Restoring What Life Has Changed
Teeth take a lot of wear over the years, and sometimes they need a little help getting back to where they should be. Our restorative dentistry services are designed to repair, rebuild, and protect your smile using the most current techniques available. Whether a patient needs a simple filling, a dental crown, a bridge, or something more involved like implant-supported dentures, we are prepared to deliver results that feel and function like natural teeth.
Dr. Hardt has over 34 years of experience placing and restoring implants, and his team regularly handles multi-unit cases with the kind of precision and care that comes from decades of hands-on work. For more complex placement needs, we partner closely with a trusted oral surgeon right here in the Porterville community, so you never have to go far for the care you need.
Helping Nervous Patients Feel at Home
Dental anxiety is real, and it affects more people than many realize. We regularly see patients who have avoided care for years, not because they did not want help, but because the thought of the dentist felt overwhelming. Our team genuinely understands that, and we approach anxious patients with patience, transparency, and kindness. We offer nitrous oxide to help ease discomfort, and we take time to explain every step so that nothing feels like a surprise.
Cosmetic Options That Fit Your Life
A healthy smile and a beautiful smile often go hand in hand. Our cosmetic dentistry services give patients in Porterville access to treatments like porcelain veneers, clear aligners, and professional teeth whitening using custom take-home trays — all delivered with the same care and attention we bring to every appointment. We also work with CareCredit financing, so that cosmetic treatment feels accessible regardless of your budget.
Whether you are considering veneers for the first time or looking for a subtle upgrade to your smile, our team is here to talk through your options honestly and help you decide what makes sense for your goals.
Choose Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental Group for Your Family's Dental Home in Porterville, CA
When you choose Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental Group, you are choosing a practice that has called Porterville home for over three decades. Our doctors, including Dr. Jackson Lewis, bring a rare combination of experience, advanced technology, and genuine warmth to every appointment. Dr. Cruz is fluent in Spanish and has been recognized with the Excellence in Academic Achievement Award by the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, making our office a welcoming place for the diverse families of our community. We have been voted Best Dentist in Porterville by the Porterville Recorder’s Readers’ Choice Award multiple years running, an honor our patients make possible.