Restorative Dentistry
Crowns & Bridges, Root Canal Therapy, and durable fillings to bring back comfort and function to your smile
Fillings
Fillings are a common and effective treatment for cavities, chips, and worn restorations at any age
What Type of Fillings Do We Use?
At Horizon Dental, Dr. Nagel and Dr. Whitelaw use composite (white) fillings, which are bonded directly to your tooth.
Why patients prefer composite fillings:
- They require less enamel removal, making them a more conservative option.
- They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a discreet result.
- They can also enhance esthetics alongside bonding or veneers.
Are Silver Fillings Safe?
While the Canadian Dental Association states that amalgam (silver) fillings are safe, we no longer use them at Horizon Dental.
That’s because modern materials provide:
- Better durability and esthetics
- More conservative treatment
- A natural look that aligns with today’s smile goals
If you currently have silver fillings, you may choose to replace them with composite fillings, crowns, or onlays for a refreshed look and improved tooth structure.
Check out our blog post where Dr. Cindy Nagel discusses Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings – The Controversy.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns are custom “caps” that fully cover a tooth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent crowned teeth
Materials:
Most patients choose tooth-colored crowns made of porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, lithium disilicate, or zirconia — strong, durable, and natural-looking. Gold crowns are another option, offering excellent longevity and gum friendliness, though they don’t blend with natural teeth.
When They’re Used:
- Teeth weakened by large fillings or root canals
- Broken or severely worn teeth
- Cosmetic enhancements
- Restoring a missing tooth with a dental implant
- Fixed bridges to replace one or more missing teeth
What to Know:
- Porcelain crowns may chip over time; night guards help protect them
- Large fillings or crowns carry a small risk (~6%) of needing a future root canal
- Crowns can still develop cavities at the edges — good hygiene is crucial
- Bridges require special cleaning underneath using floss threaders or water picks
- Gum recession may expose crown margins, affecting appearance
- Typical lifespan is 5–10 years, but with good care, they can last decades
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are routine dental procedures that remove infected nerve tissue and seal the tooth from top to root. Think of it as a deeper filling that restores and preserves your tooth
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Look for:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling near the tooth or on the face
- Tenderness when chewing
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Infection detected on a dental x-ray
Root canals are needed when a tooth is infected, a cavity reaches the nerve, or during restorative work to support crowns or bridges.
Safe, Comfortable, and Long-Lasting
Root canals are not painful — our team uses modern techniques and the Waterlase iPlus Er:YSGG laser for a comfortable, thorough treatment. Addressing infections early preserves your natural tooth and protects your smile.