Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to feel confident about your care. Below, you’ll find answers organized by topic to help you quickly find what you’re looking for.
If you have a specific inquiry not listed here, please call our Saskatoon office at (306) 955-2400.
General Office & Financial
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Dr. Kimberley Hunter, Dr. Maxwell Miller, and Dr. Holly Dunlop are currently welcoming new patients. You can also book with our dental therapist. We invite you to view our office tour to get comfortable with our facility before your first visit.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, we are a participating provider. The CDCP is a federal government program intended to help reduce financial barriers to oral health care for eligible Canadian residents.
Who is the dental therapist?
Our team includes a dental therapist who is trained to provide a wide range of restorative and preventive dental services, often working in collaboration with our dentists to ensure timely care.
Preventive & Family Dentistry
At what age should children visit the dentist?
We recommend bringing your child in for their first “happy visit” around age one or when their first tooth erupts. Our children’s dentistry services focus on creating positive experiences to build a foundation for lifelong oral health.
What is the goal of a general check-up?
Beyond just cleaning, preventative dentistry focuses on halting problems before they start. This includes examining the health of your gums, checking for decay, and monitoring bite function.
Does a professional cleaning hurt?
A professional dental cleaning is generally painless. Our hygienists gently remove plaque and tartar that brushing misses. If you have sensitive teeth, please let us know so we can adjust our techniques for your comfort.
Why do you screen for oral cancer?
Oral cancer screening is a vital part of your exam because early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. We look for subtle tissue changes in the mouth and throat that may not yet be causing pain.
Who needs fluoride applications?
While essential for kids, fluoride treatment is also beneficial for adults with a high risk of cavities, sensitive teeth, or receding gums, as it helps remineralize weak enamel.
Are sealants just for kids?
Dental sealants are most commonly applied to children’s permanent molars to prevent decay in deep grooves, but adults with deep pits and fissures in their teeth who have no fillings can also benefit from this protective coating.
Do I really need a mouthguard for sports?
Generic store-bought guards often fit poorly. Custom mouthguards provide superior protection against concussions, broken teeth, and lip injuries during contact sports.
Orthodontics
What orthodontic options are available?
Our general dentists provide orthodontics services to correct bite issues and align teeth, improving both function and aesthetics.
How is Invisalign different from braces?
Invisalign uses clear, removable plastic trays rather than fixed metal brackets. This allows you to eat, brush, and floss normally while discreetly straightening your teeth.
What if my child loses a baby tooth too early?
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, we may recommend space maintainers. These devices hold the empty space open to ensure the permanent tooth can erupt into the correct position later.
Cosmetic Dentistry
What procedures fall under cosmetic dentistry?
While the CDSS does not recognize “cosmetic” as a specialty, our cosmetic dentist services generally refer to elective procedures designed to improve the look of your smile, such as changing tooth shape, color, or alignment.
Can I change the shape of my teeth?
Yes. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth. They are ideal for masking severe discoloration, chips, or inconsistent sizing.
Is there a quick fix for chipped teeth?
For minor chips or small gaps, dental bonding is a cost-effective and minimally invasive solution that can often be completed in a single visit using tooth-colored resin.
Will whitening damage my enamel?
When performed under professional supervision, teeth whitening is safe. We monitor the concentration of the bleaching agent to minimize sensitivity while maximizing results.
Restorative & Endodontics
Why would I need a crown instead of a filling?
Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to support a standard filling. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength and structure.
Is a root canal painful?
Modern endodontics (root canal therapy) is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The procedure is done to relieve the intense pain caused by an infected tooth pulp, not to cause it.
What are the modern options for dentures?
If you are missing several teeth, we offer partial and full dentures. Modern materials make them more natural-looking and comfortable than in the past.
Surgical & Implants
Do I need a referral for oral surgery?
We perform many oral surgery procedures, such as extractions and bone grafting, right here in our general practice, minimizing the need to travel to a separate specialist.
When is tooth extraction necessary?
We prioritize saving natural teeth, but tooth extractions may be required if a tooth is severely fractured, infected beyond repair, or for orthodontic crowding reasons.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not always, but wisdom tooth extractions are often recommended if the teeth are impacted (stuck), causing pain, or damaging adjacent teeth.
What is the best way to replace a single missing tooth?
Dental implants are often considered the gold standard. They replace the tooth root with a titanium post, preventing bone loss and providing a stable foundation for a crown without altering neighboring teeth.
I am anxious about surgery. Can you help?
We understand dental anxiety is real. We offer sedation dentistry options, such as nitrous oxide, to help you remain relaxed and calm during surgical or complex procedures.
Specialized Care
What is myofunctional therapy?
We are proud to feature a dedicated provider for orofacial myofunctional therapy. This therapy involves exercises to correct improper tongue position and swallowing patterns, which can affect breathing, sleep, and jaw development.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Emergency dentistry covers urgent situations like a knocked-out tooth, severe unmanageable pain, or a dental abscess. If you are in pain, do not wait—contact us immediately.
Testimonials of Some of Our Patients
Get in Touch With Us
Address
Willowgreen Dental, #104 – 1848 McOrmond Drive,
Saskatoon, SK S7S 0A5.
Phone Number
(306) 955-2400
info@willowgreendental.com
Hours of Operation
Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am – 3:00pm