Direct tooth repair · Assessment first
Dental fillings in downtown Calgary
A filling is recommended only after an examination shows that a direct restoration is appropriate. The findings guide whether the tooth needs a filling, repair of an existing restoration, more coverage, or another next step.
Submit an assessment request and the clinic will contact you to confirm availability and the appointment type. A preferred date or time is not reserved until confirmed.
- Your dentist
- Dr. Michael Wu, General Dentist
- Hours
- Open from 7 AM on weekdays
- Insurance
- Direct billing, most plans
- Fees
- Explained before treatment begins
Pain, swelling, injury, something broken, or a lost filling or crown?
Tooth pain, swelling, injury, or a broken tooth? Call (403) 313-3000 and view Emergency Dentistry.
Start with the tooth, not an assumed filling
You may have been told that a tooth has decay, noticed a rough or chipped area, lost part of a filling, or learned that an older restoration needs review. Some concerns cause no obvious symptoms. Others cause sensitivity, discomfort with biting, or a change you can feel. These signs do not show on their own whether a filling is the right treatment.
For current pain, swelling, injury, a broken tooth, or a lost restoration, call (403) 313-3000 during clinic hours for current urgent availability.
The examination determines whether a direct repair fits
Dr. Wu reviews the concern, relevant history, symptoms, tooth, nearby tissues, bite, and any existing restoration. Records or imaging may be recommended when they are clinically useful. The findings help define how much tooth is affected and which options deserve discussion.
- Condition and extentThe assessment looks for decay, wear, fracture, loss of filling material, changes around an existing restoration, and the amount of sound tooth structure that remains.
- Symptoms and pulp healthSensitivity or pain may require further investigation. A filling is not assumed to address every cause of discomfort.
- Existing restorationThe Canadian Dental Association's Choosing Wisely guidance says the age of a filling alone is not a reason to replace it. Wear, fracture, loss of retention, recurrent decay, and whether a small defect can be repaired are part of the decision.
- Reasonable next stepsDepending on the findings, the discussion may include monitoring, preventive care, repair, a direct filling, a crown assessment, root canal assessment, extraction assessment, or referral.
Source: Canadian Dental Association, Fillings; Canadian Dental Association, Dentistry: Eight Tests and Treatments to Question
If a filling is recommended, confirm the plan
The sequence below is general. The clinic confirms the plan after assessment.
Review the finding and material choice
Ask which area will be treated, why a direct filling is appropriate, which material is being considered, and what alternatives or limits apply.
Prepare the affected area
The Canadian Dental Association describes direct filling treatment as removing decay, shaping the prepared area, and placing filling material. The exact isolation, preparation, and comfort approach depends on the tooth and treatment plan.
Place and shape the restoration
The restoration is placed and shaped for the treated area. The dentist checks the completed repair as appropriate before the visit ends.
Review care and follow-up
The team explains what to expect after the visit, how to care for the restoration, and which changes should prompt a call. Individual instructions take priority over general website information.
Compare the least extensive appropriate repair
The findings decide which of these deserves discussion.
Repair an existing filling
A small, accessible defect may be considered for repair when the findings support it. Repair is not appropriate for every failed restoration.
Place or replace a direct filling
A direct filling may fit when the affected area and remaining tooth structure can support that type of restoration. Removing an existing filling also removes some tooth structure, so replacement should be based on findings rather than age alone.
Consider more coverage
A crown or another indirect restoration may be discussed when a direct filling would not provide an appropriate repair. The amount and location of remaining tooth structure, bite, and other findings affect that comparison.
Address another condition first
If the pulp, root, fracture, gums, or supporting tissues require another approach, a filling may not be the next treatment. Further assessment, referral, or a preserve-or-remove discussion may be needed.
Might the tooth need more coverage?
Dental Crowns covers the assessment when a direct filling would not provide an appropriate repair.
Dental CrownsAsk which material and fees apply to the tooth.
The material decision may consider the tooth's location, size of the repair, bite, appearance, clinical limits, and fee. Dr. Wu will explain which material is being considered for the tooth and why before treatment. Fees depend on the examination findings, the care recommended, and the treatment you choose. The number of surfaces involved, records, removal or repair of an existing restoration, material, and any additional or referred care may affect the estimate. Ask the clinic for an estimate before treatment.
We can help submit eligible claims or estimates. Your plan determines coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and whether the insurer pays the clinic directly. You are responsible for any amount not paid by your plan.
Confirm the care plan after assessment.
Dr. Michael Wu is a general dentist. He begins with an assessment and explains the findings, reasonable options, material considerations, and next steps. If your case requires care outside the clinic's scope, the team will explain the referral.
About Dr. Michael WuPatients
Such a great experience! I had a bit of my front tooth enamel that chopped off and the dentist squeezed me in. Thank you so much!
Tania Thompson Came in for a check up since I'm in the area and was greeted with smiles all around. Had a great experience with the front desk staff and the dentist himself. Everyone was very personable, friendly and explained exactly what was going on with my mouth. Will definitely be back for the rest of my dental needs!
Chris Postnikoff Amazing experience at Dental at the Bow! The staff is incredibly friendly and goes above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable throughout the entire process. They are professional, caring, and always take the time to ensure a positive experience. Highly recommended!
ana suarez
Commonly Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here, call the clinic and the team will answer it.
How do I know whether I need a filling?
An examination is needed. The cause, location and extent of the concern, remaining tooth structure, symptoms, bite, and any existing restoration may affect the recommendation.
Does an old filling always need to be replaced?
No. Canadian Dental Association Choosing Wisely guidance says age alone should not determine replacement. The dentist assesses wear, fracture, loss of retention, recurrent decay, and whether a small defect may be repaired.
When might a crown be considered instead?
A crown or another option may be discussed when the findings show that a direct filling would not be an appropriate repair. The extent and location of the damage, remaining tooth structure, bite, symptoms, and other findings affect the decision.
Which filling materials does Dental at the Bow use?
Ask before treatment. Dr. Wu will explain the material considered for your clinical situation, including relevant appearance, use, limits, and fee differences.
What if the tooth hurts or the filling has fallen out?
Call (403) 313-3000 during clinic hours for current urgent availability.
Symptoms do not identify the required treatment, and an examination may lead to a filling, another treatment, a stabilising step, or referral.
Will insurance cover a filling?
Your plan determines coverage, limits, exclusions, and direct payment. The clinic can help submit eligible claims or estimates. Ask for an estimate and review Insurance and Fees.
Start with an assessment of the tooth.
Request an assessment and the clinic will contact you to confirm availability. For tooth pain, swelling, injury, a broken tooth, or a lost restoration, call during clinic hours for current urgent availability.
