Restorative Services

Tooth-colored fillings are the most lifelike material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings can be done in one visit. Once the decay is removed, the tooth is filled with this composite material that hardens immediately after placement.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive treatment option for cavities, using a topical medicine that is painted on the tooth instead of a more invasive surgical (drill and fill) approach.

Pros: Quick, easy and painless. Relieves sensitivity. Remineralizes your natural tooth structure. Can avoid or delay more invasive restorations. Stops 80% of cavities when applied twice yearly.

Cons: Permanently stains cavities black. If there is a cavity hole in the tooth that traps food it may still need a filling. Not an option for deep cavities. 20% of cavities will still grow after treatment.

Just as in adult dentistry, the parents are demanding cosmetic services and esthetic restorations for their children. To answer this demand, Dr. Staves has turned to zirconia as her material of choice. Zirconia pediatric crowns offer esthetics, durability and biocompatability.  This treatment can be completed in one visit with beautiful natural looking results for your child.

Root canals involve treating decay that is inside of the tooth. If the inside of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, is damaged it will gradually decay if left within the tooth. The pulpotomy involves removing the pulp, cleaning out the root canals, and packing the canals with material that will help restore the tooth until it is time for it to exfoliate (or fall out on its own naturally).

A tooth that can not be saved with restorative materials may need to be removed. Before removing the tooth, the area will be numbed with local anesthesia. The tooth is then loosened using a special dental instrument known as an elevator. After the tooth is loosened from the socket, it is removed.