Restorative dentistry is the work we do to bring a damaged, decayed, or missing tooth back to full health and function. It covers everything from a single small filling to a complete tooth replacement with an implant. At Madison Dental Studio in North Burnaby, we offer the full range of restorative services in one office, so your treatment plan stays consistent from start to finish.

The goal of restorative dentistry

Keep your natural teeth whenever possible, and replace what cannot be saved.

We always start with the least invasive option that fixes the problem. A small filling beats a crown. A root canal that saves your tooth beats an extraction. An implant that replaces a missing tooth beats a gap that lets the rest of your teeth shift over time.

Signs you may need restorative work

Some of these you notice. Some only show up on a dental exam. If any of these describe you, give us a call at 604-282-3800 or book a check-up.

  • Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • A lost filling or crown
  • A visible dark spot or hole on a tooth
  • One or more missing teeth
  • A tooth that feels loose
  • Persistent bad breath despite good hygiene

Restorative services we offer

Dental Fillings

Tooth-coloured composite fillings, plus porcelain inlays and onlays for larger restorations. Treats cavities, replaces old amalgam, repairs small chips.

Crowns and Bridges

Porcelain crowns to cap a damaged or root-canalled tooth. Bridges to replace one or more missing teeth using neighbouring teeth as anchors.

Root Canal Therapy

Gentle, modern root canals to save a tooth with infected or damaged inner pulp. Usually completed in one or two visits.

Dental Implants

Titanium implants that permanently replace missing teeth. Look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Single tooth, multiple teeth, or full arch.

Tooth Extractions

Gentle removal of teeth that cannot be saved. Same-day temporary replacements available. Oral sedation option for anxious patients.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Third molar (wisdom tooth) removal done in-office under local anaesthetic. Most cases completed without referral to a specialist.

What to expect: the restorative process

  1. Examination and 3D imagingWe perform a thorough exam with digital X-rays and (where needed) a 3D cone-beam scan. This lets us see decay and bone level precisely and plan treatment around your unique anatomy.
  2. Written treatment planYou leave the consultation with a written plan: what treatment is needed, in what order, how long each step takes, and what each step costs (with insurance coverage calculated).
  3. Treatment in our officeWe do the work in-house. From a single filling to a multi-tooth implant case, you stay with the same team start to finish. We schedule longer visits where it saves you multiple appointments.
  4. Follow-up and maintenanceWe see you for a post-treatment check, then keep your restoration healthy through regular cleanings and check-ups. Most restorations last 10 to 20 years or longer when properly maintained.

Insurance and CDCP

We direct-bill your insurance for restorative work.

Most private dental plans cover a portion of restorative procedures (fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, sometimes implants). We submit a predetermination first for larger treatments so you know your out-of-pocket cost before we start.

Madison Dental Studio is also an enrolled Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provider. CDCP covers most restorative services for eligible patients (note: implants are NOT covered by CDCP).

See our Insurance and Financing page for full details.

Why patients in Burnaby choose Madison Dental Studio for restorative care

  • Full restorative range in one office (no being bounced between specialists)
  • 3D imaging for precise treatment planning
  • Oral sedation available for anxious patients
  • Direct insurance billing: pay only your residual
  • Multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean)
  • Same-day care for restorative emergencies

Common questions about restorative dentistry

How long does restorative dental work last?
It depends on the procedure and how well you care for it. Composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years. Porcelain crowns and bridges last 10 to 15 years on average, often longer. Implants commonly last 20+ years; the crown on top of the implant may need replacement after 10 to 15 years. Regular check-ups catch any wear early and extend lifespan.
Will restorative work look natural?
Yes. Modern composite fillings are matched to your tooth shade. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and implant crowns are custom-shaded to blend with surrounding teeth in colour and translucency. In most cases, a well-placed restoration is visually indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
How do I know if I need restorative care or just a cleaning?
If you have pain, sensitivity, a visible chip or hole, or a missing tooth, you likely need restorative care. If your teeth feel fine but it has been more than 6 months since your last visit, you probably just need a cleaning and check-up. We can do both in the same appointment if needed.
Is restorative work painful?
Most restorative procedures are done under local anaesthetic, so you do not feel pain during treatment. Post-procedure discomfort varies: a small filling is minimal, while implants or extractions may need over-the-counter pain reliever for a day or two. We offer oral sedation (a pill to help you relax) if you would prefer to feel calmer during treatment.
What if I have been avoiding the dentist for years?
Many of our patients have. You are welcome here, with no judgement. We work at your pace, take breaks whenever you need, and only do as much in one visit as you are comfortable with. Our team has helped many patients ease back into regular dental care after long gaps.

Have a tooth that needs attention?

Book a consultation and we will tell you what you need (and what you do not). No pressure, no rushed decisions.

Call 604-282-3800
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