Giving You Back Your Smile
At Kanaka Creek Family Dental in Maple Ridge, we want to give you a smile that not only looks stunning but is also pain-free. We can restore damaged, decayed or problematic teeth with dental fillings, dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and more.
Restorative dental services include treatments that restore the function and appearance of your natural teeth, and preventing existing problems from getting worse. We’ll always err to the least invasive treatment possible. We also practice biomimetic dentistry, a conservative approach that preserves maximum natural tooth structure using advanced bonding and materials.
Whether you need a simple composite filling, a same-day CEREC crown, or a conservative inlay to preserve your natural tooth, our team uses the latest digital dental technology to ensure precise, comfortable, and long-lasting results. We also offer sedation dentistry options for patients who feel anxious about restorative procedures.
Dental Fillings
A filling is a dental treatment that restores the function and structural integrity of a tooth that has a cavity. To treat the cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.
Fillings were traditionally made of silver amalgam, but at Kanaka Creek Family Dental we use only white composite materials. Our patients prefer white composite fillings because they blend in better with the colour of the teeth.
Regular preventive dental care can help you avoid the need for fillings altogether.
Inlays & Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are biomimetic dental restorations that provide additional structural support to the tooth without requiring the removal of too much of its natural structure. They are often used when a crown would be too extensive for the amount of damage present.
Inlays are used to repair damage located between the cusps of the tooth, while onlays (also called partial crowns), which are larger, can also cover one or more of the cusps.
Dental Crowns
Dental crown restorations cover, or cap, the entire surface of a tooth. They are usually applied in cases where the damage to the tooth is so extensive that less invasive restorations, like fillings, inlays and onlays are not an option.
At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we offer same-day dental crowns with the help of CEREC® technology, so you can leave with a permanent crown in a single visit.
Root Canals
Root canal therapy, otherwise known as endodontic therapy, is a treatment for the infected pulp of a tooth. It eliminates the infection and protects the tooth from further microbial invasion.
Root canals have a bad reputation, but with modern dental technology, they are no more uncomfortable than a filling procedure. Biomimetic dentistry can often help you avoid a root canal altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do dental fillings last?
Composite (white) fillings typically last 7 to 15 years with proper care. The lifespan depends on the size of the filling, where it is in your mouth, your bite force, and your oral hygiene habits. We monitor your fillings at every checkup and will let you know if any need attention.
- What is the difference between a filling, an inlay, and a crown?
A filling repairs a small area of decay within the tooth. An inlay or onlay is used when the damage is too large for a standard filling but does not require covering the entire tooth. A crown caps the entire visible portion of the tooth and is recommended when the tooth structure is significantly compromised. Our approach is always to choose the least invasive option that will provide a durable, long-term result.
- Can I get a dental crown in one visit?
Yes. At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we use CEREC technology to design, mill, and place a permanent ceramic crown in a single appointment. The Primescan digital scanner takes a 3D image of your tooth, the PrimeMill carves the crown from a ceramic block in minutes, and we bond it in place the same day. No temporary crowns, no second visit, no waiting.
- Do white composite fillings look natural?
Absolutely. Composite fillings are colour-matched to your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible. Unlike older silver amalgam fillings, composites bond directly to the tooth structure, which means less drilling and more of your natural tooth is preserved. Most patients cannot tell where the filling ends and the tooth begins.
- Is the procedure painful?
Modern restorative dentistry is very comfortable. We use effective local anaesthesia so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation to help you relax. Most fillings take 30 to 60 minutes and you can return to normal activities immediately afterward.
- What is biomimetic dentistry?
Biomimetic dentistry is a conservative approach that mimics the natural structure and behaviour of teeth. Instead of removing large amounts of tooth to fit a crown, biomimetic techniques use advanced adhesive bonding and layered composite materials to rebuild the tooth from the inside out. This preserves more natural tooth structure, reduces the risk of future root canals, and often results in longer-lasting restorations.
Benefits of Modern Restorations
- Same-Day Crowns — CEREC technology means no temporary crowns and no second appointment. Walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a permanent ceramic crown.
- Mercury-Free Fillings — We use only tooth-coloured composite materials that bond directly to your tooth, preserving more natural structure than traditional amalgam.
- Biomimetic Approach — Our conservative philosophy means we always choose the least invasive treatment. We preserve as much healthy tooth as possible, reducing the need for more extensive work later.
- Digital Precision — The Primescan digital scanner and CBCT 3D imaging give us an exact picture of your tooth, eliminating the discomfort of traditional impressions and ensuring a perfect fit.
- Comfortable Experience — Sedation options including nitrous oxide are available for any restorative procedure, so dental anxiety never has to stand between you and a healthy smile.
- Long-Lasting Results — Modern ceramic and composite materials are stronger and more durable than ever, designed to withstand years of normal biting and chewing.
Preventive Care
The best restoration is the one you never need. Regular preventive dental care including checkups, cleanings, and fissure sealants can help you avoid cavities and the need for fillings altogether.
Cosmetic Options
Looking to improve your smile beyond basic restorations? Explore our cosmetic dentistry services including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and complete smile makeovers.
Book Your Appointment
Whether you need a routine filling, a same-day crown, or a second opinion on a treatment plan, our team is here to help. We welcome new patients and families in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.