start to finish in a single appointment. We numb the area, remove the decay, place the filling, shape it to your bite, and polish it, all before you leave.
Accepting the Canadian
Dental Care Plan
What a Filling Does
Decay doesn't stop on its own. Once bacteria have breached the outer enamel of a tooth, they continue working inward toward the nerve. A filling interrupts that process — removing the damaged tissue, sealing the tooth, and restoring its strength.
Here's what a well-placed composite filling accomplishes:
- Removes decayed material that would otherwise continue spreading
- Seals the tooth to prevent bacteria from re-entering
- Restores the tooth's shape so it functions correctly when you bite and chew
- Protects the surrounding structure from further breakdown
- Preserves as much natural tooth as possible — composite requires less drilling than older amalgam alternatives
When a Filling Is the Right Call
Fillings aren't just for obvious pain. Many cavities cause no symptoms at all until they're well advanced. Common situations where a filling is recommended include:
- Decay detected on X-rays before any symptoms develop
- A tooth that is sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A visible dark spot, hole, or rough patch on a tooth surface
- An old filling that is cracking, leaking, or breaking down around the edges
- A minor chip or worn area that has exposed the underlying tooth structure
If we recommend a filling, we'll show you exactly where the decay is — on the X-ray or in an intraoral photo — and explain why it needs to be addressed now. Nothing is scheduled without your understanding and agreement.
What Happens When a Cavity Is Left Alone
Decay that isn't treated doesn't stay the same size. It progresses — and the longer it's left, the more of the tooth it destroys and the more complex the fix becomes.
- A small cavity becomes a large one, eventually reaching the inner layer of the tooth where the nerve lives
- Once the nerve is involved, a root canal is needed before the tooth can be restored — significantly more time and cost than a filling alone
- A tooth with extensive decay may fracture or become unrestorable, requiring extraction
- Extraction leads to a gap, which leads to shifting teeth, bone loss, and the need for a replacement — an implant or bridge that costs far more than the filling would have
A cavity caught at a checkup today is a straightforward procedure. Left for a year or two, that same tooth may need a root canal and a crown. Left longer, it may be unrestorable. The filling is always the simplest version of what's available.
What Your Filling Appointment Looks Like
Most fillings are completed comfortably in a single visit. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Freezing the Area
We apply a numbing gel before the injection so you feel as little as possible. Once the local anaesthetic takes effect, you shouldn't feel any pain — only pressure and vibration. If at any point something is uncomfortable, let us know and we'll adjust.
Removing the Decay
We remove only the decayed material, leaving as much healthy tooth structure intact as possible. The area is then cleaned and prepared for the filling.
Placing and Shaping the Composite
The tooth-coloured resin is applied in layers, each hardened with a curing light. We shape it carefully to match the natural contours of your tooth and your bite, so it feels completely normal when you chew.
Final Polish and Bite Check
We check the bite, make any fine adjustments, and polish the surface smooth. Most patients leave the appointment without needing any follow-up.
Aftercare
Some mild sensitivity for a day or two after a filling is normal, particularly to temperature. It settles quickly. Avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side for the first 24 hours. After that, the tooth functions like any other — brush, floss, and come in for your regular cleanings so we can monitor it over time.
A Team That Listens Before It Acts
We Handle Complex Cases In-House
We Focus on Results, Not Recommendations
Dental Care That Works for Your Life
Fees Below Alberta Fee Guide
Direct Billing
to Insurance
Open Evenings and Weekends
Same-Day
Emergency Care
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm nervous?
Tell us when you book. Fillings are one of the most routine procedures in dentistry, and we'll walk you through every step before it happens. Oral sedation is also available for patients who need additional support.
How much does a filling cost at La Perle?
The cost depends on the size and location of the cavity. We review all fees with you before anything is scheduled, direct bill your insurance, and offer in-house payment plans for any remaining balance. You'll know what to expect before you sit down.
What if I need more than one filling?
We'll prioritise based on urgency and talk through a realistic treatment plan with you. If cost is a concern, we can sequence appointments across your insurance benefit periods. We'll never pressure you into doing everything at once.
Can an old silver filling be replaced?
Yes. If an existing amalgam filling is cracking, leaking, or breaking down, we can remove it safely and replace it with a composite restoration. We follow safe removal protocols to minimise exposure during the process.
Is composite better than silver amalgam?
For most patients, yes. Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth, which means we preserve more healthy structure during placement. It matches the colour of your tooth, contains no mercury, and is the standard we use at La Perle for all fillings.
How long does a filling last?
Composite fillings typically last seven to ten years or more with proper care. Lifespan depends on the size of the filling, where in the mouth it sits, and how consistently you attend cleanings. We check your fillings at every appointment and will let you know if one is starting to show wear.
How long does a filling take?
Most fillings are completed in 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity. We'll give you a realistic time estimate when you book.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Many cavities have no symptoms at all, which is why regular checkups matter. When symptoms do appear, they typically include sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, a visible dark spot on the tooth, or a rough edge you can feel with your tongue. X-rays at your checkup are how we find decay before it causes pain.
Does getting a filling hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain — only pressure. We take time with the freezing process and won't start until the area is fully numb. Some mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward is normal and settles on its own.
Located in West Edmonton
La Perle Dental Centre is in the heart of the La Perle neighbourhood, serving families across West Edmonton. Free on-site parking. Easy access from 182 Street NW.
Free parking is available on site. We are near West Jasper Place Community Health Centre at 9710 182 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 3T9.
