Oral Health Concerns Are More Common than You Might Expect
Dental problems are widespread across every demographic, and gum disease in particular affects a substantial portion of adults who may not even know they have it. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 42 percent of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontitis. Left untreated, gum disease is a leading driver of tooth loss and can complicate a range of other health conditions.
Tooth decay and structural damage are similarly prevalent. The challenge with most dental problems is that they tend to worsen gradually and silently, meaning by the time discomfort becomes undeniable, the scope of treatment has often grown considerably. Catching and addressing these issues early is one of the clearest ways to protect both your oral health and your budget over the long term.
Restorative Treatments Offered Near Westwood Estates
Our Porterville office handles a broad range of restorative cases, and the majority of treatment can be completed without referral to outside specialists. Here is an overview of the services we provide most often.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown fits over a damaged or structurally weakened tooth, restoring its original shape, strength, and appearance. Using our CEREC same-day technology, Dr. Hardt and Dr. Cruz design and mill permanent ceramic crowns in a single appointment, matching them precisely to the color and contour of surrounding teeth. When one or more teeth are missing rather than damaged, a dental bridge spans the gap by anchoring to the teeth on either side, restoring function and preventing neighboring teeth from drifting out of position.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when bacteria reach the pulp at the center of a tooth, causing infection that cannot resolve on its own. The procedure removes the infected tissue, clears and seals the interior of the tooth, and preserves the natural root so the tooth remains in place. Patients often come in dreading the appointment and leave surprised at how uneventful it was. Comfortable anesthesia and a careful technique make the experience manageable for the vast majority of patients, including those who consider themselves highly anxious about dental treatment.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is the most functionally complete way to replace a missing tooth. The implant post fuses with the surrounding bone, providing a stable foundation that supports a crown, bridge, or denture without relying on neighboring teeth for support. Our practice collaborates closely with a trusted local oral surgeon in Porterville for the surgical placement of implants, and our team manages the restorative phase to deliver a seamless result from start to finish.
For patients missing multiple teeth, implant-supported solutions can also be explored as part of a broader treatment conversation.
Restorative Care That Fits Your Life
We recognize that patients who need restorative work are often people who have been putting it off, whether because of anxiety, time, cost concerns, or simply not knowing where to start. Our team approaches every appointment with that reality in mind. Dr. Hardt takes a methodical, patient-first approach that has defined his practice for more than three decades, and we offer sedation options for patients who want additional support during longer procedures.
Our diagnostic process is designed to be as thorough as it is comfortable. Digital X-rays give Dr. Hardt and Dr. Cruz a complete picture of the bone and root structure beneath the gumline, while the iTero digital scanner creates precise impressions without the putty molds many patients find uncomfortable. Together, these tools allow us to plan treatment accurately before we begin, which translates directly to better outcomes.
Westwood Estates Patients Choose Richard Hardt's Live Oak Dental Group
Patients who come to Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental Group for restorative care are treated by a team that takes diagnosis seriously before recommending a single procedure. Dr. Hardt’s more than 34 years of experience and Loma Linda University training mean patients receive restorations built to last, and his track record has earned Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental Group the Porterville Recorder Reader’s Choice Award for Best Dentist for multiple consecutive years. Dr. Cruz, recognized with the Excellence in Academic Achievement Award at Loma Linda University, brings precise clinical judgment and bilingual care in English and Spanish to every appointment, ensuring patients from all backgrounds fully understand their options before agreeing to any treatment.
We believe cost should not be the reason a patient delays treatment. Our financial options include CareCredit and an in-house membership plan that provides meaningful savings for patients without insurance coverage. Contact Dr. Hardt, Dr. Cruz, and Dr. Jackson Lewis through our contact form to schedule your visit and start moving toward a healthier mouth.