Restorative Dentistry

In Nampa, Idaho

Dental Restoration

Tired of having to look at that annoying chipped tooth in the mirror? Always experiencing some discomfort from a toothache? No matter what the issue is we have the ability to restore your mouth to its old glory with the use of our extensive dental restoration program. Whether you need your teeth whitened or a dental crown placed, we have the experience to give you exactly the result you are looking for. All this while providing you a comfortable and inviting atmosphere!

At Middle Creek Dental we offer the following restorative dental procedures:

What is a Tooth Filling?

If you have ever had a cavity, you know how debilitating tooth pain can be. It also means your tooth enamel has been damaged, leaving a hole or cavity in the tooth, putting you at risk for further decay and infection.

Thankfully, a dental filling can repair the cavity and restore the tooth to its normal function and shape. The goal of a filling is to prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter. If you need a filling, Middle Creek Dental can provide you with a safe and effective solution.

A tooth filling is a dental restoration procedure to restore the functionality and lost structure of a tooth surface damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. It involves removing the affected tooth structure and filling the area with a material such as composite resin, porcelain, or gold.

The filling procedure can either be a dental inlay (which fills the center of the tooth) or onlay (which covers one or more cusps of the tooth) in the case of a large area being filled. Tooth fillings are not only important for restoring the function of a damaged tooth but also in preventing further decay and protecting the surrounding teeth from excessive wear or strain.

On average, dental fillings can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to complete, though larger fillings or multiple fillings may require multiple appointments.dental fillings can last anywhere from five to 15 years. However, the longevity of a filling greatly depends on the location and size of the filling, as well as the individual’s oral hygiene habits and biting patterns.

If you need a solution for your minor dental problems and want quality care, look no further than Middle Creek Dental. One option for minor damage and cosmetic problems is composite dental bonding. We have the skill and experience necessary to provide flawless results.

During a bonding procedure, a small amount of composite resin is added to the surface of your teeth to repair damage or enhance your smile. This repair is more affordable than veneers or crowns, but can be more fragile. Dental bonding can be used to fill cavities, chips, or gaps between teeth. It can also improve your bite and cover exposed roots.

To get dental bonding, we’ll prep your tooth by removing a small layer of enamel. Then, the resin is shaped and molded to your specifications before being hardened with a special light. Most appointments only take 30-60 minutes.

Bonding typically lasts between three and 10 years, depending on care and usage. You can choose to remove the bonding at any time, and the bonding can also be redone if necessary. Unfortunately, bonding cannot be whitened after it is in place.

Dental Bonding

Dental Crowns

Sometimes teeth will suffer damage or decay that leaves them in danger of structural failure. When such an event occurs, we like to protect the tooth by placing a dental crown on top of the tooth. They are used to fit over a tooth making them useful in correcting crookedness, fractures, misshapen teeth, cracks, chips, staining, and discoloration.

Dental crowns are like little caps that fit over the top of your tooth, looking and acting just like a natural tooth while protecting it from damage. Crowns are also be attached to a dental implant. They come in a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic and gold. Crowns are manufactured using materials that have a long lifespan. If you maintain your dental crown, it can last for about 15 years.

We are proud to offer a wide variety of dental crown restorations to our patients and want you to know that you are always in good hands when you come to Middle Creek Dental.

Dental Bridges

At Middle Creek Dental, we specialize in fixed dental bridges that provide a permanent solution to a temporary problem. A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by a missing tooth. Your surrounding teeth, also known as abutment teeth, are capped with dental crowns and serve as support structures for the prosthetic tooth. In other words, the dental crowns are linked together by the prosthetic tooth.

Dental bridges have some benefits over other restoration options. Bridges can help restore your smile without affecting the way you speak or chew. They also prevent any surrounding teeth from drifting out of position and help maintain your natural bone structure.

The procedure is relatively painless, quick, and affordable. In fact, many insurance companies offer complete or partial coverage of the basic procedure

The Process & Procedure

Like any restoration, it all starts with a consultation visit. Once we have determined you be a suitable candidate for a bridge, we can schedule your procedure.
The procedure typically takes two visits. During your first visit, each abutment tooth will be prepared for a dental crown. This requires a complete reshaping of the tooth. Dr. Shaun Christensen will shave off a portion of your tooth enamel, until there is enough space to accommodate the crown.
Once this process is complete, we will take an impression of your teeth, send it to the dental laboratory, and wait for them to fabricate your final bridge.
During the waiting process, we may give you a temporary bridge. This will help protect the exposed gum and reshaped teeth from harmful debris and bacteria.
Once the restoration is complete, we can schedule your second visit. At this time, will remove the temporary bridge and apply the final restoration.
We may need to make adjustments to achieve a proper fit. This could take several visits. Once the bridge is properly fit, we will use a strong bonding agent to cement your bridge to the abutment teeth.

Root Canal Procedures

A root canal (AKA endodontic therapy) is a procedure meant to save a tooth that has become infected and if left untreated, would require extraction.

At Middle Creek Dental we have performed thousands of root canals and are happy to help you keep your natural teeth. Root canals help to avoid extractions and prolong the life of your tooth.

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it to protect against future infection.When the pulp (soft center of the tooth), which contains the nerve endings and blood vessels, becomes abscessed or inflamed, it can lead to severe tooth pain, and the need for a root canal.

This can result from decay, injury, infection, or tooth abscess. Without treatment, the tooth will eventually die and need to be removed. However, with proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime.

One of the great myths in dentistry is that root canals are painful. Root canals take more time to accomplish, but the procedure can be completed comfortably using adequate anesthetic.

The Process & Procedure

We begin a root canal by preparing the tooth for the procedure. The tooth is prepped by placing a rubber sheet around it making it the only tooth we can see or access. This helps to protect the surrounding teeth during the procedure.
Dr. Shaun Christensen then creates a hole in the top of the tooth to access the inner pulp and root of the tooth. We then remove the living tissues (root and pulp) as well as any decay or malady within or around the tooth.
Once the living tissue has been removed from the tooth, we use a cleaning solution to ensure that no bacteria is present within the tooth.
We fill the void left by the removed pulp and root with a substance called gutta percha, which is a filler material.
Once the root canal is finished we allow your tooth to heal for a time. After most root canal procedures, we usually recommend a crown be placed on the tooth. Once a tooth has had a root canal it is often slightly more fragile than a natural tooth. A crown can help to protect against chips and cracks.

Call us to schedule an appointment or no-obligation consultation today!

Remember, if you experience tooth sensitivity of pain for more than a week, come in to see us.

We have a 2-year warranty on all fixed dental work such as implants, crowns, fillings.