When patients call our Surrey dental clinic to ask about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), the most common questions are almost always: “Is my cleaning free?”, “Will they pay for my cavity?”, or “Can I get this painful tooth pulled?”

At Canary Dental, we want to provide clarity. Here is a breakdown of how the CDCP handles the three most commonly requested dental services: cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

1. Professional Dental Cleanings (Scaling)

Yes, the CDCP covers dental cleanings.

Preventative care is the cornerstone of the CDCP. The program recognizes that regular professional cleanings are essential for preventing advanced gum disease and tooth loss.

However, there are frequency limits. The CDCP usually covers a specific number of “units of scaling” (which relates to the time the hygienist spends cleaning your teeth) per year. If you have severe tartar buildup or periodontal disease, you may require more cleaning time than the standard allowance. If this happens, our dental cleaning experts will submit a pre-authorization request to Sun Life to ask for additional coverage, or explain your out-of-pocket costs beforehand.

2. Cavity Fillings (Restorations)

Yes, the CDCP covers basic fillings.

If your dentist spots a cavity during your check-up, the CDCP will cover the cost of repairing the tooth. This includes both traditional silver amalgam fillings and the more modern, tooth-colored composite resin fillings.

It is always best to catch decay early! A small filling is easily covered by the CDCP, but if the decay is left untreated and the tooth breaks completely, you might need a dental crown—a much more expensive procedure that requires strict pre-authorization and has a higher chance of being denied by the CDCP.

3. Tooth Extractions

Yes, the CDCP covers standard tooth extractions.

If a tooth is severely decayed, fractured beyond repair, or if you have a painful impacted wisdom tooth, the CDCP covers surgical removal to eliminate infection and pain.

If you are currently experiencing severe tooth pain, do not wait. Untreated dental infections can spread and become life-threatening. Visit our Wisdom Tooth & Extraction page to learn more about our emergency protocols.

What is NOT Covered?

It is equally important to know what the CDCP does not cover. The program will not pay for any procedure that is deemed strictly cosmetic.

For example, if you are looking for professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, these will be entirely out-of-pocket expenses. Similarly, dental implants are generally excluded from CDCP coverage because they are considered a premium tooth replacement option compared to removable dentures.

Book Your Check-up

The best way to know exactly what is covered is to sit in the dentist’s chair for a comprehensive exam. We will take X-rays, map out a treatment plan, and check your specific CDCP limits. Contact Canary Dental through our LINE app to book your appointment.

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Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Coverage details are based on current government information and may be subject to change. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition.