Yes — dental fillings are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Both tooth-coloured (composite) and silver (amalgam) fillings are included as basic restorative services. The amount the plan pays depends on your adjusted family net income, but for most eligible patients, a filling is one of the most accessible treatments under the CDCP.
At Northland Smiles, fillings are one of the most common reasons CDCP patients book with us — and one of the treatments where the plan makes the biggest immediate difference. Here’s exactly how filling coverage works, what you can expect to pay, and how to get started. For a full overview of what else the CDCP covers, see our post What Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover?.
What Types of Fillings Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers two types of fillings:
- Composite fillings (tooth-coloured) — covered for front teeth and visible surfaces. Coverage for back teeth (molars and premolars) depends on clinical necessity and may be subject to CDCP guidelines on which surface of the tooth is being filled.
- Amalgam fillings (silver) — covered for back teeth. Amalgam is the traditional filling material and is covered without restriction on eligible tooth surfaces.
In practice, this means most patients can get tooth-coloured fillings on their front teeth and amalgam fillings on back teeth under the plan. If composite is requested on a back tooth where the CDCP would normally cover amalgam, there may be a patient co-payment for the difference in material cost. We’ll tell you this before we proceed.
Fillings are priced by the number of surfaces involved — a one-surface filling costs less than a two- or three-surface filling — and the CDCP fee schedule covers each accordingly. We’ll confirm exactly what applies to your tooth at your appointment.
How Much Will I Pay for a Filling Under the CDCP?
The CDCP covers a percentage of the eligible fee based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI):
- Under $70,000 AFNI: 80% of the eligible fee covered — you pay 20%
- $70,000–$79,999: 60% covered — you pay 40%
- $80,000–$89,999: 40% covered — you pay 60%
The CDCP uses its own fee schedule to determine the eligible fee for a filling. If our office fee for a particular filling is higher than the CDCP schedule rate, you’d be responsible for that difference in addition to your income-based co-payment. We always give you a written estimate of what you’ll owe before any treatment begins — no surprises. Visit the Government of Canada CDCP page for details on the fee schedule.
Can I Get Multiple Fillings Done in One Appointment?
Yes. There’s no rule limiting you to one filling per visit. If you have several teeth that need fillings, we can often address more than one in a single appointment, depending on the locations involved and how much time is needed.
What does apply is your annual CDCP maximum. The plan covers eligible services up to a set annual limit — once you reach that limit, any additional treatment in the same benefit year would be at your own cost. If you’re booking multiple fillings, let us know at the time of booking so we can check your remaining coverage and plan the appointment accordingly.
For more on how annual limits work, see our post on the CDCP annual maximum.
What If My Tooth Needs More Than a Filling?
Sometimes we examine a tooth expecting to place a filling, and find the decay is more extensive than it appeared on x-ray. In those cases, you may need:
- Root canal treatment — if decay has reached the pulp of the tooth. Root canals are covered under the CDCP for eligible teeth.
- A dental crown — if the tooth structure remaining after decay removal isn’t sufficient to support a filling. Crowns are covered under the CDCP in specific clinical circumstances.
- Extraction — if the tooth cannot be saved. Simple extractions are covered under the CDCP.
If we discover during your appointment that a different or more extensive treatment is needed, we’ll stop and explain the situation fully before doing anything else. You’ll always know what’s recommended, why, and what it will cost before we proceed.IMPORTANT We never extend the scope of treatment without your explicit consent. If the clinical picture changes once we begin, we pause, explain what we found, and get your go-ahead before continuing. How to Book a Filling Appointment as a CDCP Patient at Northland Smiles
Booking is straightforward. When you call or submit an appointment request, let us know you’re a CDCP patient and what you’re coming in for. We’ll ask for your Sun Life member number when you arrive.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify for the CDCP yet, visit the Government of Canada CDCP page to check your eligibility and apply. The process is done online through your My Service Canada Account or by phone at 1-833-537-4342. Once you have your Sun Life member number, call us to book.
For a full rundown of what to bring and what to expect at your first CDCP appointment, read What You Should Know Before Booking Your CDCP Dental Appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CDCP cover white (tooth-coloured) fillings on back teeth?
The CDCP covers composite (white) fillings on front teeth. For back teeth, the plan covers amalgam as the standard material. If you prefer composite on a back tooth, there may be a co-payment for the difference in material cost between composite and amalgam. We’ll confirm this for your specific tooth before we begin.
I think I might need a filling — how do I know for sure?
A dental exam and x-rays are the only way to know for certain — and both are covered under the CDCP as preventive services. Common signs include tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets; visible dark spots or holes; and pain when biting. If you’re experiencing any of these in NW Calgary, request an appointment and let us know you’re a CDCP patient.
Will my filling hurt?
We use local anaesthetic for all fillings, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Mild sensitivity in the area for a day or two afterward is normal. If you’re anxious about dental treatment, ask us about sedation options when you book — Northland Smiles offers sedation dentistry and we see a lot of CDCP patients who haven’t been to the dentist in years for exactly that reason. We take an unhurried, low-pressure approach with every patient who comes through our doors.
Ready to Book Your CDCP Filling Appointment?
Northland Smiles Dental in NW Calgary is an enrolled Canadian Dental Care Plan provider. If you’re ready to book, request an appointment online or call us at (403) 286-5030. Let us know you’re a CDCP patient and we’ll take care of the rest.
Want to know what else the plan covers before you come in? Visit our complete guide: What Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover?.
